This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte checks in with celebrated bartender Toby Maloney of The Violet Hour, a pre-Prohibition era-inspired speakeasy in Chicago recently nominated for the Outstanding Bar Program James Beard Award. Learn how Toby found his way to The Violet Hour and what has influenced his style as a bartender. Find out what it takes to run a successful bar and find out what Malort is and why its popular in Chicago. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market. The Violet Hour is definitely a group effort. No one person opens a bar. Malört is kind of like drinking a tiger fire. Its the most bitter thing I can possibly think of. --bartender Toby Maloney on The Speakeasy

This week on The Speakeasy, Damon Boelte checks in with celebrated bartender Toby Maloney of The Violet Hour, a pre-Prohibition era-inspired speakeasy in Chicago recently nominated for the Outstanding Bar Program James Beard Award. Learn how Toby found his way to The Violet Hour and what has influenced his style as a bartender. Find out what it takes to run a successful bar and find out what “Malort” is and why it’s popular in Chicago. This program was sponsored by Whole Foods Market.

“The Violet Hour is definitely a group effort. No one person opens a bar.”

“Malört is kind of like drinking a tiger fire. It’s the most bitter thing I can possibly think of.”

–bartender Toby Maloney on The Speakeasy