Anyone who doesn’t know the difference between draft, craft and cask beer will soon be able to get an education at 1927 Gaetz Ave.
The Tap House Pub & Grill is expected to open there on March 12, occupying the premises that previously housed Sam’s Cafe South. Co-manager Kelly Armstrong said it will the first place in Red Deer to serve cask beer.
Popular in larger centres, cask beer — or cask ale — is not filtered or artificially carbonated, and is served at cellar temperature. The result is a fuller and fresher taste.
“You order it straight from the microbrewery and we put it right on tap,” said Armstrong, adding that each cask will be obtained for use on a specific date.
“Pretty much, it’s the freshest beer you can get,” said owner Sam Wong.
The pub will also boast nearly two dozen beers on tap, as well as a variety of bottled products, said Jeremy Wong, Sam’s son and the other co-manager of The Tap House Pub & Grill.
“There will be some international as well.”
Armstrong said the beer options will change continuously.
“Every time you come in there will always be something different you can try.”
On the food side, The Tap House Pub & Grill will have an “extensive menu” ranging from appetizers to steaks, said Sam Wong.
And a separate dining room in the building will operate as Monsieur Wong’s, with its own menu.
Monsieur Wong’s moved from its longtime downtown location to Sam’s Cafe South in 2009. Since then, customers have been able to order from either menu.
Monsieur Wong’s is now regaining its own space.
The origins of Sam’s Cafe South date back to 1993, when it opened as the Wildflower Bistro.
Wong bought the business in 2001, and changed its name a short time later.
Sam’s Cafe South closed a few weeks ago to accommodate the renovations for its current changeover. Work on The Tap House Pub & Grill continues, but Monsieur Wong’s was scheduled to reopen yesterday.
Wong said he felt it was time for a change at Sam’s Cafe South, and wanted to try a new concept.
“It’s a contemporary pub with a touch of classic feel to it,” he said.
hrichards@www.reddeeradvocate.com