Hit Rock Bottom Tonight

Dibruno Brothers 9th St. continues their Wednesday Happy hours tonight with Rock Bottom brewery out of King of Prussia.

The entire store is 10% off from 5 till 8.
Beer is complimentary.

Afterward you can take a walk up to Wishing Well or head south to the revamped Teri's or you can head even further south and have a beer at the POPE on the 4th anniversary of opening their doors at Passyunk and Dickinson.

Alles Gute zum Geburtstag!

In addition to the non-stop World Cup action (and beer a day give away) Brauhaus Schmitz is celebrating 365 of being alive on South St.

They looked at a few different spots and settled on the old American Pie store.
There were many a naysayers out there that doubted the location would work.

But their Hoffbrau-filled year speaks otherwise.

The bar is beautiful, the food is a great tribute to the homeland, and the service charming more often than not.
My only wish is the bar was more than 14 stools. 

Fun Fact: I also recently discovered Doug Hager has a passion for Pink Floyd when doing karaoke.

Another year for the Panda

Today my roommate is another year older, and probably wiser.
She loves the surf dance, avocados, and BET (as in Black Entertainment Television).

She might not approve of this photo since she's eating a chocolate chip cookie, but I like it.  I have 100s of her but wanted to make sure I had one of her drinking beer since this is mostly a beer blog and she is the Secretary of In Pursuit of Ale women's beer club.

She is off today- Lord knows where, hopefully she's surrounded by people that think she's as great as I do.

Happy Birthday.  This calls for ice cream.

The Best thing I Ate All Week

Usually I like to spread myself around a bit.  Don't get the wrong idea. I mean with bars.  I try to constantly switch it up.  Seeing a fair amount of existing Sly Fox bars and restaurants while keeping mindful of those who have yet to give us an opportunity. So its a rarity for me to spend two back to back Friday nights at the same establishment.  Southwark got me the last two in a row.

Two Fridays ago- we hung tat the 4th and Bainbridge bar for a bit then headed eastward to the new Head House.  HH  had only been open a few days and are still getting things together. It was nice to see the coolers filled but I look forward to going back when the kitchen is in full effect.

Last Friday- I met Lance at Southwark after my sampling in New Jersey.  We ordered a bunch of small plates- the best of which was this crab salad loaded with dill.   I can't stop thinking about it.  The crunch of the snap peas (edit), the accent of the dill, and the sweet crab meat complemented by a little Sauvignon Blanc- the perfect start to the much needed weekend.

Happy Birthday Jeff Keel

Jeff Keel- father of three, husband to the lovely Megan Keel, and owner of the popular fairmount pubs Bishop's Collar and St. Stephens Green.
Avid runner, Pikeland Pils Can fan, and split right down the middle between the Steelers and the Eagles.

Happy Birthday Jeff.

Battleship New Jersey Beer Fest tomorrow

Take the ferry across the river and enjoy exclusively New Jersey Breweries.
Set up by the New Jersey Brewers Guild.
The event will go from 1 till 5
Food is available for purchase- and The Cabin Dogs will play (sort of Alt country from what I remember three years ago).

Lance will be there pouring for Iron Hill Maple Shade.


I think you also get the opportunity to try the Ship Inn's beer out of Milford, NJ. They often don't attend events like this.  Look forward to an upcoming blog all about my trip to the Ship Inn yesterday. 

Tickets are available for purchase online up to 12:59 this afternoon.

Happy Birthday Tommy b-a-n-a-n-a-s

Today is Tom Buananno's a.k.a. Tommy Banana's big day.
He's been a major force in the beer industry for years now, currently specialty beers at Muller Dist.
If you ever go into a place like Amis, Parc, Oesteria or James and see Brooklyn, YARDS, Flying Fish and Stoudts- he's got something to do with it.


I stole these pictures from Steve Mashington who looks like he got them from Nicole Kelly.

Happy Birthday Joel Armato!

Many call him Dr. Joel.
He's never saved my life or given me medical advice so I just call him Joel. And friend.

When I was younger I used to use the words, peachy, keen and swell a lot. He's all of those things.

He reps New Holland beers, loves music, and takes picture of everything he eats.  Read here.

Best news I heard all Week (because I live in the Italian Market): Teri's finally puts that liquor license to use

Yesterday was one of Ressurection Ale House's Bartender's birthdays, Rocco Renzetti.
If you've ever been to the P.o.p.e. you'll see him with his long sandy brown hair and sunglasses living well and drinking well amongst a p.o.p.e. posse of regulars.  Last night a big crowd came out to toast his days to date.  Amongst them was a pal Nikki.  She handed me a fluorescent pink flyer and told me about her new job managing this bar in the Italian Market.

This bar was a cute luncheonette just south of Washington on 9th st. called Teri's.
Very under the radar, but my kind of place.  I had lunch there once and could tell that they were in a transition phase.  And now I learn what they were moving towards: a BAR.

Flyer Reads
New Bar Hours 5-2
Takeout beer
*Frozen drinks, "adult milkshakes" and other summertime cocktails
*Banging Late night bar menu
*Drink Specials and Good summer fun




Saturday Night Fever
8-10 Sly Fox cans and Jim Beam $2
Midnight raffle for free Booty
10-2 Funk, Soul and Motown Dance Party

This is my first weekend completely off since April.  (except for Friday night) this is how I'm going to spend my Saturday. 

Maybe Ill see you there.

Take this quick Philly Beer Week Survey- and maybe win a pair of tix to next year's opening tap

If you complete this here survey by 3 pm on Monday June 28th- you will be entered to win two tickets to Philly Beer Week Opening Tap 2011.

Bob Barrar Brews a Perfect 10

On June 21st 2001 Iron Hill opened up their Media location.
To commemorate the decade of excellence and a million awards- Head Brewer Bob Barrar brewed "Perfect 10."
If you're in the area- I bet it'll be a good night to swing by. (John Doherty;)


Here are 10 fun facts about the beer from IH:


A Full bodied Imperial IPA with ten things that make this beer perfect:

1. TEN different hop varieties

2. One Hundred and TEN IBU’s

3. TEN Percent ABV

4. TEN lbs of Orange Blossom Honey per BBL

5. TEN lbs of hops per BBL

6. TEN grams of servo (yeast nutrient)

7. TEN years of Media Brewing

8. TEN minutes in the Hop Back on 46lbs of hops

9. TEN years of Bob Barrar, Head Brewer

10.TEN year celebration of Media Hop Heads

Hello Summer

A Few Beer Week Numbers

 

Biggest casualty: My new blue cowboy hat. Last seen at Smoke 'Em if you got 'Em Or maybe Johnny brendas. $15 REWARD

Competitive Events: 3  BEERMUDA Triangle- Trying to Dunk Jim Wiggins-(didn't come close) and the Firkin off Sly vs. South Hampton- when Brian O'Reilly  tied the city record of 11 minutes and 57 seconds.

Cans seen smashed with Hammer Of Glory by Spencer Niebhur: 1

Cheesesteaks: 3

Lil Petes visits: 1

Random Hotel stay with beer gals: 1

Collaboration beers tried : 3

Times in Bars:  43 (I think)

Late nights with Joe Gunn: 3

Late Late night with Joe Gunn:1 

Nights in Monks Back Bar- miraculously only 2  

Capsules of Milk Thistle: 10

Wigs Worn: 1

Women centric events attended: 3

Miles ran:Only 3 1/2

Miles Biked: 25

Times at Gym: 0

New beer tees acquired :2

Favorite beers of the week: Still love that Chester Co. Bitter, Enjoyed the Boubon Barrel Angel's Share at Jose Pistolas, Drank as much Brotherly Suds as I could.  It was nice to see a little of Sly's Berliner around. Tart, low in alcohol and refreshing. Enjoyed the Saison Du Buff Collab as well as the Sierra Nevada Ex Porter and the Standard Porter.  The Russian River Registration definitely had the RR stamp on it bright and hoppy.

 I had so many events myself- I really didn't get a chance to  try all that was out there.

A Little Education Thrown into My Beer Week

In a way every time you drink a beer, you're learning-sometimes it's as simple as learning what you like and don't like. 

But drinking beer with Sea salt, smoked salt, lemons, spicy nuts, MSG, Smoked Trout, Bacon, and Caramel Cheesecake takes the education to the next echelon.

The neatest thing I did for myself during beer week was attend the Monell Center afternoon tutorial at London Grill led by Marci Pelchat.

About 18 people signed up for the class including Tom Peters, and Jean Van Roy.  The associated brewery was Stoudts, so Jodi led the class, with Carol adjacent, and Mike Pearlman in tow as well.

We did a few olfactory tests, such as holding our nose and eating jelly beans.  You would pop an espresso one in and not realize it until you release your clamped nose.  It illustrated how much of what we taste is in the aroma.

Another exercise had us take a bite of the ever bitter Radicchio and rate its bitterness on a scale of 1 to 10.  Then we had to take some coarse sea salt, sprinkle it on and take another bite.  It was sweeter.
I never thought that adding salt to bitter would = sweet.

The expected pairing was the caramel cheesecake with Fat Dog Stout.  But then Jodi suggested we try the StoudtS Dbl IPA with the cheesecake-that was her preferred pairing.

You can hire Marci for private events. Email me if interested.

The Biggest Lie of Beer Week: "Raging Panda to be contained in West Philly"

The Raging Panda thought she would take it as easy as she could get it this beer week.
She actually told me she was temporarily taking shelter from the beer storm in West Philly so I wouldn't need to tiptoe in the house or leave my shoes outside when I came home after working three events.

This was a big, massive lie.
Raging Panda was everywhere from Opening Tap right up to doing Cisco's Thong song at the T.U.D.  the final tap if you will. 

This is the text my roommate got after opening tap>>>>>>>>>>>

She made was actually part of the Hammer of Glory parade, rollerskating the HOG from VARGA to Brauhaus.  Then made it to Swift Half at least 2x, Johnny Brenda's 2x, Joses at least 2x, City Taphouse 1x, Misconduct 1x, She started off strong with Good Dog aka Bad Puppy, then decided she should avoid it the rest of the week. 

I don't believe she ever made it to West Philly, she made it to Manayunk for that shitshow of bike race day but no West Philly.

She also told me she was never drinking Fish Eye boxed wine again. But as of tonight, the lies continue.

With all of that being said, my beer week ended with a roomie-given bouquet of peach miniature roses and a card that said "You're awesome." 

Takes one to know one Panda.

Way to beer week like the IPA beer club secretary you are.


Stay tuned for more Beer Week superlatives until Friday at which point I won't talk about Beer Week any more.  *unless i'm paid to;)

The very best thing I saw during Beer Week

When Casey Parker told me about "Late Night with Joe Gunn" I knew it was gonna be good.
The kind of good that will keep you out for two more beers and a cheesesteak kind of good.
But it was the best thing I saw all week, besides my shower at the Sofitel.

There was facial hair shaving, flying steaks, steaks flying back, waxing "jawn", homebrewing interviewees, hot toddies and way, way too much whiskey.

More later - I promise- as well as other insane things that happened during the week.

Frog Burger to host Thursday Happy Hours- this week Sly Fox

The Frog Commissary (Steve Poses) opened Frog Burger on the front lawn of the Franklin Institute over Memorial Day Weekend.

I stopped by yesterday to meet with their bar manager -yes bar manager and chat craft beer.
They are currently serving PBC's Kenzinger and Fleur de Lehigh as well as Yuengling.
Unfort upon my arrival yesterday I saw more green bottles than brown.  I hope that changes.

They are planning on hosting Thursday Happy Hours starting tomorrow during the summer.
I will be there pouring cans of Rt 113, Weisse, and Pils for I think only $2.  They won't be $2 all the time just tomorrow night. Come out if you're in the area.

Noah, the bar manager, suggested I get the LOVE burger.  It's a burger served on a grilled cheese with four pieces of bread and a secret sauce.  It's the last thing I ate before I weighed in for the Philly Beer Industry biggest loser competition.

The menu also includes Fried Green Tomatoes, Grilled Sweet Corn, Chesapeake Crab Roll and a lot more.

You can follow them on twitter here.

Bridget Foys wants to know if your Dad is a Sly Fox

Every year Bridget Foys teams up with sly Fox for Father's Day (which is this Sunday slacking children out there).  I think if you live in the city and your pops is coming to you- this is a good bet. 


The Menu is featuring....

Spiced Rubbed Ribeye served with Cheddar Mashed Potatoes, grilled Corn on the Cob, Ancho Butter

OR

NY Strip Steak
Beer Battered Onion Rings, Haricot Verts, Mashed Potates and Truffle butter

Paired with a glass of Sly Fox Stout of a Glass of Cabernet for $22.

The rest of the menu is available as well.  

A Blob named Su (zy): My Philly Beer Week Eats

If there wasn't already and awesome book/blog titled, "This is Why I'm Fat"-it would be the name of this post.

The Philly Beer Industry Biggest Loser kicks off tonight at 5:30.
I can't wait to be/feel healthy again. I was doing so well before Casey Parker's wedding.
I went to the gym. I ran. I actually exposed my arms at the wedding.

The last ten days took their toll.
I was deprived of sleep, but never food, as I stuffed my face constantly.
I ate when I was hungry. I ate when I was not.

I ate tons of meat. And i had much regret.

Calcium-rich TUMS' stock is up as is the scale.

My beer week kicked off with some nice snacks from Bar Ferdinand.  Everyone knows they have great food, but people are always in a sangria state of mind.  Their beer list doesn't get talked about as much, but they definitely "get it" and have great beers on their menu. These battered and fried cubes were filled with cheese and topped with a marshmallow like cube. They were as tasty as they are cute.

Sherri Wade of Southwark created a fun Happy Hour menu for beer week. There was an amazing Salmon appetizer.  I usually steer clear of the pink fish (ate it way too much growing up), but I try things at Southwark I wouldn't try at other places because everything she touches is golden.  Sherry also made an ice cream sundae for the week using DogFish Head's Black and Blue. ( A golden ale with pureed black and blue berries. It was topped with house made whipped cream, chocolate and a praline pretzel crunch of sorts.

Friday  was a IPA dance party recovery lunch at the Royal Tavern with my sister.  I went with the Sweet Potato Banh mi.  I had consumed so much meat in the week, I thought that the Vegan Vietnamese- inspired sandwich was a smart decision. But the glutton in me took the bartender's suggestion, and threw some smoked gouda on it.  Because that's what blobs do.

 Fun food Fact: I really don't eat cheese steaks often. Except for Philly Beer Week.  When I consumed not one, not two, but 3 of them.   I am  taking responsibility for only one of them.


There was the "late night with Joe Gunn" cheese steak with whiz (so much more on this epic event later).  That was totally intentional and I shared it with fellow liver destroyer, Wendy, and Gordon Grubb. He only got two bites.

There was the Lance Romance forced PATS Cheese steak late night on Friday. Every single time I eat one of these- there's instant regret.  He loves them. It really deducts relationship points.  But it was a nice nightowl soaker after draining a firkin of Bitter at Good Dog in 11 minutes and 57 seconds. Lance had 4 pints in that time.

Then there was the Duvel/Ommegang rep Megan Maguire cheese steak late night at Lil Pete's.  She wanted one, and I offered up a triangle of my Monte Cristo for a quarter of hers.  PS:  When nervous or in doubt at Lil Pete's the Cristo is a safe bet.  Wendy went the way of the dog, ordering a Texas Tommy.  Now are protruding tummies are the size of the southern state.

Saturday I cheated on beer week with a long bike ride and glass of Pinot Gris at Valley Green inn.
Before we left-we needed some energy.  In my beer week world, that's provided with grease.
Everytime I go to Paesanos I get the Arista. I switched it up that afternoon and got the Paesano.
Tender brisket, fried egg, cheese, roasted tomatoes and other goodies.  I could only eat half.  So I rode my bike the the homeless area by the public library and left it on a bench.  I hope it was eaten.

Sunday. I made it.  I should celebrate. And I should celebrate with SPTR's fried mac and cheese balls.  But I haven't stopped wanting it ever since. I order the omlette du jour.  Asparagus, mushroom, and cheese.  Just as yummy as everything else that comes out of Scott Schroeder's kitchen.  Somehow I left without ordering the fried ice cream sandwich.

Speaking of dessert- I made a batch of Chocolate ice cream tonight with crushed Hanover sourdough pretzels.  It's called "Snyders of Hangover." And since I'm a heffer, please come over and have some so I don't eat all 2 quarts.

Philly Beer Week via Text Exchange between Two Beer Reps

I'll be posting a whole bunch of nonsense from the week that was BEER.

There will be recaps, lotsa food pics, but first for your viewing enjoyment- 

a week of unedited Text exchange between DogFish Rep Wendy Domurat and myself.

It's ridiculous.

Wednesday June  2 (almost there)

W: Hi

Me: Are you bored?

W: Yes. Wipeout IPA. You?

Me:at standard with megan modelo. She’s taking it ez and heading home soon.

I’m probably going to swiftys

W: Mmmmm hungry

W: (text blank)

Me: you sent me a blank text

W: My mind is blank

W: mmmm need some ice cream

Me: tomorrow

W: whatcha gonna do with all those hops, all those hops, all those hops

W:miss you guys. We need a beer bitch weekend

Me: we miss you too

Thursday June 3rd

Me: u next door?

W:nope

Me: ouch

W:why ouch? Going to Origlio PBW!!!

Me: I need a ride to my coche

W:I’m watching Megan train someone. It’s funny!

Saturday

W: Where after? At Southwark.

Me: Megs got a thing at side car. Not sure. Im at good dog. Still in running gear. Been dying all day

Me: At TIME. Where u?

W: South

W: WArk

Me: You’ve been there a while

W: Sage says sponsored by Sky Kdox

Me: I’m so jealous

W:What’s at TIME

Me: I was hanging out with Brian O’Reillys bro in law. I ran into him at bad puppy. We were goin to BAR but AC was out…so lappy and tim ohst wanted to go next door

M:I’m gross and smelly fr run. Going home after this. Might go to POPE costume party

W: Home

Me: At joses. Came to pick up my bike and met Laura Bell outside.

W: I somehow locked myself in courtyard

Me: Do you need my help?

W: Are you going out after Joses?

ME: Run through the fence

Me: Ill be home in 20

Me:I’m hanging out with Laura Bell

Me: you called me. Ok?

W: Butt dialed

W: we were listening to you talk about your run

SUNDAY

W: what times your brunch today?

Me:Im hoppin on train at 12

W: nice. I think we are going to go

Me: wanna go with me?”

Me; I have to carry a case of pint glasses on the train

W: I’ve gotta get my car out of the garage. Its gonna be like 75 bucks

W:I’ll meet you. I have to retrieve car, drop case of festina peche off at misconduct then scooting to Yunk

(Note:she never made it)                                      

W: we couldn’t get there in time. Smoke em?

Me: leaving yunk now not sure

W:Im hot and miserable. Thinking of bailing and saving up for the rest of the week

Me:Im headed to smoke ‘em

Me: where are you ?

W: Without AC on my couch.  I’m bloated, achy and just plain fat

Monday

W: game plan?

Me: meet here at 2:45

W: word, did you eat?

Me: Y

W: I’m hungry

Me: Will you drive me to POPE to get firkin supplies

ME: bye

W: come to Joses

TUESDAY

W: I bet I feel like you did yesterday...with a side of cramps

Me: I can barely move

W; Me neither but the vicodin is helping

Me:where u?

W: In bed. Slowly dying

W: woo hoo Philly beer week…ow,ow,ow

Me: I hate Philly Beer Week. Let me know if you wanna go to home depot later

W: Yes I need to. First I wanna rip my liver out

Me:Im leaving for home depot soon. You’re not gonna make it

W: I need a fountain Coke Soo bad

Me: It’s like everything hurts

W: I know

W: When do you wanna leave?

Me: Sort of now. Wanna get it over with.

ME: I’m dressed…somehow and I’m wearing leggings in public

Me: ok I’m leaving

W: She’s got a huge ass

W: overheard by a brewer at Iron Hill…”No that’s Wendy, she’s one of my girlfriends best friends”…tear

WEDNESDAY

ME: U rang?

W: call when you have a second

W:They’re looking for you (she’s at Dogfish Trivial Pursuit at REssurection)

Me: 5 min  (but my 5 min is usually 15)

W: Dave Mashington is here

W: Where you?

Bar. Still Dying. Sober

W: Something is not right with me. Still drinking vintage duck duck gueze

ME:At late night with Joe Gunn. Thought I’d see you

W:IF I get a cab will you let me in the courtyard?

Me: yes

W: getting cab –exhausted

ME: I feel so awful

W:In cab. Want to crawl up in a ball. Just exhausted

W: I’m a waste of flab and blob

W: I’m so happy now

ME: I just looked at our text exchange from the week. It’s hysterical

W: hello?

W: My body wants a new owner

W: Where are you

Me:Rembrandts.

ME: Going to dunk tank quickly. Then record shopping. Then CHIFA

W: Cool. We are coming over to dunk tank

W: Funny story for ya

W: How’s Dance Party?

Me: Fantastic

Me: Where you at?

W: Couch in Oreland

W: You?

ME: Ugh. Resetting. Taking a nap. I think I just want to be in bed if I’m not at an event. Of course that won’t happen.

W: Yup- It’s been tough. Have to be at Standard at 4

Me: for?

W: Event. Firkin.fun

Me: are you headed to headhouse today? I’m taking a bikeride with lappy

W:Nope Southwark at 5

ME: I’ve got 11 miles left on my bike ride…then freshen up then southwark  (this didn’t happen right from bike ride to southwark like a sweaty champ)

Me:I’m gonna bike to my car, drivie to southwark.. I might look ugly, fat and sweaty

W: sweet. We’ll keep our distances. Curt says thanks for coming last night ( I didn’t go to Nodding Head happy hour at southwark on Fri)

Me:ouch! I had to help my sister get ready for a ball at the Four seasons and be at good dog by 7

Me: I’m wearing a green linen dress.  I look like a big fat lime

W: I m sure it’s pretty

ME: What hops are in 60 minute

W: Amarillo, Warrior and mystery hop x

ME: Bloated and tired. Not sure about JB’s

W:I’m at Dimitris and sweating like a hippo! Why am I sweaty so much

Me: are you definitely going to JB’s?

W: Do you understand that I am dripping!!! What is wrong with me. Breaking down

ME:I’m more bloated than a sumo wrestler

W: How’s smores?

Me: Good. Messy. I’m torn about JB’s

ME:U getting a cab?

W: Of Course

Me: Okay. Leaving Univ City now. Only had 2 beers. Driving home. Then cabin it over.

W: were upstairs

SUNDAY

ME: U in oreland?  Zythos doesn’t have my beer and Brian O’Reilly’s on his way.  Ugh. Why me?

W: uggghh! Was Sly beer there or did he show up for no reason?

W: what happened

Me: He didn’t seem upset. Im at SPTR now.  Then maybe POPE or Devil’s Den. I’m fat and I’m drinking delicious beer

W: Can I use your laptop for like 15 min? If I can- then I can stay in town and not go home

Me: Sure, but how to get in?

W: Is hobbs home?

Me: No date at City Tap house.  What do you need to do?

W: report

ME: So what do I need to do? Come home?

W: No Ill find someone else. Or Ill go home

Me: I’d rather have you stay

W:Im asking Modelo if she’s around

W: Shit Meg is in Burbs

W: Megs gonna drop off her laptop

W: Wait until you see me in my boyfriends shorts

MONDAY

ME: When you back? I’m STARVING.

3rd annual TUD tonight- @ Fergies 2nd Floor 7 pm

One (S)more night

TONIGHT

I'm at City Tap House roasting smores and chatting Sly Fox at 39th and Walnut from 8 till 10.

The Tap house has had a bevy of great events this week. I'm looking forward to it.

TOMORROW NIGHT


It's the TUD. The Totally Unnecessary drink.
Be at Fergies 7 pm till 11  for a beer week wrap up karaoke craziness.

St. Nobodysville (by my ghost writer)

Comin' at you from a headache and pseudo-severe dehydration. Lets call this place St. Nobodysville ... the where isn't important, the how don't matter much... just don't make me look at a beer until that little turkey timer pops up and I can re-emerge tonight as a  butterfly... make that barfly.

So you, my fellow Philadelphians and holders of the key to St. Nobodysville, haven't heard much from me this week, but then again you're out there drinking your wages and spoiling your digestive tracts too. We might have even bumped heads out there in real time. Still, I would hate to leave you hungry to know about my gourmandizing.

Picture this: the time is midday, the place is the Royal Tavern. I am daintily plucking at a sweet potato banh mi and fresh greens, while sipping ginger ale through a short tube. The bartender (oh! that worldly crew!) informs me these are called vegetables, this particular ale is 0 % and has 0 IBUs, despite the earthy backdrop and this tiny cylindrical tool is very common among liquor and soda drinkers, as well as the juice box crowd.  We get so few of those in St. Nobodysville. I gathered several to bring home with me, in case you don't believe.

Happy convalescing, Readership. You lucky ones are waiting out St. Nobodysville horizontally at home, while some of our brothers and sisters had to bear it out there in The Real World: replenishing vitamins from orange and pink bottles of water, and recapturing sleep in 4 or 5 minute increments on folded elbows.

See you soon.

A few noteworthy Sunday events

By the time you read this you probably have your brunch plans set.
There's plenty of brunches
*Vintage Beer Brunch at Memphis
*ELVIS Brunch at p.o.p.e. - "Elvis" in his different phases will be there.
*Side CAr Allstars with Bells Brewing
*and Jose Pistolas with Santa Casey

-Some em if you got em kicks off at 1.  I expect this to be quite crowded.

-5 Dark Horse Stouts on Tap at Bridgids 2:30 pm

-FOODERY (2nd and poplar) has a homebrew meet up and exchange after 5 tonight.
- AND you won't want to miss a drunk Nick Johnson at Johnny Brendas later.
Apparently hes going to be throwing 'em back a t a bike race party in manayunk all day THEN going to johnny Brenda's. He's gonna be a hot mess, and you're gonna wanna be there.

-Pretty things project dinner at World Cafe Live 5 pm $50.  They make great beer.

FERGIES 7 till 11  Ferg's cous Shane will be playing music.  Should be fun for a pint or two.

Later tonight GO FLYERS- and there' Karaoke with the lovely Laura Bell at the p.o.p.e.

Day 2: Barely Surviving

I think I can finally focus on typing again. Yesterday was a rough one.

Friday led me to Jose Pistolas for lunch
Standard Tap post lunch to try the standard porter and the Brotherly Suds 1 Collaboration.
If you havent had it yet,- It's ane Esb with 5 hops and 5 malts brewed by Stoudts, Troegs, Victory, Yards and Sly Fox at the Sly Fox brewery.   Make sure you try some this week.
Then I had an event at Bar Ferdinand.  I arranged for Art in Bars to hang pieces around the restaurant.
The crowd packed in for Flamenco dancers and sangria.  But a few people were there for the beer.
I met a nice couple on their way to a National show.  It's kind of funny because if I wasn't liver deep in beer week- I'd probably be going to that show.

Then it was off to catch about 20 minutes of Opening Tap. I wasn't there long enough to really have an opinion on the night.  But I thought it was cool the Flyers were on the big screen, and it appeared that everyone was pretty toasted.

Then it was Varga Bar.  Where they had Ola Dubh on the engine.  I drank that too quickly then Exit 4's back to back.  I spent the day drinking mostly session beer, then for some reason cranked it up for late night. 

Thus making Saturday a challenge to shower let alone run about 3 and a half miles.

The BEERmuda triangle was a relay.  We were team I.P.A. for the beer club.

In pursuit of ale/awesomeness.  The team members were April Annie Smack some fanny, the Raging Panda, Bronwen, newbie April Sherwood, and myself.  My "life coacch" Bill Blatts also joined the day, but was a true tour de force- running the whole thing by himself.

I thought I was going to die.  I had my last Paesano's sandwich, I'd never lounge in the courtyard again, I would never make it to New Orleans.  This was it. Good bye world.  It was nice drinking you.

But I did it.  I could normally do 3 1/2 miles no problem, but it was quite a feat after 14 hours of beer week bar hopping.


I went to check on the Center City Can Crawl afterwards.  Went to Good Dog, where I ran into a million people I was quite happy to see.  I had a bloody mary- followed by a Royal Weisse can.  I wanted to check in on BAR- (and I had sent Brian O'Reilly's brother in law there to check it out-so I wanted to meet up with him and his buddies and have a beer)  but the air conditioning was down and they weren't taking guests.  So I headed over to TIME and had a Pikeland Pils with Lance Romance and Tim Ohst our dir. of brewing operations.

I went to pick up my bike across from Jose Pistolas where I see Dan Conway (lefthand) Cameron Saunders (Shangy's) Laura Bell (duh), and Casey hanging on the sidewalk.
I walk over, end up going in, seeing the whole Origlio crew and having a Petrus Pale Ale on tap.

Hung out there for a bit.... saw many beer peeps then made it home by midnight.

Here we go Day 3

Happy Beer Week-=- FRIDAY PICKS

I am so impressed with the I Phone Beer Week App.
Granted- I'm a google phone gal- but this is so cool-it's the first time I ever came close to remotely wanting an i phone.

But then I remember my chubby digits can't put up with the digital texting- I need the tactile keyboard.

You can search by day, venue, mark favorites- all sorts of stuff.
 ******


There are so many events out there. 
There are more dinners than I expected as well.
I suggest you seek at least one out during the 10 day celebration.

Here are my daily picks.

Of course you know about Opening Tap at the Independence Visitor's Center.  If you're going there, make sure you try some of Philly Beer Week's Official collaboration beer, Brotherly Suds 1 (BS1).

It's and ESB with 5 hops and 5 malts, brewed by 5 area brewers, Stoudts, YARDS, Victory, Troegs and Sly Fox.
The beer was actually brewed out of Sly's Production brewery.


Follow the H.O.G. leading up to that all day.
It will start at the Grey Lodge at 11:10. 
Standard Porter will be released at STandard Tap around 2 pm
The HOG will be sent to Foodery via a zipline after its tapped.


If you're not at Opening Tap- Join me and Sly Fox at BAR FERDINAND in Northern Liberties.
After all -it is first FRIDAY.  I worked with ART in BARS to set up a mini exhibit.
They'll be a keg of berliner weisse on as well as other Sly Fox beers.
6 till 8.   At 8:00 there will be flamenco dancers.



Bella Vista Take the Taps
7 till ?
Join Bella Vista as they take over the taps at the Devil's Den. "We will be pouring a selection of drafts from Bella Vista along with hosting the brewers. Look for favorites from Ballast Point, 12% Importers, Voodoo, The Bruery, Cigar City, Dark Horse and many, many more."



Release of YARDS Grodiski
5-7 Percy St
The debut of Yards Grodinski featuring malt smoked in Percy Street's own smokers!


Memphis Tap Room 
They're pouring non-stop new and unique beers, with NO REPEATS, all week! Last year they killed 128 kegs -- come help top that.


Druids Keep
7:15
Flyers game 4,Flying Fish's Exit 4 on the Pour.
Druids will project the game on a backwall in the back yard.
Super low-key, and with a side game of corn hole going on- super fun.


Fergie's wife says, "Every week is beer week for some folk."
I think if you go to Fergies at any point during the week-you'll enjoy yourself.
But you best be there Sunday June 13th after 7 pm for the T.U.D. (the Totally Unnecessary Drink)

Perhaps the Party of Beer Week: Nodding Head to host Tomme Arthur, Sam Calagione, and guests to Drink Vintage Beer butlered with Gourmet Eats. Longest Beer Lass Blog Title Ever.

Totally butlered party with brewers
Tomme Arthur of Port Brewing/Lost Abbey and 
Sam Calagione from Dogfish Head. 

They'll rock Nodding Head with 10 (TEN!) vintage beers from their personal stashes.
NH will  pair them with tasty treats and have everything butlered to the sounds of a killer band.

Wednesday, June 9th 
Perfect time of Day- 4:30 till 7 pm
$80 said and done inclusive of tax and tip

Ressies required.
Get at 'em 215-569-9525.

 The Pours  (not sure what years)

Port/Lost Abbey
Devotion,  Red Barn, Framboise de Amorosa, Judgement Day & Older Viscosity

Dogfish
Immort, Old School, Fort, Blk & Blue and 120 Min!

PW guide is out TODAY

TODAY - you- beer lover- can pick up the PW 68-page keepsake guide to Philly Beer Week.

This is exciting.

I was at Chicks Wine Bar last night thinking I would have a beer-free night leading up to our 10-day party to start this Friday.  I had ordered a bunch of cheese (way too much) and I thought to myself, I really want a beer. 

So I ordered the DogFish Head Raison D' Etre.
No need for a beer break, when it's a better match for the food in front of you.

Hope the week provides you with many good pairing opportunities. 
And remember water goes with everything. 

Philly.com Beer Chat Transcript Up!

Whitney Thompson of Victory joined The Inquirer's Craig Laban and myself yesterday for an Internet chat to talk beer and the week ahead in Philadelphia celebrating it.

Read here.

BeerMuda Triangle and other outdoor jawns this Saturday June 5th

Just saw this on the Weather Channel 10 day forecast.
Sat Jun 5

Partly Cloudy

81°

20%

 
Do you know what day that's for?  
Saturday is totally jam-packed with festivity.  So good thing it probably won't even sprinkle.
King Pin goes outdoors this year.
Standard Tap kicks things off at 11 am.
There will be live music, a dunk tank, and a bunch of pins from local breweries-which will kick first?
Sly Fox's offering will the the Standard Porter that William Reed (tap co-owner) and Brian O'Reilly brewed together.


The BeerMuda Triangle: Where Livers get lost- between St. Stephens, Kite and Key and Bishops Collar starts with a pep rally bev at 1 pm at the Collar. The run will start at 2.  If you are interested you must have a team of 4.  No one will have to run more than 4 miles throughout the time.  And no one will have to run that much at one time.  Sly Fox Cans will be at all locations.
You can register via the Philly Beer Week Website- here.

There's a Pay as you go outdoor event at the German Society by 6th and  Spring Garden.   Its co-hosted by Marnie Old and Brauhaus Shmitz.  Live Music Games, German Food and Beer. 
The PBW website says "fun for the whole family."

Follow the Hammer of Glory this Friday!

Beer Week kicks off this Friday with the

2nd annual Hammer of Glory parade. 

Starting from the Grey Lodge at 11:10 am.

Here's a run down of the places and methods of transport.

It should also be noted when quickly typing and abbreviating this is emails you can say H.O.G. But I found myself sending one today that said,"Ham of Glory." I guess that's a pig parade for another day.

The Zipline from the Standard Tap to the Foodery might be my personal favorite.  Also being a resident of the Italian Market-I'm sad to miss the "Rocky" running down 9th st as I will be in Northern Libs then.

Venue                                              Location                    Means
       
Grey Lodge   11:10                                   Mayfair                        Bicycle Convoy
Draught Horse Pub                          North Philly                Horse
Philly Brewing                                  Kensington                 Kenzinger Express Train Kinetic Sculpture
Johnny Brendas                                Fishtown                     Trophy Bike - bar on a bike
Yards                                                Fishtown                     Dog pulled wagon
Delilahs Den                                    Northern Libs              Delilahs Girls
Standard Tap  (2pm)                        No. Libs                      Zipline    **TAPPING of STANDARD PORTER
Foodery                                           Northern Libs              Tricycle
Institute Bar                                    Center City NE            Wheel barrel
The Belgian Cafe                       Center City NW    The Reckoner, a giant 3 wheel kinetic sculpture cycle
Kite and Key                                  Center City NW             Hearse
Nodding Head  (4:25)                    Center City                    Handtruck keg throne
12 Steps Down (5:10)                    South Philly East           Rocky look-a-like running up 9th st;)
BellaVista Beer Distribution           South Philly East          Handtruck
Hawthorne Cafe                             South Philly East           Growler Power
Varga Bar                                             CC East                    Pinup girls on rollerskates
Brauhaus Schmitz                                                                 Hostess station chariot pulled by Dirndled                                                                           waitresses, accompanied by Fishtown Beer Runners

Opening Tap     

Independence Visitor's Center

6th and Market

De Dolle Oerbier Special Reserva 2006

This beer is perfect.
Its about to rain outside.
I am tied to my computer for a few hours so that is perfect too.

Beer week is cutting minutes off my life.
I woke up a few weeks ago deciding that I wouldn't stress about a thing.
But the cliche "easier said than done" has never been more applicable.

Winnings from 2009 Mystery Beer Weekend contest.
Courtesy of Brendan Hartranft and Leigh Maida.
Thanks you brewers of De Dolle.
You kick ass and reign supreme.

Log in. Chat on.

This afternoon, at 2 pm...log in to philly.com and maybe participate in a chat I will be doing with the lovely Whitney Thompson of Victory Brewing Co and Inquirer critic and beer lover Craig Laban.

We'll be chatting beer week, making picks, and talking about what it is that we do.

Cheers,

Suzanne