Vancouver bistro renames “Dirty Hooker” drink, launches “PC shooters”

by Stephen Hui on Jul 18, 2011 at 2:10 pm
The "Dirty Hooker" shot is now the "Unkempt Street Corner Pro".
Sara Willow

Since I posted Vancouver resident Jesse Kendall's letter complaining about the "Dirty Hooker" drink at the Mill Marine Bistro & Bar, sales of the shooter have "skyrocketed".

That's according to Adam Merpaw, the general manager of the waterfront pub in Coal Harbour.

Merpaw sent the Straight today (July 18) a response to my original post, announcing the bistro would be renaming the "Dirty Hooker" to be "politically correct".

Here's the full text of Merpaw's response:

Dear Stephen,

In response to your Georgia Straight article, "Dirty Hooker" drink disgusts Vancouver bistro patron, posted July 14, 2011.

The Mill apologizes to anyone who has taken offense to the shooter names printed on our menu. It was certainly never our intent to offend anyone.

We did not make up the name for this popular shooter, which can be ordered in most bars and restaurants in Canada. However, we did make the choice to put this drink on our menu. We always welcome any feedback a patron has in regards to our establishment as all feedback helps us get better at what we do. It would have been appreciated if Mr. Kendall gave us the opportunity to speak with him directly before choosing to send his letter to The Georgia Straight and many other outlets - we never got that chance. We find it absurd and offensive that Mr. Kendall went so far as to make a connection between the name of a shooter and a specific group of people.

We are pleased to see that our fans and the general public at large have come out to support and defend The Mill. While sales of this shooter have skyrocketed since the article was posted online, we will be renaming this popular Canadian shooter on our drink menu to be politically correct. Please take the time to view our renamed PC Shooter list at this link http://www.millbistro.ca/The_Mill/Menu.html . Our revised menu will be in circulation as of Wednesday June 20, 2011.

We will not validate Mr. Kenall's absurd, insulting and vindictive letter with a direct response, but are happy to respond to our friends, associates and certainly to the press.

Just what are the Mill's idea of "politically correct" drink names?

According to the new menu, the $3 "Dirty Hooker"—made with banana liqueur, raspberry Sour Puss, and cranberry juice—will now be known as the "Unkempt Street Corner Pro".

The bistro has also renamed the "Red Headed Slut"—Jagermeister, raspberry Sour Puss, and cranberry juice—as the "Red Headed Promiscuous One".

You can follow Stephen Hui on Twitter at twitter.com/stephenhui.

Comments (62) Add New Comment
Frankette
Jul 18, 2011 at 2:35 pm
Hilarious.

Feminists want to reclaim the name "Red Headed Slut". They want it back on the menu. Expect a letter to the media.
2
3
Rating: -1
Jason Statham
Jul 18, 2011 at 2:43 pm
I guess Stephen Hui won this round, as they've changed the names, albeit also in poor taste (I'm sure this eluded the masterminds at work at this resto). Keep up the good work there, bistro, and thanks for validating his article by reprinting your menu. One complaint is all it takes eh? I complained about the quality of your food yet have yet to see a change there, however.
1
2
Rating: -1
Bob Hope
Jul 18, 2011 at 2:47 pm
You Vancouverites need a hobby. A little hole in the wall made a bad decision and isn't aware that it's 2011. Big deal, move on losers! I love that this business changed it's menu in response, though. They should have stood by their guns, but Van is full of such whimpyness I suppose.
1
3
Rating: -2
makemyday
Jul 18, 2011 at 2:48 pm
what i find offensive is the food there!
2
2
Rating: 0
Toronto Lover
Jul 18, 2011 at 2:52 pm
Vancouver is losing their marbles. Is this actually being debated there? Both sides of this debate are INSANE! Are you aware that there are actual issues happening in the world, in fact just blocks from your lame patio?
2
2
Rating: 0
Oh My
Jul 18, 2011 at 2:55 pm
Your city, as evidenced by this article, is very backwards. Get with the times people!
1
2
Rating: -1
ookashada
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:11 pm
Well played Mr. Merpaw.......you are a man of brains and humour.....a fine combination.
1
3
Rating: -2
Kate Carter Hickey
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:15 pm
Adam,

What an eloquent and hilarious rebuttal. Mr. Kenall sounds like he's trying to get attention any way he can. My office is in Coal Harbour and we love The Mill and The Pirate Pub. Cheeky, but appropriate response.

Hope to see you for some shots Friday after work.

Much love,

Kate
1
2
Rating: -1
Michael Hunt
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:17 pm
They made the girls wear degrading "enjoy the view" shirts at one point (maybe still do, I don't go there anymore), have some sub-par food and don't understand that these shooter names could possibly cause offense. I think the term "bad taste" sums up the whole place perfectly.
1
3
Rating: -2
Sicklove
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:17 pm
Completely retarded. Hookers are usually quite dirty.
2
2
Rating: 0
R2
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:17 pm
The guy who complained originally needs to get a life!
Why not call the drink the Lowtrack Tango?
2
2
Rating: 0
A little taste
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:21 pm
A low-brow drinking hole for low-brow people. I'll pass.
2
1
Rating: +1
bonzo
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:27 pm
PC drinks, that's stupid...people who are offended need to take a pill... be offended about world hunger not drink names
2
3
Rating: -1
J Alexander
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:29 pm
What brainiac thought that putting these names on a printed menu would be a good idea? While I agree that it's no big deal, I find it funny that this could actually happen in the first place. The last month or so has proven that Van needs to catch up to the rest of the civilized world. You should be trying to shake the redneck stereotype, not perpetuating it! Shame on you guys for not thinking twice before printing this menu. And your obvious attempt to be contemptuous with your name changes just reiterated that many in Van are in fact, rednecks.
2
3
Rating: -1
TRESBIEN
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:38 pm
One word 'AWESOME'!
I haven't even heard of this place before, but can't wait to go down for an 'unkempt street corner pro'.
Way to not back down, but take into consideration your patrons feelings. Bravo!
1
2
Rating: -1
J Alexander
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:43 pm
What's offensive is that people like you, bonzo, still exist in this world. Let me guess, you're a Canucklehead and enjoy the odd riot too.
1
3
Rating: -2
Relax
Jul 18, 2011 at 3:49 pm
Come on, ease up on these guys. Even people with terrible taste and judgement need somewhere to drink!
1
2
Rating: -1
John Aernot
Jul 18, 2011 at 4:12 pm
cheap publicity stunt. lame
1
3
Rating: -2
JamieLee
Jul 18, 2011 at 4:17 pm
Oh yes Tresbien and perhaps the great unkempt can come down and dump lots of used condoms which can be used as a garnish for your stupid drink.
2
2
Rating: 0
A Willis
Jul 18, 2011 at 4:21 pm
I took my kids. Never again because of said menu. I don't ever want to have to explain to my 5-year-old what a dirty hooker is. I think the park board should be more careful when allowing restaurants to operate in their parks. I, will be writing to the city to voice my disgust as well. When I take my kids to a place in a city park, I expect more, considering that we pay for these parks. It wouldn't be a big deal in a club or an adult pub, but this is in city park for crying out loud! You guys screwed up BIG TIME!
2
2
Rating: 0

Pages

Add new comment
To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty.