ext_117017 ([identity profile] curiositykt.livejournal.com) wrote in [community profile] davis_square2009-12-15 01:44 pm

beer brewing kit

I want to get my brother a beer brewing kit, does anyone know if any of the local brew shops offer kits?

oh, also, bacon salt? anywhere local?

Thanks!

[identity profile] benign-cremator.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 07:32 pm (UTC)(link)
I am sorry you feel that way. Are you certain that it is the entire staff there, or just an individual person? One of my friends was female, got all of her gear there, and did not have that kind of experience.

[identity profile] faux-eonix.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 07:46 pm (UTC)(link)
I've had the same experience with a few members of the staff there.

That is not to say that every employee is sexist, just that 3 out of my 4 experiences lead me to believe such.

My one "good" experience was purchasing bottles.

[identity profile] tisana.livejournal.com 2009-12-15 09:44 pm (UTC)(link)
I had a similar experience there, but it was just one employee. The other two guys I had help me there were great--very helpful, but not pushy--but this man was probably the rudest I've ever had anyone be to me in a professional setting--and I've worked in retail and food service for years.

He was condescending, contradicting any other advice I've had other brewers--including those who work there!--give me, and strongly implied more than once that I'm an idiot. Yes, I got the impression that it was because I'm a young woman. If his was the only experience I'd had there, I'd simply never go back. If I knew his name, I'd go complain to the owner, and tell everyone I sent there to avoid him.

For the selection, otherwise, it's a great place.

[identity profile] pierceheart.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 02:28 am (UTC)(link)
Can you give us a description (or email me) - so I can avoid him, or watch, the next time I'm there.

I've gotten snotty attitude from the owner.

I liked the place more before emporium took it over, when it was stil Ian running the joint.

[identity profile] tisana.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 03:11 am (UTC)(link)
Damn, I thought I'd had a public post about it. Evidently not.

OK, so he was tallish (~6ft), 35-45, on the skinny side, strong nose, pale sallow skin, shaved-short dark hair, very LOUD and annoying strident voice, American accent I can't quite place. I got the impression he was ex-military. Condescending as all hell. I doubt he's the owner, but I never got the names of any of them.

Here's the problem: there's another guy there that is pretty close to that description (though shorter and quieter) and he was great--he's in there most of the times I go in. Wouldn't want them getting confused.

Aw, why avoid him? Go in there and pull rank.

[identity profile] surrealestate.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 03:16 am (UTC)(link)
Interesting. The tall guy description doesn't ring a bell at all, but the shorter/quieter guy who's there most of the time is almost certainly Randy. He is indeed awesome.

[identity profile] pierceheart.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 03:20 am (UTC)(link)
The tall guys sounds somewhat like the guy I think is the owner, who, when I have asked him a question or three (common questions) acted like he didn't want to be bothered by someone as lowly as a customer.

[identity profile] tisana.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 03:37 am (UTC)(link)
I dunno, this guy was almost...following me around the store to continue to be mean. I tried a couple times to say that I was OK, I'd find what I needed, and he insisted on "helping."

I described it to a friend who's a regular there, and she's friends with the owner, and she was appalled. I think she'd have recognized the description. At least, I really hope that's not the owner.

[identity profile] pierceheart.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 03:19 am (UTC)(link)
Actually, knowing who it is would lead the asshole I am to say something to him, if I saw it:

"Hey, you know, there's a very active homebrewing contingent in and around Davis Square ... and they talk to each other. If you want to continue to treat female customers like they're idiots, everyone will learn about it, and take their business elsewhere, after notifying the owner of your behaviour, and its consequences."

But, as we all know, I can be a serious dick.

[identity profile] nalz.livejournal.com 2009-12-16 02:51 pm (UTC)(link)
That's not being a dick - that's almost being nice and giving them a warning.