Whiskey and a Good Book – What Could Be Better?

Long time readers of our secret blog, secret in that only a handful of our friends know about it, no doubt have observed that Cutest and I prefer to seek entertainment that is not always front page news. Entertainment can be grouped under dining and beverage consumption, which we don’t usually write too much about, and events and assorted observations of both regional and long distance travel.  It doesn’t take much, as you know, for us to enthusiastically write something.

As an example of backyard experiences, this past Thursday Rainy Day Books held a “buy a book, meet the author” event for the latest take on Jason Bourne's escapades. You might not know about the fictional character of Jason Bourne, kind of a James Bondish guy but a bit more real maybe, but I (Cute) have been a fan for a while. Cutest, not necessarily.

People might forget that Vivian Jennings started her Fairway store way back in 1975 by just selling used books.  By the late 90s, she initiated her authors’ series, making Kansas City a required stop on the national authors touring circuit. Rainy Day usually has these author conversation nights at Unity Temple on the Plaza, so this setting was unusual.

On this night in the West Bottoms, the J. Reiger distillery was the gathering site. Why you ask?  While researching locations for the latest Bourne novel, author Brian Freeman dropped into Kansas City. He met Andy Reiger, great-great grandson of founder, Jacob, who opened the distillery in 1887. A visit to J. Reiger & Co website will acquaint you with the company’s ups and downs and their current successes and offerings.

Andy and Brian quickly developed rapport. Brian was so taken in by the distillery’s history and location, that two chapters in the latest book intertwine sights and sounds in and around the main building.  This is his fourth Bourne Identity book after being chosen by the Ludlum estate to revitalize the franchise in 2020. (Ludlum had written three books about Jason Bourne between 1980 -1990 among his 27 which included some under pseudonyms as well.)

Andy is in the white sweater. We don't know who's in the red.

The evening’s Q&As were done in an off-the-cuff manner. As Andy and Brian were now quite comfortable with one another, the repartee was casual yet informative. Of course, libations were available for purchase throughout the night, as were selections from Reiger’s slim but tasty food menu. Food and beverages are usually not the case for most Rainy Day book events.

What's left of the spicy popcorn (talk to Cutest) and a very good Rueben with the best baked potatoes with just salt ever.

In spring through fall, an outdoor patio named Electric Park, nestled beside the distillery, provides guests a setting with an outdoor bar, food, picnic tables and adult sized swings. It’s a very large, entertaining space.

As difficult as it may be to leave the warm confines of home on these cold days and nights, an afternoon or evening at Reiger’s will help the wintertime blues slide away. Our advice: Buy the book which will not make you think too hard and will probably not parallel any of your life experiences. Buy it preferably at Rainey Day Books, go to Reiger’s, purchase a cocktail, then scrunch down in to one of their warm and plush wing backs. Enjoy a couple of hours of escape-from-winter before venturing back out into the cold and gray.

Best way to leave a book/author conversation in a bar.

Remember, there’s only about seven more weeks ’til spring. Then you might want to check out Electric Park.