New Art and Craft Beer Bar Opening in Greenwich Village

New York, NY, March 28, 2014 --(PR.com)-- An FBI agent and an Actor walk into a bar… no wait, they opened a bar. That’s right, former Special Agent Don Borelli, and Actor, writer, producer Robert La France have teamed up to create Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor at 26 West 8th Street in Greenwich Village. The official Grand Opening is Saturday, March 29th, with doors opening at 5pm.

What seems like an odd couple actually turns out to be an effective partnership, with both men sharing a passion for the fine arts and a love of craft beer. Don and Robert met at a midtown bar a year ago over a pint of Lagunitas India Pale Ale. It was months before either of them had any idea of each other’s previous lives. Borelli is a former FBI executive with a distinguished 25-year career in national security and law enforcement. “I’m still passionate about national security issues, but I also love a good IPA,” says Don. La France is an award-winning food writer, Theatre producer and actor. “The glamorous life of an actor means I’ve worked in restaurants most of my adult life,” says Robert with a smile on his face. “While I had a good amount of success on stage, I usually found myself behind a bar or waiting tables between gigs.”

Though their diverse backgrounds are interesting to say the least; what they have in common is work ethic. In just over 2 months time, the duo has completely transformed a craft beer retail store into a full service bar and restaurant. Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor is the antithesis of a sports bar; rather, it is an extension of your living room, a place to entertain guests with quality conversation in a warm atmosphere over a pint of great American Craft Beer or a glass of fine wine. It is a cultural center where the art adorning the walls changes as frequently as the 24 beers on tap. A space where monthly tastings and lectures occur ranging from art, to fine wine, to the quest to make the finest Noble Pilsner. With a small, but knowledgeable staff, Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor is a destination for local residents, as well as, Craft Beer aficionados and art lovers alike.

Designed by architect Jorge Arias, the space conception and millwork details take us back to the days of the Arts and Crafts movement. From the hand crafted wooden table tops and fireplace mantle, to the bronze light fixtures, to the classic Bradbury & Bradbury wallpaper; every element in the space was designed to create an elegant and highly distinctive atmosphere. “As an architect, I wanted to create a space true to the iconic style of the movement, and as an artist, I wanted to create a highly flexible, functional, and warm art gallery space,” said Arias, who is also the first artist on exhibit through April. His art show is called “The Colors of Sound”. Upcoming exhibitions include the paintings of Brian Friedman and Santa Fe folk artist Victoria de Almeida.

Arts and Crafts Beer Parlor opens weekdays at 4pm, weekends at noon, and is located at 26 West 8th Street, New York, NY 10011. For more information visit their website, Facebook or Twitter.