Is This Beijing's Brainiest Bartender? Mike Bromley

“Mastermind” is a regular magazine column in which we quiz Beijing’s barkeeps on general knowledge as well as on a subject in which they consider themselves to be a specialist.

CONTESTANT: Mike Bromley, 12SQM
SPECIALIST SUBJECT: A Song of Ice and Fire by George R. R. Martin

GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

In the novel Frankenstein, what was Dr. Frankenstein’s first name?
Wow. I have no idea. Adolf? X

What was the only product Elvis Presley ever appeared in a commercial for? Hot dogs, peanut butter or donuts?
I’d guess peanut butter. X

How many US state capitals are named after American presidents: three, four or five?
I’d say three. X

Which country will host the next Winter Olympics?
Um … I was hoping I’d get one of these right ... Is it gonna be in Russia? That’s my guess. √

Which tennis major did Li Na win in 2011?
I don’t know anything about tennis. Are they called cups? Opens? I’ll say Australian Open – is there an Australian Open? X

SPECIALIST SUBJECT

What do the initials R. R. in author George R. R. Martin’s name stand for?
Ouch! George R. R. Martin. One of them may be Robert. Haha! I’m gonna get that wrong as well. No idea. Robert Renley. X

Name six of the nine Free Cities.
Oh, the Free Cities. … No, I really can’t think of any. X

What are the words of House Greyjoy?
I know Stark is “Winter’s Coming.” Greyjoy. It’s about the ocean and the sea. Maybe something about the drowned gods, but I’m not gonna know the exact words. Sorry. X

What is Oathkeeper?
It’s a sword. √

Who gave Daenerys the dragon eggs as a wedding gift?
Oh, it was … This was from the first book too. Let’s see. Some really wealthy merchant, but his name escapes me. And he’s from one of the islands, but I can’t remember. Can’t remember the name, can’t remember the island. Nope. X

FINAL SCORE: 2/10

Answers: 1) Victor 2) donuts 3) four (Lincoln, Madison, Jackson, Jefferson City) 4) Russia 5) French
Open 6) Raymond Richard 7) Braavos, Lorath, Lys, Myr, Norvos, Pentos, Qohor, Tyrosh and
Volantis 8) “We Do Not Sow” 9) the Valyrian steel longsword forged from Eddard Stark’s
greatsword Ice 10) Illyrio Mopatis, the rich merchant of Pentos

Verdict: We could feel some sympathy for Mike, but if you’re going to choose an entire fantasy novel series as your specialist subject, you should probably be prepared to memorize a few hundred fictitious names. He takes home a Dungeons & Dragons travel pack as his consolation prize.

12SQM Corner of Nanluogu Xiang and Fuxiang Hutong, Dongcheng District (6402 1554) 东城区南锣鼓巷福祥1号

Click here to see the February issue of the Beijinger in full.

Photos: Nature Zhang