I spent two days in New Jersey this week. Pretty much surveying the market, comparative pricing, how we look in stores, etc...and one of the highlights was lunch at Dock Hoppers on Haddon Ave. I didn't get a chance to meet him but the GM there, (who is also a GM at their sister bar PJ whelihans) is the resident beer geek. Sure Blue Moon and Miller Lite are stationed on the right tower, but on the left Stone Pale Ale, Victory Prima Pils, Bear Republic Hop Red Rye, Flying Fish Mild (from 2nd runnings of Espresso Porter with a Belgian Yeast Strain), Dogfish 60 minute, Founders Red Rye and Troegs Hop Back Amber.
Even though Sly Fox Pikeland Pilsner wasn't mentioned in the above listing, I found it encouraging that in such a bleak on premise market, there are people that are adding craft.
In speaking with one of the reps at Hunterdon (the craft wholesaler for NJ) he mentioned that NJ beer drinkers are in this "Beginner's Stage" where it's all about the hops. I guess they still want to be "hit over the head with the humulus lupulus. There's no other explanation why
out of 7 craft handles only one isn't hoppy (The Flying Fish). Even Prima is the hoppiest pils out there.
I am not sure if this crowd even understands that. It seems they want to got for the beers that literally say IPA.
This is where the bartenders come in. We had an amazingly cheerful and hospitable bartender, Kelly. She was actually from Philadelphia. I liked her immediately. She's the kind of bartender any manager would want on duty if they were away from the restaurant. There are too many bartenders out their with righteous attitudes. It drives Lance nuts. Ask him about it sometime.
She told me of their renovation plans. They are actually changing the name from Dock Hoppers so it identifies better with their brand family of PJ Whelihans. They might go with PJ's Pourhouse.
They want the name to reflect the changes they have made to the beer list.
The bartender even mentioned that Tom Peters, of Monks, a local resident might help train some of the Dock hopper dames on the beer list.
They are now pouring over 30 craft and belgians (draft and blt). But why just Belgian?
Where's the Aventinus? I'm just playing devil's advocate. They're doing a good job...Jake has made a guide with descriptions as well.
If PJ's has seen the light...my hope is the ol' monkey see, chimp follows comes into effect, and smaller bars like Tom Fisher's will have a foxtail on their tower sometime soon.
February 27, 2009
For the love of St. Gambrinus...more craft beer hits Haddon Ave. in NJ
February 25, 2009
Philly Beer Week Picks for PW
Alot of people have been asking me what my picks are for beer week.
I have made a few and more to come...
but for now check out this list of Wild, Wacky not-to-be-missed PBW events I put together for Philly Beer Week Sponsor, Philadelphia Weekly.
Rock Band and the Beer Week spotlight on the P.o.p.e
Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit in the Sky" ranks 333 on Rolling Stone's top 500 of all time.
333 is a magical number. Numerology says it's represents a cosmic "Yes" to any questions or ideas that you might have. My attempt to play guitar in Rock Band 2 @ the Pub on Passyunk East (p.o.p.e) last week was a big ol' no.
I love that song, and thought I could handle the bass. I had no idea what I was getting into.
And I couldn't stop laughing long enough to play two chords back to back.
I was rather disappointed in my performance as was this guy.
But then I read that it's not the easiest thing to do anyway. Here's what guitarist Russell DaShiell has to say about his own creation (on spiritguitar.com)
- "I've been asked a lot over the years how I did the 'beep beep' guitar parts on Spirit, so for any guitar players out there who would like to learn how, try the following: Using a 2-pickup Gibson, set the neck pickup volume to zero, bridge pickup volume to max, with the pickup switch in the middle position (with Gibson wiring this gives you silence in the middle position). Do a string bend, picking the B & E strings together with one hit, just ahead of the beat, then use the pickup switch to kick in the bridge pickup in triplets (6 per bar) as you let the B string bend down two frets."
- "I mainly used two positions on Spirit, which is in the key of A. For the low position, fret a stationary C note (8th fret) on the E string while bending the B string up to an A note for your starting-position, then pick the two strings together once while the guitar is silent and work the pickup switch as you let the A note bend downwards to a G. For the high position, do the same thing at the 15th fret holding a stationary high G note on the E string while bending down from E to D on the B string."..."On a Gibson you can start from silence and create the on/off effect, which worked well with the downward string bending thing I did on Spirit."
"Downward string bending thing" See he doesn't even know what to call it- it was so revolutionary...how could I be expected to master it my first time playing Rock Band 2.
I've always wanted to learn how to play the guitar.
This was as close as I've gotten except the time an old boyfriend tried to teach me "Wish you were here." Much like all my homebrewing attempts-- it was a failure.
I will try again. Perhaps during Philly Beer Week on "Left Hand Rock Band Night"
Sunday, March 8th.
Here's a line up of other events from one of my favorite pubs...
Saturday March 7th
After party for Philly Craft Beer Fest...starting at 3
by 11 the place turns into a burlesque parlor with New Holland.
Hang out with Joel, Check the original song "Bad Girls drink Good Beer" and try some rarities from New Holland.
Sunday March 8th
Left Hand Rock Band 9 pm with Dan Conway
Prizes
Monday March 9th
Gonzo: The art of drinking
with Flying Dog. That Dennis Hewlett guy is a big fan of Ralph Steadman's work. Check out the new prints at the Pope.
Tuesday March 10th
North Coast Walk of Shame stories at 4
Sly Fox vs Lagunitas Cheese Steak coastal smackdown at 7. (do not miss this trashtalking extravaganza)
and then Adam Avery Meets the Pope at 9 pm
Wed the 11th
DJ Chris Morris the Enabler spinning at 10 with PBC beer specials
Thursday the 12th
Smuttynose meet the brewer at 4 then
"Its Always sunny in Philadelphia" marathon with the Folks from Ithaca at 7 pm
Friday the 13th
4-6 its the "Angry Hour" with Greg Koch and the rest of the "arrogant Bastards"
Saturday
Brunch with Victory at 10
Bobo of CHIMAY meets the pope at 3
then "Ginger Night" with Troegs and YARDS- Nick Johnson and Steve Mashington will be there.
Perhaps Nick Johnson will have red hair by then. Troegs and Yards will both have a ginger beer specially created for this event on tap.
Sunday
Bella Vista Bev. Brunch in the am
Also stay tuned for details on a south Philly BUS.
Wegmans Beer News for Montgomery Co. residents
Mega-grocer Wegman's reconfirmed their ability to sell beer this week.
Phoodie's got their slant here.
"This ruling only goes for Wegmans stores in Bethlehem, Williamsport, Dickson City, Lower Nazareth, State College, and Wilkes-Barre."
But inquiring, beer-loving Montgomery County minds what to know, how does this affect me?
Wegmans is coming to Collegeville this October.
You can get your snacks and a sixer at Routes 29 and 422.
From the Pitt times:
The court struck down an appeal by the Western Pennsylvania Malt Beverage Association, an industry trade group, that attempted to stop Wegmans’ plan to set up separate yet self-contained stores within their supermarkets in which beer can be sold and drank both on the premises and to take home, limited to two six packs.
Wegmans has already been selling beer at the six stores for the past nine months while the case was reviewed by Commonwealth Court, O’Hara said. He was also submitting applications to establish beer sales within another three Wegmans stores.
(that includes Downingtown and Collegeville)
Already gearing up for St. Patrick- Beer Week Spotlight on Mcgillins
Mcgillins Old Ale house is kicking off a 20 day
St. Patrick's celebration starting this Friday, February 27th.
The 149 year old bar will welcome the "Bad Boys" from Boston, Patsy and John. They'll be playing a live Irish session from 9:30 on both Friday and Saturday.
Mcgillins will be pouring Sly Fox O'Reilly's stout, Sly Fox Seamus, and Beamish. There will be Chocolate leprechauns. There will be Bangers and Mash, Sheperd's Pie, Irish Lamb Stew, and Corned beer and Cabbage.
$2 cover.
All Irish menu items will be available up to St. Patrick day.
And here's what they've got going on
for Philly Beer Week
Monday March 9th
Meet Chris Brugger of Troegs
6 pm. $2 mugs of Hopback Amber (firkin)
Tuesday March 10
6 pm
Tales, tastes & toasts with Carol Stoudt & crew.
This sounds like a good time. (not that chris brugger isn't- but I am sure Carol has plenty of stories, not that Chris Brugger doesn't...I'll just shut up)
McGillin's will be pouring a firkin of Robust Porter, McGillin's Real Ale & Genuine Lager -$2 Mugs!
Wednesday March 11
This is the last stop on the local brewers pub crawl. The drunkards should arrive by 10 pm. There will be a 1/4 of every beer that was sampled through the night on tap.
The final 3 days of FERGIE FEST- a Pub theatre fest
Throughout the month of February, Fergies has been hosting a
pub theatre fest as part of Brat Productions.
This week it concludes and you should be there for the said conclusion.
$10 gets you in the door and your first PINT of Sly Fox is on the house.I am hoping to make it to Saturday's show.
If anyone wants to join me...let me know by emailing beerlass@gmail.com.
To get more info and/or buy tickets here. Tickets also available at the door.
Johnny Showcase Hosts an Evening with Tempo Dello Spuntino:
Put Up Your Avant Garde
From the creators of Philly Fringe hits The Jersey Devil and The Giant Squid comes an evening of madcap tom-foolery. Bradley Wrenn, Justin Jain, Brendon Gawel and David Sweeny provide hearty slices of surreal comedy with song, dance, mask and prop in the tradition of a wholly imaginary Eastern European theatre troupe. Expect hijinks and low humor as inimitable host and "Top-Shelf Crooner" Johnny Showcase leads an hour of raucous proceedings.
Eden
by Eugene O’Brien, directed by Tom Reing and presented by Inis Nua
Madi Distefano returns to the role that garnered her a Barrymore Award for Leading Actress in a Play. Performed with Anthony Lawton, Eden is a heartbreaking tale of two people living archetypal Irish lives of quiet desperation. Intersecting monologues detail a marriage that has fallen victim to drink, delusions and lack of communication. After their anniversary plans turn disastrous, Breda and Billy must finally begin to confront the serious issues that have caused them to slowly drift apart. An intimate, universal drama about a couple in crisis.
Go Irish: The Purgatory Diaries of Jason Miller
by Tom Flannery and Rodger Jacobs
An intense one-man show that examines the soul in afterlife of the late Pulitzer Prize winning playwright (That Championship Season) and film actor (The Exorcist) Jason Miller. Stuck in purgatory until he can answer for the mess that his life became before he died of a massive heart attack in 2001, Miller walks us through the shattered detritus of his career and alcoholic existence, a deeply troubled man who turned his back on Hollywood and stumbled home to Scranton, PA, to become the town drunk. Go Irish is a classic pub tale performed by actor Bob Hughes, a Scranton native and childhood friend of Miller’s.
1601: In the right pocket of Passyunk (if you're coming from the south)
1601, at 10th and Tasker, isn't on the main strip of South Philly's P'yunk, so I hope they're not getting forgotten about. With great taps and a global menu that tops off at $13 (Steak Frites) it's a no brainer.
So to deal with the crappy economy and bring more business in on weekdays, owner Claude d'Hermillon has added a little recreation to the once upon a time dining room.
This area of south philly just got its second Pool table. The first being at Grumpy's on 9th st. But their beer list doesn't look like this...
Lagunitas Brown Sugar
Atomium Grand Cru
Yards Brawler
Sly Fox Seamus (an Irish-style Red)
Mojo IPa
PBC's Walt Wit
Lagunitas Old Gnarly Barley Wine
There's a nice line up of bottles as well.
Games of Stick are just a $1.
February 24, 2009
Around Main Line.com talking beer. Talking Beer Week and talking Weyerbacher
AroundMainLine.com was launched by Sarah Lockard in the fall of 2008. It's more than a blog, and there's no print complement, so it truly is a web magazine covering everything from the PSPCA to the Philly Beer Scene.
They'll be doing a large feature on Philly Beer Week in the Burbs in the next week. They are also doing "Brewcations" on local craft breweries. Ms. Lockard has kicked it off with Easton's
Weyerbacher. It truly is an education. I learned more about Weyerbacher in that one reading than I have in the last ten years of being a craft beer drinker. Lockard details the history of
Dan Weirbach's brewery, the brewing process, and mentions a few of their staples you should try.
The publisher is also plugging the "Septa Sips Safely" program. Read more about it here.
Around Main .com also followed In Pursuit of Ale on our last r5 Hop.
Here's a great shot from photographer Mimi Janosy. Look at more of her work here.
Buffalo Wings and Beer Week Spotlight on the Kite and the Key
A month in at the Kite and the Key, Justin Hoke, formerly on Perrier's payroll, is doing quite well at n Franklintown.
I ate there twice last week. One time it was the Vermouth mussels (which have since been pulled despite their deliciousness, Butternut squash, pancetta, cream).
Then Lance got Coconut Rice Pudding Spring Rolls to feed his sugar baby.
Our impromptu double date of the evening, these folks, got these wings. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
They said they were good. I smelled the heat from two feet away, which isn't a bad thing as long as there's a hydrant of Racer 5 near by.
I love wings. I am a bit of a wuss.
But I still order them anyway.
Here's a bit of history on the traditional Buffalo wing from about.com
"The historic creation date for Buffalo Wings was October 30, 1964, when owner Teressa Bellissimo was faced with feeding her son and his friends a late snack. Having an excess of chicken wings on hand, she fried up the wings, dipped them in a buttered spicy chile sauce, and served them with celery and blue cheese dressing as a dipping sauce to cut the heat. The wings were an instant hit."
The Kite and the Key are majorly involved with Beer Week and had the amazing foresight to plan way in advance so they have quite the line up.
Here's a looksie at some of it-=-=I'll be doing this for other bars and restaurants as well. Not listing everyone, cuz Lord knows I dont' have time. But I'll do what I can, when I can.
Bells Brewing Co. Founding Father's night
Larry Bell vs. Ben Franklin
3/07/2009
6 pm
Meet the Flying Fish fellas
John Fiorelli and Chuck Ott
Monday March 9th 6:30
Throwdown in Franklintown
Sat
3/14 2:30
Owner of Yards, Tom Kehoe vs. Co-owner Jim Kirk in a Sumo wrestling match.
later that night
7 pm Meet the Brewer of FOUNDERS
St. Patrick's Day parade party with Sly Fox and Brian O'Reilly.
Sun 3/15 11am till?
Perhaps drinking O'reilllys stout will land you in the emerald isle itself
Happy Fat Tuesday: celebrate with Pancake Bread Pudding
I realize this is the second Bridgids plug this week, but for good reason.
Some of you may recall that
I love pancake bread pudding.
And today in honor of Fat tuesday, Chef Andy Farrel has made it.
All day tuesday they'll feature
$3 Philly Brewing Co Newbold IPA,
$3 Legacy Noreaster Oatmeal Stout,
$3 Sly Fox Dunkel Drafts and
$3 Pints of New Orleans Hurricane cocktails
also, $2 Pancake Bread Puddings- banana or blueberry. Just $2!
10% of the all tabs will be donated to Hurricane Katarina Relief
Just south of 24th and Aspen.
February 23, 2009
Oscars were more than bareable and bared some nice gold for SlumDog
Slum Dog was a Slam Dunk
The light has shined on Danny Boyle this evening as his Front-Runner, Slum Dog Millionaire, has taken top Oscar honors along with 7 other golden treasures from the Academy.
This film was a nonstop adventure. You felt the pulse of two young boys from the slums of Mumbai. Viewers were with them along their journey that would lead them to their individual destinies.
I was less then impressed with the adult actors but their performance was secondary to the music, the editing, the storyline, and directing. It was a fantastic film. I don't believe I talked to a dissenting opinion out there.
From the Washington Post's interview with Danny Boyle:
It's almost unheard of for Bollywood filmmakers to shoot in the labyrinthine poverty of the Mumbai's slums. India's film industry is better known for its rollicking, four-hour, song-and-dance extravaganzas, which are escapist, melodramatic fairy tales that are typically filmed in Switzerland, Australia or New Jersey.
"In India, filmmakers are known as dream merchants," said Boyle, 52, in an interview at a five-star hotel just minutes from the Juhu slum. "I think it's wonderful that a film like this can be about ordinary people. It deserves to be in cinema.
The rest of itThe golden statues might be heavy, but Hugh Jackman kept things light- hearted this year.
There was comedy woven throughout the evening, and many of the winners themselves kept their speeches short, sweet, and sort of funny.
Here are a few memorable quotes throughout the night
Ar Rahman ( Original song "Slumdog Millionaire")
"All my life, I had a choice of hate or love, I chose love."
Kate Winslet (Lead Actress "the Reader")
"I had a version of this speech when I think I was probably 8 years old and staring into the bathroom mirror, and this would have been a shampoo bottle," she said gesturing to her golden statuette. "Well, it's not a shampoo bottle now!"
Danny Boyle (Best Director "Slumdog millionaire)
Upon reaching the podium and getting his Oscar, Boyle jumps up and down, then says
"I told my kids that if I ever won an Oscar, I would receive it in the spirit of Tigger."
Robert Dinero on praising Sean Penn
“How did he do it? How for so many years did Sean Penn get all those jobs playing straight men?”
Sean Penn (Lead Actor "Milk)
"“You commie homo-loving sons of guns”
"“I did not expect this and I wanted to be very clear I do know how hard I make it to appreciate me often"
*Note: Penn also spoke to the support of Gay Marriage, refers to President Obama as "an
elegant man" and honors Mickey Rourkes comeback and calls him "his brother."
*White ribbons were also spotted on many lapels throughout the evening showing support for gay marriage.
Fashionistas (this is as far as I can get from chatting beer, isn't it?)
Ivory, cream, gray and white seemed to be understated
yet elegant choices of many of the ladies (and mickey rourke) this year.
A few walked the red carpet in varying shades of blue, which were all lovely as well.
All in all, I was tired as heck, but it was a nice way to spend a Sunday evening.
February 22, 2009
Sly Fox Helles Bock and Sinebrychoff to make you feel alright this Monday night
Brigids in Fairmount is throwing on a variety of Sly Fox tomorrow night.
There will be the last keg of Sly Fox Helles bock that you will be able to drink before the Goat Races this year.
They'll be a bunch of other Sly on the line up as well.
AND and
Sinebrychoff on draft. I wrote a couple weeks ago about my favorite Finnish porter now available on draft. You saw it here first.
Brigids has been waiting to tap it and the wait is over.
From Sinebrychoff's Website:
Sinebrychoff's Porter is the only Finnish porter and Sinebrychoff's oldest special beer. Produced continuously since 1957, the recipe has remained virtually unchanged from one decade to the next. Sinebrychoff's Brewmasters Nils Sandman and Boris Orlo as well as Laboratory Manager Aarne Rahiala are credited with the development of Sinebrychoff's Porter. Legend has it that the yeast required for the manufacturing of porter was smuggled in a test tube from the British Isles to the Hietalahti brewery. The yeast was preserved in the brewery's own laboratory and transferred only several decades later for processing at The Technical Research Centre of Finland's yeast bank in Espoo.
Enjoy your Monday day
and please come drink great beers at Brigids (24th and Aspen) tomorrow night.
Cheers- Or as they say in Finland,
KipPiS!
Dos Segundos to host Ballast Point
You probably have seen Ballast Point pop all over the place over the past year or so.
I see their Yellowtail Pale ale (which is actually a kolsch style) and their Big Eye IPA the most....
But this Tuesday (24th) there will be a special guest, the
"Victory at Sea" coffee imperial porter at Dos Segundos in N. Libs.
It is a promo night, so look forward to meeting up with some other folks in the beer community. And I've got a strong hunch those Fetfatzes brothers will be around carousing.
I don't have an exact time, but I think 7:00 pm is a safe bet. And both the Big Eye and the Victory at Sea will be pouring...
931 N. 2nd St,
For those of you that haven't been to Dos Segundos, look here....
February 21, 2009
Toasting Bill Brand with his favorite "liquid bread"
I never met Bill Brand. I won't get to now and as I've spent the majority of my time awake this morning reading eulogies and his own words, I am overwhelmed with sadness for everyone who hoped and waited for a recovery following his February 8th accident.
As I was reading through some of his writing, I quickly came across this little fact which I wanted to share with those that are toasting him tonight.
I didn't know at that time that Bill had passed away in the early morning hours.
I actually have to head to Northern Liberties in a bit. I think I am going to make a stop at the foodery pick up the real San Fransisco treat and toast a man who is already awfully missed by many and be thankful for every day.
February 20, 2009
Old Chub and Flannel Pj Sets this Sunday night
The Institute is teaming up with those Lyons, co fellas, Oskar Blues this Sunday for a pajama jammy jam viewing party. Image from Vail Daily
Archie, the local Oskar Blues rep, came to Heather of the Institute mentioning how they should do an Oscars viewing party there...She didn't dismiss the idea, but added that her circle of friends always watched them in their pajamas.
So they compromised, and decided to watch Slumdog Millionaire take best picture whilst drinking an old chub and sporting their onesies. Where ever there's Gordon for $3, you'll probably find me. This won't be an exception.
From the Website....
February 16, 2009
Weyerbacher Dinner @ Standard Tap tonight!
Seats are still available.
Rich@standardtap.com
6:30 arrive
7:00 Eat
$45 per person (which actually includes gratuity and tax-not bad!)
Chris Wilson and Bob F. from the brewery will be there.
Merry Monks paired with a scallop topped with picholine olive and anchovy tapenade
2nd
Insanity paired with BBQ smoked St. Louis pork ribs with a pickled salad
3rd
Double Simcoe IPA paired with a stuffed chili pepper
4th
Blithering Idiot paired with a cheese plate
5th
XIII paired with a chocolate mousse
"Philly Food" all the beer week long at Bridget Foy's
During Beer Week, South St. Staple, Bridget Foy's, will be featuring a special menu chock full of "Philly Fun Foods." The 3 course menu is available with beer pairings on the cheap for $35.
STARTERS to choose from Cheese Steak Soup
Paired wit: Victory Braumeister Pils
or
Roasted Pork and Broccoli Rabe Spring Rolls
Paired with: Troegs Nugget Nector
or
Deconstructed Hoagie Salad
Paired with: Stoudt’s Scarlet Lady
ENTRÉES to choose from
Sausage and Peppers over Creamy Polenta
Paired with: Sly Fox Seamus Red Ale
or
Herr’s Crusted Fish and Chips with Kenzinger Beer Batter
Paired with: Philadelphia Brewing Co. Kenzinger
Scrapple Stuffed Pork Loin with Maple Lager Glaze
Paired with: Stoudt’s Golden Lager
DESSERTS to choose from
Butterscotch Krimpet Tiramisu made with PBC Joe
Paired with: Philadelphia Brewing Co. JOE Porter
or
Paired with: Sly Fox O’Reilly's Stout
or
Chocolate Pretzel Tart
Paired with: Victory Storm King
