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    The Speakeasy Kitchen Offers Bartending Classes & Catering

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    When it comes to entertainment, we’re always looking for the next trend. Recently, we’ve seen an upswing in craft breweries, a rise in the popularity of food and drink crawls, and we currently support more food trucks than ever before. It seems almost obvious then that mobile bartending would grow out of this movement, and Grant Varin Bain is the man leading the way.

    A  former bartender at Sidebar where he was trained by Chicago’s famed bartender of The Violet Hour, Michael Rubel, Varin Bain launched Speakeasy Kitchen, Bartending Classes & Services, in April. Catering to all audiences for all occasions, Varin Bain comes to you and transforms your space into, essentially, a speakeasy for the night.

    “The three days I spent with Michael Rubel changed my life,” recalls Varin Bain. “I started doing this for friends, showing them how to mix drinks, and I found I really enjoyed it. My friends were really into it too, so I thought instead of having them just come over and drink my booze for free, I’d try this, and see if other people would dig it as well.”

    And they did. The Speakeasy Kitchen caters personal and corporate events for up to 100 people, bringing everything but a sink and a trash can to the event. Varin Bain makes much of his own syrups, tinctures, and bitters, and uses only fresh and seasonal ingredients in all of his recipes and displays.

    He also offers cocktail classes for as many as 25 people. Guests are encouraged to provide food, assistance, and laughter for a full class: 6-7 cocktails over a 3-4 hour period. Shorter classes are also available, Varin Bain being flexible in his accommodations.

    The classes are informal and interactive. As Varin Bain mixes, he shares lessons and stories with the participants, who are also invited to join the fun by making drinks of their own. Additionally, nights like these are stock-your-bar parties, as whatever liquor is left over at the end of the night belongs to the host.

    The Speakeasy Kitchen will also travel to you. From Cleveland to Cincinnati, and beyond if necessary, Varin Bain is willing to bring his mobile operation to your home or office. A week’s notice is preferred when booking events, but a reservation 3-4 days out could also be accepted depending on the circumstance.

    “I want this to permeate the culture,” adds Varin Bain. “I’m not doing this to make a quick buck; this is something I’m really passionate about. I hope to be doing this for a really long time.”

    You can book the Speakeasy Kitchen by sending an e-mail to [email protected] or by finding them on facebook at www.facebook.com/SpeakeasyKitchen.

    Photos by Craig Ferance.

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    Ayana Wilson
    Ayana Wilsonhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Ayana Wilson is a former staff writer at Columbus Underground who covered local restaurant industry news.
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