If you want to talk stouts, pilsners or dubbels, Eric Hardy is your pal. The Rhode Island native and general manager of The Pub at Monte Carlo loves beer so much he keeps barrels of it stashed throughout his house.
But he’s not throwing a kegger anytime soon—he’s a father of three, after all. He’s just an avid home brewer and beer aficionado. “Me and my buddies have these brew parties where we’ll start a new batch of stuff,” says Hardy. “I’m always finding spots to ferment something.”
Hardy first got into beer as a bartender at J.C. Wooloughan’s Irish Pub at the JW Marriott, where the large draft beer selection required him to research a huge variety of beer for his guests. Not only did he become a better bartender, he also found a new hobby.
Now, when he’s not working at The Pub, brewing or spending time with the kids, he’s helping coach his son’s football team. He also keeps active. “I was a boxing trainer, so I occasionally do some boxing and muay thai kickboxing,” he says. “I was in some competitions in my day.”
Framboise Martini
And if you run into him at The Pub, he’ll definitely help you find your brew. Just be prepared to take—or exchange—some tasting notes.
“Beer is evolving into what wine was,” Hardy says. “You might be more knowledgeable than me, or I might be able to teach you some things, but it’s always going to be a fun conversation.”
Framboise Martini
Fitting for a place with dozens of kegs on display behind the bar, The Pub at Monte Carlo offers a variety of cocktails that contain beer. The Framboise Martini mixes a framboise (lambic raspberry beer) with Stoli Razberi vodka and sweet and sour mix. The framboise adds some tempered sweetness, so the end result is pleasant and fruity, without being overwhelmingly sweet. A hint of tanginess on your palate helps round out this specialty cocktail.
