69: BLUEBIRD COCKTAIL ROOM - THINKS LOCALLY

Creating a bar that is innovative as it is deep is no small feat. Add to that mission, a commitment to reflecting the local economy into a cocktail menu - that is no small feat. That’s why this episode will feel like we are scratching the surface of what Bluebird Cocktail Bar is able to do every day in their space.

Paul Benkert and his wife Caroline are the art and craft behind this romantic, literary-inspired cocktail bar. The cocktails are the main event. Their drinks break rules, and always delicious. Their food menu reflects concepts of New American cuisine, but again, their twist. Bluebird Cocktail Room is one of three businesses in their restaurant group. The other two include it’s neighbor business De Kleine Duivel, and the soon-to-open Manina in Urbana/Fredrick area. (link will go live, when the doors open)

They are known for their ability to extract the best what farmers and purveyors are producing in Chesapeake Bay’s foodshed and watershed. They are appropriately proud of how “local” is reflected into their cocktails, tinctures, bitters and ice. Their beverages and their ice are their first priority. Their food menu reflects the same quality. They admit to having an R&D lab, where they test, tweak and explore what farmers are quietly doing.

Enjoy listening…

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Dear Listener, I’m Holy Guacamoles’s host. I own a restaurant strategy company. There are zillions of interesting concepts around the US.. Holy Guacamole is the best way to showcase what other owners are doing and build community. These episodes are inspiring people into action. If you need help in your business, then let me know, we'll diagnose and even fix your systems, people and culture.

—Martha Lucius

PS Please post a review, it’s how podcasts are found by other hungry restaurant owners (and enthusiastic guests).

69: BLUEBIRD COCKTAIL ROOM: THINK LOCALLY

68: ANDREW COSENTINO'S LOVE OF BALTIMORE

Andrew Cosentino grew up here in Baltimore. He moved away, and after college moved back to Baltimore city to start his career. He is not a professional instagram influencer. Social media started as his way to explore what is good in our city — on his own personal account. Slowly but surely his friend group discovered Andrew was sharing useful, descriptive suggestions for beer, coffee, and restaurants. He began to get more follower requests. Eventually, it was going to happen, his friends nudged him to take his account public. Baltimore is better for his quality posts. He’s sharing what makes this city wonderful, quirky, delicious and welcoming. He’ll go to great lengths to capture just the right photo at just the right angle, in just the right light, even if it requires planning hours and days ahead.

He’s kindly agreed to come on Holy Guac and shares one instagrammers’ perspective on useful tips and tricks that owners and teams could use. If you follow Andrew, you notice that he takes his role seriously, with an occasional photo of his patient, lovely wife. If you’ve been following, yes, they did get married during the pandemic, HUZZAH! That said, his personal life is not the focus. The camera is on our city’s businesses. He’s sharing what’s happening in Baltimore restaurants, cafes, breweries, and more! We hear what he thinks will be helpful and actionable. We talk about planning ahead, collecting photos, lighting, hashtags and communicating with your followers. Commenting and engaging on other people accounts is immensely important. And restaurants should share a guests’ photo on a business feed—it’s easy content, and guests are usually delighted to have their photo seen by more people. Of course, always ask for permission and give photo credit.

His message is clear: engage in community, have fun. He’s enjoying what he does, and the community of restaurants appreciate the kindness. Now, go look his feed up, and go get a coffee, beer or a meal (your choice: to go, or dine in). Support local.

68: ANDREW COSENTINO'S LOVE OF BALTIMORE