Two things you don't want to see being made....

but our nation needs so desperately right now.

Law and sausages. 

We are doing our part.

Shared experiences...

I think often looking at guests in our little room and wonder how they all ended up together in the same space. As much care and thought as we put into our dishes and cocktails, I know there is something more to it.

The ambience will lend itself to a certain type of experience over another, whether one is looking for a romantic date spot, or an upbeat nightspot. In more conventional dining rooms, there is a sense of personal space, and personalized service all in the interest of preserving a small sphere for the individual party. The "pub" atmosphere is about the public. It is an atmosphere that promotes a certain amount of elbow rubbing, spontaneous conversations, and a certain democracy. Negotiations abound, for bar space, bathroom lines, attention from staff and guests alike. I find this dance sort of inspiring, people coming together to share an experience with friends and strangers, neighbors and visitors, over one of the oldest of rituals (ummm...food and drink.)

The real challenge is creating an atmosphere that speaks to this. Truth is that a lot of people don't like being around other people, and some nights draw in many different types of people. Tension happens, disappointment happens. The experience of our guests is certainly priority one, and the risks are high in the pub atmosphere. It is a challenge to be considered in every decision, from seating, lighting, menu and music. We learn more everyday, please continue your valuable feedback.

From Dust and Dead Leaves...

I have to admit that I am obsessed with stories. In the two years since we've opened the Alembic, we've amassed a good deal of type. Not just media reviews, in print and online... but bulging notebooks of ideas, scribbles and doodles on napkins, inventory and order sheets, fresh and soiled menus and chalk dust from yesterdays specials falling away from the blackboards. In these discarded leaves and swept up piles is the real story of our Alembic. That is where we place and find the inspiration behind our offerings, the hard work of a dedicated staff, the mistakes and lessons, and the successes that make the journey rewarding. 

The new addition of a blog is a way for us to archive and share some of this ephemera. As we take pleasure in inviting you into our bar and dining room each night, we also welcome you backstage to see the story unfold, from conception to consumption. We will have posts from Ted, Jordan and Jenna from the kitchen as well as a steady pour of news from the bar, and the occasional pint from the brewers at our sister pub down the street. 

Hopefully we can use this to bring together the many narratives happening in the Alembic universe to complete and enrich the story.

Thanks for tuning in. Cheers.