RICH’S CORNER
Rich Buceta // Founder and CCO
Hello all, and welcome to this installment highlighting what’s happening in the cultural world of SingleCut. Today I want to introduce a list I’ve been chronicling since I can’t remember – my favorite pubs. Rather than go through the entire list, I’d prefer to give each their due, and discuss them at length at various times in these articles. Today we start at the top of the mountain – my favorite pub on earth.
Readers of this column should recall I am a faithful citizen of the pub. Even when given the choice to be seated at a table for a meal with my wife Lynne, our preference generally is to sit at the bar. Why?: All the reasons.
I suppose first and foremost is a direct rapport with the bartender, which we always enjoy. Aside from involvement and conversation, hearing what is on tap and recommended is always best heard from the person working the taps. Not to mention recos on mixed drinks, for those who shall go nameless.
You can’t beat the theater of a well-coordinated bar, not to mention engaging those around you to discuss… who knows what? That step (or barstool) into the unknown is where it’s at – Shed your old cloak and embrace adventure!
As someone in the industry, you might imagine my criteria is severe and unforgiving. Not necessarily so, but yes standards are very important to me. My overall ranking is a complex mix of quality, experience, vibe, service, with a good smattering of the indefinable or “je ne sais quoi”. Naturally, all that makes it personal and subjective, but I hope you can appreciate. No matter what “Best Of” list or awards celebration you are discovering, they all are subjective and therefore not an absolute indication by any means (do not get me started on the Oscars for example).
Let’s break it down briefly: the bar and establishment in general should be clean and presented with pride. This aspect is where true dedication lurks – washrooms especially! Glassware and of course tap lines need to be clean and the beer fresh tasting. Service always friendly, helpful and easy going. The tap list should be worthy of a craft enthusiast’s visit, with a mix of “in the pocket” greats as well as new offerings that satisfy connoisseurs relentless curiosity. Glassware itself should be appropriate and each pour done with pride. Ambiance is certainly subjective but I prefer warm lighting, natural surfaces with a tastefully executed mix of originality to the overall style/aesthetic.
There’s plenty more to mention, but for the sake of not exceeding the word count of this column let’s cut to the chase:
C’est What in downtown Toronto is my absolute favorite pub. It’s one of Canada’s original craft beer pubs, opening in 1988. I began frequenting it in ’89 when I first moved to Toronto and as a young man that was developing a new found taste for craft beer, it had a tremendous influence on my palate. It has always hit all the right notes: great local selection, a warm and casually elegant space, great service, even a dedication to authentic cask ale and great food to boot. Being that I visit Toronto frequently to visit my wife’s family, it’s a given I’ll be hitting that bar. They are still going strong and haven’t wavered in their dedication to excellence one bit.
Nostalgia certainly plays a part in my selection, in fact I chose to meet Lynne for the first time at C’est What after coming into contact with one another via online dating. There have been countless hangs with friends and family alike there and I’ve never been disappointed once.
What’s your favorite pub? I’d love to hear about it. Shoot me an email: rich@singlecut.com
’Til next time! – Rich
