Dec 2, 2016
Aquavit 101 and Aquavit Week 2016 Preview with Jacob Grier -- Episode 8 of the Great Food Great Stories Podcast with Steven Shomler Episode 8 of the Great Food Great Stories Podcast is here! In this episode Steven Shomler visits with Jacob Grier-- Acclaimed Bartender, Author of Cocktails on Tap: The Art of Mixing Spirits and Beer, and Founder of Aquavit Week. During his visit Jacob tells us what Aquavit is, talks about some of his favorite Aquavit cocktails, and shares where in Portland you can get an excellent Aquavit cocktail including Broder, The Bit House Saloon, Expatriate, La Mule, The Multnomah Whiskey Library, and Wayfinder. Steven and Jacob then talk about the 2016 edition of Aquavit Week. The Portland edition runs December 4-10. “Aquavit Week is a celebration of the classic Scandinavian spirit, whether distilled in Europe or elsewhere, served neat or in cocktails. Founded in 2012, Aquavit Week returns in its fifth year.” During the discussion about Aquavit Week Jacob talks about some the distilleries making Aquavit here in Portland Including House Spirits Distillery, Bull Run Distillery, and Rolling River Spirits. Toward the end of this episode they enjoy some Aquavit and Steven tells Jacob about the Beef on Weck – a sandwich popular in western New York that is served on kummelweck roll – a roll is topped with kosher salt and caraway seeds. One Fun Note -- Following the recording of this Podcast, the Beef on Weck tangent led to a phone call, which resulted in Lardo being part of 2016 Portland Aquavit Week. Lardo is going to be offering a special cocktail and a special sandwich for Portland Aquavit Week. If you want to here the story of Rick Gencarelli, Founder of Lardo see Episode 1 of the Great Food Stories Podcast.