From the inbox: Ryne Schofstal Joins 2 Sparrows as Bartender

This was in the inbox today - not just an announcement, but a charming video of Ryne Schofstal at work, mixing up a couple great cold-weather cocktails. Take a look...

2 Sparrows is excited to announce the addition of Bartender Ryne Schofstal to the team. Along with Chef/Owner Gregory Ellis, Schofstal, who began in December 2013, handles the development of beverages at 2 Sparrows.  He oversees the bar and barista areas, with a hand in creating craft cocktails as well as selecting unique local beers for the restaurant.  Previously the Store Manager at Pastoral Lakeview and the Company Beer Buyer for Pastoral, Schofstal has years of experience building beverage programs and is utilizing his hands-on approach and knowledge to elevate the cocktail, beer and non-alcoholic drink offerings at the breakfast, brunch and lunch outpost.   View Ryne in action, mixing up brand new beverage creations at 2 Sparrows, here: 2 Sparrows: Making the Winter Rouge and the Eggnog Royale Schofstal's unique background includes time spent on the mixology/beverage side of restaurants as well as in the kitchen, most recently as Sous Chef at Chicago's famed Franks & Dawgs.  He received a Bachelors Degree of Culinary Arts from New England Culinary Institute in Burlington, VT, before moving to Chicago.  Schofstal is a big proponent of comfort and rustic cuisine and believes food and drink should be warm and memorable.  Ryne believes that eating and drinking should remind a guest of great times and great people and service should be welcoming and never pretentious.  He is also passionate about utilizing seasonal and local ingredients whenever possible, falling in line with 2 Sparrows' mission. Schofstal first developed a love for food and beverage watching "Great Chefs" and "Great Chefs of the World" on PBS.  His first job was as a bus boy at a fine dining restaurant in Pottsville, PA., and the rest is history.  He looks up to individuals who produce small batch cheeses, wines, beers, etc.  "Without these purveyors," says Schofstal, "chefs and bartenders could not create the amazing things we do."   About 2 Sparrows 2 Sparrows is a seasonally-driven breakfast, lunch and brunch outpost located in the heart of Chicago's charming Lincoln Park neighborhood at 553. W. Diversey Pkwy. The restaurant is open seven days a week, Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Reservations are not taken. All major credit cards accepted. Private parties are available. For more information, please call (773) 234-2320 or visit 2 Sparrows' website and find the restaurant on Facebookand Twitter.