And an update today from PhillyBeerScene:
I just got an update from Matt from Fork & Barrel about the new bar he’s opening in center city. From the sounds of it, it sounds pretty awesome and even cooler than F & B. Its going to be located 1113 Walnut St and he’s calling the place The Grainery. The highlight of the new concept has to be the arrival of former Bullfrog brewmaster Terry Hawbaker. The Grainery won’t be a brewpub but Terry will have 4 of the bars 24+ taps for his beers that he’ll be brewing on an extremely small, artisan scale. It’s looking like it will be mostly barrel aged, wild ales, sours, etc… So pretty much just epic beers that people are always seeking out. The rest of the taps will consist of small batch beers from throughout different parts of Europe with a focus on areas outside of Belgium such as Scandinavia, Italy, and the Netherlands.
On top of having a great beer program, they are also bringing in Damon Dyer, an extremely talented mixologist from NYC, to put together a Victorian style cocktail menu. Think classic hand-crafted cocktails similar to his other bar the Bookstore Speakeasy in Bethlehem. It seems this bar will be the best of both worlds for drinkers. There aren’t many bars where you can get a house brewed beer, an exceptional beer list, and a top-notch cocktail program. The Grainery really sounds like it’ll be making a big impact in the local bar scene.
As for food, the details were brief but look for rustic fare with lots of house cured meets and game dishes. He is also planning on carrying of the nose-to-tail feast concept from Fork & Barrel. Look for the new bar to open around April.
UPDATE: 2/22/2011 I’m hearing the restaurant will actually be named the Philadelphia Grain Exchange !
UPDATE YET AGAIN: 3/8/2011 The official name for the new venture will be The Farmer’s Cabinet
This is a bittersweet one for me as I am sure you can understand. Sure, happy for Terry and Sam to progress but sad to see Terry leave my beloved Bullfrog and to see the Bullfrog not wanting to take the next step and expand things to keep Terry around.
ReplyDeleteI trust Terry will start making CRAZY things in Philly and that the next brewer at The Bullfrog (Nate?) can keep things at least status quo!
I agree D....with Terrys start in Scranton & his long tenure in WIlkes-Barre, I've always considered him our hometown brewer so it is bittersweet. I'll miss his influence @ Bullfrog but I'm excited to see what he can do with this new opportunity and now I have one more reason to visit Philly's beer scene. I think it would have been our preference too for him to stay local, but I absolutey want him to be in an environment where he can thrive & grow as a brewer...
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