Q&A ARABELLA PARK CELLARMAN STEPHEN CLEARY
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE ARABELLA PARK?
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT’S THE NEXT BIG BEER TREND?
A lot of work and thought has been put into all
I think we’re in a period of creativity and
aspects of our service, vibe and kitchen, but we
experimentation in Ontario in which focused
put the majority of our efforts into being a quality
breweries will be creating simple, balanced beers
beer bar in Ontario. We’re still figuring out what that
with deep traction. Square, Tooth + Nail, Godspeed
means.
are great examples of breweries doing this already.
IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT’S THE BUSINESS’ MISSION? To present beer in the best possible way. Cleanliness,
YOU’VE BEGUN WORKING AT REVEL CIDER WITH TARIQ. WHERE DO CIDERS FIT IN RELATION TO BEER CULTURE?
temperature, gas blend, pouring technique, glass
Cider fermentation resembles wine more than beer,
care, knowledgeable bartenders, etc. I want brewers
but certain characteristics of ciders (like funk and
to feel that their beer is well cared for here.
ascetic) get embraced by the beer community. That’s my reason for carrying cider at Arabella.
NAME FOUR ONTARIO BREWERIES THAT ARE PUSHING THE LIMITS OF QUALITY, INNOVATION, EXPERIMENTATION, ETC.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT AT ARABELLA, WHERE ARE YOU EATING IN THE REGION?
Burdock, Half Hours on Earth, Bellwoods, Indie Ale
I go to the Apollo Cinema and sit near the back with
House.
my partner drinking better-than-it-needs-to-be beer watching whatever movie. I find it relaxing. It helps
ON YOUR DAY OFF, WHAT ARE YOU DRINKING?
that we live down the street. I also frequent Kenzo
I’m lucky to be surrounded by great beer and always
Lancaster Smokehouse.
Raman, Papuseria, Yeti Café, Jane Bond Café, and the
look to have a fresh pale ale and a dry farmhouse in the fridge (preferably low ABV). I’ve also become excited by funky cider and natural wine.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT BEING A ‘CELLARMAN’? Working with people who are passionate about their
WHAT’S THE CURRENT BIG BEER TREND IN ONTARIO? There are a lot of sassy things to say about beer trends in Ontario, but I mostly love them all. Fluffy IPAs, confectionery stouts, rustic pilsners, fruit taps, and magic taps. The current trends are making for a richer community by educating drinkers, which will help with the long-term development of the scene.
craft and then sharing that with drinkers. I’m really lucky.
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