SATURDAY
Chili Cookoff at KHYBER Pass Pub tomorrow. Their chili roster was filled early. I'd suggest getting there by 1 pm.
SUNDAY
South Philly Tap Room's royal "Beef and Beer."
$50 all you can eat and drink. From 4 till 8
The drink is all cask-conditioned.
They will have firkins there from SLY FOX, Troegs, PBC, Dock ST and more.
Next Week Snapsip
Don't forget GROUNDHOG's day at the GREY LODGE on Wednesday February 2nd. Fun starts at 7 am. I should arrive by 8am but I have to leave by 11 for a meeting. Sly Fox hour will be 10 till 11 with a wheaties eating contest of some sort. Still trying to work out "logistics."
Thursday- for those in the burbs- I will be pouring SLY FOX Black Raspberry Reserve and Dunkel Lager at Plymouth Mtg Whole Foods from 5 till 7.
AND
Saturday -the 5th Joel Armato of New Holland joins Kraftwork's Adam Ritter and Popester DJ "Denjams" for a night of soul at Kraftwork.
January 28, 2011
This Weekend...
Belgium comes to West Chester!
Here's a LiNK to the line up tomorrow- with fun descripts from West Chester Iron Hill Head Brewer Larry Horowitz.
We'll be departing from Nodding Head on a bus at 12:30. I'm going to take it as easy as I can get it tonight so I am in top shape for tomorrow.I will however make my way to pub and kitchen after 10 tonight to celebrate last night of Industry Relief from Restaurant week. All Sly Fox are $2.50
Tomorrow-also marks 4 years of me and Lance Romance. Nothing really to say that hasn't been said before. He's one of the most wonderful people on the planet. I can't believe I made him wait two months to tell all our friends we were dating back in the day- Because I've never been so proud or "lucky."
January 26, 2011
Be still this snowy night- OR go to Stillwater night at Devil's Den
· Saison Darkly - Limited Import Series Vol #2— hazy dark brown, mild funk, saison brewed with hibiscus, rosehips, schisandra berries & spice.
· Stateside Saison— honey colored Saison, notes of funky Belgian yeast, citrus hops, peppers & spice with a dry finish.
· Stillwater Bottle List: Autumnal, Cellar Door, Existent, Love & Regret (Import Series vol #1), Saison Darkly & Stateside Saison
Feliz Cumpleanos Jose Pistolas!
I wanted to get this up yesterday because someone as awesome as Joe Gunn shouldn't be belated. Come to think of it= I should have had it up a day early in case you wanted to wish him well.
I wrote him a birthday song via text. It sounds better then it reads. So sing it in your head to the birthday song tune as you read it.
Happy Birthday to you-
You live in a petting zoo
you saw Caseyu get peed on by a lion
and lived to tell the story a time- OR 42!
Long live the cashmere-clad comedian!
January 24, 2011
2010 Rewind with Photos- why not 25 days later? And sorry- but it's only until July.
I had the 2010 year in review half done and got busy.
I found it in "drafts" and figured I might as well post it. Hopefully this year- I'll be more on top a year in review and you'll get 12 months before January 1. I also didn't do a "best of" for the first time in a couple years either. I guess my rewind for Philly Beer Scene counts?
-=-
2010 has wrapped up. I spent all day cleaning and now when I should be snoozing-I'm finally going to post some pictures that capture the times of the year.
February 5 through the 7 -the city was frozen. My car was trapped outside Race St. Tavern for days. I remember one that Saturday a bunch of us ladies met up at the Khyber. The Raging Panda and her friends made snow angels right on Chestnut St. My little sister joined us and left to "meet a friend for a cup of coffee" which later translated into an inked-beaker on her upper left arm courtesy of Old City Tattoo.
February is also the month I got into making my own pasta.
To me March means I'm going to drink a lot of Seamus and O'Reilly's stout. It also means that Wendy of Dogfish Head and Megan Maguire of Ommegang are going to stir up some trouble in Atlantic City during the AC beer fest weekend. We always head back toward the Expressway with a story or two that no one will find funny but us. This year it was lost hotel room keys and a cankle that was iced down for $18.There was also me getting out of a cab and spilling all my business cards right in front of the convention center and picking up every last one, while laughing and questioning, "Why me?" Wendy recounts the story a few times a month.
April was Chicago. My first trip. I had an amazing time. Great jazz clubs, awesome food, a lost camera, and a booby-flashing hot dog stand that my prudish self became a regular at during my 96 hours there.
In June- I discover Bistro La Minette. A mere 6 blocks from my house. Right at 6th and Bainbridge. If you want an amazing French meal that doesn't rob your checking account....this is it.
In July- Lance and I take a trip to the Lehigh Valley and visit 6 hot dog places in 24 hours. If we had gone to one more.... 
I have been admiring Dibrunos Bros for years, but with my move to the Italian Market- I have gotten to know the mongers quite well. And they've all added to my quality of life-=- It could be a Beer and Cheese pairing offered by Hunter, a book recommendation from Zeke, a Tom Waits anecdote from Ian, or a Matt story of growing up in Tennessee- they're special guys.
In May- FYI Philly featured the Beer Club eating Shame burgers at the Wishing Well. Shame on you if you haven't tried on by now. Burger, Scrapple, Cheese, Fried Egg.
In July- I got to spend the day golfing with some Fairmount publicans, Jeff Keel and Jake Hampson, Joe Carrol,owner or Franklin Beverage and Evan Clancy. I was good for about 16 holes, then I retired. Looking forward to some more time on the greens with the guys this year. Jeff Keel is an awesome golfer. I am an awesome consumer of cans of Pikeland Pils while watching him golf.More Later.
Happy International Beer Can Day- January 24th
Today- perhaps you can enjoy a can o' craft beer to celebrate the release of the first canned beer in the US.
From Beercannews.com:
It was not until Jan 24, 1935, that the first beer cans went on sale to the general public when Krueger’s Finest Beer went on sale in Richmond, Virginia.
January 23, 2011
Just another Monday- Bridgid's bar patrons
There were some interesting characters at Bridgids last week.
There was "Navy Billy" -Who I've seen and served before. Last time I tried to stop him from pairing a Philly Pale ale with a brisket chili- I thought the Brawler would be a better fit. This time he was celebrating the Connecticut's Victory over Villanova with 6 Weyerbacher Novembers. He was nice, animated but not annoying in the least. He talked about the beer biz and his lady friend. Next thing I know- he asks me to play Peter Gabriel's "In your Eyes." I tell him that didn't make the iPod cut. I remember that I have my laptop with me and offer to play it for him on youtube.
There's hardly anyone at the bar so I'm not really bothering to many people with the Say Anything song. He's singing his version of it out loud. There were oddly a few "what- what bitches" thrown in. Almost as though he was rapping.
Then on the opposite side of the bar, sits Tony Gatta, who tells me he's celebrating his 19th birthday for the fourth time. Not knowing anything about my background, he starts talking to me about homebrewing. He said he hadn't brewed in 30 years but recalls a beer he made with a champagne yeast in the early 80s. He even started talking about George and Nancy of Home Sweet Homebrew. The last beer he had made was a barleywine which he bottled it in 22 oz. He still has some and told me he would bring me a bottle. I asked him what his favorite song was. And he said without a doubt it was- "Bluebird of Happiness" recorded by Jan Pearce. I found it on youtube for him and played it. He said when he was coming of age- there was a radio program that played the classic tune every single day at 6 am.
He said a lot of cute stuff. One of the things I liked was- "Gilligan's Island---now that was reality tv before reality tv."
January 20, 2011
Show us your love and win an O'reilly's "Love Pack"
Us Sly Fox folks are running a contest-
WIN an O'Reilly's LOVE PACK! Contribute your "O'reilly's story" and you could be awarded with some stout stuff including a fleece jacket, t-shirt and hat, all emblazoned with the O'Reilly's logo.
Our distributor Origlio is adding a new feature to their Draughtlines publication- called "The People's Pint."
They want to hear your beer love stories. How you fell in love with the liquid. Where was the first time you had it? Poetry. Whatever. Get creative. Win Sly Fox gear.
Email your story to the Origlio folks at
draughtlines@origlio.com BY FEB. 4th
January 19, 2011
Quickly- a few events
Just wanted to throw a few events out there because my car is back in operation and I have to head to New Jersey. Special thanks to KENNET's Johnny "Carwash" Della Polla for helping get me back on track.
Tonight-=
Ron Fischer of B. United is talking CASK beer at the CASK SALOON in EAST FALLS above Fork and Barrel
IPA BEER CLUB meets at Watkins Drinkery at 10th and Watkins in South Philly. Never been to a meeting? Come on out. 7:30 pm. Pay as you go.
Saturday
Winter Beer Fest at Starlight Ballroom. $40 to try 60 beers.
TROUBLE with TRIPPELs At Johnny Brendas- all day long.
It's the weekend- HIT BOTH!
Monday 24th
International Beer Can Day.
Tuesday the 25th
Philly's only ROBBIE BURNS BIRTHDAY dinner
at Kennett. Featuring Poetry of the Scottish bard, haggis and
SLY FOX ROBBIE BURNS SCOTTISH ALE!
Thursday the 27th
IPA YARDS POTLUCK. It's co-ed. Email me your dish at beerlass@gmail.com 7:30. We had 70 people last year.
Hoping to top that.
January 18, 2011
Hey Ambler- You Have Got Yourself a Brewpub-=Welcome Forrest and Main Brewery and Pub!
Expect old world style ales, artisan breads and seasonally inspired dishes in this 19th century Victorian House.
There are two ambitious young men behind this great development in Montgomery County's beer scene. Daniel Endicott and Gerard Olson -a name you might recognize from his four years at McKenzies brewhouse (Yes, during the time of those gold medalling saisons under Ryan Michaels).
Daniel studied traditional British brewing techniques at the University of Sunderland’s BrewLab, in North East England. The duo will combine talents to brew English-style session beers, farmhouse barrel-aged beers, and a variety of seasonal one-offs.
**I've gotten to personally know Dan over the years- first through the Beer Judge Certification program that we were enrolled in in 2007, then through my old roommate. She would have the nicest things to say about him, such as "You know- he could do whatever he wanted to the fullest extent, and I think he wants to do beer."
What else:
*Closed Mondays
*dinner for now, with day time hours on the weekends for Saturday lunch and a traditional British-style Sunday Roast. They're also planning on doing once a month chef's tables.
*7 barrel system - the bulk of it coming from New Hampshire- two open fermenters for the British styles, and two closed for the Belgian ones.
*Beers will premiere at Philly Craft Beer Fest on March 5th!
January 17, 2011
In Pursuit of Ale Beer Club heads to Watkins Drinkery this Wednesday
7:30 pm
Beer club will be at 10th and Watkins a little side street just south of Morris--Address is 1712 s. 10th.
As usual-it's pay as you go.
The food and service are awesome.
Last time I was there I had escargot and Choco chip pumpkin bread pudding.
Enjoy your week.
Restaurant Week Relief continues at
PUB AND KITCHEN (20th and Lombard)
with $2.50 Sly Fox after 10 ($5 prior)
Saison Casuelijk, Oreilly's Stout, Dunkel and Pils cans as well as Chester Co. Bitter on the pump.
Dining trends discussed on NBC- Laban includes our near and dear beverage
Here's a video featuring NBC Feast editor Collin Flatt, Marcie Turney, Exec Chef/ Owner of Barbuzzo/Bindi/Lolita etc...and Inky's Food Critic, Craig Laban discussing 2010 and previewing 2011. Just in case you didn't know Laban is beer year round, not just during Beer Week....
January 14, 2011
The weekend in BEER (and chili) (and barbecue)
Chili Cook Off tomorrow at the P.O.P.E. (passyunk and Dickinson just in case)
1 pm
$5 to sample up to 12 chilis. There will be some vegetarian options. Alec made a great one last year>>>>>>
As I type this I have chili anxiety.
OR
You can head to Maple Shade Iron Hill for a collaborative event between the brewpub and Flying Fish. "Jersey's Finest" will be tapped- the blended IH "Half-caff" (based on the Luca Brasi beer aged on whole coffee beans) and Exit 13 (Belgian Chocolate Stout). "Like a New Jersey Mocha," Lance Romance jested.
But more seriously, he says "We’re proud to be from New Jersey, and our colleagues at Flying Fish feel the same way...this event is both a fun way to debut our latest beers and also a great opportunity to work alongside like-minded brewers to create a more vibrant brewing culture here in our home state.”
Starts at 12 pm.
SUNDAY- two things come to mind
*It's the Ommegang beer brunch at Wishing Well.
Best deal ever. You can do the four course brunch with 4-5 oz pairings for $3 or Pay as you go.
Megan Maguire will be there being tall and funny as usual.
I will be there staring up at her and laughing as usual.
Here's the menu
THEN at the Khyber Pass Pub 7 pm
Here's some Beastie Boys for you
Photos from the Barbuzzo "SLY DOG" Dinner
The other night Dogfish and Sly Fox teamed up for a magnificent beer dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, Barbuzzo.
At $55 inclusive -it was a remarkable value. It was a bit of a different set up from most beer dinners we due where we address our guests at one time between courses. There were seatings throughout the night. We were able to address a little bit of a different crowd. Sure the tables were excited about the beer and appreciated the pairings- but they were overboard for the food that Barbuzzo chefs George Sabatino (chef de cuisine) and Marcie Turney (Exec/co-owner) put out.
Have a looksie:
 |
| Wood Oven-Roasted Halibut Cheeks with Gallega spice- a spice I definitely need more of in my life |
 |
| Lance Romance's favorite the Pulled Pork "Slyder" basted in Pikeland Pilsner served with the best housemade chips I've ever had. |
 |
| Duck and Foie Gras Sausage with sweet hamon potato puree and drunken cherries, drunk of Saison Vos. |
 |
| Short Ribs braised forever in DFH Indian Brown served with shaved brussels sprouts that came across a bit like the best slaw we ever had. Half our table doesn't care for sprouts and jaws were a dropping in delight here. |
 |
| Caramelized Apple Zeppole (with smoked bacon caramel) |
January 13, 2011
Industry Relief during Restaurant Week @ Pub and Kitchen
Sly Fox teams up with the Pub and Kitchen folks to provide servers, managers, bartenders, chefs, etc with a lil TLC and industry relief during the next two weeks of Restaurant Week.
JUST $2.50 after 10 pm. $5 prior
Chester Co Bitter on the handpump
Pils and Dunkel Cans
O'Reillys stout
a one-off Saison Casuelijk
LOCAL 44 Clothing Drive next Monday for Victim's of Monday's West Philly Fire
From the Local 44 Folks:
Clothing Drive Monday January 17 to Benefit Fire Victims
Dear Local 44 Community,
As you probably know, a massive fire destroyed the Windermere Court
Apartments at 48th and Walnut Streets Monday displacing more than 100
residents. Local 44 would like to try to make a little difference in
the lives of the folks who suffered so much loss right around the corner
from us.
Join us MONDAY, January 17 from 4-6pm for a clothing drive to benefit
anyone in need at the moment.
You live in the neighborhood and have some winter clothes that you're
done with? Bring them on over.
You used to have an apartment around the corner and are considering
whose couch to crash on next? We'll have some clothes to get you through
the weeks ahead.
Expect tables out front on Spruce Street from 4-6pm. Come ready to
search for what you need. Supervision will be limited, this is just a
low key way to help some neighbors in need. Anything left after 6pm will
be donated to a local shelter.
(*Please note: If you plan to bring clothing over, please consider that
many other places will take your 'on it's last leg' rags...the purpose
of this clothing drive is to help get folks clothes that are in decent
shape, and right for the season for their immediate needs.)
South Philly Tap Room's "Beef and Beer" Sunday January 30th
South Philly Taproom is hosting their 3rd annual take on a
"Beef and Beer." This is not your CYO type of event. Only firkins o' beer will be tapped and the beef is coming out of Scott Schroeder's kitchen so you know it won't be dry and crusty chafing pan grossnosity.
I don't have the menu or the beer list quite yet. I can tell you that Sly Fox's Robbie Burns Scottish Ale will be among them.
Robbie Burns Supper at KENNETT January 25th
From Kennett:
other delicious Gaelic fare. The whiskey and words will be flowing well into the night. Kilts are optional. Where will you be for the annual address to the haggis?
"Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,Great chieftain o' the puddin-race!"
--Robbie Burns, Ode to a Haggis.
** Sly Fox will host theirs in Phoenixville on Friday January 21st.
January 11, 2011
Happy Birthday Dave Garry!
A very happy birthday to the two first names
Dave Garry- co-owner of the Good Dog with wife Heather Gleason.
Everyone likes Dave. He's a quick-witted smart business owner, his employees love him, he's funny as hell, and he reads my blog.
Actually the only thing I don't like about him is I think sometimes my boyfriend likes him more than he likes me.
We need a few more peeps for POPE Chili cook off this SATURDAY
Just letting everyone know that pope'S 3RD annual Chili Cookoff is happening next Saturday afternoon, January 15th at 1 p.m.January 10, 2011
Sierra Takes over the taps at Ressurection Ale House- tomorrow
Tomorrow-=
ALL DRAFTS are just $4 from 4-6pm
Tumbler Autumn Brown Ale
30th Anniversary - Fritz And Ken's Ale
30th Anniversary - Charlie, Fred And Ken's Ale
30th Anniversary - Jack & Ken's Ale
Estate Brewers Harvest Ale
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
Hoptimum (a Beer Camp Imperial IPA)
The Institute has revamped and they're revving up for Saturday's Battle Royale
Institute has installed a new tap system downstairs and a funky bar upstairs made of galvanized pipes.
Saturday, January 15th, looks like a perfect time to check it all out in the midst of their 2nd annual Battle Royale. Heather and Charlie will be featuring 5 California breweries. You pick your favorite.
Cali-centric dishes and flights will be available as well. 2 till 8pm.
2nd Annual Winter BEERFEST at the Starlight Ballroom
There are two sessions featuring several seasonal beers.
1 till 5 and 6 till 10.
$40 until January 21st and $50 at the door.
Food is pay as you go.
For a list of breweries and more information-= check out their website.
Worth Steaking Out :Steve's Prince of Steaks
I didn't want leather.
I didn't want beige.
I didn't want one more piece of hunter green furniture in the house.
and
I didn't want to spend a ton.
We agreed on an espresso leather (so much for putting my foot down) couch with a chaise on one side that also reclines on the other side. It was $500 off-so we bought it and it'll be delivered next Sunday.
Right in front of The Dump parking lot happened to be the 3rd location of Steve's Prince of Steaks. I had always wanted to go there since I saw the documentary in 2008, "This is my cheesesteak."
They had also taken Philadelphia Magazine's top cheesesteak honors in 2007.
As Philly Mag states,
"If Steve’s Prince of Steaks had a South Philly location, there would no longer be a Pat’s-vs.-Geno’s feud, because both would, quite possibly, be run out of town. Steve’s service is smooth and friendly, without any ordering protocol; the steaks are just greasy enough, with hand-trimmed rib-eye slices grilled whole, not chopped into oblivion."
They were so right. Next time you need some furniture--head 25 miles north to the Dump. Get a cheesesteak at Steve's then drive 5 minutes back towards Philly and have a beer at the Hulmeville Inn.
January 5, 2011
January 4, 2011
2nd Annual In Pursuit of Ale Beer Club POTLUCK @ YARDS 1.27.11
Our 2nd annual POTLUCK is scheduled for Thursday January 27th once again at YARDS Brewing co. on Columbus Blvd.
Last year, a YARDS employee, Steve-O saw the amazing spread on the table, and he was like -What's going on here, " bring your own shit party?"
Sort of Steve.
So bring a dish- incorporate beer if you like.
Please email me your dish at beerlass@gmail.com
We'll need items both hot and cold. Consider the crock pot.
Desserts, Salads, Large meat dishes like Roast Pork ( I got that actually).
If you don't feel like cooking, and want to be the silverware fairy- that's just fine.
Once again- guys are welcome.
The Trouble with Trippels II January 22nd @ Johnny Brendas
Victory Golden MonkeyBrew Works Triple
Stoudt's Abbey Tripel
Weyerbacher Merry Monks
Dock Street Prisoner of Hell
Flying Fish Exit 4-American Tripel
Riverhorse Tripelhorse
Allagash Tripel
Starts at 11 am and goes till you want it to stop (or all day.)
Exit 4 was my New Year's Eve beverage option.
And there most certainly was trouble.
Happy Birthday Bronny!
 |
| Today is IPA beer club senior member Bronwen's big day. I met her at the Royal Tavern when I used to work there in '06. Then I ran into her at Tatooed Moms within a few weeks. She was wearing a salmon suit and gave the totally wrong impression. Who was this corporate woman that gushed over IPAs? We've now been friends for a few years and she makes fun like no other. I used to just think she did the "bronny dance" after a few pints- but no-she was born to shake it. |
Ice Capades this Saturday @ Nodding Head 3 pm
Beerlass.com isn't authorized to reveal exactly what that means. But I can tell you it has nothing to do with Asst. Brewer Mike Fava owning ice skates either (although he does).
I will see you there and we can enjoy them together and with these guys...
January 3, 2011
Sly Fox Quizzo at the Wishing Well -Monday January 10th
Hey Folks-
Join me next Monday for a special quizzo at the Wishing Well (9th and Catherine).
We'll shame ourselves with scrapple-topped burgers and amaze ourselves with the knowledge stashed in our noggins.
There will be Sly Fox sponsored prizes.
Memphis Taproom on Diners, Dives, and Drive-ins TONIGHT
Memphis is happy to ruin your NY resolutions for one night only. They will be hosting a viewing party for "Triple D" at Memphis and Cumberland tonight 9 till 12. Rockstar Chef Jesse Kimball will be preparing dishes that were featured on the episode AND-and during commercials only- they will be doing penny drafts for half and hour.
That's better "giving back" than I've heard of the whole holiday season.
Can't wait to see the interactions between Guy and Brendan. I'll be watching at Bridgids behind the bar.
MAXS Belgian Beer Fest! February 18-20, 2011
For the last three years, Lance and I have celebrated Valentine's Day in Charm City. We go down to Max's Belgian Beer Weekend. We visit our friends at One-Eyed Mikes where we are members of a Grand Marnier bar, we have delicious crab cake sandwiches at Todd Connors, and we take the train so we don't have to worry a second about our subarus.
Maybe this year- you should join us.
Here are the beers and the discounted hotel room rate info. They usually have a few Belgians on cask too.
