What's this Happy Hour at Dibruno Brothers that you speak of?

Dibruno's 9th st is opening their cheese doors to craft beer lovers for a complimentary happy hour on Wed.

This Wed join myself and Wendy Domurat of Dogfish Head as we sample our beers.
I will be bringing Christmas and Dunkel.

5 till 7.

Then I am off to Josh Ritter at the TLA-= anyone going?


NEXT UP=
Victory will be there on the 9th

Pictoral observations from the weekend

On Thanksgiving Eve-= people weren't eating Cheesesteaks at 12:30 am.

Look who was open? Look who closed?









The lines were somewhere else this weekend.
Here's a snapshot of dozens of Connecticut women that all desire the same purse.
That's right- that's the line outside the Coach outlet.

Five ways to make Thanksgiving Better with Beer and Giving a Few Thanks of My Own

Happy Thanksgiving to you

Came across this today...an article on drinking (beer) throughout the day. He doesn't mention any beers specifically.

I stayed in last night so I could wake up bright and early to walk the "gobble wobble" in Abington with my turkey nugget nephews and sis, Patty.
Two years ago we ran it- just a 5k- but with the kids this year...walking was the only option.
I wore my traditional colonial wench garb. I got a lot of compliments but no one else in the fam was really dressed up so we didn't win the "corny plumage" award again. Outside of my Mystery Beer Weekend Crown- that's the most exciting thing I've won in years.

I'm thankful for a lot.

Here's just a few things, people, places, and songs that have weaved in and out of my life for which I am grateful.
Grateful for making me better, or making me think, or just showing me a good time while I'm here.

My crazy family, my guy, my job, Earl Grey Tea, Earl Grey Iced Tea in the summer, Beach Boy’s “Wouldn’t it be Nice,” Sean Benge who dates Fran who’s uncle John built my trinity and rents it out to me. Office Space, Tom Waits, Bob Dylan’s “To make you feel my love” Josh Ritter’s “Kathleen,” My new ivory holey tights with gold flakes. New Jersey gas prices. Canelles, J Scones out of Doylestown. Green Aisle Grocery.Bruce Springsteen, Jazz, My army jacket, Coconut lip gloss, Sushi, Author John Irving, Influential friends I don’t get to see all the time but remain in my thoughts – lee, jay, sarah, jacey, grace, michelle, molly, the most precious Michelle Rello, Sister Bertrand. Jamie Perry, Mr. Cicacci and his red Pen, Marshalls, My bike, Mattie Degenarro and life coach Bill Batts, *travis*, bacon, bukowski, Tasting beer by Randy Mosher, The earrings I bought 3 times in two months in 2006. I was never so determined to own something, Kurt Wilson, Janine, colored paper clips, orange juice from Café Estelle (and their bacon- but I already said bacon) craisins, Coconut frozen fruit bars, Sierra Nevada Celebration at the P and P, my grown up lady purse, Jennie Hatton who loves my grown up lady purse, Spaten Optimator, Derik Frymire, Here comes the Sun and Buckets of Rain, pork roll, black pepper, the food network, Suzanne O’Brien, Anthropologie, coffee, fat free half and half (how is this possible), stamps when I need them, serrated knives, roomie, Gettysburg, Key West when I was 21, Rochefort 10, polka dots, owls, robin’s egg and cocoa. Kelly, Meredith, Hagi, Quill, Kate, Donovan, Felice Brothers, those jazz cds from 2004. Walter, q-tips, lavender, poppop, Montreal, kindness of strangers, Streetcar Named Desire, Fergus Carey for kind words during beer week 08, Tom Peters for kind words everytime I see him, Matt Guyer for our first meeting in 2003- "Whatcha got?", Tom Baker- from idol to respected friend, Brendan Hartranft and Co, My patient bosses-Brian, Tim, Andy, Dan, Joel, Tony and Neil, growlers of Founders double trouble, technology, serendipitous run-ins, port, craft beer at airports, calla lilies, Cholula, Chris Topham, Jessie Zenquis, Jared Styles, beer by bike, 1981 Macallan from curt decker’s filing cabinet, the opportunity to write despite working for a brewery, Beer bloggers, writers and buds (this covers ALOT of people) Jimbo wiggy who helps me out all the time, dresses with pockets, gmorns and gnights, my bergamot cleanser, redken outshine, train rides, Yvonne, Champagne, Connecticut, Casey Hughes for fixing my passenger mirror, fireplaces, places I can drink cans in, “Book of love,” scrabble, jgt, my sewed up ear lobe, emergency dentist appointments, Brenda, "Fun Facts,"4 am fishing trips, Sunday drives then and now, real ice cream on sugar cones- not cake cones, blueberries, good pens, the piano, "live feed," the wit of Alison Walsh and Megan Dunn, 24 hour anythings, good bbq, snail mail, creamed spinach, peapods, Amelia Bedelia, forgiveness of people when I'm tardy, Monticello, Roy Orbison, Mark Knopfler, really big towels, skee ball, Big peppery zins, bread pudding, down pillows, 500 thread count sheets, "I love you's" from my nephews, and the one on the way.

Now I got to get going before I have to be even more thankful for the forgiveness of those that I am tardy for. I'm almost out the door Kathy- I promise -=-like she reads the blog anyway.

Bringing me to the last one-=-

I'm thankful for all of you that care to hear about my days in and days out.

Enjoy your sweet potatoes.

If you ever need to make the Train vs. Drive decision...AAA Trip meter can help

To Amtrak or Suzaru up to Connecticut on Friday...
If I already bought my ticket yesterday I would've used my AAA discount.
Now it's $5 more. I think its $55. but my li'l sis is coming now too- so that makes it $110.

But if we share gas money- it might be cheaper. But how would I figure out how much gas would be?

I googled "gas calculator"

And I got this.
That means it'll be around $80 round trip and I will have the luxury of having wheels around in case I want to go somewhere Lance doesn't.
And I can buy tons of stuff I don't need at the Connecticut outlets on Friday.
I think I'll drive. vroooom.

Big Plans for the biggest "go out" night of the year: COUSCOUS

I think I'm taking it as easy as I can get it tonight. Lance is already in Connecticut. Many friends are doing the Phish thing. My sister isn't calling me back. The raging panda is not raging..she's watching movies and drinking vino at her friend's house. April and I teased eachother about going to TRIA for Interlude, but it's already 9:46. Neither of us has texted each other in 4 hours. Chances are my kitchen saw more of me tonight then anyone else will.

I made Lebanese couscous with Pork loin. The pork was moist (dunkel marinade works everytime) but slightly overcooked. I like the Lebanese couscous (the bigger kind). I used lemon, coriander, mint, garlic, salt, pepper, a pinch of smoked paprika and parsely.
I even made enough to bring to Thanksgiving at my sister's house tomorrow.

GobbleFest Day 5: WAWA Edition

I had a twitter friend tell me about "the Gobbler" at WAWA.

It was their thanksgiving sandwich special. For $3.49 you get the turk, with cranberry, stuffing and gravy. Whether or not you toast your bun is up to you. I say don't toast.

It was good, though slightly generic tasting.
I tasted the love in the crock of thanksgiving at Varga.

I tasted the love in my turkey meatballs a few weeks ago.

This just tasted like another Wawa shorti.

Bite of the Week: Ric's English Muffins via Green Aisle Grocery

My bite of the week took place in my very own "office" as I was working away. I had purchased a bag (5) of Ric's English Muffins from the new Green Aisle Grocery on Passyunk (a block south of P.o.P.E.).

I bought them because they looked delicious.
But then at one bite, I knew this was no smoke and mirrors coming out of Lancaster. These were the real deal.

I feel like I've lived 31 years and never really had an English Muffin until now. They make Thomas's look like the Bud of English Muffins. These had 14 grains, and even a li'l pineapple chopped up in them. I spread some all-natural mixed berry fruit spread I got at Essene on top. But- they would've been just as splendid sans spread.

Green Aisle also stocks a cranberry version and a cinnamon bread from Ric's as well. Learn more about these artisanal bread fairies here.

So- of course I want to meet the man behind the bread-= this Ric guy- but apparently "ric" is Michael Stauffer. He is married to Shelly Stauffer who operates his dreamy bread business with him on Queen St. in Lancaster.

I think I'm going to email him tomorrow after i finish the last one.

Stocking Stuffer for the Heffer Alert! There is now the Book "This is Why You're Fat"

I was not aware that one of my favorite websites "This is why you're Fat" had a book published
documenting all the junk food porn you can handle.

Buy it here

or contribute you're own "This is why I'm fat" photo here .


***I'm pretty sure that's a bacon cheeseburger in between two glazed donuts.
Not sure about that one.

Gobblefest Day 4: The Hawthornes Edition

I am sure you have already read plenty about Hawthornes, the new bier cafe in the Bella Vista Neighborhood.

I went on Thursday for lunch, then again on Saturday afternoon for brunch. I wasn't in the mood either time for a beer, but I can't wait to grab a celebrator and sit by the fire this winter.
The atmosphere is rather comfortable for brand new construction.

Adult alternative music plays in the background. The menu is lengthy- mostly consisting of cold and hot sandwiches, two soups changing daily. Brunch is served from 8 until 3 not just for the weekend warriors but on Friday as well.
Otherwise the cafe opens for lunch at 11.

There are a a few turkey options, but I went for the MUC-= got to find out the story behind than names of some of these sandwiches.

Hand Carved turkey, brie and mustard rest in between some darn tasty bread house made chips sit alongside. The bread comes from South Philly (Snyder and ?), the coffee from Souderton, Pa (One Village) and Hawthornes at large, comes straight from a couples' heart. A three year dream come into fruition for the duo and a whole bunch of thirsty Philadelphians.

Gobble Fest Day 3: The Earth is Flat b r e a d edition

Stopped in at EARTH bread + brewery last night.

I was excited to get the Turkey Sausage Pizza -=-= you know , the one with Local, nitrate-free, spicy turkey sausage, banana pepper pesto, herbed mushrooms and fresh mozzarella???

But li'l sis- was craving the seed -=-=- Roasted garlic, pine nuts, pumpkin + sesame seeds and mozz.

So we met in the middle and got the local, nitrate free spicy turkey sausage on the Seed.

And there we have Gobble Fest Day 3. I know I am failing at Gobble fest (this time around I don't even have a close up of the edible)...but hang in there...more turkey to come.

On the Side-=
EARTH still has Table Tennis Tuesdays
they have live Jazz on Sundays upstairs from 7 till 9
Candlelight First Wed (Dec. 2nd next)
and they have some of the best beer (and house made soda) around.

Did you know this existed?

I saw this on a shelf at a bar in south Philly on Saturday.

I guess a bartender's friend brought it back from Belgium with him (or her).

I had no idea they made Rodenbach in a can.
Pretty exciting-=-if you ask me.

Gobble Fest Day 2: Evan Turney's Crock of Thanksgiving

My sister Michelle kindly supported me at the World Cafe Promo and wanted to get a bite to eat afterward. We were thinking Beaujolais at Tria, but then feared the crowd...and I am all about holidays- but I really don't need Beaujolais in my life.

So-Varga bar it was. I saw "Crock of Thanksgiving" on the Chalkboard and I knew I had my Gobble of the day.

It was a thick turkey soup with a stuffing dumpling/ "meatball." It was rather delightful. (Sorry the photograph is not)
I thought the Elysian Saison Apoive would be a good pairing. The pepper character in the beer would be a nice accent to the crock. But it ended up bringing out more fruit notes.
It was interesting.

I ran into Mike the newer Weyerbacher rep. Bob Fauteax is still around, but Mike is helping out in the city. He was proudly displaying their new tap handle- which is 10 feet tall.
Well- not really- but it's pretty tall. It is, however, an improvement over the bottle.
I'll try to get a better photo before I post it.

Enjoy the day.
If you're lucky enough to have your Grandmom still around, call her and see how she's doing ;)

Cheers-=-=

Steve Mashington's Sage Advice via a New Zealand Health Study: Drink Excessively?

First email I received this morning was from YARDS Biz mgr/ninja, Steve Mashington, regarding a New Zealand health study with proof that excessive drinking decreases the risk of heart disease.
Great news just in time for the weekend.
Just kidding.
It mentions the effect on other organs (duh.)
Also- that the decrease is more likely for men over 40.

Good Friday Morning-= Here's PW's Mix-a-Six

Maybe you remember last year when I did "mix-a-sixes" for Philadelphia Weekly print.
Maybe you don't.

I'll be doing them a bit more steadily again- but for PW Online.
Sometimes I might sub in another topic- if its timely...but more often than not you can count on hearing my takes on 6 beers I tried that I think you should pop a cap on too.

Here are 6 newbies in the beer market that you should invest in this week...

TROEGS Happenings: Music Fest and Bacon Mugs

I professed my admiration for Ed Yashinksy during our time in Denver. I thought I may have creeped him out just a bit- but- I guess not- because he emailed me info on an event they are having tomorrow night...

From Ed himself:


"We have A LOT of musicians at the brewery – collectively we probably play in about 10-15 bands. So we decided to bring their collective power together in one event.

Each of the bands has Troegs employees in the band.

Eli Charleston (ragtime guitar) drives truck for the brewery

Colebrook Road (bluegrass) includes our bottling line manager and one of our tasting room employees.

Up Pops the Devil (rock band) features our warehouse manager.

Starsan is the Troegs brewery band that has won the Stoudt’s Battle of the Brewery Bands Beer Fest the last two years. It’s nine brewery employees.

Also, we are excited that the lovely Mrs. Horwitz will be coming out as a special guest to perform one song with Starsan!!!!

I still remember vividly Whitney's "At Last" at her and Larry's reception.

If you're anywhere there H-burg you won't want to miss this.

In other Troegs News, Nick Johnson must have nothing better to do then create mugs out of bacon.

Not to say that I am not completely impressed, and it did spur an entertaining "R" rated email thread this morning.

My MAIN question is:

What are the contents inside the aforementioned vessel?

Meet me for Happy Hour tonight!

I know this is back-to-back World Cafe Live posts.

I got a call from bar manager, Ryan Starr, last week that they were throwing this happy hour listening party for Wes Anderson's upcoming film, The Fantastic Mr Fox. Based on Roald Dahl's tale about the cunning couple.


They're gonna preview the soundtrack.
We're gonna drink $2 Sly Fox cans and $4 pints of our CHESTER CO BITTER via FIRKIN From 5 till 7.

The Sounds

"The Ballad of Davy Crockett" from the Wellingtons, two from the Beach Boys, the Rolling Stones' "Street Fighting Man," and a handful of Burl Ives incantations - yes, Burl Ives! - guaranteed to spark a Burl revival. Throw in some Art Tatum, Jarvis Cocker, and Bobby Fuller Four, plus beautiful instrumental sketches from French composer Alexandre Desplat.

Good News for Pittsburgh Transplants Home for the Holidays

The PLCB unanimously voted yesterday to allow 5 more Giant Eagle Markets in the Pittsburgh area to sell beer.

Hopefully the shelves will be stocked by December 18th with 200+ beers.

They mention "import" and "micro," but I am sensing a lot of macros for some reason.

From the article

"Since it is Pennsylvania, it cannot be easy: the stores will have to have separate, restaurant-like spaces to hold the beer, with seating for 30 people, food preparation on the premises and dedicated check-out lines.

The PLCB will have to check the premises before beer sales get final approval.

Giant Eagle offered its first Pittsburgh-area beer sales at its new Settlers Ridge store in Robinson earlier this month and will start sales tomorrow at a site in South Strabane, Washington County. The chain has been selling beer for years in Ohio, where beer bottles mingle freely with other products in the store."

• Homestead, 420 East Waterfront Drive, The Waterfront

• Monroeville, 4010 Monroeville Blvd.

• Pine, 155 Towne Centre Drive

• West Mifflin, 9901 Mountain View Drive, Century Plaza

• West View, 1029 West View Park Drive

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/09323/1014636-455.stm#ixzz0XJ2VXQc5

World Cafe Live Victory Beer Dinner Re-cap < < <

Those Downingtown folks have been extra busy lately. In the last month- they've done dinners at Bridget Foy's, Chifa, and World Cafe Live ...and they're just the ones that were on my radar.

Last night I attended the one at my ol' stomping grounds, World Cafe Live. We had a ressie for 11. There were 95-yes 95- people at the dinner. The execution of the dinner was seamless for that amount of people.

I knew a few faces around the room (John Doherty, Andrew Konopky and cous Belinksy, Philly Beer Scene chaps, Mat and Scott), but I think World Cafe Live does a great job streamlining their e-marketing. They've got beer e-mails go to their beer people- wine e-mails to their wine people- Sonny Landreth e-mails to their Sonny Landreth people-=- so I didn't know most.

It was a ton of food and a ton of beer consumed to the background sounds of musician David Kelly. I was talking/ listening to dining companions the whole time so I didn't tune in that much but I know he did a cover of "Here comes the sun."

A Victory rep was there, but I didn't get a chance to talk to him. A portion of the proceeds went to WCL's charity, Music Cares, to support Music education for the youngsters. All guests got a Victory pint glass.

World Cafe is over the moon about their new chef, Michael Breslin. They hope to do these dinners every two months...wine dinners in between.
Here's the line up:

Crab & Arugula: Sauteed jumbo lump crabmeat (Lots and lots and lots) tossed with arugula & tomatoes in a lemon garlic wine sauce
 with: Helios Ale- the redux on Victory Saison

BBQ Shrimp: Prosciutto-wrapped shrimp accompanited by a whole bunch of jawn with Moonglow Weizenbock

Filet mignon: Char-grilled filet, lobster mashed potatoes, with their Fest bier (I forgot how malty this is)

Scallops with roasted sweet potatoes, vanilla bourbon butter paired
 with Baltic Thunder

Molten Chocolate Cake with Yakima Twilight

Notes-=

-I liked the bitterness of the twilight contrasting with the cake

-I'm glad I save some helios for the scallops...but they were also tasty with the fest bier

-John Doherty enjoyed the weizenbock with the filet more than the shrimp

-There was a lot of beer that I couldn't drink-=-=

PS:

*Tickets are on sale for their winter beer fest. Dec. 27th from 1 till 4. $40 buffet included.

Sexiest Man Alive wants a Beer Belly.

I am assuming most of you haven't seen this because it was printed in "China Daily," and I am almost willing to bet a year's salary none of you subscribe.

But back in June, Johnny Depp shared his desire to someday retire, drink a bit of beer, and work on a beer belly. You would think with his hard boozing during the 1990s to cope with his fame, he wouldn't say such a thing, but he did. And -I'm glad he did.

Most women want him for his sex appeal, I simply want to throw one back with him.

He was just named People's
"Sexiest man alive"(again). Sexier than Clooney (also two-time recipient)?
Not sure. But sexy nonetheless.

Gobble Fest Day 1: The Beer Deli Edition

I love the Foodery. I love seeing Jeff Slick, Sean and Jesse Valentine and meeting new comers as they come.

I love grabbing a beer to review and chatting with them about it. I love its proximity to some of my favorite bars (both locations) and I love their sandwiches. I'm actually not a big sandwich person. Nine out of 10 sandwiches end in disaster...
*the bread is too hard
* I have squirted out all the innards on to the plate
or
* I can only eat half and don't want to take the other half home (that one shouldn't be labeled a disaster per se). But I look forward to theirs.

I had to stop by yesterday to check on 12 packs inventory. I thought- perfect I will have my turkey of the day at their deli. I wasn't prepared for so many options! I should've went the panini route, but I ended up ordering the "OMG." I thought "always go with the special."

This sandwich's name was written with a sharpee on a sign and it was shouting at me.
It was peppered turkey, avocado, tomato, sundried tomato pesto and mozz on multigrain bread.

It was good, but I think I wanted something grilled.
I can now cross turkey Cold sandwich off my list.
I am still allowed to seek out something hot.
Or try a "thanksgiving sandwich."
I think there is one at Devil's Alley or Mcgillins. Anyone know?
Anyone want to eat turkey during the week? Get at me-= beerlass@gmail.com

Ressurection Happenings

Resurrection has
a new deal-=

Spanky and the late FDR have something in common. Providing economic relief to the masses.
From the Source:
"Our chef, Joey Chmiko is constantly tinkering with the menu here at Resurrection Ale House. Every week he comes up with something new (and wildly delicious). New right now is a Grilled Pork Loin, a Vegan Sloppy Joe and Mussels Puttanesca, just to name a few. Here's your opportunity to try everything that's new! Starting this Sunday, November 22 we're offering a dinner deal you won't want to miss! Get here for dinner after 6pm every Sunday-Wednesday and enjoy 3 courses for just $25. To sweeten the experience, we're also taking 25% off* Belgian bottles from 11pm-2am, Sunday-Wednesday nights. The quick math: Rochefort 6 for just $9! Westmalle Dubbel for just $6! (More math homework available at the bar.) (*Sorry, this special does not include vintages or large format bottles.)

ALSO
Starting this Monday, November 23rd, join them every Monday-Friday from Noon-7pm when all LOCAL draft beers are just $3.

LASTLY
Help us bid a fond farewell to Kristin Mulvenna during her last bar shift at Resurrection! Stop by this Friday afternoon, from Noon-6pm when ALL draft beer is just $3!


I hope they have Turkey on the menu.

Naked Pint @ Fork night recapped-=-

Don't have much time....but a few words on a wonderful night. Last night the Naked Pint chicks were in town. Hallie Beaune and Christina Perozzi. We had about 70 people come out to Fork to meet them and a few of us local beer chicks. It was a night of camaraderie and deeeeeeelicious food. We started it off with a reception in the back, during which Victory Prima Pils and Stoudts APA were poured. People threw a bunch back there to get loosey goosey before taking their seats. It was an interesting crowd. A new crowd. I didn't recognize a lot of people. I probably knew about 6 that were there outside the beer community. Which is a good sign I think;) I think the Pr effort in some mainstream print like The Inquirer contributed to that.

The Saison Vos was paired with a selection of tapas; grilled Shrimp and smoked tomatoe sauce, vegetables a la grecque (the fennel was a perfect pairing), house made chorizo with spicy white beans and salmon rilletes.

I was happy to see we were paired with a mezze so the guests could see how versatile our Saison is. Next up was the scallops. They were served with a pinch of meyer lemon. I was talking so much (shocker) that I hadn't finished my modest sampling of Saison when the next course arrived...which worked out to my advantage...because that last sip of Saison was a perfect pairing for the scallop...esp with that bit o' meyer lemon. The arranged pairing was with Ommegang's Rare Vos.

Then the smoked duck breast. It smelled divine coming out of the kitchen.That was perfectly paired with Dogfish Head's Raison D'etre. (The first DFH I ever had- I think it was 2000)

The night finished off with a chocolate caramel tart. People were tickled that Sebbie Buhler was in the flesh and on the bottle being poured. The guests were so nice...a few people event wanted their menus autographed.

It was one of the best executed dinners I have been to in a while...and for a good value as well.

The Naked Pint ladies enjoyed themselves and were nothing short of charming. They tried to go home after the dinner but we got them out for a T.u.d. (totally unnecessary drink) at Race st. Hopefully they will visit us during PBW 2010. Here's the group shot with a male intruder. (actually he was quite welcome).

It is also to be noted it is the first time I ever met Jodi Stout. She is one hysterical lady;)
Here is here handiwork on Gordon Grubb Jr. "YEAH STOUDTS!"

Gobble FEST Begins!!!

Porktoberfest was intense...yet easy to accomplish. There are so many varieties of swine out there... so I didn't have to repeat an item once.

Now -it's Gobble fest. From today until Black Friday- I will try to find a different turkey taste each day. It will once again culminate with Gobbley goodness from my own kitchen.

Last year was a Thanksgiving Leftovers pizza....this year- we might just have to duplicate it because it was the best thing I ever made.
But we'll see. Stay tuned.

And the week begins....

Monday came way to quickly.

It seems like two minutes ago I was still getting shoved by a tall lady from Mayfair that was not so fair. I don't know if I have been shoved since 4th grade when my best friends and I got in trouble at recess.

It went from the Firkinteenth right to Beer Camp-hosted by Two Guys on Beer- which appeared to be a huge success... It took place at Indy Hall, a community workspace in old city for techies and graphic designers. By 7:50 most of the beer was gone. I was able to snag a dunkel can and have a little bit of a homebrewed dunkelweiss. I ran into a bunch of people I don't get to see that often, which was very nice.

I took the show on the road with one of the most dazzling ladies of Philly, Anna Goldfarb of Shmitten Kitten. We had a blogger date. We drank beers, ate pizza, and exchanged numbers.

Saturday went by fast. Ate Lunch at Kanella (across the street from Varga) for a Philly Beer Scene piece. It was one of the best meals I ate all year.

Then in two hours I am at a wedding in Manayunk. The bride and groom couldn't have looked any happier (or more attractive;).

The funniest part of the evening was when a very tipsy M.F. D. spilled a Yuengling lager on one B. Johnson (bro of N. Johnson)
while she was trying to adjust her scarf for the 8th time.
It was a substantial amount of beer- but B-rad handled it well. He says to M- "Why don't you just spill beer on my shoe?"
Dunn took that as a request and poured a beer right on his leathered toes.

Here she is going for the the initial "I'm sorry" hug after first spill...





Then her follow through- pouring beer on his shoe

Post-spill amusement. This woman is a fantastic comedian and human being

Sunday was breakfast at Cochon. I was happy to see how busy the BYO @ Passyunk and Catherine got by 11:20. I got the "Toad in the Hole." Chef cures all his own meats...if you haven't been- you should get there.

Then off to the Winter Beer Fest. I enjoyed running into some familiar faces about town. I heard Saturday was much busier- which is good for Barry- who put a lot of effort into the event. He intends to do it again next year, but make it only one day.

Dinner was at Avril in Bala Cynwyd. My friend Christian and his wife April opened up a french bistro right across the street from the Bala Theater, another must do when you can.

Enjoy the weather today. Hope to see some of you at FORK tonight.

Happy Birthday to you Don Russell.

Today is Joe Six Pack's special day.

I'm sitting next to my copy of my Beer Reporter's Notebook.

I will probably see him later at the Firkinteenth.

Don's inquisitive and insighftul, funny and motivating. He enjoys a wonderful life with his wife Theresa. It's cute when he plugs her Yoga studio in Roxborough, and its cute when she shows up for his book signings and helps him out.

He's been a huge part of building the beer culture in Philadelphia. He continues to find interesting topics to present us with every Friday in the Daily News- whether its about a chemistry professor at West Chester or women reaching for pints instead of pinot.

He's an all around great guy- even if Lance still complains that he took all his money in a 2007 poker game.

Firkinteenth Details from the Grey Lodge files-=

Firkinteenth Details updated as of 12 November 2009 tapping begins at noon. Our kitchen will open at 11am serving our full menu. We expect 23, maybe 24 firkins cause ya never know. With 24 (or more) firkins, we should have cask ale going until at least 9pm. Time permitting Scoats will be updating the news page and tweeting throughout the day with cask status. 7 firkins will be pouring at any time (except when we get down to less than 7), tapping a new one as one kicks. The order of the casks will be random, but hey there should be no stinkers in the line-up. Current Cask List (likely to change, it always does): Arcadia London Porter, a robust London style porter with a deep chocolate/ruby color and the subtle accent of hardwood smoked malt. This distinctive beer is brewed using no less than seven different varieties of premium European malted barley, resulting in a complex and full bodied beer characterized by hints of chocolate, coffee, caramel and beechwood smoke. The big malty finish to this beer is balanced by a solid hop bitterness and the refined English aroma and flavor of premium Goldings finishing hops. 7.2% ABV Clipper City Heavy Seas Loose Cannon, a triple hopped IPA containing over 3 pounds of hops per barrel. Not for the faint of palate, it has an intensely floral, spicy, and citrusy hop aroma and flavor. 7.25% ABV. Coronado Islander IPA, Brewed within a mile of the pacific ocean this west coast IPA sweeps the senses with its intense hop bitterness, complex flavors and aromas. The Islander IPA pours a nice copper color with a medium body and maltiness. 7% ABV Cricket Hill Col. Blide's Bitter, 5.5% ABV Dock Street Rye IPA, an aggressively hopped American Pale Ale brewed with Simcoe and Amarillo hops. The use of 20% rye gives thisale a unique dry and spicy character. 6.8% ABV Dogfish Head 75 Minute IPA, a blend of 60 and 90 Minute IPAs with a special whole leaf cascade dry-hopping session. Post-hopping the beer gest transferred into firkins and dosed with fresh yeast and maple syrup. 7.5% ABV Duck Rabbit double-dry-hopped Brown, brewed with loads of hops from start to finish (it’s hoppy and beautifully bitter). Amarillo hops in the boil provide a spicy citrusy bitterness. Saaz dry hops in the fermentor provide a refined flowery aroma. These hops are supported by a grain bill of seven varieties of malt. 5.6% ABV. Flying Fish Grand Cru, strong golden ale showcases a variety of the ingredients and brewing methods that help differentiate Flying Fish beers. The Grand Cru is fermented at a higher temperature than our other beers adding an undercurrent of fruitiness (although there is no fruit in the beer). Very lightly filtered, the Grand Cru exhibits complex mouthfeel, strong malt flavors, a spicy hop presence and a soothing alcohol warmth, followed by a clean, dry finish. 6.8% ABV. Iron Hill (West Chester East) Totally Inappropriate. An Octoberfest primed with fermenting Quadruppel and dry hopped with American hops. 6% abv. Iron Hill (West Chester West) Hopzilla IPA. A classic rendition of the English IPA. This beer begins with a pleasant malty sweetness and modest fruitiness. These flavors give way to the bitterness and aroma of the English hops used in the boil and a generous dose of East Kent Goldings used for dry-hopping. 5.8% ABV Lancaster Celtic Rose, traditional Irish Amber Ale. This beer combines the richness of German and Austrian malts with the delicate and spicy British hops. 5% ABV. Manayunk Old Ebenezer Barley Wine, traditional English barley wine made with a nearly a ton of malt, English Phoenix and Kent Golding hops, and a British sense of celebration. 9% ABV. Nodding Head Anomaly, an unusual beer without any unusual ingredients… black in color with red highlights, rather hoppy, with a fairly light body. Abandon your preconceived notions and enjoy the interplay between the hop flavor and the roasted malt character. 5.25% ABV. Philadelphia Joe, brewed with locally-roasted, fair trade coffee, dark Munich and chocolate malts which combine to create a well-balanced, flavorful porter with a fresh roasted coffee aroma. Good from the first drop. 5% ABV. Sixpoint Otis, an accentuation of the distinguishing characteristics of stout beer: roasted flavor, full body, and hop bitterness. 6% ABV. Sixpoint Vienna Pale. Sly Fox Chester County Bitter, dry -hopping in the cask produces an enticing hop aroma in this quaffable session ale. 4.5% ABV. Sly Fox Rte 113 IPA, big, strong IPA for all the hopheads out there, brewed with British Pale and Caramel malts, and hopped with Centennial, Cascade, German Tradition, UK East Kent Goldings & Styrian Goldings. 6.6% ABV. Stoudts Winter Ale, a new version from Stoudts. 6.2% ABV. Troegs Hopback Amber dry hopped with Williamette, packed full of whole flower hops, each batch circulates through the hopback vessel, creating a fresh hoppy aroma, spicy taste and rich caramel notes. 5.6% ABV. Victory Yakima Twilight, a malty platform to showcase the intense flavors and aromas that these dedicated hop-farmers have developed in their wonderful hops. 8.7% ABV. Weyerbacher Double Simcoe, a double IPA using exclusively Simcoe hops! 9% ABV. Yards ESA dry hopped with East Kent Goldings (Yards is going old school), True British cask conditioned flavor is a complex, lively balance between malt, hops, and fruity esters. 6.3% ABV.

Non beer-related post: Meet My New Bike!!!

I've had a terrible time with bikes over the years...

When I first moved to Philly in 2001 my sister Kathy bought me a bike. Brand new -Trek i believe. It was stolen.

She actually replaced it (sound familiar lance?) and it got stolen again outside the Trocadero when I was at a show.
Then I had a beater Raleigh that my friend on heroin sold me so he could do more heroin. (of course I didn't know it at the time). I locked it up outside the retired Full Moon Saloon when I was going to Vintage wine bar once and never saw it again.

Then I met Lance. He needed to make sure the gal he was dating had two wheels. I think we were only together about 3 months when he bought me my Specialized Rock Hopper. I probably wouldn't have picked purple...but i loved it....I left it unlocked behind my last house in an alley under a fire escape behind a garage. I know, stupid.

Lance deals with it okay and starts the Craigs list research. The chap buys me yet another bike! This time its a yellow Diamondback. He takes the dirtbike tires off...and puts some slicks on it. We got some checkered grips...and I called it "my taxi."

It was raining one night and I left it locked up outside Misconduct on Locust. It was gone the next day when the weather was cooperating.

That was end of May. So I have been bikeless since then...until NOW. I had fellow beer lover Steve Bell (son of distributor Frank Bell) custom build one for me. He had a small Redline frame just sitting at his shop waiting to be put to good use. I came by the shop and we picked out some parts.... And here it is...I think its the coolest thing I own besides my lady handbag.
Y e a h- they're teal wheels that you see. The best part is I have this gizmo by Pinhead components it locks up both my wheels and my handlebars so the bike is virtually steal proof. It costs $50.

"I love fresh burgers and fresh beer."

I can't wait to go to this bar.
I was doing a bunch of research on draft lifts in the midatlantic area last night.
I came across a nice website of a bar I never had heard of before. I was intrigued.
I was on the "about us" page where the owner (who is well-respected and apparently as nice as they get by descript) says

"I wanted a bar for the love of hamburgers and steak. I love fresh burgers and fresh beer."

So-=-I am in some serious anticipation...where's the link to the beer list???
I am thinking I am going to find a nice bottle/draft list that Sly may or may not be on.

This is what I found

Domestic

Bud Light
Miller Light
Coors Light
Michelob Ultra
Magic Hat
Bluepoint Blueberry Ale
Bluepoint Summer Ale
Woodpecker
Bud

Imports

Amstel Light
Blue Moon
Corona
Corona Light
Heineken
Heineken Light
Peroni
Red Stripe
Weiss

Draft

Blue Moon
Coors Light
Guiness
Sam Adams
Sierra
Smithwicks
Stella
Yuengling

Of note: It labels Blue Point is "domestic," but Blue Moon as an "import"...curious.

=The End=

So I wrote this article....

For PW online...I'm mostly going to stay with a "mix a six"kind of thing...but I wanted to write to start a discussion on local beer in Philly. I, myself, drink everything out there.

I think its a good- no great- thing that mainstream bars are now rotating locals. Now you can get a craft beer at almost any bar in Philly now... way north or deep south.

I definitely think Locals are still respected and wanted on Philly towers...I must emphasize that I wrote the article to get people talking...not talking at me...or say I am skewed because I work for a local brewery. I am very fortunate to be able to do some freelance while working for one of pa's best breweries. Without further ado-= here it is.

Whether its Port Brewing's High Tide Fresh Hop or Yards Spruce Ale-= hope you enjoy a craft beer on this icky day.

Quick thoughts on International Cuisine Restaurants and their Faulty Beer Choices

Why must all sushi joints with a liquor license pour the usual suspects of kirin, and tsingtao-= when a Hitachino white or a nice saison (Victory, South Hampton, Sly Fox) would be so much better? Raw is one of the only sushi joints out there that has better beers.

And Italian Restaurants feel they have to have Peroni. Even Stephen Starr opens up Stella his new pizza place with Peroni... Stella actually has only 8 beers on the list but 15 wines...
Stephen, haven't you ever heard Dave Barry's famous quote about beer and pizza?

I actually went there for the first time yesterday to introduce myself and thank them for carrying our 113 bottles. Unfortunately they took it off the list and there was no on I could talk to. I left my information behind. I did have one DELICIOUS pizza. I hear the truffle one is very popular but I went for Spinach. Oodles of spinach. I almost felt healthy.

The place is laid back...service was great. Pizza came out quickly. Hopefully I'll be able to enjoy a pie with some Sly again someday-=-=

Last thought:
Of course if the beer of the native land is well-crafted then so be it.

Hey Northeasters-= I 'll be pouring at the Craft Beer Outlet tonight

Located at 9910 Frankford Ave, the Craft Beer Outlet is appeasing NE Philly beer lovers and also hopes to have some Center City residents make the trek out there. Its not that far at all. And the prices are just right.

I will be joining the Big Beer guy, Kevin Romer tonight in a sampling of our Christmas Ale, Dunkel and others-=

If you're around swing on through and check it out.

6 pm

Naked Pint dinner with the "Beer Chicks" @FORK next Monday

I only take off Monday nights from Bridgids for big stuff...like Bruce Springsteen or things such as sheer exhaustion and article deadlines.

This Monday I hand my shift over because I will be at FORK restaurant for the "NAKED PINT" Book tour with Christina Perozzi and Hallie Beaune. Read all about these lovely ladies and their new readable here...
I've been following Christina for a couple of years now...she is vital to the LA beer scene.

It will be a night (at only $55) celebrating women and beer. Connecting our coasts.
Wendy Domurat(DFH), Carol Stout, Megan Maguire (Ommegang) Tracy Mulligan (Victory) Seebie Buehler (Rogue) and myself will all be in attendance.

I can't wait. Please RSVP 215.625.9425 they also do OpenTable.

Here's the lineup-=-=-

reception
spicy tuna confit with capers on focaccia toasts · grilled flatbread with artichokes and saffron aioli
Victory, Prima Pils, Downingtown, PA
Stoudt’s American Pale Ale, Adamstown, PA

chef’s selection of tapas
grilled house made chorizo with spicy white beans · salmon rillettes · grilled shrimp with grits and smoked tomato jam · vegetables à la grecque · marinated olives
Sly Fox, Saison Vos, Royersford, PA

seared sea scallops
coriander, caramelized brussels sprouts, meyer lemon jam
Ommegang, Rare Vos, Cooperstown, NY

lightly smoked duck breast
spiced croutons, caramelized onion, bacon, parsnips
Dogfish Head, Raison d’Etre, Rehoboth, DE

chocolate caramel tart
lemon-thyme chantilly cream
Rogue, Chocolate Stout, Newport, OR

No go on Safar Foer

I was due to get to the Jonathan Safar Foer lecture at 7:31. It was scheduled to start at 7:30.
I got notification from my better half that the lecture hall was filled and the remaining 40 to 50 people were sardined in between velvet ropes watching a tv on a wheelable rack from 1985.
I said, "no thank you."

I was a bit sad because I wanted to give him my love letter that's been stamped for four years.

We went to the Belgian Cafe instead for their Great Lakes night. We didn't have dinner ressies so we sat at the bar... I am drying out for a spell- but Lance got a Sierra Nevada Tripel and a Great Lakes Dortmunder. I got a club soda and an herbal tea with lemongrass...
We ran into many friendly faces-= Ferg, Eddie Friedland, Jimbo Wiggy, Don Russel, Rich Wagner, and more. I found out Eddie Friedland is extra excited about his Thanksgiving turkey this year. And I found out that Joe 6 pack is celebrating a birthday this Friday.

It was probably for the best that I didn't get to see J. Safar Foer... I mean the lecture was titled "Eating Animals" The Veg would've sniffed my pork -loving self out of the audience in a second and might not have even wanted to read my love letter...

Canele = Olive Branch.

I was checking my gmail when I saw my friend Arthur had a link to his gmail status. I was curious and clicked on it....lo and behold it was the canele man.

The canale man is not happy with my foobooz buddy Art right now...but that doesn't take away from the fact that he is the only other place (person) I know of in our city that makes my favorite french pastry canele. Think custardy moist on the inside and caramelized to perfection on the out. They are baked in molds that give them an interesting ridged bell-like shape.

I've written on here before that they are one of my favorite things on the planet.

You can now get a cup of organic Honduran coffee and a Canale for $4 at Pumpkin Market at 1610 South St.


Hopefully the two foodies can work it out.
Maybe Philly Market Cafe and Foobooz will make up over a canele.

WinterBeer Fest This Weekend.

Tickets are still available for the Winter Beer Fest at the Navy Yard
50 + breweries with seasonal offerings.

Get the whole scoop here.

VIP begins at noon both Sat and Sun. Regular admission 1 till 5

PM session 6 till 10 on Saturday night.

Blue Point night @ POPE tonight

Almost every Tuesday the POPE hosts a craft brewery tonight it's

A Firkin of Rastafarye
and three other Blue Point beers.
and crazy Gary Rosen from the Long Island brewery