(6.18) One of the best of the WaterFire zones is the ‘Biergarten Unter den Weiden’ or, beergarden under the willows, open from 7pm to 11pm, and run by Trinity Brewhouse with Little Bitte Artisanal Cocktails. This site is a little off the beaten path and out of the fray. Many locals have come to avoid the whole WaterFire thang — it’s not cool, too crowded, blah blah blah. Well it’s not cool until you have your aunt and uncle visiting from out of town and then you’re thrilled that it’s a WaterFire night, and you can just stroll along and not have to try to think of things to say, and they will love it. At any rate, get them over to the beer garden. It actually might be . . . cool.
The new beer garden with German beer and food focusing on Frankfurt specialties is located just upstream of Waterplace Basin in the heart of the downtown river park, under the willow trees at the foot of the IGT building. Forty five tables, specially made by WaterFire will mount on the river railing overlooking the double row of bonfires for your dining pleasure.
There are oysters and grilled brats, and beer of course, and the aforementioned Little Bitte Cocktail Bar, run by Willa Van Nostrand, seen here with the lovely Lois. (Where do these creatures go during the day?) The bar is usually up and running by 6pm and the drinks are as enchanting as the gals behind the bar. They whipped up a custom mocktail for me — pink and lemony, garnished with peppery nasturtiums, and most importantly, not too sweet. It was delicious.
WaterFire ignition 8:24pm, Saturday, June 18 WaterFire
(Note Willa’s face reflected in the tray. Très artistique. Or . . . Sehr künstlerisch!)