“Beers to You” Suds Report…
Okay’s calls it quits – Although Kay Dillon has tried over the last several months to keep her bar open, she’s been forced to throw in the towel. Okay’s closed after a small party on Halloween night. Many loyal customers dropped by for beer and to say goodbye to a very unique café (and an even more unique bar-keep). Let’s hope that somebody else picks up the torch and re-opens with the same goal of being the best beer and wine café in Charleston. We all wish Kay good luck…
Drug Emporium = Beer Emporium – Many of you have commented to me on the fact that Drug emporium near Patrick St. has an impressive beer selection. I finally had the chance to go and check it out and you guys are right! Not only do they have an aisle full of good (warm) beer, but it appears that about a third of the inventory is refrigerated. Always remember to buy it from the cooler when you can. The Emporium’s selection included several styles from Great Lakes Brewing and Sierra-Nevada. I noticed refrigerated cases of Sierra; this is good news because the case protects the beer from “Light Damage” which gives beer the infamous “Skunky” aroma and flavor. Oh, they sell health food as well….
“When in Toronto” – I was in Toronto last week on business. I made it a point to visit Beerbistro, a beer-centric restaurant that happens to boast one the highest-dollar rent locations in the city, at the corner of King & Yonge Streets. Even with high-dollar address, the prices were reasonable and the beer menu is outstanding. Even more interesting is the way the beers were classified; did you know that De Konink was a “Sociable beer”? Award winning beer writer Stephen Beaumont has his hand in this establishment and certainly the menu. Every item on the menu is thoughtfully paired with beer, if not also made with beer. So far, this has been the best beer and food experience for me anywhere, including Belgium…
November 3rd, 2008 at 5:08 pm
Very sorry to hear about OKay’s. She was a barkeep and saloonkeeper and large spirit straight out of a European pub. She connected folks and connected folks with drink they might never have connected with (you did not want to go there if you were trying to swear off tha’ drink). A loss to Charleston. Someone open up that corner and invite the creative class in again. Thanks, Kay! | Doug
November 7th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
I have to agree with Doug, Charleston lost a great European Style Pub. Connecting those who would other never meet. I was there that last night(At least to the best of my fuzzy knowlege of that night.) As we all said. “Now what? Where do we go?”
There was no answer
Soo long KAY!! We wish you the very best!!!
“A door closes & a window opens!”