Whew.

If we could sum up our experiences these first 90 or so days, that's probably the most succinct way to say it. What fun it's been, though, this whirlwind of an opening. And we have all of you to thank for that.

And believe us, it's not lost on us that among the...well...at times controlled chaos...some things may seem forgotten or neglected. (Ourselves included.) Trust us, though, when we say that we've been thinking of all of you (and at times, even ourselves) and how, when the dust settles, we can get back to basics a bit.

Hence this newsletter. Here we hope to keep all of you formally informed, twice a month, on initiatives new and old. So, without further ado....

Weihnachtsmarkt (starting 25 Nov): As you may have seen, Columbi-ja's newest riverfront holiday tradition begins on 25 Nov. And continues each weekend of Advent. Right here on the plaza at CanalSide. Right here at Bierkeller. Come experience the unique atmosphere of Germany's world-famous Christmas Markets. Highlights and activities include: shopping, local vendors, specialty seasonal foods, classic music, festive lights, hot mulled Glühwein (spiced red wine), hot chocolate, fire pits, and of course…beer! (Note to the kids: we're working with Santa to make an appearance. Stay tuned!) The Weihnachtsmarkt will run each weekend, from 12-10 on Saturdays and 11-6 on Sundays, and will be open for the duration of Advent, as tradition dictates.

Jazzkeller at Bierkeller (starting 14 Nov): Tuesdays at the River are a thing again. No, we're not reviving our pop-ups at the Park. But we are reviving Jazz. These evenings are FREE & OPEN-TO-THE-PUBLIC! Tues, 14 November, features the Dick Goodwin Quartet with Dick Goodwin (trumpet, keys), Greg Patterson (guitar), Sam Edwards (bass), and Brendan Bull (drums). Jazzkeller takes place every Tuesday, 11/14 - 12/19, from 6-8 pm.

Rauchbier Release and Dinner (21 Nov): How do you know when it's officially fall at Bierkeller? Because we're tapping our delicious, smoky Rauchbier. Join us Tuesday, 21 Nov, from 4 pm until 9 pm for liters, bottles, and even a special sit-down traditional dinner featuring the famed Bamberg onion (cored, sweet onion stuffed with minced pork and topped with bacon and smoke beer gravy; more details to follow). It's a real rite of passage, columbi-ja. So come drink the requisite amount and fall in love with this smoky speciality. Prost!

Resident Wednesdays (starting 15 Nov): Lucky enough to live at CanalSide/Sola Station and have Bierkeller as your neighbor? Celebrate this fact with us every Wednesday. All residents receive 10% off their check...just for living here! Just show your key card at purchase and drop us your apt and building number. Prost!

Wintergarten: With all of this activity and the weather turning colder, how are we gonna accommodate you people and keep you comfortable? With our Wintergarten winterization, of course. Think heated and walled tents; winterized Bistro seating; fire pits; and, of course, new winter menu items and...Glühwein! We're already in the process, so come check us out. Bring your drinking gloves if it's chilly. 

Stammtisch Members: Last but certainly not least, we have some updates for you, our loyal Stammtisch subscribers. We feel like we dropped the ball on y'all. So we want to make it up to you. First, we want to formally invite you to a VIP party on 5 Dec from 4 pm until 9 pm to celebrate...all of you. We feel like y'all got a bit lost in the mix on these big opening and oktoberfest occasions and want to do something special. We also know that your plaques have been literally lost in the mix of some tables. We are working on new signs to indicate your tables are always CLEARLY reserved for y'all. And...we will be offering a permanent 10% discount on all food and beverage items to all of you. Just mention your name and table when you order and we'll get you covered. These are just a few ways of saying "thank you" and "es tut uns leid" to you, our long-time supporters.

Other Items: new and updated menu and daily food specials. new biers (roggenbier anyone?). new swag (hey dogs: we got some bandanas for y'all). german street food thursdays. and beer dinners. 

Whew. 

That's a lot. But we're finally feeling up for it. Join us, won't you? 

Prost!