Happy Birthday Tracy Mulligan

If you own a bar or restaurant or sell beer in Philly you know Tracy Mulligan.

She's as sweet as they come although her Facebook "check-ins" have me knowing her every move- which makes me feel like a stalker.

Happy Birthday!

This Week: Bells and Pumpkins

In BELL's Brewhouse Sept. 2009

Tuesday night-


Capones is hosting a Bells Tap Takeover with the ever-knowledgeable Derek Zomonski- Mid Atlantic Rep for Bells.  I hope Derek likes crabs because it's also "All you can eat Snowcrab legs night" Things get going at 6. 


THE POURS

Bells Two Hearted Ale IPA

Bells Kalamazoo Stout

Bells Consecrator Doppelbock

Bells Cherry Stout

Bells Porter

Bells Quinannan Falls Lager Double Dry Hopped "Limited Release"

Bells Best Brown

Bells Octoberfest

Bells Wedding Ale "Limited Release"

Oracle Double IPA "Limited Release"

Bells Amber

THEN
SATURDAY, Oct 1st  is the return of the "Charlie's Pumpkin Patch" at The Institute.
From their website:


"Once again the first 20 people to put down 6 pumpkin beers gets a free pumpkin pie and the first 10 people through the door get a free 22oz bottle of Brew Works the next 5 get a free ticket for the November CBX.  We will be decked out in hay. and will be playing charlie brown videos on the 2nd floor.

The POURS

Weyerbacher

Southampton

Southern Tier

Arcadia

Wolovers

Brooklyn

Lakefront

Doc Street

Elysian

Smuttynose

Roy Pits

New Holland

Brew Works

Six Point

Blue Point

Terripan

Dogfish Head

River Horse

Wild Onion (Elusive Firkin!!)

Tommy Knocker

Stoudt's

Yards (GW Porter to be served in a Pumpkin)

Two Track: In honor of Farmer's Cabinet Tom Waits "Small Change" drink list crafted by Phoebe Esmon

I checked in on my twitter feed for the first time all day and saw not one but two r

Photo Credit : Lou Perseghin

eferences to Farmer's Cabinet.

Turns out-- Pheobe Esmon has put out a great tribute to my man Tom- in her new cocktail list.

So at the risk of upsetting beerlass readers with yet another Tom Waits song- here goes.

Tom Traubert's Blue (Four Sheets to the Wind in Copenhagen)

Bon Jovi (with drummer Tico Torres singing instead of John) Christmas- not sure what year

Tom Waits (1977) (I actually think I posted this last December for his birthday)

Thanks Phoebe!

Best Bite of the Week: Brioche Pain Perdue at Pub and Kitchen

11:15 am Sunday morning-Brunch decision time.  Lance decides after randomly looking on Yelp for a few minutes that he wants the lunch part of brunch- whereas I was wanting breakfast.
He had burgers on the brain- I thought Pub and Kitchen would be perfect. Their iced Stumptown coffee would make the pain of the 5 drinks and one glass of malbec I had on Saturday night go away with a quickness.

We started with the grilled peach salad- which was a wee different than other grilled peach salads (as thought I eat these all the time and have a reference point). They grill the peaches them chill them. Which I really enjoyed because when you're hungover- everything is better cold.

I was already on  the road to recovery- so I could go with a warm entree. I usually do savory but went sweet with a hint of savory in that of the Brioche Pain Perdu with toffee bacon sauce and bourbon syrup. Holy Moly.  Best bite of the week.  Pain Perdu translates to "lost bread."  Traditionally- like bread pudding you would use bread that would otherwise get thrown out.
The crust had a nice caramelized crunch to it- the sauce was rich and bacon was plenty.  They always have Allagash White on tap- but this called for a black, or maybe a dubbel.

They also make a cocktail with the White- the Alsance Lorraine- featuring White, Lemon Soda and Torani Amer.
What is Torani Amer?  It is a liqueur made in a similar style to Amer Picon, a French aperitif with notes of bitter orange, cinchona bark and gentian. Amer Picon is barely in the U.S. so many sub Torani Amer out of San Fran.

Banana Bombs with Matt Pushinsky

I've run into Belukus Matt a few times in the last week. It's always nice to see him and he's done a fantastic job with the Belukus portfolio since his start.  If you see a bunch of Wells and Young beer on towers around Philly five county- that's him (and Origlio of course).

One of the biggest hits for the importing company of the last couple months is the Wells Banana Bread beer.  Accounts that are right on the tip of doing better with craft beer -even places like Jon's on South St. are crushing it with the banana.

Matt shared with me a video that he put together on how to make a banana bomb- sort of the Car bomb concept but with wells banana beer and some different liquers. Oh and it involves some fireworks!

Check check it out!

Two Track: Black Keys pay tribute to Buddy Holly with "Dearest"

This week's two track comes to you because of color.
I am loving Allagash Black. We have been brewing it for some time but now draft is in Philly. I know it was on at Bishop's Collar last night and City Tap House got a sixtel of it today.

So keep an eye out. It's a Belgian Stout.
I went through a list of black/white songs and bands/musicians with buddies at the P.O.P.E. a couple weeks ago.  There's definitely enough to do a music-centric promo night.

I chose the Black Keys this time around because I bought the "Rave On" album of Buddy Holly covers and Black Keys do "Dearest." I think it's one of my favorite tracks on the album. Here's the listing on amazon.

Buddy Holly 1958- Recorded from his apartment





Black Keys 2011

Happy 2 years to Resurrection Ale House- tomorrow night!

Tomorrow night starting at 5pm- help Resurrection Ale House  celebrate their TWO YEAR ANNIVERSARY.
From the folks:
The celebration kicks off with an afternoon of Twice Fried Chicken goodness (starting at noon), followed at 5pm by a big old 'happy birthday to us' bash when we'll start passing complementary nibbles from the kitchen until 10pm! (Please note, we're suspending our regular menu for the entire day.)



Our special 2 Year Anniversary draft list inculdes: 


De Dolle Dulle Teve, St. Bernardus 12, Schneider Aventinus Eisbock (Poured from a wooden barrel off the bar), Leipziger Gose, and Dogfish Head Chateau Jiahu (Randallized with Sake-Soaked Hop Leaves) AND MORE...

To keep the birthday celebration going, the Twice Fried Chicken will be a permanent addition to the menu starting bright and early Thursday morning! Happy Birthday to us!

Allagash Alley tonight at Teresa's Next Door

I got a text from my beer buddy John Doherty today, "Will I see you tonight at Teresa's?"

ME: I don't know John- what's tonight?

So before he can text me back I take a look at their website and see "ALLAGASH ALLEY" listed under events. How about that?
There's even a mention of their "new" sales rep possible making an appearance.
Well as soon as their new sales rep found out about it- she rearranged her schedule so she could be there.
 The website promises 10 taps and vintage bottles.  I might have to train this one ;)

There will also be a few food pairings featuring favorites of the New England Region!

Two Track: Surfin' Bird

I  present you with Two Track Tuesday on this Wednesay. I'm a day late because I am living the life in Portland, Maine (The license plate even says "vacationland"). 

It's sort of a double tribute--you see it's National Chicken month.  This Two-track will celebrate birds.

The Eagles came out of the season's gate pretty strong on Sunday with a numerical palindromic victory-
31-13 against the Rams. I'm not the biggest football fan-but sports sell beer and I am a capitalist.
Here's to da BIRDS.

AND

This is also in tribute to the Resurrection Ale House Fried Chicken that reappears on the menu this week. You definitely have HEARD ABOUT THIS BIRD!!!  Next Wednesday-Leigh Maida and Brendan Hartranft are celebrating two years on Greys Ferry. They'll be toasting their crowd all night with special treats and a great tap list as usual.  Come celebrate their terrific twos.


The Trashmen 1963


The Ramones 1982

Sibling Rivalry: A Clash of Liquid Personalities Tonight and Thursday

"Sister bars," Kraft work and Sidecar located in opposite corners of town will both be playing host to "brother breweries," Mikkeller and Evil Twin.


I am in Portland- so I can't make it.
If you are in Philadelphia- you should definitely get there for a few of these rare, buzzworthy beers.




Kraftwork-=- TONIGHT


The POURS


Six different versions of Mikkellers "Black Hole" Red Wine, White Wine, Tequila, Bourbon, Scotch, Cognacand Limoncello IPA, The American Dream Pilsner, Beer Geek Breakfast, Big Worst (Barleywine) and more and from the Evil Twin corner: Ying, Yang, Katz Pis, Ryan the Beaster Bunny saison, Ashtray heart- Imperial Stout and MORE.




SIDECAR- Thursday night
Mikkeller:
Black Hole (bourbon) - Russian Imperial Stout
Draft Bear - Imperial Pilsner
US Alive (brett) - Strong Ale
Drinkin' in the Sun - Pale Wheat

Evil Twin:
Soft Dookie - Imperial Stout
Biscotti Break - Porter
Ryan and the Beaster Bunny - Saison
B/D/A Christmas - Imperial IP-

















More Details can be found over at foobooz.

London Grill's 20th next Monday!

You've got a week to clear your schedule and scoot to Fairmount. Terry and Chef Michael Mcnally are celebrating 20 years of serving up great food and drink at London Grill on Monday, September 19th. 

I remember London was one of the first bars I ever went to when I moved to Philly in 2001. I noticed the Neon pink sign and knew I wasn't in State College anymore.

They've got quite a party in the works. Chef collaborated with Center City's Nodding Head on a beer just for the night while Terry worked with Stoudts.  Their efforts will be revealed to a panel of judges (and all of you) between 5-7. Judges include, Tom Peters (monks) Jeff Keel (B. Collar), CAsey Hughes (Flying Fish), George Humeel (Home Sweet Homebrew), and Marnie Old (wine/beer A/personality).

From 7 till 9- it's dinner time. For $40 you can get the following family style: The dinner includes beverage pairings, but not tax and gratuity.  

Beer & Cheese Pairings from Nodding Head, DiBruno Bros. and Stoudt’s; 

 Emilio Mignucci of DiBruno Bros. and brewers from both breweries will be available as well to discuss the pairings;  Crispy Pork Belly with watermelon, sesame seeds and cilantro;  Foie Gras Tuna Tartare;  Stuffed Figs wrapped in bacon with blue cheese and arugula;  Grilled Octopus with chorizo, potatoes, cured lemon and salsa verde;  Pastrami Duck Breast served with house made sauerkraut and violet mustard;  Marsala-Glazed Veal Cheeks with smoked mushrooms;  Braised Black Kale with cippolini onions, pancetta and cream;  Roasted Butternut Squash with pistachio pesto and breadcrumbs;  and Creamy Marscapone Polentawith a wild mushroom Bolognese;  and dessert surprises, paired with Chef McNally’s house-made Limoncello.

After that you can dance off the calories as a dj spins tunes of the last 20 years.

I know I will be there. Hope you can make it.

Best Bite of the Week-

I gotta get some sleep. Big day tomorrow- so quickly-

Cafe Estelle- 4th and Callowhill on the ground floor of lofts.  Chef/owner Marshall Green has been established there for a few years- so hopefully you have made it by.  

On this trip- I shared the cinnamon bun with 6 other ladies.  I didn't think it could get better until my main course came. I am not allowed to get omelets anymore because I have had too many disappointing ones.  But this redeemed the breakfast staple.  It was cheddar, smoked turkey and argula. I shouldn't have been so surprised when I took my first forkfull and realized it was loaded with pulled turkey- after all I was at Cafe Estelle and everything they serve up is the real deal.  

They are a byo. They host special dinners from time to time- but not regularly.

Breakfast is served daily. Brunch gets crowded but service is great and food comes out with a quickness. Parking can be an issue- but is should not be a deterrent. This is quite possible the best breakfast in Philly. And it was certainly the best bite of the week. 

My first Pie- PEACH

I knew peach season was coming to an end- and I hadn't taken advantage of it at all.
I was on Philly.com - probably looking up a food review- when I saw an old recipe from 1951.
I used that for the filling then this one for the crust.
I had a few switch ups like I used a two tsp of bourbon vanilla in the filling.

I really messed up the lattice work. But the taste and texture of the crust was perfect.  Lance thought it was a lil underdone. But he likes everything crispier than I.  So we threw it in the oven to warm it up and my goodness it was the best pie ever.  I made some cinnamon ice cream from scratch. Most of it went to Lance.  Since I will be in Portland all week-it was an "I'm leaving you for a week" pie.

Wendy got a piece. And I brought a piece for my pops when I went to drop off my month-long rental car. He said, "Suz -don't you remember the Timmy Trainer Peach Pie story?"  Apparently he hasn't been able to eat peach pie since his classmate Timmy Trainer got sick off of a Tastycake peach pie back in the early 50s.  But he said he would make an exception. He thought it was more like a dumpling and an excellent dumpling at that.

My sister has offered to give me a class in crust. So I think I will try this pie thing again. Pears will be in season soon. I'm thinking ginger ice cream as an accompaniment.

Getting Real with Dan Conway- Varga hosts Left Hand Reality TV costume contest

From Varga's Facebook page:

come out dressed like your favorite REALITY TV star and get $3 Left Hand drafts and $3 whiskey shots... or don't and pay double. your pick. 9pm to 2am. come rub elbows with hoarders, toddlers in tiaras, donald trump, the ulitmate warrior, dog the bounty hunter, the real housewives of whatever stupid county... and many many many more. prize for the most creative and most realistic. come out and witness it for yourself...

Two Track: "School Days"

The shelves of the school supply aisle at Target are all but empty and the wheels on the bus are in motion this week as students take to their desks and meet new friends and new challenges in subject matter.

Every youngster is different. Some love this day. Some hate it. I used to like it. My dad sold office supplies as I was coming of age- so I always had the snazziest stationary to kick off the school year.

I'm sure my mom had done my hair in uneven pig tails and I was wearing enough pink to make me hate the color the rest of my life.  

I miss school. I still dream about not graduating from college. I have my diploma framed right next to my bed so when I wake up thinking I never made it to the Organizational Psych final (the one that was weighted to be worth half my semester's grade) I know that it was but a dream. 

Enjoy "School Days" this Tuesday's two-track featuring some of Rock n Roll's all-time greats.

Chuck Berry 1986- at a birthday party Keith Richards hosted.

ACDC Australia 1967

Johnny Brenda's 3rd annual Pils Picnic this Saturday

Picnic chow like Cold Fried Chicken, Deviled Eggs, DELICIOUS house made hot dogs, tater salad etc...
12 till ?


THE POURS
Twin Lakes Route 52 Pilsner
Standard Pils
Southampton Keller Pils
Victory Braumeister Pils with Saaz hops
Victory Braumeister Pils with Sladek hops
Victory Braumeister Pils with Tettnang hops
Troeg’s Sunshine Pils
Sly Fox Pikeland Pils
Dock Street Bohemian Pils
Brooklyn Pils
Sixpoint Sehr Crisp Pils

FIRKIN of Stoudt’s Pils!
plus the Victory Beer Barrel!!

Meet My New Gig

I'm probably borderline annoying to be around for the next week. I am a woman of leisure. I'm dusting corners, replacing my lost social security card, baking cookies,while the sun glistens I listen to Billy Holiday and I smile ear to ear.  I might be taking it as easy as I can get it now- because come September 12th- I'm going to be working my beer-loving butt off for Allagash Brewing Co. 

I will be in charge of Mid-Atlantic sales- Philly down to DC. I'm really looking forward to working with Casey Hard down in Baltimore at Max's and being part of the the ever-growing beer scene in the Nation's capital.

I've been a long time fan of the Portland-based brewery. I remember my serving days five years back when I converted wit bier drinkers to Allagash all day everyday. The dining room would be packed. I'd be sweating my non-existent balls off running up and down the steps- but I would still take the time to try and get the guest to try something different than that usual Belgian Wit suspect. Try something that was a benchmark for the style-from a brewery that has so much style itself.  

As the years passed- I pretty much drank everything that came into the Philly market. I would attend Allagash events when Rob Tod came to town. After the Craft Brewer's Conference in Boston in 2008- Lance Romance drove us up to Portland, and Rob gave us an awesome tour even if he did have his eyes half closed.

We were just as tired- but totally enthralled. They had just installed the country's only coolship.   Rob gave us bottles of the extremely rare "Gargamel." (Belgian sour inoculated with brett and aged in french oak with the addition of local raspberries). 

Everyone I have met from the company has been awesome. They are fun but focused. They might play hard- but work harder. I'm so excited about this new opportunity on so many levels.  But one of the most prominent things is that I think I am going to learn so much. See you around soon.

Sly Fox and Me 2006-2011

I could write a book on the last five years. My time at Sly Fox was part of the reason I even started this blog.  It was half meant for beer club promotion and half meant to chronicle my adventures in selling Sly.  When Jack Curtin found out about my departure from Sly Fox- I told him I didn't want the news on the internet just yet. He said I put everything else about my life out there- why should this be different. I see his point.

Well- now it's announced and this post serves as a thank you and a trip down memory lane.  Even if I am the only one on it- it was fun to put together.

I found hundreds of pictures in my Picasa albums with nice Sly Fox product placement shots. I can't include them all.

But here are a few memories of my last five years.

-=-=-=

*One Monday I was at the brewery for our weekly meeting when I reversed right into a bug trap.
I couldn't get it out of my hair and had to go to a nearby salon to get the glue out. Unfortunately -there is no photographic evidence.

*I was always good to have a few cans on me.  One time I was travelling back from New York with six kegs in the back of my car-when a toll booth operator took notice of them and asked me where the party was.  I gave him a couple of cans. I just don't think things like that happen every day. Every time my car broke down- this happened about twice a year- I always had cans to give to my AAA tow truck drivers. The guys at Pep Boys in West Chester have enjoyed themselves some Sly as have the Advanced Auto parts employees in Oneonta, NY.  Many of you followed me on my journey would run in to me and the first question was: "How are you?" The second was "How's your car?"

*When the Phillies won the World Series in 2008 - I was hosting a beer club viewing party at the now defunct Tied House.  We marched all the way from Fairmount down to Broad St. I had a backpack full of cans and became at least 15 people's heroine when I passed them a cold Pils or Pale.

*On the first day of Christmas I bagged a bunch of nuts...Two Christmas's ago I baked winter-spiced nuts- bagged them and attached them to Sly Fox Christmas bottles for a bunch of our accounts then I delivered them. It was quite the project. Just ask the Raging Panda.

In the Winter of 2006 I was dating a guy from Phoenixville. This dude had so much P-ville pride he wanted the zip code tattooed on his chest. He got me into Sly Fox. He was obsessed with his hometown lager.  At the time it was only available at a handful of bars. We would often drink it at Skinners or Eulogy.  He would talk about the Goat Races all the time. Finally the first Sunday in May was approaching but we broke up the Monday prior. I thought- "$#!% it- I'm still going" So I got a ride out there in my friends convertible.  It was a gorgeous day.  I had a blast-I met John Giannopolous and hung out with Brian and Tim. They had no one doing sales for them at the time. Sometimes they would even break time away from the tanks to say thanks to Mark at the Abbaye or William Reed for pouring their beer. So we met some time later and I came on part-time for a year.  We sat in a back booth in Royersford and they asked me what I thought my title should be.  I thought Beer Lass- I thought it would beg the question- "Well- what does a beer lass do?" So "Beer Lass" was born. The namesake Blog wouldn't start till August of 2007.  Even though my days of Sly Fox are in the past- you can count on me making that Goat Race every year. And- you should do the same.

*Beer Week 2011- I had to "Large Glove Box" Wendy of Dogfish for a Kite and Key "Throwdown in Franklintown.  I got a Knock Out when I hit her over her Dogfish head with a case of Pikeland Pils. It was one of the greatest moment in local sports history-if I do say so myself.

*During Beer Week 2009- I went on the 10! Show to talk beer and promote beer week. I could've done any beer- but I was a hard core company gal- so I brought Saison, Incubus and Black Raspberry Reserve with me.  When the Black Raspberry Reserve erupted all over a table- my nephew Tanner watching at home said to my sister, "Mommy- Aunt Suzy spilled beer on tv."

*I always wanted to do a beer dinner at a BYO-so it was such a delight when pioneering BYO, Matyson's chef/owner Ben, reached out to me and invited Sly Fox to partner up for an event. They brought Jesse Kimball in from Memphis Taproom. The two of them put together quite a menu. It was a hectic night.  I was charged with pouring every glass all night long.  A server would be like "Suzy seat table 32 is ready for course 3." I sorta got my ass kicked- but it was an awesome experience. (And we did shots of Jim Beam out of Rammekans afterward). The clientele is not typically a "beer crowd." (or are those words becoming passe as craft beer popularity increases? hmmm....)  Before that dinner- many of the guests had never conceived of "craft beer in a can" for the golf course.  It was awesome. The perception of beer at the dinner table was elevated. And once you have that epiphany- there's no turning back. I'm sure they're still going to be thinking wine 90% of the time- but at least beer is a possibility now.

*Pairing beer and food is one of my favorite past times. I don't often drink at the house but I had an endless supply of samples for accounts- so I would cook with it when I had the time. I came up with some great recipes for a variety of beer ice creams, risotto, meatballs etc...Here I am pairing the Dunkel with pierogies and caramelized onions

*ATLANTIC CITY Beer Fest- Dear Lord.  Darn near kills me year after year. I'm pretty much back to normal then Beer week smacks my poor pancreas around ten times harder.  This year was not the same as my beer gals Wendy and Megan didn't make it.  One of Wendy's all-time favorite stories is rooted in this weekend in 2010.  It's a good one.

*Foodery samplings usually fly buy-you sell a ton of beer AND you get to hang out with the foodery team which is always fun.  On a really good nighy you could get a sampling of Jesse's artwork. But one night it was dragging a bit- and I kept checking the clock to see if it was 8 yet. A Coors light clock that is.  So I figured I could make them a clock- a Sly Fox clock. It would be the only one in the world. I was so excited. I went home that night and designed it on-line on Cafe Press. It was in my hands then on their wall within two weeks.  I'm always thinking about how things can be customized. What's fun? What's different- Whether it was making Sly Fox ice creams for the Institute, creating a R5 crawl to bring winter business into some of my favorite suburban bars, or doing soup and chili-offs at the P.O.P.E. 

* I met sooo many amazing people during the last five years.  My day was often made by a Sly Fox fan coming up to me at an event telling me how much they love Sly Fox and appreciate what I do.  I think one gentleman Jack- whom I met outside the Armory Oktoberfest a few years back almost made me cry he was so kind. Here's Chaz, a Grey Lodge regular, at the Hop Angel with Megan and I.

I did soooo many samplings over the years. This one I was incredibly hungover. So I brought a bunch of life-saving tomato pie.  The only problem with that is don't ever think you can  show up at the same store for a sampling again-without tomato pie.  Look at me- I look like death. This is what death looks like. >>>>>>


Moving on from Sly Fox means that I won't be invited to local events anymore.  Have I really poured at my last Royal Stumble?
 Through the years I always enjoyed coming up with a costume and hanging out with all my buddies even if Sly Fox never ever won.

Running of the Beers 2007

Mud Wrestling was the theme in 09- I decided that meant Bronwen and I would dress like Phyllis and Arlene--
  The Housewives from G.L.O.W. 2008

This is me as a Phillies concession lady.
This day I learned the need for dry ice.

2009

Dee on Crack- It's Always Sunny at the Royal Stumble 2010

I gotta run- I'm finally going to make a soccer game of my nephew's season.

Long live Sly Fox and their amazing cans!