July 14, 2014 at 5:15am
Slinging craft beers requires knowledge beyond the basic pour. Eastside Club Tavern bartender Steve Wirtz has the answers. Photo credit: Pappi Swarner
Every week we swap out the Served banner art above, introducing you to the people who serve food and drinks in the South Sound. This week, meet Steve Wirtz.
Server Banner Boy, July 14-20, 2014
Steve Wirtz was with Dick's Brewing Co. for 13 years, spreading the Centralia brewery's good word and great beers near and far. For the last 21 years, Wirtz has been pulling the 42 tap handles at the notorious Eastside Club Tavern in downtown Olympia.
Why do you serve?
"I'm absolutely in love with the beer industry and all the people involved. Fitting since my last name means "tender of the bar" in German. My father was also a bartender for many years. I guess I'm just destined for this career and a lifer at the Eastside Club."
Who is your favorite server in the South Sound?
"My favorite tender in the South Sound is Terry Williamson at The China Clipper in Olympia. He is pretty much known worldwide at this point and his infectious personality keeps people coming back to the Clipper. Love that guy!"
What are you most proud to serve?
"Being an IPA guy myself, I'm most proud serving the wide variety of great IPAs on the market today. I really feel like I can connect to the breweries and then translate it to the customers - like an ambassador of beer.
What's your favorite movie?
"My favorite movie would have to be the Shawshank Redemption. I'm also into any movie containing classic and antique cars as I'm a gearhead."
What don't you serve?
"Thankfully, I don't serve liquor. Beer has a much better vibe and comes with much less trouble. My customer base at the Eastside is a very diverse, yet docile and relaxed crowd. I'm pleased to serve and converse with them.
What's on your radar at the Eastside Club Tavern?
"I'm excited for the Eastside cycling jerseys, which should arrive soon. The design looks great!
Served, a blog by the Weekly Volcano, is the region’s feedbag of fresh chow daily, local restaurant news, New Beer Column, bar and restaurant openings and closings, breaking culinary news and breaking culinary ground - all brought to the table with a dollop of Internet frivolity on top.
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Thank you for the list of restaurants to try out. I will have to try their Mac and Cheese....
I like your post on Bakery restaurants I like ...
about Mac and Cheese Madness: The Homestead Restaurant and Bakery
Any Spring beers? www.myharmonyphotography.com
Amazing blog and very interesting stuff you got here! I definitely learned a lot from reading...
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