Chef-Turned-Carver Helps Ice Bar Take Shape
Posted at: 12/04/2012 12:00 AM
| Updated at: 12/04/2012 10:47 PM
By: Dayna Landgrebe
Things are shaping up, literally, at a soon-to-be open ice bar in Duluth.
On Tuesday, ice carvers from Ice Occasions were finishing up work at the Opulent Fire and Ice Lounge on the deck of Little Angie's Bar & Cantina.
Carver Tom Schiller and his partner were wrapping up some chisel and lighting work. Last year, the ice bar suffered from warm temperatures during its first attempt at the bar, but Schiller is more confident about the forecast this year.
"They did some safeguarding. They insulated the floor underneath, which should help with the breeze coming through. And just as long as it stays nice and cold, they'll be fine," Schiller said.
Schiller shows his talents for ice carving, but he said it wasn't his first calling. After working for 22 years as a chef, he turned to the ice carving business. He said the change has been worthwhile.
"It's very rewarding. I think people enjoy having something like this this time of year. I think there's a few of them around that do it, but this is a beautiful spot, and it's Duluth. You've got to have some kind of ice up here," he said.
And surprisingly, Schiller said about 75 to 80 percent of people who carve ice are or were chefs.
The Opulent Fire and Ice Lounge is expected to open on December 7.
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