Feb 7, 2006

CR Update Feb 7, 2006

The pub opening on Saturday, February 4th was a big hit. It was quite chaotic as we headed into the final countdown. So much of what was needed was out of our control. The 2nd stage of the bar furnishings were installed on Thurs. Friday, the guy who built the under the bar refrigerator arrived with the brewer and the beer. The under-the-bar refrigerator had to be lifted through the window. It is a miracle it fit. Joe didn’t have time to put up all of his beer paraphernalia, the pool was barely ready, and there is still more furniture to come. But everything we had was great. People were drinking beer in the English and German rooms and outside in the terrace overlooking the tropical garden. We now have outdoor lighting and it was a magical evening.

The beer was a big hit. Jose, the brewer from San Jose came up with the beer, taught our bartenders how to pour, and showed Joe how to change kegs and take care of the system. Surprisingly, the Pilsner was the best seller, then the Dunkel. We had thought Red Baron, the most like an ale would be the most popular. Jose will come back in early March and help Joe with cleaning the lines and other logistical problems.

Our bartenders were a big hit. We had hired Vanessa, the waitress from Marlin Bill’s. She brought her friend Debbie to help. They were very good and fit in well with the ambiance and the crowd. They are very interested in helping Joe make all of this happen. Both have experience in the hospitality industry and I think they will be a good asset to making our pub-club work. There were about 60 people at the opening which is not a lot but considering how disorganized it all was (not having glasses on shelves, not having the sound system set up, running out of ice) 60 was plenty.

I am now in California getting poised to start my new life as a travel nurse. I got my California license today. I am staying with Kathryn, a friend of a friend from Massachusetts who is helping me with the logistics and there are logistics. I have also started connecting with some of my friends from the northeast who live here and I am fortunate I have friends here. I move into my new place on Saturday—a studio at the San Leandro Racquet Club. Joe is going a bit crazy running the business and the household himself. He has a temporary phone number 011-506-849-9010. I will be calling him regularly. I will miss Nosara but I will be busy here. Write when you can. Love Helena (and Joe)