The Reverend and the Rumpkin will be at VARGA tomorrow night Dec. 1

There are much better things to wake up to...

The Dunkin Donuts "Wake up wrap" is probably the worst 105 mg of Cholesterol I've ever consumed.
Lance and I were on the road. The last stop before getting on 95 in Connecticut is a Dunkin Donuts.  I'm not likely to go in a Dunkin Donuts in Philly, but while traveling it's okay. Right?

I didn't know DD had a new item- the wake-up wrap.  It's part of their "eat smart" menu.
It was cheap and not large, and I was hankering for a little mornin' snack, might as well be smart about it.
What I got was gross.
Or as my dad would say, "grossnosity."

It's gross for many reasons.


Reason #1
This is the list of ingredients- my favorite is Annatto and Oleoresin Paprika Color (if colored)
If colored?

INGREDIENTS: Egg Patty: Whole Eggs, Whole Milk, Soy Oil, Water, Modified Food Starch, Salt, Xanthan Gum, White Pepper, Citric Acid; Flour Tortilla: Bleached Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Water, Soybean Oil, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (Contains one or more of the following: Cottonseed Oil, Soybean Oil) with Mono and Diglycerides and/or Citric Acid, Contains 2% or less of the following: Salt, Baking Powder (Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Corn Starch, Monocalcium Phosphate), Fumaric Acid, Sodium Bicarbonate, Dough Conditioner (Wheat Flour, Calcium Sulfate and Sorbic Acid), Preservatives (Sodium Propionate and Potassium Sorbate); Cheese: American Cheese (Milk, Cheese Cultures, Salt, Enzymes), Water, Dry Cream, Milkfat, Sodium Citrate, Salt, Sorbic Acid (Preservative), Annatto and Oleoresin Paprika Color (if colored), Soy Lecithin (non-sticking agent). 


Reason #2
It wasn't that warm. And you know they just nuked it- so it should've been warmer.

Reason #3
And this is sort of #1.  The lady, Wendy, that served it to me was gross.  I told her they were out of napkins.  She proceeds to come over to customer side to fill the napkin holder. But not before she reaches her hand down into the trash to push it down and make room for more trash.  She then loads the napkin holder without washing her dunkin donut garbage hands.  And that's just gross.

More details have surfaced on Khyber Pass Pub's Grand Opening this WED.

It's an all day Grand Opening for the Khyber Pass Pub this Wed, Dec 1st. 

Here's the time-line of grandiosity.

At 11 am

The Pours start 

*Ballast Point Sculpin

*Allagash Curieux

*Russian River Pliny The Elder

*Yards Woodford Reserve Bourbon Barrel Aged Gen. Washington's Porter

*Terrapin So Fresh & So Green Green

*Founders Curmudgeon

*Troegs Mad Elf

From 4 till 6pm 

Take $2 off any draft beers.

Take $1 off any bottle.

From 6 till 9

All 22 draft beers are $2.  Bar Manager, Jeremy Thomson says, "I'm Pretty sure nobody has ever drank a Pliny for $2 in Philadelphia." 

Are they nuts? nah....

(This is where things get nuts)

From 9 till 10

Complimentary Sly Fox Dunkel Lager, SLY FOX Phoenix Pale Ale, Four Roses Bourbon cocktails.

 

From 10-2

$1 shots of Jameson will be offered with the purchase of any draft beer.  Beefeater Gina nd Plymouth Gin will be $2.   DJ Luis Angel Cancel (Strawberry Mansion, Tiger Beats) will be spinning- your head might be doing the same on Thursday.

It's almost the end of the year-  you just might want to use up one of those dangling vacation days.

Catch up Time- Rewind to Ridewith Lunch at Distrito with Kim Murphy 11/16

A few times a month- beer reps sort of team up. A"supplier" (that's me) joins a Wholesaler rep for the day.
You hope like heck you get a long because in most cases you're sharing a vehicle from bar to bar all day long- or distributor to distributor.

You get to know each other. You talk shop. Sometimes you find out what his or her favorite beer is, how they got into the industry, or maybe how they can't wait to get out.  Some bars and stores are overwhelmed by the idea of being perhaps "double teamed." Others don't mind it at all and look at it as a way to meet people that otherwise aren't in their "territories" that much.


More often than not it's a win-win- and if you're lucky -or if you stop by and see Frankie Bell on Front St. in South Philly-you'll get to try some Basset's ice cream in the middle of a sticky summer day.

Two weeks ago- I had not one, not two, but three ridewiths.  They brought me through bars in Montco, Ches Co and of course Phila Co.  My day in Philly had me chatting Sly with Urban Saloon, The Blockley Pourhouse, City Tap House, Capogiro, missing managers at Landmark, and Distrito. We talked Christmas beer, always a seasonal crowd pleaser.

Any place would have been great for lunch, but we did Distrito.  Jose Garces' University City cantina does two courses and an ice tea or soft drink for $15.

I opted for the Tortilla Soup with chicken, pasilla chile broth, queso fresco and avocado. The sinkin chicken at the bottom of the oval bowl was some of the most tender bird I've tasted in a while.

Stayed with pollo and went with chicken enchilada for the second course.  It was served with chihuahua cheese and a delicious red chili sauce, scented with epazote. Perfecto.

 The food rocked, but better than the edibles is the incredible Kim Murphy.  She's a funny ginger.  She works hard, and she manages to still get out there and sell beer after a liver-exhausting trip to Mexico.   Chances of you hanging out with Kim Murphy any time soon are pretty slim.  But chances of you getting to 40th and Chestnut in the near future are pretty good.
Distrito also does brunch every Saturday and Sunday- perhaps a li'l Revuelto-=- shirred egg, goat cheese, chive, smoked salmon, dill cream, caviar toast?????

Porque no?

Beer Dinners continue at CHIFA. Troegs--- Thursday Dec. 16th!

CHIFA hosted Iron Hill in November.  I tweeted between bites.  I had the most amazing stew of my life. How sweet the sound of conversation surrounding the slurping of root vegetables, chorizo, braised beef and rabbit loin.  Our entire table was talking about how each spoonful provided a different taste. 

Lance Romance was particularly excited because beer dinners usually keep him within his four walls with a sold-out dining room at Iron Hill in Maple Shade.  This time he got to team up with Natalie Maronski, Chef de Cuisine at CHIFA.  The pairing of his Rising Sun, a Sorachi Ace hopped beer, and her hopuka Ceviche was an evening favorite.  Which is quite a statement considering the report card of four solid A courses.


Thursday, December 16th it's TROEGS turn.
The Troegner brothers are trekking east from Harrisburg.  7 pm $65 Plus tax and gratuity.  I can't make it- I will be at Standard Tap toasting my ladies beer club on another year of drinking beer well done.  But what a great Christmas present for your favorite beer/ Jose Garces lover. If not for the award-winning beer, or the nationally recognized cuisine of CHIFA, chances are beer ambassador, Nick Johnson, is most likely to get drunk on Mad Elf sitting at the round table behind a sexy beaded curtain. Tis the season. Oh wait- that's every season.

Learn more.

Thanksgiving Happiness

I think I'll be thankful for sleep tomorrow. 
I'm tired after all those trimmings. We did a cornish hen this year instead of a turkey.   I made turkey meatballs, roasted and mashed butternut squash, and brought my dad mince meat tarts.  Dad went all out.  I thought he was just doin the hen, but he made a bunch of sides as well.  Michelle and Deepak brought one of those Tofurkeys.  Everyone seemed to enjoy it- but me. 

Lance always takes off early for Guilford, Connecticut where the rest of the Lapierre clan reside.  I always head up there first thing on Friday. So it was just two of my sisters, my sister's boyfriend and my dad sharing stories over soon-to-be empty plates and full bellies.

A few weeks ago my dad told me he was looking forward to this Thanksgiving more than any other.  He told me he would share why on Thanksgiving.  I was sort of freaking out- wondering what the heck he was talking about.  Then pre-meal grace comes, and he honors his beloved brother, my uncle Chip and mentions that as of this year- he made it past the age that Chip was when he passed.  My father had a heart attack during that time.  He was down there trying to take care of Chips house and such.  The stress got to him.  Now  he takes it easy. Blood pressure is down, and so is his caloric intake.  I'm so grateful for him every day.

Last year, I put together a huge list of things for which to be thankful.  Unfortunately, I have to be on Amtrak in less than 5 hours and I need a li'l shut eye.  Maybe I can work on it while I'm on the train.

When most people count their blessings, one and two are usually friends and family.  That holds true for yours truly.  The beer-soaked days are definitely made better with the people that I pass the hours with. And speaking of beer, I'm thankful for the McNeill's Dark Angel imperial stout they had on tap at the POPE on Wednesday night.  Vermont brewery. You should try it.





 

Khyber Pub's Grand Opening will Redefine Grand.

Sly Fox is gonna party like it's been 15 years. Starting with Doughnuts and Coffee Porter

On December 10th- Sly Fox is celebrating 15 years as the Philadelphia area's longest continuously running brew pub.

They're kicking off the day with a Brewmaster's Breakfast featuring the culinary genius of Chef Andrew Deery of Majolica.

*Five courses for $35
- Fresh Donuts- Paired with Kimberton Coffee Porter
- Potato and Leek Veloute. Smoked Salmon Croque Monsieur- Paired with    Saison Vos
- Truffled White Sausage. Mashed Celery Root- Paired with Royal Weisse
- Maine Peekytoe Crab Benedict. Wilted Spinach. Sauce Choron- Paired with Odyssey Imperial IPA
- Spiced Pumpkin Biscuit. Cinnamon Ice Cream- Paired with '10 Christmas Ale

*The release of Majolica coffee porter and Succubus- a bit of a switch up on Incubus.
All day long they will be tapping a variety of beers, a special tapas menu will be featured all day and Holt 45 will play at night.

In Pursuit of Ale at Mcgillins tonight for big Belgium trip giveaway

Tonight's the night you- yes you- can win a trip to Belgium and help design a beer with De Proef.

Mcgillins

Event goes from 7 till 9.
I suggest Beer Club ladies get there closer to 6:30 so we can get seats.
$5 a raffle ticket
Guests get to fill out a ballot with each ticket to vote for a local brewer to join them on the trip.

Here's a list of local brewers to pick from:
Ben Potts from Dock Street
Bob Barrar from Iron Hill
Bill Covaleski from Victory

Bill Moore from Lancaster
Brett Kintzer from Stoudt's
Brian O'Reilly from Sly Fox
Casey Hughes from Flying Fish

Chris Wilson from Weyerbacher
Doug Marchakitus from Manayunk
Gordon Grubb from Nodding Head
Jon Carpenter from Dogfish Head
Rob Pfeiffer from Twin Lakes
Tom Kehoe from Yards

More details here at the PBW website.

Sly Dunkel released at Misconduct Sly Fox FLiGHT NiGHT- Tuesday November 16th

Tomorrow night- Tuesday- join me at Misconduct for Happy Hour.

We'll be pouring the very first keg of Dunkel Lager in the city and one of the first kegs of our 2010 Christmas Ale.  And there will be the last keg of Grisette ( Belgian farmhouse- lighter than a saison in body and alcohol).

The Dunkel is one of the best burger pairings out there.
Also good to make burgers with if you buy Dunkel at a distributor.

"SlyDog" brunch at Wishing Well this Saturday

This Saturday- join me and Wendy Domurat of Dogfish Head for brunch at Wishing Well, home of the Shame burger.
If you haven't been-it's at 9th and Catherine.
We will be there from 12-2.
You can order a la carte or do the whole shabang for only $27.50

DFH beers to be announced.

Blue Moon Acres Greens, Pickled Mushrooms, Shaved Onion, Roaring 40’s Bleu Cheese & Saison Vinaigrette

Sly Fox Dunkel Lager
Pulled Short Rib Taco, Scrambled Egg, Pickled Tomatillo Salsa, & Cotija Cheese

Sly Fox 2010 Christmas Ale
Brioche French Toast Stack, SNAP & Blackberries

Sly Fox O’Reilly’s Stout
Irish Breakfast with a twist
Blood Sausage Benedict, Poached Eggs, Tomato, Stewed Beans & O’Reilly’s Stout Hollandaise

12 Percent Imports and Murrays Cheese at Fork and Barrel this Thursday

There's a lot going on in the beer world this Thursday.
Schlenkerla is at Brauhaus (with their chef too). That's sold out.
Lance has his dinner at CHIFA.

And Fork and Barrel is pouring what Brian Ewing (Founder, Pres) Of 12 Percent Imports says is without a doubt the best lineup of his beers he's had since starting 12 Percent.


Guests get to try 11 beers and 11 cheeses for $65.  Its a great deal when you think about the obscurity of the beer.
Murrays cheese is New Yorks oldest cheese shop

Also- have you been to the Cask Saloon upstairs?
Lance and I checked it out for the first time last night. Artisan hot dogs.  I think the dog was all beef.  Even the roll was toasted and better than your average hot dog roll.  We went with "New Orleans" that had Mornay Sauce, fried egg and ham like a Monte Cristo and the Montana which consisted of baked beans and crumbled sausage.
Peanut shells cover the floor, American Flags are on the wall. Vintage photos are up. Barrels serve as tables and Dixieland/old jazz is blasting through the speakers.  It's awesome.

And you thought you had a bad day- Raising dinero for Eugene this SUNDAY

As most of you know- Monday nights I am pulling taps at Bridgids in Fairmount.  Every week I look forward to seeing our cook Eugene.  He's adorable.  He tells me when he thinks I've lost a few pounds, and he also tells me not to eat after 7 when he thinks I could lose a few.

He's a sweetheart, probably about 60 years old.
One night about two months ago he returned home to his house in the NorthEast and it was gone.
Everything was gone.  I still don't know the entire story- but his wife went a wack and set the fire.
Her new house is the jailhouse.

I know what it's like to lose everything but a pulse.  I may have mentioned before on IHAS that I had a 7 alarm fire when I was a sophomore in college because of a careless roommate.  Whenever I have a few extra bucks around, I make sure the firemen get it.
And this Sunday I will make sure Eugene gets it.  BRIDGIDS is hosting a benefit 2-? this Sunday afternoon.  $15 for all you can drink.
A few local breweries have donated beer.  You can look forward to drinkin' some Iron Hill Belgian IPA with Lance Romance if you can make it down for a couple.  Then you can crawl around Fairmount- hit Bishops and the Belgian.  If you have any questions- please email me.
 

Cheers,
Suzanne

Iron Hill Belgian IPA

The Randall visits P.o.p.e. during the Craft Beer Xpress. Dogfish Galore.

Craft Beer Xpress is here.

And here is the P.O.P.E.'s lineup- doing Dogfish Head all day long with a few RANDALL pairings.

Randall is going to run World Wide Stout through Myers Dark Rum-soaked bing cherries then later, Palo Santo Marron through Vanilla bean and dark-roasted coffee beans. 

 

Don't forget P.o.p.e. serves brunch on Saturdays too. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

 

The POURS-this is serious

World Wide Stout

Chateau Jiahu

Palo Santo Marron

Sah'Tea

TheoBROma

Punkin

120 Minute

Black & Blue

Red & White

Burton Baton

Fort

Olde School

Dogfish Mid-Atlantic Sales Manager, Wendy Domurat will be there for the duration of the day. 

SIXPOINT takes the taps at City Tap House. Pop-up Brewery Nov. 19-21

If you look up SIXPOINT's report card on Beer Advocate, you'll see that it's not quite straight A's.
Only because there's a few B+'s thrown in.  These Brooklyners make great beer and as of Beer Week have someone in the market to spread the word, Jersey Dan.  Dan is working with Bella Vista distributors to get taps all over the city.  This is the first time their Belgian Rye, Enterprise is being poured in Philly.

So... what's happens at a POP UP?

For $10 per person, guests will receive a limited edition beer glass which can be filled twice from any of the available taps, while supplies last.  For those who don’t wish to take home a glass, on Friday and Saturday of the Pop-Up, Sixpoint pints will be $5. 

On Sunday, November 21 at 1 pm, Sixpoint will host a homebrewing class featuring a question-and-answer session with several Sixpoint brewers and founder Shane Welch.  This class is open to the public and reservations are not required.  The City Tap House Sunday Special will be all Sixpoint pints for $4. 

THE POURS

Sehr Crisp Pilsner 5.4%
Bengali Tiger IPA  6.5%
Righteous Ale (Rye Pale Ale) 6.4%
Otis Oatmeal Stout 6.1%
Brownstone (American Brown Ale) 5.7%
Pumpkin Brewster (Pumpkin Saison, last keg in town) 5.5%
Old Krusher (Barleywine, last keg in town) 10.4%
*Vienna Pale Ale (exclusive) 5.2%
*Bark Red Ale (exclusive) 5.0%
*Enterprise (Belgian Rye Ale, exclusive, Philadelphia DEBUT) 6.8%

Craft Beer Express- Kite and Key Lineup

Just got an email from buddy, Jim Kirk- co owner of Kite and Key regarding the upcoming Craft Beer Express.
Get your tickets yet?
Also make sure to follow CBX on twitter to see what's shaking throughout the day.


The taps are all coming up Rob Todd that day...

White

Dubbel

Curieux

Fluxus

Victor

Victoria

Hugh Malone

Blonde

What bar is doing what- CBX this Saturday

FROM THE CBX WEBSITE:

 

Kraftwork:           

     20 Beers from B.United and the sweet sounds Damon Bennett's Jazzsoul Experience

 

Johnny Brenda's:     

THE WET HOP RODEO (A round-up of local & national wet hopped beers)

 

Standard Tap:         

IMPERIAL PAGEANT - An orgy of excess and power in a glass.

 

The Institute:           

THE POWER OF THE DARKS SIDE (Stout & Porter event featuring Brewers & Owners)

 

Bishop's Collar:        

SOUTHERN TIER INVADES THE NORTH EAST

 

Kite & Key:               

A.A.A (Almighty, Afternoon of Alagash)

 

Jose Pistolas:        

  BIG BOLD BARLEYWINE & LIVE BLUES

 

Sidecar:                   

DISCOTEQUE & BROTHEL: Featuring Bell's Jazz series brews & The Sidecar Jazz Quartet

 

P.O.P.E:                   

DOGFISH HEAD DOMINATES THE P.O.P.E featuring the Randell 3.0

 

Devils Den:                

STOCKERTOWN BEVERAGE SUPPLIES SUDDS special tapping of Founders Nemesis

 

Brauhaus Schmitz:     

STARKIERFEST: (10 Beers That Will Rock our F&@king World)

Devils Den Line up for the Craft Beer Express

Craft beer express is days away.  Just got word that Johnny Brendas has added a wet-hopped beer from Earth Bread +Brewery. And...

Here's the Devil's Den Lineup:
From the Stockertown coolers


Founder's Nemesis
Pretty Things 1901 KK
Jolly Pumpkin La Parcella,
Boaks Wooden Beanie,
Mikkeller Simcoe IPA,
Southampton Pumpkin & a German firkin.

Back Up kegs include: Founder's Breakfast Stout, Roy Pitz Fat Daddy Sacs & Cricket Hill Fall Festivus.

Woke up on the right side of the bed this morning and the day just keep getting better...Fergies gets a new chef

Foobooz reports this morning that BBQ mistro and all-around good guy, Mark Coates (former Bebe's bbq in Italian Market) will be taking over the kitchen at Fergies.

If you've never had Bebe's bbq - this is very good news.
If you are wondering how bbq can  fit in at an Irish pub...Ireland actually hosts the World Championship of BBQing every year. Read more here.

Ommegang Flight Night at Misconduct Tonight

Ommegang's Megs Maguire will be returning to Misconduct for another flight night tonight.

 (Plug: Sly Fox will be next Tuesday).

Beers are on  the cheap and the kitchen comes up with pairings as well.

The Pours (From Misconducts Newsletter)

First is Cup O' Kyndness which is a Belgian-Style Scottish Ale that uses Heather tips and a touch of smoked malt to round out its flavor profile.

Next is Adoration, Ommegang's first Winter Strong Ale. Adoration is an assertively spiced, malty ale that the brewery claims is best consumed in front of a roaring fire, but we think the glow of sports from the flat screens will do just fine.

Rounding out the flight is the always reliable Three Philosophers. What else can we say about this beer that hasn't already been said? Except that we're sad that is only available on draft seasonally. Fortunately, that season is upon us and having this beer as part of the flight makes the chilly winds a bit easier to deal with.

Nodding Head to feature 5 Fresh- Hopped CASK beers on Saturday PAYG

Saturday the 13th is shaping up to be a city-wide beer blitz.  

Just got word that Nodding Head is featuring 5 Fresh-hopped beers in a pay as you go fashion right in Center City.AND all on CASK!
Starting at 3 pm.

THE POURS

Fresh Hop Cask Beers

On the Hand Pump

HARVEST ALE

OUR CELEBRATION OF THE HOP HARVEST (5.5%ABV)…  BREWED WITH  FRESH HOPS FLOWN IN FROM THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST… THIS YEARS VERSION FEATURES CITRA HOPS

Gravity Pour

WET CHINOOK DOUBLE IPA

A SINGLE HOP VARIETY DOUBLE IPA (8.5%ABV) BREWED WITH FRESH CHINOOK HOPS AND DRY HOPPED WITH EVEN MORE CHINOOK…  A CITRUSY, PINEY, RESIN LADEN ANNUAL TREAT

X

AN EXPERIMENTAL WET HOP BEER (4.75%ABV)…  700 LEVEL BASE GENEROUSLY HOPPED WITH FRESH LOCAL GROWN HOPS AND FERMENTED WITH SAISON YEAST

HOPPO MARX

HOPPY WHEAT BEER (5%ABV)…  PALE IN COLOR AND LIGHT IN BODY WITH A RESTRAINED AROMA AND A PRONOUNCED HOP FLAVOR AND LINGERING FINISH

DRY-HOPPED WITH FRESH LOCALY GROWN GALENA

BPA

BILL PAYER ALE... HOPPY PALE ALE (5% ABV)... SEPARATED FROM MANY OF ITS COUNTERPARTS BY THE SOLID MALT BACKBONE... A PERENNIAL FAVORITE

DRY-HOPPED WITH FRESH LOCALY GROWN CASCADE

Luca Brasi at Iron Hill Maple Shade tomorrow 7 pm

Ever year Lance romance holds an "Iron Brewer" competition.
He gives the 2nd runnings of a Belgian Strong Golden Ale to local homebrewers and they have creative freedom to do any style they want with it.
The winners got to brew  on the IH system.
And you get to drink it tomorrow night at 7 pm at Iron Hill Maple Shade.

It's a coffee stout and you can read more about it here, or watch this great video produced by
Jeff Linkous and the Beer Stained Letter.

Hey Ladies of New Jersey- a Beer Club without crossing the bridge- tomorrow night

A few of you Garden State gals have been coming across the bridge for In Pursuit of Ale beer club from time to time. There's now a beer club you can participate in without making the trip.

I will be attending a New Jersey beer club tomorrow led by Tara Nurin called the Beer Babes at Brewer's Towne Tavern at 7 pm.  It's open to all ladies and no rsvp required.

Brewers has been kind enough to make it a complimentary evening.
I will be guiding you through 6 different beers.

The drinking starts at 7.  Join if you can.
It's located at 239 Haddon ave.

*This isn't a chapter of In Pursuit of Ale.  The two are unrelated.

One week to the CRAFT BEER EXPRESS- Nov. 13th

One week till the CRAFT BEER EXPRESS. Get your tix yet?

Go to this website- click oin the bar that you wanna start at and go from there.
A seat on the bus for unlimited stops is $10.

Every bar on the list will have a special event of sorts that day.
E.G.
Johnny Brendas is doing their 2nd annual WET HOP Rodeo.
They will be kicking the day off with Ranchero Brunch from 11am-3:30pm featuring huevos rancheros, cowboy steak & eggs, and chilaquiles among other brunchly delights.
On tap starting at 11am (and going all day and night) they will have:
Victory Harvest Pils
Victory Harvest Ale
PBC Harvest from the Hood
Weyerbacher Harvest Ale
Brew Works Harvest Ale
Troegs Scratch #35 -Wet Hopped Citra Ale
Port Brewing High Tide
Sierra Nevada Harvest Ale
Chatoe Rogue Wet Hopped Ale
Ithaca Outdoor Ale
Earth Bread Brewery Wet Hop Ale

Tasting flights will be available. Pay as you go.

A trip to Green Aisle results in Raspberry Bliss

As Green Aisle turns one year this week, I thought I would put up a Happy Birthday post for the Erace brothers that have brought a boutique grocer with the best foodstuffs out there to Passyunk Ave.

They continue to expand if you haven't been in in a while- there's always something new.  Since they've opened they've added meats, and ice cream.  They continue to seek out new purveyors and they can educate you on every item and ingredient in the store.  I love it.

And I love Ric's Iced Raspberry Swirl bread.  Growing up we would find iced raisin bread at our local market, Hennings, in Harleysville.  I haven't had it in 16 or so years.  I thought Lance would like the iced part but not the raisin part.  So this was perfect. 

I waited a day to eat it- so I bet it was best the day before.  But it was still pretty damn good.
And just excellent with a cup of Stumptown coffee-Costa Rica blend-beans also available at Green Aisle.

Go check out their website and learn about E. Halen's  Pumpple and Adam and Andrew's recent outpost at Bodhi coffee in Head House.

Best Thing I Ate all Week: Braised Veal at Palate in Newtown

Taking Juicy to the Tenth Power

Chef Justin Kaplan braises the veal for about 2 1/2 hours.  It served with sweetbreads, brussels sprouts and squash.  Mushrooms and cranberries accompany as well.  In this photo they are hidden behind that big block of veal.

It was 2:30 pm on a Wednesday and I was totally spoiled.

They are a BYO open Tuesday-Sunday 5-9:30.
The Veal is $25 and worth every dollar.

The four month old Palate is located right on State St. in Newtown.
You can enjoy an elegant meal there then head to Isaac Newtons or the new Black Horse after.
There's also a great record shop on the opposite side of the street with new and used vinyl.

Look for my review in the next issue of Bucks County Women.

South St. Bridge is back! Percy celebrates with 10% off full menu all day long

Wow- Two years have passed and the South St. Bridge is opening tomorrow at 2 pm.


Selling beer for a living and spending my days in my Subaru, I would often get frustrated that I would have to detour to get to University City. 
Frustrated no longer.   
Well- I'm sure I will find something else that irks me.

If you head to Percy St. BBQ after 2 (and this goes all night) you get 10% off the entire menu.

How to Fail: The Self-Hurt Guide book/bar tour

New Yorker, Aaron Goldfarb is releasing his first novel on Nov. 9th.
He plans to do a 30 day-30 bars book tour, which will take him to both Drinkers Tavern and the
P.O.P.E. on Nov. 12th and Nov. 13th

Here's a bit more:

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How to Fail is the world’s FIRST Self-Hurt Guide, the polar opposite of a self-help guide. In How to Fail follow the misadventures, misgivings, and massive mistakes of this satiric novel's narrator Stu Fish as he tries to find success in 2010 New York. With hilarious chapters such as How to Fail to Make Your Parents Proud of You, How to Fail to Do Something Productive All Day, How to Fail in Love, and How to Fail All the Way to Rock Bottom, and even more ribald "footchapters" such as How to Masturbate at Work, How to Develop an Addiction, How to Get Usurped by Your Girlfriend's Ex, and How to Acquire the STD That's Right for You, there's not an aspect of life How to Fail doesn't tackle and offer a terrific non-solution for. All of this is delivered in perfect single serving-size chapters for our modern A.D.D. culture more used to reading blog entries on their phone while riding the subway or waiting in line at Subway than in carefully reading a book.

Iron Hill heads to CHIFA Thursday Nov. 18th

Out of the million (or at least 15) beer dinners I have done this year, CHIFA, was one of the best.
I'm gonna be missing out on the Brauhaus Schmitz Schlenkerla dinner, but this should be a good one.  Plus you'll get to see Lance Romance speak about his craft.
Thursday, Nov. 18th 7 pm
$65 not including tax and gratuity
 To make a reservation, please visit www.chifarestaurant.com, or call (215) 925-5555.
 
THE MENU
Hopuka Ceviche with sunchoke leche de tigre, sunflower tuile, pickled fresno and sweet potato
Rising Sun IPA, (Sorachi Ace hops)
 
Peruvian Stew with root vegetables, chorizo, braised beef and rabbit loin,
Victoria’s Bitter, a traditional, easy-drinking English pub ale 
 
Roast Pig with apple-porter glaze, spicy wilted baby black kale and pork-porter humita 
Pig Iron Porter 

Five-Spice Bread Pudding with ginger-pecan ice cream and malted chocolate sauce, 
Weizenbock, a full-bodied ale with a bready malt character and banana and clove notes.

Something to be thankful for. Randy Mosher takes the guesswork out of your Thanksgiving beer pairings

Craftbeer.com is one of the websites of the Brewer's Association.  In this month's Brewers Association newsletter, author of Tasting Beer, Randy Mosher, shares some advice on pairing beer and food sur la table.

Here's the link.

Foobooz publishes TOP 50 bars in Philadelphia 2010

The list is up and the comments are rolling on in.
Check it out.