The Bar Towel

Thought I'd pass on this news release from Stephen Beaumont. Perhaps the "beerbistro" is not too far off after all?

For Immediate Release

BEAUMONT AND ESPLANADE BIER MARKT PART WAYS

Following an association that has lasted for three years, Stephen Beaumont
announced today that his term as consultant to the Esplanade Bier Markt,
Toronto, will come to an end on October 31, 2002.

"I joined the Bier Markt team with the goal of stimulating interest in and
the appreciation of premium quality beers in Toronto, and I think that I
have done that," Beaumont said. "With the impressive draught and bottled
beer list that I and the various Bier Markt managers have developed over
time, I believe that the Esplanade Bier Markt has become a leading light in
the city's beer scene."

An internationally recognized beer writer and author of five books on the
subject, Beaumont is an outspoken advocate of staff training on beer for
bars and restaurants. He said that he is particularly proud of the role he
has played in teaching the Bier Markt staff about the complexities of beer.

"Staff turnover in the service industry is inevitable," Beaumont said, "But
with the three level training program I have developed, I believe that
server knowledge has remained more or less consistent. I know for a fact
that several staff members have gone on to other jobs where they have found
that their beer training at the Bier Markt has served them particularly well."

Regarding the completion of his duties with the Bier Markt, Beaumont said
that he feels it is now time to move on. "With my writing, other consulting
work, media appearances and near constant travel, my time is very much at a
premium," Beaumont said, "I feel that I have accomplished what I set out to
do at the Bier Markt and that it's time I devoted more of my attention to a
couple of exciting new projects I have in development."


Stephen Beaumont is one of North America's foremost authorities on beer. A
leading consultant to the service industry, he is also the author of
countless newspaper and magazine articles and five books on beer, including
'The Great Canadian Beer Guide, 2nd Edition.' Under Beaumont's tutelage,
the Esplanade Bier Markt, at 58 The Esplanade, Toronto, has become one of
the city's premier beer destinations.

I have just received an e-mail from Stephen Beaumont confirming that his contract as beer consultant to the Bier Markt has indeed expired. If this was not sad enough, it also stated that Michael, the latest G.M at the Bier Markt is also gone. I hope that this does not signal a descent into mediocrity.
On a positive note, Stephen says he is working with Brian Morin, formerly head chef at the Bier Markt and one of the founders of The Honest Lawyer chain. Brian wants to launch a 'beer bistro" in Toronto. Stephen also noted that any of my "rich friends" could invest in this project which is being capitalised as we speak.