Buzzed in Baltimore Jess Mayhugh

Ottobar owner Tecla Tesnau joins the podcast to talk about the legendary Baltimore rock club. From its days as a tiny, stinky bar on Davis Street to its current status as a renowned music venue that attracts national acts, Tesnau recounts the entire journey. She shares countless only-in-Baltimore moments—including the best thing John Waters ever said to her, her favorite band residency at Ottobar to date, how the city kept her spirits up during the darkest days of the pandemic, and what musician she would give her left arm to see perform on Howard Street.

Guilford Hall Brewery CEO Erik Bergman and brewmaster Martin Coad discuss the new Baltimore brewery, its historic building and neighborhood, the popularity of low ABV beers, the niche they've carved out for European session styles, and and the brewery's future distribution plans. Plus, we try some lagers, pilsners, and session ales—and hear about a new holiday Weihnachtsbock.

Sophomore Coffee owner Kris Fulton talks about his passion and career that has taken him to Los Angeles, New York, and back to Baltimore again. He discusses how the product went from Folgers to Starbucks to the culture that exists today, whether Baltimore is a coffee town, the way orders have evolved over the years, plus he shares his personal favorite drink, the status of the shop during the pandemic, and some of the most creative coffee drinks you can order at the bar.

Johnny Rad’s and Snake Hill owners Rich Pugh and Randy Coffren chat about their 20-year friendship, how skateboarding and punk rock influenced their lives, the origins of their Southeast Baltimore bars, pivots and adjustments they made during COVID-19, and their favorite things to do in the city. Plus we drink core draft beers and cocktails and tease their upcoming bar in Station North.

Wine Collective general director Enrique Pallares joins the podcast to chat about the collaborative winery that he co-founded in Baltimore City. He discusses his international upbringing, the unique concept of working with grapes from farms all over the region, the complications with having a planned opening date of March 2020, the facility's innovative techniques and equipment, how Maryland wine has changed for the better, the wonderful spirit that is vermouth, and how he and his team are bringing a bit of the Iberian Peninsula to Union Collective.

Ashley Mac, bar manager of NiHao, joins the podcast to talk about her her career in bartending at places like R. House and True Chesapeake Oyster House, her four-plus years of continuous sobriety, the way she is helping to normalize mental health struggles in the industry, her innovative Asian-inspired cocktails, and the beauty that is baijiu liquor.

To follow Ashley: https://www.instagram.com/_amacquiri_/
To support NiHao: https://www.nihaobaltimore.com/
To get more info about Heard Baltimore: https://www.instagram.com/heardbalt/
To email Ashley for any of the above: ashleymac@mac.com