Tag Archives: bars

Day 275: Brian from McClellan’s Retreat

Last night was the celebration of the twelfth anniversary of the founding of Street Sense, a nonprofit that I support. Street Sense is one of the most innovative organizations in helping men and women experiencing homelessness get training and find employment in the area of media and the arts.

The evening was spectacular, but it would not have been possible without the support of several organizations. I went to establishments that I regularly frequent and asked them if they would support this event. It was touching how generous the organizations were. Brian is the manager at one of DC’s best cocktail bars which happens to be just a stone’s throw away from my door step. McClellan’s Retreat donated a really cool package for four people to learn how to make three quintessential cocktails – and they get to drink them too!

Thanks to Brian and the entire team at McClellan’s Retreat!

Day 275

Brian,

I wanted to send you a proper thank-you for your generous contribution to the Street Sense gala – it was an inspiring evening! It’s incredible how those experiencing homelessness can regain their lives, get back into housing, contribute to society, etc. when given the proper support and encouragement.

This is our biggest fundraiser and I appreciate you and McClellan’s Retreat helping to make it a success!

Reed

Day 205: Kim and Luis

Anthony, Kim, Reed at Anthony's 2nd Annual Celebration. We missed getting a photo with Luis - he was too busy working!

Anthony, Kim and Reed at Anthony’s 2nd Annual Celebration. We missed getting a photo with Luis – he was too busy working!

We held the second annual Anthony celebration last Monday night at one of Anthony’s favorite places: Rumors. It’s right across the street from where he cheerfully greets his customers every morning. The staff there always treats us like gold and Monday night was no exception. I love these guys.

Day 205-2

 

Kim & Luis,

People go out to bars and restaurants for many reasons – the food, the atmosphere, the service. Walking in to Rumors is like walking in to Cheers. You remember your customers, treat people right and you care. You made Anthony’s two-year celebration a very special evening for him and I wanted you to know how much I appreciate it.

Thank you,
Reed

Day 194: Megan

Barren Hill cocktail at McClellan's Retreat

Barren Hill cocktail at McClellan’s Retreat

At some point I became interested in mixing cocktails. For some of the more interesting ones, it seems I’m always missing one ingredient. Often times it is a tincture, bitters or syrup that has to be prepared ahead of time. So despite my interest in crafting my own cocktails, it’s nice sometimes to go some place that has all the ingredients – not to mention the expertise to make them!

Day 194bAround the corner from my house is McClellan’s Retreat. They opened up last fall where Veritas used to be. I hesitated posting this letter here because people will start to flock to this favorite spot of mine and then there will be no room for me at the bar. I guess that would be a good thing though – both in terms of the bar doing well enough to stay in business and for me not sitting at the bar as often as I may now.

Anyway, Megan is the manager and head bartender there. If you stop by, tell her I sent you. And definitely order the Barren Hill, it’s my favorite. But I caught part of a conversation one day about the pistachio syrup – the fact that possibly they’ve lost the recipe and when this batch runs out, it’s gone forever. So you better go sooner than later.

Day 194-2

Dear Megan,

It was good to see you this past weekend – it had been way too long since I had stopped in. It’s not healthy (staying away that is) and I promise not to do it again.

People talk about climate change, pandemics, ISIS… but what keeps me up at night is pistachio syrup. What will become of the Barren Hill if you run out??? Speaking of which, I was in on Sunday and Chris made me one – it was pretty delicious. You’ve got some competition!

Thanks for being my neighborhood bar.

Cheers,
Reed

Day 154: Anthony Kaczynski

This post card is from Joon Bar & Kitchen which is at the very end of Cape Cod, 119 miles away from Tavern at the End of the World.

This post card is from Joon Bar & Kitchen which is at the very end of Cape Cod, 119 miles away from Tavern at the End of the World.

Back on May 21st I left an anonymous note at a bar in Charlestown, MA. Along with my note, I included a five dollar bill for the finder to get themself a refreshing beverage. I’ve left similar anonymous notes in various places but have yet to ever hear from the people who have found them – until today.

Anthony Kaczynski, a musician who says he plays regularly at the Tavern at the End of the World where I left the letter, dropped me a note in the mail along with his band Fireking’s CD. Sweet!

Their music is loud, energetic rock n roll. I enjoyed it, but I have a feeling that seeing them live is the real treat. You can check out Fireking here. Enjoy.

Day 154

Anthony,

Thank you for your letter – I’m glad you found my note at the Tavern at the End of the World. The Year of Letters has been an awesome project and making random connections like this one is just one of the many cool things that have happened along the way. I enjoyed your CD, thank you for sending that. You guys rock! I’d love to see you guys live. If you ever venture down to our nation’s capital, let me know!

Keep on kicking ass!
Reed

 

Day 141: Anonymous letter left at Tavern at the End of the World

Tavern at the End of the World, Charlestown, MA.

Tavern at the End of the World, Charlestown, MA.

When I travel, it’s easy to fall behind on writing letters. Sometimes it’s easier to leave some anonymous notes around the cities that I’m visiting. I did that on Monday night at the Met’s game and tonight I thought I would leave a note at the Red Sox game, however, Sox tickets were going for no less than $40 so I skipped the game.

I’m staying in Charlestown, MA tonight. There’s not a whole lot of places to go for dinner near my hotel – to be honest, there is only one place: Tavern at the End of the World. It’s a good join – they had some nice live music and I had an interesting chat with a guy fresh back from a trip to Florida on his Harley.

I ate dinner there and enjoyed a couple of local beers. I took a few minutes while I was there to write today’s letter.

Day 141

Hello!

I’ve made a commitment to write someone a handwritten letter or note every day for a year. Today, my note is to you. If you’re here at the Tavern at the End of the World, you’re probably thirsty – you know, there is not a man, woman or child in these United States of America who doesn’t enjoy a nice cold, refreshing beverage. Your next one is on me. 

Cheers,
Reed