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In this edition of In the Weeds we are featuring Leah Henry, of Dog Rose Brewing Company. Located at 77 Bridge Street in the historic Lincolnville neighborhood. I remember this property as Michelle Roux’s Absolute Americana Museum, and for a bar nerd like myself it was a cool spot. It contained all the Absolute Vodka advertising through the ages. This should give you an idea of the collection that was on display, and my attraction to the place. Fast forward a few years, and now we have Dog Rose Brewing Company with head brewer and owner, Doug Murr. Doug, formerly from A1A Ale Works, now operates his own brewery, and a very cool one at that! You’ll find Jam band concert posters framed on the wall and that same style music playing over the house speakers. Pair this with darts and shuffleboard games for patrons to partake and some of the best locally crafted beer on tap. You can understand why this spot is a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. Fresh flavorful food offerings from the Funkadelic food truck, permanently on site, and our featured bartender Leah behind the bar, it doesn't get much better! We got the chance to catch up with Leah, here is our chat.
LOF What is your hangover cure? Leah I don’t drink like I used to, but if needed it would have to be water/multivitamins and Georgie’s Diner! LOF Coffee or tea? Leah Most certainly coffee. The stronger the better! LOF Favorite spots in town? Leah- We have a plethora of great places to dine and drink. I can’t keep saying Dog Rose, right? I prefer to enjoy music when I’m out so Stogies, Sarbez, and are my easy picks for something relaxed, come as you are and with music. I also enjoy Casa Maya, Catch 27, Odd Birds, and Meehans. LOF Hard question on deck; six only in Saint Augustine, definitive food, and beverage day. Leah There is no way to cram it all in one day…Morning starts off at Blue Hen for breakfast and pint glass mimosas, head to Ice plant for a limoncello. Go to Bog to have a flight of beer and a taco at Tacos My Blessing, on to Dog Rose for a Roadside IPA and some Brussels sprouts from the Funkadelic Food Truck, Odd Birds
LOF How did you get started in the hospitality industry? Leah I worked in healthcare for most of my adult life and needed a break as a mental reset. I was craving more interactions with a variety of people and wanted to see joy on their faces instead of continuous bad news. I started at a local beer bar with a friend and became intrigued with the different varieties of beer that I never experienced before. I went from a Miller Lite girl to seeking out Trappist and Hefeweizens. About one year in at this mostly bottle beer bar, a new brewery (Dog Rose) just opened, and I knew that I wanted to be a part of it. I was interested in not only being a part of something new, but also wanted to find my place in the industry doing something that I was starting to really love. I wasn’t looking to serve food, or to make craft cocktails, I wanted to find a professional culture around beer. Now four years later, the so called “break” I had from the healthcare industry became a permanent one. I love what I do now and have never dreaded coming to work like I did when I was in corporate healthcare. LOF What is your go to drink order? Leah Definitely depends on the setting. IPA’s are my first choice, but I’d have to say you actually turned me on to cucumber gimlets for something refreshing and bright. 16 LovingOurFood.com
