Beer Week Alert #6 Osteria and Amis coming up Big in the Beer Week Game

I think I speak for all craft breweries when I say I love when fine dining embraces craft beer- an of course in all packages- draft, bottles, cans, etc. This beer week- Osteria (which I believe has been involved in the past) and Amis have some pretty  spectacular events lined up.

It seems too good to be true- but it is
AMIS INDUSTRY NIGHT DURING BEER WEEK!!!! This is for those that toil over guests only- so bring your paycheck stub.

I was soo jazzzed when I saw this!

Monday, June 6 Buddakan will be the guest restaurant featuring complimentary food from 10 pm-midnight
The beer will be limited firkins from Stoudts, Yards, and Victory.
Then the next day, Tuesday, June 8th- Bill Covaleski is guest sommelier. Guests can look forward to a bunch on Victory on tap 6:30-9:30 pm. Pay as you go ;) (no pre-fixed menu)

OVER on Broad St. at Osteria....

They may only have three taps- but they have over 50 bottles and a staff that knows how to sell them. Next time you head there- don't think wine right away- they enjoy talking about beer too.

They will be doing a The Chef, The Brewer, the Farmer dinner  with Stoudts to the benefit of Alex's Lemonade.

Sunday June 5th $100 with Carol, Jodi and Green Meadow  farms. More details on PBW website.

Wednesday June 8th- Tomme Arthur of Lost Abbey and Port Brewing is the guest of honor at Osteria.  $150 all inclusive.

Lastly,  below you can find a video of Co-owner Jeff Michaud cooking with his mother for Mother's Day.

Two Track: After the Goldrush

When I was in college- I pulled more than a few all-nighters as an Advertising student with campaigns due and papers to write.  One night I remember hitting a late night happy hour- then going off to Willard hall (I can't believe I remember the name of the building) to work in the 24 hour computer lab.

I handed in the paper at an 8 am class. And was looking forward to bed.  It was my senior year. I was tired as hell.  I had 21 credits that final semester and didn't know if I was going to make it.

As I am walking down Beaver ave- I passed some hippy head shop with a speaker singing to the passerbys.

Right at the moment I was walking by- the part of "After the Gold Rush" where Young sings "Then the sun burst through the sky" came on.  I almost feel like I already wrote about this story before.   Sorry If I did. 

Here's your Tuesday two track. Radiohead and Neil Young. Enjoy the sun today.

RADIOHEAD- Live 2003 *Neil Young fan Lance Romance doesn't like this version for some reason.

NEIL YOUNG - Live 1978

Amy Strauss sippin' on Victory's Summer of Love in TEXAS!

Local writer, Amy Strauss is in Texas-and shares this photo of her enjoying some fine local beer in the Lonestar State...

Philly Beer Week Tip #4 B UNITED dinner at Resurrection Ale House Tuesday, June 7th

Tuesday, June 7th
From 6 till 9

B. United brings  some of the greatest beers of Europe and the wider world to Greys Ferry. 


This is a 4 course, ticketed beer dinner featuring a selection from 
B. United’s portfolio of truly world class ales and lagers. 


Owners Brendan Hartranft and Leigh Maida are promising a swank evening for epicureans.

Think-=

Pig Trotter and Foie Gras Terrine, Braised Elysian Field Lamb 

Shoulder, Birra Del Borgo ReAle Extra and De Dolle Oerbier, and 

Gran Riserva '07 

Tickets are $70 per person and include hors d'oeuvres, a 4 course dinner

Email info@resurrectionalehouse   for Tickets

One Week Countdown to 4th Annual Philly Beer Week-This is Where I'll be as I'm Dunked, Punched and Defeated

Beer Week is one week away. I've been prepping. I haven't had coffee in four days.  I am going to eat more mushrooms than a Kennett Square farmer. More spinach than Popeye. Tofu? I'll learn to like you.

I have 20 events that Sly Fox is involved in- compared to 33 last year.  It was hard to not host a few- but i needed to scale back from last year.  Having said that- my enthusiasm is increased.  I have willingly or unwillingly gotten myself involved with a few silly events throughout the week including a Dunk Tank at London Grill on Tuesday and a boxing match at Kite and Key on Saturday the 4th. A little different than the Monell Sensory tasting and Ladies Tea of yesteryear.

I'll be playing kan jam at the Four Seasons, drinking cans of Sly Fox on Thursday June 9th from 4 till 6- then I will head to Johnny Brenda's where I -joined by other beer clubbers- will be playing records. It will be a little bit of this and a little bit of that.  The night might start off with a little beer-drinking music- and go in the direction of a dance floor who knows???  But I hope you head to Girard and Frankford at  8 pm on Thursday to find out.  We tried to do this last year as well but I barely owned a record and even hired someone with experience to guide us through the night. NOT this YEAR.  I've been spending my limited loot on the side on 45s. I've got everything from Men Without Hat's "Pop goes the World"  (which I played last Saturday Morning 5.21) to summer fun Beach Boys, or summer fun Mungo Jerry. You want some garage grit-I've got your Troggs, you want some New Wave, I've got your New Order, you want to hear something new- I got that too.
Recently, I even bought two turntables (cheap-as-hell-used-off-of-Craig-List-but nice-looking Numarks- can't do Technics just yet) and a Mixer -no microphone- come on everyone- soooo expected- but this will be "where it's at".

Also- for those of you that have drank their fill at Opening Tap- and are ready to make some bad decisions- like help drain a pin of Panacea Barley Wine- I will be at Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant after Opening Tap. Look for people passing out flyers at Independence Visitor Center- to guarantee your $1 off all beers.

Sunday-join me for brunch and we can recap the first two days  at Kennett in Queen Village. Brian Ritchie makes great food.  Later that night you can find me and two of my favorite people in the beer biz, Chris Morris of Philadelphia Brewing Co, and Wendy Domurat of Dogfish Head, at Local 44.  We'll be asking beer trivia questions.

Monday is the official beer week event surrounding Broederlijke Liefde, the collaboration between Sly Fox's Brian O'Reilly and De Proef at Race St. Cafe. a bevy of De Proef beers will be there as well as some other Sly Fox offerings.  On Wednesday if I don't drown in the dunk tank on Tuesday- is Mcglinchey's Keep the pint and a CAN event at BAR.  Which right now doesn't have a theme. And I might just keep it that way.

Friday is the 4th annual Firkin-off at Good Dog between Sly Fox and South Hampton. Last year- Sly Fox didn't take home the horse's butt trophy. WE WON.  This year we will compete with Keller Pilsners. Including the Standard Pils brewed by William Reed and Brian O'Reilly just for beer week.

Saturday 6/11- we do the Beermuda Triangle in Fairmount at 2 pm. Running between Bishop's Collar, Kite and Key and St. Stephens Green. Cans are waiting for you at each stop. Don't forget the Milk Thistle.

Sunday- an event I always look forward to the T.T.U.D.at Fergies (That totally unnecessary drink). It's karaoke with brewers and beer peeps that look like hell, probably smell the same.  We're delirious. I will have been punched and dunked by now.
Perhaps I will have victories in Kan Jam, Firkin-kicking, and at the turntables.

Please email me with any questions.  Of course this was a self-serving post about where you can see me embarrass myself all week.
Don't fret-there will be several others offering suggestions on locations where you can see other reps like Nick Johnson and Cameron Saunders embarrass themselves.

Cheers. See you out there somewhere. Some where. I know I'll find you somehow

For those of you that didn't know a Scone could be a Heaven-sent Triangle of Morning Decadence.

A few weeks ago my friends Gary and Janine helped me pour beer at the Washington Crossing Beer Festival.(which was a well-executed fest).  They wanted to attend the fest but it was sold-out. I needed volunteers. It worked out perfectly.

But they're so sweet they decided to buy me some scones to thank me for getting them into the fest. Not just any scones- but J.Scones outside of Doylestown, PA. There's nothing attractive about scones.  They're usually dry and chalky.  You hope like heck you have a beverage to dunk them in.

Not these. You buy the dough frozen and can make them at home.  Your house will smell better than any Yankee candle you've ever lit. And as other people have mentioned- since you bake them yourselves... you do kinda feel like you had a hand in making them. 

So far I have had pear ginger, and chocolate fig. You probably live no where near Doylestown. I am sure you know about J. Scones if you do. They are located at 4119 E. Swamp Rd.

Kan Jam- Bigger than Chicken Wings? Tourney at Four Seasons Thursday June 9th 4 pm.

Sly Fox is crazy about Kan Jam.
The founders of KANJAM say it's "America's #1 party sport."   And if you know us-you know we love to party. Some of you might know Corey Reid- he manages Sly Fox sales and distribution for all of PA outside the five counties and all of New York. He's singing the song and slinging the beer all the way up in Buffalo! He's a champ.  He's always working- but when he's not- he wants to play KAN JAM.  It's sort of a disc golf game.  We will be organizing teams and playing it at our Four Seasons event. Email Coreyr@slyfoxbeer.com to sign up.

Can't you picture it now? Sunny day, some Sly Fox cans, and Kan Jam!
Here's an informative video about our new favorite party sport :


And here's video footage from the World Kan Jam Tournament. Charlie thinks KAN JAM will be bigger than Chicken Wings.

Matyson- National Escargot Day recapped

There are four restaurants in Philadelphia that deal with the same Burgundian snail purveyor- Bistrot La Minette, Bibou, Southwark, and Matyson.  I have now dined in all of them and can say with confidence- that they are some of the city's best.
All four celebrated National Escargot Day with an all snail menu.
 Lance and I decided on Matyson.  I have an event coming up on June 28th there and I was embarrassed that I had not been.   We don't make it to BYOs often.

Matyson was wonderful.  We had to change our reservation twice, and they weren't annoyed at all.
First- because Lance was working a bit later then because we decided to go to a mystery happy hour.

I arrived at Matyson- borderline famished so I was pretty grateful when Chef Ben Puchowitz sent out a hamachi and avocado napoleon of sorts to get us started.



Then it was snails, snails, and more snails.  (It was a little dark so the photos are - a little dark)

Fried Snails -Three Ways 

Polenta ShortCake with Black Berries and Creme Fraiche

Veal stuffed with escargot served with morel mushrooms and faro

Chocolate Marshmallow mouse cake

I will be hosting a beer dinner at Matyson on Tuesday, June 28th.
 Menu has not been determined yet- but I am so excited to work with them.  Call restaurant for reservations.

Two Track: Like a Rolling Stone -Happy 70th Birthday Bob Dylan Edition

I remember an August day in 1996 when my dad dropped me off at a  Berkshire Village apartment on West Reading Ave. The dorms at PennState Berks were at full-capacity and I was one of the few students that had to live off-campus.

PennState had matched me with two gals to room with. They hadn't arrived yet.  I had electricity and that was about it. So I sat at a table, and listened to the radio. When I turned it on "Like a Rolling Stone" was on.
One would think that this day of emancipation would have me ear to ear. But I cried and cried.  My boyfriend  Lee was headed to Harrisburg for College.  I missed him. He was my first love. I missed all my friends. I had always read about times of uncertainty, times of loneliness. But I can't remember a time before or since that I felt either with such weight.

I was totally on my own. And it didn't seem nearly as glamorous as the "first apartment" Pine Sol commercials.

So here's a Happy birthday to Bob Dylan. This two-track is for you. I picked Hendrix for this one...but of course there's Rolling Stones, Judy Collins and countless others that also gave the six minute plus song a whirl.

Dylan


Hendrix

Homebrew video contest- watch Barley Legal's Big Brew Day on YouTube so they can win

Annual drink Wheat beer in the Hopeful Sun all Day- tomorrow @ SPTR

I think this might be the 6th year of the South Philadelphia Tap Room Wheat Beer Fest.
It really does get bigger and better every year.
A slew of breweries are there.  Both local and not.
Aracadia, Ithaca, Sly Fox, Philadelphia Brewing Co, Unibroue is even pouring.
Chef Scott Shroeder will be grillin and no doubt chillin.

12 till 8.

Perhaps you'll see SPTR owner John Longacre and congratulate him- American Sardine Bistro at 18th and Federal is close!

Happy Birthday Wendy Domurat!!!!!

Last year Wendy's significant other whisked her away to Mexico for her birthday. She was gone for four days, feasting on guacamole pool-side, and sipping on booze-filled smoothies.  She didn't text for the duration of her stay.
I was busy back home- no guac, no frilly drink, no crystal blue water.

Well-I innocently forgot to throw a birthday blog up during her absence. It's been 365 days since and she has probably brought it up about 40 of them.
Every time I did a birthday blog- she'd go "So so-and-so got a birthday blog and I didn't." or "So your nephew-heh? It's his birthday I see...."

I couldn't wait for a chance to redeem myself.  She is one of my best friends. We're pretty synonymous with each other in the local beer industry. If I am out without her- people want to know where she is.

She's been a true blue.  So much that -when she thought  my arms were getting too flabby she got me an "As seen on TV shake weight." It made me want to rewrite the lyrics to that Dionne Warwick song- because THAT is what friends are for.

Happy Birthday Friend.

My friend Loves the Descendants

She gussies it up for Chifa

She's all smiles after 17 hours of sleep at Ommegang

She was there for me when my car broke down at a toll both on the hottest day of the year

She LOVeS the Phillies. She goes to almost every game.

She's the proud owner of a new tangerine buddy scooter

She Loves Sushi (and has been known to order massive amounts for delivery- actually she loves delivery)

In Denver at Great American Beer Fest

She goes sailing in the Summer as part of a Dogfish Series in Annapolis

She eats synthetic hair?


She looks really nice in white standing next to Tom Kehoe.

We disagree on things from time to time.  She likes Red Hook Coffee Lattes-I'm becoming a Shot Tower gal.

She gets Manhattans at Southwark- I go Sazerac (or beer).  She still seeks out old REM cd's. I do not.
She's responsible-she owns a house, a parking permit and has perfect credit. I do not.
She love orange juju beans. I do not.  She loves ketchup (gross).
We have more in common though.
She loves it when I make ice cream. She likes Marshalls- i Love it.
She loves it when I dance to ELO's "Do Ya" with my arms up in the air till I fall on my face.
She loves Ryan Adams. She loves bad tv.
We call each other "Friend"
And she is one of the best a lady could have.

BEER WEEK ALERT #3 EATS! Fried Chicken Run to South Philly Tap Room and other "The Chef, the Brewer, the Farmer" dinners

This comes toward the end of  Beer Week as part of the week-long "The Chef, the Brewer, the Farmer" Series.
June 11th 4 pm- 11 pm
It's a 5.5 mile run from Philadelphia Brewing Co. to the SPTR.
You must register in advance here (and get a commemorative tee).
It's $25 for fried chicken and Cole Slaw and 3 PBC beers.
If you don't do the Run- and want to support your runner buddies- Fried Chicken is $8.

Other Dinners include:

Sun, June 5:     

Osteria (640 North Broad Street, 215-763-0920) - 5:30 p.m.; $100 per person 

The Chef - Marc Vetri and Jeff Michaud

The Brewer - Carol and Jodi Stoudt of Stoudt’s Brewing Company

The Farmer - Ian Brendle of Green Meadow Farm

• The menu will be announced closer to event, keep checking www.phillybeerweek.org for more details.

Tue, June 7:     JG Domestic (2929 Arch Street, 215-222-2363) - 7 p.m.; $75 per person

The Chef – Jose Garces

The Brewer - Casey Hughes of Flying Fish Brewing Company

The Farmer - TBA

• Seven courses, each paired with one of Flying Fish’s exclusive “Exit Series” beers, honoring the exits of the New Jersey Turnpike in a fun tribute to their home state. 

Wed, June 8:    Fork (306 Market Street, 215-625-9425) - 6:30 p.m.; $45 per person

The Chef – Terence Feury

The Brewer - Bill Covaleski of Victory Brewing Company

The Farmer - Ian Brendle of Green Meadow Farm

• Four-course dinner pairing Victory beers that have been infused with local herbs from Green Meadow Farm. 

Thu, June 9:     Southwark (701 South 4^th Street, 215-238-1888) – 7 p.m.; $65 per person

The Chef (s) – Sheri Waide and Nick Macri

The Brewer - Brian O’Reilly of Sly Fox Brewing Company

The Farmer - Paul and Ember Crivellaro of Country Time Farms

• Four-courses featuring “the best pork you will ever taste” from Country Time with Sly Fox’s beers.
• MeNU
• 1st-rye berries, slow roasted spring onions, pork broth
• 2nd-house cured copa, dandelion green and radish salad
• 3rd -pork mixed grill, new potato, snap peas, chili sauce
• 4th-chocolate and pork liver mousse, crispy pig skin

Sun, June 12:   Marathon Restaurant - 1818 Market Street on the patio, 215-561-1818) 2 to 6 p.m.; $35 per person

The Chef – Luke Eschbach

The Brewer (s) – Tom Kehoe from Yards Brewing Company

The Farmer – Adam Hill from Marathon Farm

• An outdoor pig roast with all-you-can-eat assortment of dishes inspired (and created from) the pig.  A seasonal assortment of accompaniments will be created from produce harvested on Marathon’s urban farm.  All proceeds from tickets benefit the Marathon Farm.  Live bands will be playing throughout the day. 

Ripley's Believe it or Not: $4.50 Petrus Oak-Aged Pale Ale- 2nd St. Brewhouse

When 2nd St. Brewhouse opened- Co-owner Tiffany Ainsley told  "City's Best" that they would attract people looking for  the craft beer experience on a Miller Light budget.

I know (and love) Tiffany but I thought that was a boxed statement out of a  "Ripley's Believe It or Not" book.

I was so excited for her and fiance Jimmy Clark as they are long-time friends of one of my best friends.  I knew they were looking into buying a bar for a while.
But Raw Dawgs?
It was the greenest (as in color, not composting) place I had ever seen in my life. Oz couldn't touch it. It had a horrible reputation.
I guarantee you they were pouring more blackberry vodka shots than Yards brawlers.

But when someone dedicates as much time to anything as they have to the corner of 2nd and Morris since February- good great  things happen.

Jim Clark has kept it quiet as he revamps the building.  The green is gone. The place looks great.
He's been rather reserved on promoting and advertising until it's where he wants it.
They're definitely  open for business (12pm- 2 am).
The beer list will impress. See below.
A familiar face is behind the bar-well-known man about South-Philly- Rocco Renzetti.
Food will come soon. They even joked about being a "crockery," embracing a variety of South Philly-style sandwiches.

The back room is welcoming. Tables (including the dining table of Clark's youth) juke box,darts, beer signs.
I envisioned the large, oblong tables encouraging groups to gather around during a happy hour and chat about the work day done while sipping on a Petrus Pale Ale for a mere $4.50 (still just $5.50 when it's not happy hour).

Walk- Don't run to get there only because Jimmy and Tiffany are still grooming the bar.
You know- get rid of those glass shelves that once held the blackberry vodka...
But once you arrive- you'll like what you see-and so will your wallet.

They are participants of Philly Beer Week- and will be celebrating their first one with a keg drain of local breweries on Saturday, June 4th 8 pm.

Beer Week Alert #2: Four Seasons With Love Beer Garden

I hope readers will continue to check here daily for more and more BEER WEEK updates.

By now you will have read (here or somewhere else) about the GPTMC supported "With Love Beer Garden" at the Four Seasons.
I spoke with a few people that are "trying to picture it." I see where they are coming from- but one trip there led to a pretty fun vision for me.

They will be hosting local breweries all week.  Executive Director Don Russell says, "It will also serve as our ‘PBW 2011 headquarters,’ where visiting drinkers can pick up guide books, PBW merchandise and get up-to-the-minute details on all of the week’s events.”

Here's the line-up.
 I'm really looking forward to KAN JAM on Thursday.

·         Monday, June 6:  Bill Covaleski, of Victory Brewing Company.  Guests will experience a first taste of the wildly popular, recently re-released “Summer Love Ale,” brewed in conjunction with GPTMC’s “With Love” marketing campaign.  

·         Tuesday, June 7:  Chris Wilson, of Weyerbacher.  The brewery will be showcasing its portfolio of large-format 750 mL bottled beers, including “Merry Monks,” “Double Simcoe,” “Tiny,” and “Blasphemy.”

·         Wednesday, June 8:  Ben Potts, of Dock Street Brewing Company.  Dock Street will pour its “Royal Bohemian Pilsner,” “Man Full of Trouble Porter,” “Pimp My Rye,” “Bubbly Wit,” and “OMG Pale Ale.”  They will also share the first release of their summer Saison Series, a yet-to-be-named brew made with rosemary, basil, oregano and black pepper.

·         Thursday, June 9:  Brian O’Reilly, of Sly Fox Beer.  Featuring a night of canned beer and lawn games (think Disc Golf), the evening will also include an exclusive taste of “Broederlijke Liefde” (which means “Brotherly Love”), the one-of-a-kind PBW collaboration beer created by O’Reilly last winter at Belgium’s famed De Proef Brouweij.  

·         Friday, June 10:  Tom Kehoe, of Yards Brewing Company, and Carol Stoudt, of Stoudt’s Brewing Company.  Together, Kehoe and Stoudt will pour “Brotherly Suds 2,” the second-annual local PBW collaborative brew.  Brewed this year at Stoudt’s, the lager was created with 100% German specialty malts, and a blend of German and Domestic hops and the Schmidt’s of Philadelphia yeast strain for fermentation.

Nice summer bites will be available...
 “Philly Beef Slider" with Taylor pork roll, American cheese and grilled onions; Steamed New Jersey Clams with garlic and rooftop parsley; Port Richmond Kielbasa Sandwich with Polish mustard; Lancaster Honey-Glazed Organic Chicken Wings; and Shrimp Soft Tacos with avocado, jalapeño and pickled cabbage. 

Three days till :Don't Block the BOCKS @ Johnny Brendas

Saturday May 21st 
11 am- ?

*PEGGY the winning goat from the Sly Fox goat races will be a guest of 
honor there to tap the maibock around 3 pm.


*Also- Illg's meats- German meat delicacies!


THE POURS

Victory Moonglow- Weizenbock
Troeg's Troegenator- Doppelbock
Victory St. Victorious- Doppelbock
Victory St. Boisterous- Maibock
Ramstein Maibock
Lancaster Rumspringa- Honey Maibock
Great Lakes Doppelrock- Doppelbock
Manayunk Brian's Bock
Stoudt's Double Maibock
Sly Fox Slacker Bock (mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm)
Sly Fox Helles Bock
Sly Fox Peggy Maibockhe winner of this year's annual Sly Fox Goat Race

Two Track: "I Fought The Law"

Of course I dig the Clash- who doesn't?  So of course I like "I Fought the Law," but I did not know that it wasn't the original version until I got "Rare Gems" from the Vault" for a buck from a Lansdale thrift store. (Saw it for $25 on amazon afterwards).

I bought if for the The Gentry's "Keep on Dancing" but also noticed "Rescue Me" and "I Fought the Law," but it was the Bobby Fuller Four.  I couldn't wait to hear it.  Then I looked it up later on and saw it was originally done by the Crickets. Here are the two versions I own.

I'm gonna have to go with Bobby Fuller Four- what about you?

Bobby Fuller Four





The Clash

BEER WEEK ALERT #1: GOOD DOG brings you a night of eating and drinking- Sunday, June 5th

The Iron Hill brewers have shared many of pints at Good Dog over the years.
So as Beer Week was on every bar owner's mind a couple of months ago (not like it isn't now)- Good Dog co-owner Dave Garry thought it would be fun to host a dinner featuring every Iron Hill brewer's favorite beer.
If you do the math- there's 8 brew pubs (until Chestnut Hill launches at the end of the year) so that's 8 beers- so 8 courses.
The gluttony begins at 6 pm.

Chef Jessica O'Donnell has turned out an impressive menu.



Saison – Larry Horwitz, West Chester
paired with a chilled saison coconut carrot soup with scallop ceviche

The Cannibal – Chris LaPierre, Maple Shade
paired with house cured beef salumi made with munich malts &
Cannibal Strong Belgian Gold Ale, served with a pickled vegetable mustard

Vienna Red Lager – Justin Sproul, Newark
paired with tomatoes & grilled asparagus, topped with
shredded parmesan & a warm bacon-lager vinaigrette

Sumo IPA – Brian Finn, Wilmington
paired with Sumo IPA brined fried chicken, served with a
pickled watermelon salad, topped with a honey-Sumo IPA drizzle

Roggenbier – Tim Stumpf, Phoenixville
paired with an open faced, house cured salmon
pastrami reuben on rye, topped with Roggenbier
thousand island dressing & swiss cheese / rye malt tuilles

Bourbon Aged Russian Imperial Stout – Vince Desrosiers, North Wales
paired with truffled mini beef wellington with
Bourbon Russian Imperial Stout sauce,
served with mashed potatoes & asparagus

Berliner Weiss – Paul Rutherford, Lancaster
paired with cana de cabre (soft ripened goat milk cheese aged 3-4 weeks)
with a house made raspberry rhubarb mostarda

Russian Imperial Stout – Bob Barrar, Media
paired with a Kahlua soaked coffee tres leches,
topped with a house made dark chocolate ganache

Executive Chef - Jessica O’Donnell
Sous Chef - Jared Morin
Pastry Chef - Leo Rahill

Drink Philly celebrates American Craft Beer Week

I ran into Justin Giza of Drink Philly today at Monks.
If you haven't been on their site yet- they do beer, they do cocktails, they talk about drinking in Philly.
Lots of specials are mentioned, and they take a lot of videos.

They partnered up with several Philly bars to bring YOU $3 pints o' American craft between 5 and 7 all week long.

Check out their site for the full listing- but some good spots are on there- Good Dog, McCrossens, Perch Pub, Khyber, BAR, Dock St, Devil's Den....

Name that Nipple #8

It's been a bit since name that nipple surfaced.   I found a willing participant over the weekend.

Can you identify?

It's On! 22 days to Philly Beer Week

Senor Casey Parker of Jose Pistolas with the H.O.G.

There was a lot of positive energy on the sun-drenched "With Love XoXo" Beer Garden at the Four Seasons yesterday. A group of about 80 people gathered to listen to Don Russell share a few highlights of the upcoming 4th annual Philly Beer Week.

A few things:

-The new website is up www.phillybeerweek.org
-The DROID app is now available (iphone to come shortly)*I downloaded it and it's pretty impressive. You can save events that you want to attend.

-There's a nice focus on local beer this year. The Four Seasons is hosting a beer garden in conjunction with the Philadelphia GPTMC (Greater Phila Tourism and Marketing Corp).  Everyday a different brewery will be featured.  You can drink your share of Victory's "Summer of Love" beer- which is actually crossing the country next month. The beer will reach 29 states.
There will also be bottles of the Sly Fox/De Proef Collaboration (Saison). I will have a full sched. of what's going on when in the beer garden soon.
-The keepsake PBW Guide launched yesterday. It was designed to be a fixture at your house hold all year long for reference. It breaks the city down into neighborhood beer destinations. So if you find you are all to comfy walking Fairmount and never venture South- this will give you a lil motivation.

Even more sunshine....

On my way home from the Sly Fox White Dog Dinner- I took 15th st. South so I could peak into Jose Pistolas and see if Jose- himself- was there. I had a few questions about his soon to be world-famous "Late Night with Joe Gunn."
He couldn't reveal much but he did say that there was an increase in technology this year-  And that they have arranged for a stage to be built.  "Late night with Joe Gunn" takes place Monday-Thursday at Joses Pistolas.

So while Joe was pouring drinks for others- and I sipped on my club soda- I was occupied with Keith from Monks kitchen and his new friends "The Twins" Jen and Steph. I ran into Keith outside the bar and he said he was in the middle of arguing with twins about Chase Utley.

The minute I arrived they were non-stop.  They were loving the margaritas, loving the fact that I worked for beer, mentioned the fact that they LOVE love love Dogfish. They pretty much love everything.  I'm sure the patients that they care for as nurses feel loved as well.  I'm not a big hugger- but they went for a hug a couple times, and one time almost took my earring out.  But alas- it's been a while since I met twins- or anyone that damn happy - so I told them I would give them a shout out and here it is.

Never met a bad Woody.

There are some names that are notoriously associated with bad, perhaps evil people.

"Woody" is like the opposite.

They are jovial, creative, all around nice guys.  I had heard that a Woody worked at Philadelphia Brewing Co- but I had never met him.  Three years go by. Then finally -I'm sitting at the new 2nd St. Brewhouse when two PBC delivery guys come in with a couple cases. I ask if I can snap their pic by the celebrity Kenzinger truck.  They comply. Photo is snapped then the introductions begin.  It's Paul Butterly and Woody.  Butterly thought it would be a fun idea to get Woody and Woods.
Fans of the Kenzinger truck can meet the truck and get their pictures taken with it at the Philadelphia Bar and Restaurant  Wednesday during Beer Week's "Meet the Drivers" event-- June 8th between 5 and 8.  You can also friend the wheels of legend on FaceBook.

Philly Beer Week Guide comes out today! Jose Pistolas talks of an Aztec Goddess

I got a sneak peak of the Philly Beer Week Guide yesterday and Gold Star PW- You did a stellar job.

Everyone present decided that Jose Pistolas had the best 50 word describing what you can find at 263 S. 15th st.

 Perhaps you can't read it right now- but rest assured it mentions Aztec Goddesses and Streams of Margaritas.  Just in case you want some tequila in your beer week. Thanks God there's no tequila week.

Outside of Bar advertisements- there is no Event listing.
So you can plan your 10 days of bar hopping, dinners and dunktanks....hit up http://phillybeerweek.org/

Also- by the time Beer Week arrives (23 days) there will be free apps for both iphones and Droids.

Two Track-= "Pills" via New York Dolls and Bo Diddley

Zyrtex-D has been my best friend this week.  Not just the aisle stuff--but I went for the box you have to purchase from the pharmacist only after showing your drivers license and signing off on it- because apparently people make it into meth.

I'm only allowed to take one every twelve hours- but I'm not a big pill person- so I came up with some theme music and marked my 72 hours of tissues, barely breathing and head strain with a little "Pills" by the New York Dolls- an LP that I have recently added to the collection and that you might just get to hear at Johnny Brendas on June 9th.

While I was searching for Youtube videos- I was thrilled to learn that it was a Bo Diddley original. Awesome! I downloaded that right away and now the 45 rpm search begins.

Here are both versions-=
New York Dolls


Bo Diddley



Maybe I will make my own rendition about Pikeland Pils. "Into my head- into my head- Pikeland Pils into my head" Nah- Ill just leave it alone.

MONKS MAD MONDAY 5.16 featuring Sly Fox

Brian O'Reilly and team Sly Fox will forgo their Monday meeting to drink beer at Monks Cafe on Monday Morning.  Starting at 11:30- Tom Peters will tap 4 different Sly Fox Belgian offerings from the Royersford brewery- including the elusive Incubus.

He will also tap the only keg of Panacea barleywine in the city and a special offering from yours truly.
If you haven't had a chance to try "my" beer yet- please join us for lunch next Monday.

The Institute revisits BRUNCH- starting this weekend

Every Saturday and Sunday from 10 till 3pm the Institute (12th and Green) will be serving up brunch.

Here's the menu- reasonably priced and reading delicious (nothing over $10!). 

I want the breakfast sliders right now.  

But it's 1:42 in the morning. And it's not the weekend. 

Also keep in mind that they're celebrating National Burger Month.

This week-- grilled mango, goat cheese, arugula and curry aioli.

And Happy Hour is $2 off of drafts every day.

Breakfast Nachos

Corn tortilla chips, diced tomato, black beans, onions, peppers, seasoned cheddar jack cheese topped with 2 sunny side up eggs

$9

add bacon $1

Tofu Scramble

Diced Tomato, spinach, peppers, onions,  chili-cumin spice blend

Choice of breakfast tots or sweet potato home fries

$8

Vanilla Bean Waffles

House made waffels, apple butter spiced cream cheese mousse, amaretto spiked strawberry-peach jam

$8

Peach Butter Pancakes

Maple Syrup infused with bourbon aged vanilla beans, spiced whipped cream, candied pecans

$8

Bourbon Custard Cheesecake Stuffed French Toast

Baker Street Brioche, house made bourbon custard, stuffed with vanilla bean cheese cake mousse, baked, Served with bourbon-aged vanilla bean maple syrup and whipped cream

$9

Breakfast Sliders

Custard dipped mini brioche buns, house made apple sausage patty (pork or turkey) topped with scrambled cheesy eggs and maple syrup

Served with breakfast tots or sweet potato home fries

$10

Simple Breakfast

2 eggs, any style, breakfast tots or sweet potato home fries, choice of meat (house made apple sausage, bacon, or scrapple)

$7

(sub veggie sausage $1)

turkey bacon and sausage availible upon request

Omlette of the Week

3 eggs omlette with cooks selection of fillings.  Served with choice of breakfast tots or sweet potato home fries

$8

Biscuits and Gravy

House made buttermilk buscuits, topped with house made apple sausage white gravy. Served with 2 eggs

$9

Toast availible upon request

(brioche toast)

Seasonal Fruit and Goat Cheese Salad

Mixed greens, house dressing

$8

Pork Sammy

Slow roasted herbed pork, roasted peppers, provolone cheese

$10

Buying  The Farm Burger

(meat or veggie)

lettuce, tomato, cheddar, bacon, sunny side up egg

Seasonal Fruit and Greek Yogurt

granola, local honey

$6

Soup of the Moment

$6

Sides

2 eggs $2.00

Breakfast Meat $3

2 pancakes $2

2 pieces french toast $2

Brewery to recreate George Washington Porter- wait didn't YARDS do that ten years ago?

My father called me at 7:25 this morning to share an NPR story he heard on the radio during his morning drive.  I had already read the same news last week and reached out to YARDS Tom Kehoe out of curiousity.

So Shmaltz Brewing Co. (well-respected brewery behind Hebrew and Coney Island Beers slated to be part of Philly Beer Week again) worked with the New York Public Library to recreate George Washington's small beer with molasses.  The recipe comes from the Rare Manuscripts room of the NY Public Library.  It is scheduled to pour on one day only to celebrate the 100 yr anniversary of the Stephen A. Schwarzman building that houses the library.  It will be called "Fortitude's Founding Father Brew."


Here is a photo of a page out of my City Tavern Cookbook with said recipe.  I got my start in Philadelphia working at City Tavern and became quite attached to the Porter. This was in 2001.


Based on the article- it appears that the Library sought out the brewery.  A quote from Jeremy Cowan reveals such. 
"What an incredible opportunity that the New York Public Library has offered Shmaltz Brewing Company," said Jeremy Cowan, founder of Shmaltz. "A chance to bring history, culture, and the written word from revolutionary times into today's craft beer evolution. We are thrilled to transform Washington's recipe into an even more complex and flavorful robust porter using a delicious array of the best small batch dark malts and hop varieties to produce a truly spectacular celebration for the contemporary beer connoisseur. By adding Brown Malt to the grain bill and the additions of Northern Brewer hops and rich molasses to the boil we were able to produce a beer that is modern but with ingredients that have been a part of brewing for generations. The 100th birthday of the Schwarzman Building is such a monumental occasion, let's toast to 100 more successful years as a true New York cultural institution."