Holdfast Dining To Add Avant Garde Cocktails

Talked about pop-up turned brick-and-mortar, Holdfast Dining has put it an applicatino for a full liquor license. Chef-owners Joel Stocks — who also happens to be an Eater Young Gun — and Will Preisch currently serve wine and beer, and the new license would let them dig deeper into their skill set of avant-garde flavor combinations.

It also means that you can be on the lookout for guest bartender dinners that feature cocktail pairings with most courses. "We have done those in the past, with Adam Robinson, as well as Michael Shea and Emily Mistell, over at Rum Club," says Stocks. "They are a blast, and we are looking forward to having the ability to hold them more freely."

To help with its expanding beverage program, Holdfast Dining recently hired Jeff Vejr full-time. Vejr is a wine importer and former co-owner of the late wine bar, Alu. He will act as a combination "maître d, winesman, beverage director, etc." Stocks also hints at "some fun service features" that will begin later this summer, and judging from Holdfast's M.O., the service features could include everything from sabering champagne for French seventy-fives to pairing Corpse Reviver cocktails with gooseneck barnacles.

Lastly, Holdfast has just added a list of half bottles and after-dinner drinks to the back of its menu. Hand-picked by Stocks and Preisch, port, sherry, and 12-year-old whiskies will be on deck alongside half-bottles worthy of special occasions and celebrations.

—Mattie Bamman