Ever since Juniper Tar unexpectedly shuttered in early July, San Antonians have been speculating on what would happen to its talented manager Benjamin Krick. Now Alamo City has its answer in the form of an upcoming East Side bar.

Krick tells CultureMap that he has busy working on a new concept, Pastiche, in a former home at 1506 E. Houston St. Zach Barnhill, the former bar manager at Juniper Tar, is also on board.

Krick says the name is a reflection of his approach to barcraft, which is inspired by the flavors he encountered during his extensive travels in Europe and Northern Africa.

“Pastiche is a work of visual art, literature, theater, or music that imitates the style or character of the work of one or more other artists,” he explains. "Pastiche celebrates, rather than mocks, the work it imitates. The name truly reflects what we do in our own industry by finding inspiration from the world around us no matter the distance or time period.”

Krick will take a similar spirits forward approach to cocktails as he did at his former home, but in "an elegant and delicate manner." "We will still incorporate our aromatized wines, fortified wines, and teas as backbones for the cocktails,” the 2017 StarChefs Rising Star Bartender teases.

The back bar will have also have a slightly different focus than the famously deep shelves at Juniper Tar, with a heavier focus on gin, brandy, and absinthe. Pastiche will also offer a selection of ciders, beers, and wines.

In addition to the spirits, Krick says small bites will be available to pair with the beverage program, although he is still working out the details.

If all goes according to plan, Pastiche is aiming for a November opening — just in time to take advantage of crisper weather.