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The restaurant and bar business has seen the worst of the pandemic. No one person has done more damage to the hospitality industry than Trump himself. By contradicting scientist early on in the pandemic and by promoting to his followers to defy masks orders from state and local governments, he helped the virus spread. Then, on January 6th he fomented a crowd of his supporters to storm the capital and fight for his made-up fraudulent election. Every single one of these events costs restaurants and bars billions of dollars a thousand at a time. Made up of small units of no more than a few dozen employees, small bars and restaurants are greatly affected by those decisions. Our economy has been driven by cheap goods and consumerism for many decades now. That said, shutting down the economy would have been devastating but manageable given the scope of how a virus persisting within a population can create fear with long-lasting economic effects stemming from the psychological effects of a false sense of security.

There is a lot to say and nothing let to discuss about 2020. We are done with one year and leading into a new one. As we prepare ourselves to peruse our goals in 2020 it is important to keep in mind the determination necessary to continue our path regardless of what the new years brings. Happy New Year! Salud!

While the Senate plays hard to get with one another and McConnel continues to serve special interest WE, the working-class American piles on the debt. Also, the bar and restaurant industry shuffles a hundred different way depending on governors, counties and municipalities. Heads of households need the help Congress gives the wealthy and corporations. This week in Matt’s Pick III we go for the holiday diet thumper, desert! Matt gives us three delicious options for some custard delicacies worth the drive for even an Inner Looper like myself. Texas Tribune, Texas Latinos Big Ice Houston  832 582 5993

Houston cocktail bar Rabbit’s Got the Gun hit the scene in late 2019 to they surprised of many. A typical Northside patio bar with an excellent cocktail program that includes soft serve, a coffee program, a food truck and host of talent from the Houston cocktail echelon. If you are in Houston, this spot is a must visit. Dr Marta Vega Moreno curated the El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan. In it is the story of the many people who helped make NYC one of the greatest cities in the world. After many years of political sabotage by the city’s elite, it needs the hard-working people from El Barrio now more than ever.

Matt was at it again with his Pick III favourite food spots in Houston (he sneaked in an Austin spot).

Illegal Mezcal Global Brand Ambassador Gilberto Marquez talks about his humble beginnings, his passions, and his side hustle of making custom hats, Pachuco Supply Co. We have a projected winner of 2020 calling for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as the new POTUS and VPOTUS. That said, it doesn’t seem to be going as expected. We have grown accustomed to concession and acceptance speeches, this time we are missing one. At what point will reasonable adults be part of government? Once again I have Matt Carrizales give his Pick III of the Week: Masala Munchies, Somos Semillas, Pan de Taco (Honorary mention to Xela Roasters )

Gustavo Arellano writes for the L.A. Times and is the author of Ask a Mexican. We explore the possible future for the democratic party as well as the best taco and bourbon pairing.If you live in Houston or plan on visiting Matt has got a few recommendations for you; great food, ambience and service.

Early voting started today in Texas. States like Arizona, California and Georgia have started voting too. In Harris County where Houston resides there was a record setting day with 68,000 voters turning out.

Vanessa is a beverage professional that has worked in Chicago, NYC and Houston. She has been able to put together exciting wine menus that have caught the attention of wine consumer and her peers. She went from mini wine bar to country club. iHeart Radio, Apple Podcast, Alexa, Stitcher, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to your favourite podcast

There are similarities to what peepers do and how militias approach their own survival. The United States has seen deep division since 2016. It is currently experiencing sentiments not seen since the 1860s. A global pandemic, unemployment, protest, violent opposition to the protest, and a divisive president has created a cocktail of extreme views and positions that can lead us violent civil unrest. Stephen Miller Civil War Crash Course

An online publication for the liquor industry decided to celebrate Latin Heritage Month. The publication, Liquor .com, decide to spearhead the month with an industry veteran, author, bar owner & mentor that is of non-Latino heritage. Both the publication and the bar owner thought it was appropriate to feature a non-Latina for a Latin Heritage...

GET INVOLVED!!! This episode I speak to Nate Casablanca and Dave Castleman of THIRST Group about the work they are doing to help small businesses receive payment from their insurers for Loss of Revenue Insurance. Intagram: @openbar.space

Sean Beck has a Houston restaurant personality for many years. He shares with us his beginnings as a beverage director and his current move to conduct training sessions over Zoom. THIRST GROUP “We work to keep independent restaurants and hospitality alive, by advocating that our elected officials ensure insurance carriers provide the protection you paid...

Alec Bradley, Black Market, Toro 6×50 with Weller 90 and the Chichicapa from Del Maguey

It’s time to rewrite some rules. One of those is the No Politics or Religion for hospitality professionals in and out of bars.

Nate and I discuss the culture and society we live in today with politics at the forefront of everyone’s lives. Bartenders and all other hospitality professionals are told to never discuss politics and religion. WELL, we’re tossing that rule out the window! Let’s get into this 2020 Election Cycle!

Rum Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva and Upmann 1844 Sun Grown

Houston entrepreneur Ben Williams tells us about his pursuit and eventual launch of a hemp oil base vodka that carries body and flavour unlike any of its competitors. He talks about family, work and the oasis of being surrounded by good people. Visit Highway Vodka for more information The Open Bar Experience website

For those who enjoy the simply yet better things in life. I share my preferred pairings when it comes to booze, cigars, coffee and tea. Nica Rustica El Brujito The Matsui Del Maguey Chichicapa

This week’s cigar is the Romeo y Julieta Hose of Montegue Toro paired with a malt wisky from Compass Box Last week I reviewed the Puros Huerfanos Churchill along with Elijah Craig and rum Clement VSOP. IG: OpenBarExperience