What is Industry Night?
It’s a party for anyone and everyone, but specifically for members of the service industry. A chance for servers, bartenders, bussers, cooks, dishwashers, hostesses, and others to relax and be served for a night.
On Monday, August 19th, The River and Rail hosted our fifth Industry Night. Doors opened at 9:30 p.m. and the party continued until “very, very late.” With $10 at the door, guests enjoyed unique cocktails and a tasty taco bar, both of which they wouldn’t be able to find on our regular menu, music by guest DJ Gelareh out of Honolulu, dancing to vinyl, and all-in-all just a ridiculously fun time.
These folks were doing more than just having fun, though; they were also contributing to a great cause. Each Industry Night features a different local organization to which guests can contribute. This time it was LEAP Mobile Market, which provides local, fresh, healthy food at pop-up markets throughout Roanoke neighborhoods. LEAP accepts cash, credit, debit, EBT, and DOUBLES purchases made by WIC and Medicaid recipients.
Cocktails and Taco Bar: Southern Food-Style
Guest bartender Leslie Cadillac worked with our own Shane Lumpp and Nexus Watts to serve up some taco-complementary cocktails, such as:
- Avodkado: avocado-infused Luksusowa vodka, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, jalapeño & cilantro syrup, lime, key lime bitters
- Garden Margarita: watermelon and tomato syrup
- Melon Daiquiri
- Dark n Smokey
- Boilermaker
Our taco bar had a mouth-watering spread that included:
- Queso
- Al Fresco
- Salsa Verde
- Escabeche
- Melon hot sauce
- Mole
- Salsa Rojo
- Pickled Jalapeño
- Crema
Getting sad that you missed it? No worries — we host about three of these parties each year. Keep an eye out for our next one and bring your crew!