The two area Rustico locations celebrate the holiday season on Wednesday with the annual “Festivus for the Rest of Us Beer Drinkers.” Between the two locations, beer lovers will have the opportunity to try seven unique brews. Guests will receive glassware from the brewery of each beer purchased, while supplies last. “If all the beers are different and all the flavors are different and all the styles are different, this is reflective of our idea of an ecumenical holiday gathering,” said Greg Engert, beer director for the Neighborhood Restaurant Group, which includes the original Rustico in Alexandria, the new Rustico location in Ballston and ChurchKey and Birch & Barley in D.C. “It seemed ideal to refer to it as Festivus. ‘Festivus for the rest of us’ is a nondenominational excuse to party. It’s festive. It’s celebration time.”
Engert became beer director at Rustico in 2006, and wanted to continue already-established glassware giveaways. In 2007, the restaurant premiered its first Festivus event. Festivus first gained footing in pop culture from a 1997 episode of “Seinfeld,” featuring the Festivus pole, the airing of grievances and the feats of strength. The Rustico events aren’t so much about the television program and are not a traditional Festivus celebration. Instead, Engert just wanted an excuse to showcase great beer and have a good time.
“I wanted to start figuring out ways either thematically, seasonally, or whatever to keep these events going where we feature four really cool beers by giving out the particular glassware for it,” Engert said. “I wanted to really showcase all of the different possibilities.”
