Happy New Years Eve!

NYC eats

I headed up to NYC on Monday with my sister to check out MoMA for the first time since I was in high school. I'm typically good for about an hour in a museum. This was a record breaker as I was there for over three.My favorite exhibit was the one that served Chicken Curry.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Afterwards I check into my hotel. I was staying in Midtown East. Whenever Lance and I head up we typically hang out in the village. So this trip forced me to get out of my Blind Tiger comfort zone and try some other venues.

My hotel was on the same block as the famed Waldorf- Astoria. I convinced Michelle to check it out with me- although I knew whatever we ordered would be ten dollars more than it should be. But I felt it imperative to spend time in the birthplace of the waldorf salad, eggs benny, the rob roy and most importantly-the red velvet cake.

I had a glass of the Waldorf-astoria champers and michelle had a $18 glass of cabernet. They didn't serve food at Sir Harrys. Just bar snacks and wasabi peas.
We managed to embarrass ourselves twice before leaving. Michelle had several objects fall out of her pocket that another bar patron had to point out.
Then on the way out the door- I managed to get my earmuffs around my leg.

We then took the elevator up to the starlight room. Nobody was up there. We walked around a bit taking in a few great photos of galas in the 1930s.

We then ventured to Rickshaw dumpling. Sister is a borderline vegan so we went with the sweet potato dumplings. I was already plotting to take my friend Megan there the next day for the Chicken and Thai Basil. Michelle was leaving on a 7 pm train and Megan was arriving on the 8:30.

Megs wanted to check out an "Iron Chef" like restaurant. Also a block away from our hotel on Lexington was "The National," the newest Iron Chef, Geoffrey Zakarian's, chic bistro. We ordered every first course on the menu besides oysters.  The stand outs were the beef tartare and the lamb meatballs (although they could have been a tad hotter).  Instead of serving the tartare with crostini it was kind of chopped up throughout it.  It also had pickles and a nice dijon character to it.  But the bartender did the bare minimum. The menus were dirty. Not what I would expect from a Geoffrey Zakarian establishment.

Then we went to "Upstairs," at the Kimberly hotel a block away.  It was an awesome roofdeck. I thought it would be cheesy- but it was well-done. The cocktails were awesome. I had one that promised "Anti-inflammatory" effects. We had the BEST ice cream sandwich. It was served with a house made salted caramel and black berries. 

The next day- just as I had hoped we went back to Rickshaw dumplings. They were awesome.
Then we watched the ice skaters at Rockefeller and headed six blocks north to Ma Peche. I have been wanting to eat at David Chang's Ma Peche for quite some time.  It was funkier than I thought it would be. We had awesome pork buns and chicken curry noodles- an umami dream come true.

Then it was off to Brooklyn. I had to meet up with a friend there. He suggested Boudin Tent, a Middle Eastern Pita restaurant. They're baba ganoush rocked.  It had a great charred quality/smokiness.

And I was back on Amtrak and back to Philly.

Two Track: The Sampling Edition

This isn't a complete "cover" per se. But Biz Markie does sample Freddie Scott's awesome "You got what I need."

I was at the Khyber on Christmas. To my surprise they had an awesome dj that kept me shoulder shruggin' for hours to the motown/soul sound. He played Scott's "You got what I need" and I decided mid-Green Flash Triple that this would be my Tuesday two track (on Thursday.

1968 Freddie Scott "You got what I need"




Biz Markie "Just a friend"

Cristina Tessaro from London Grill talks Winter Cocktails on Fox

Watch my friend Cristina Tessaro of Fairmount's London Grill as she does a "bang-up" job chatting holiday booze with Mike and Karen, the Fox morning anchors.

Holiday Drinks For New Year's Eve: MyFoxPHILLY.com

Scarlett Ribbons

This is Lance Romance's favorite christmas song.
And a version from my dad's favorite singer, Roy Orbison.

I present you with "Christmas Bomb" as seen on "A Very Joe Gunn Christmas"

Click with caution. There's profanity. Lots of it.

Two Track: Silent Night

Yesterday I was a tad too busy to get the two-track up. And last night was anything but silent.
After having twelve different dishes at Amis- Lance and I headed over to "A Very Joe Gunn Christmas" at Jose Pistolas where I got to hang out with Christmas Bomb - the musical talent of the night. I saw Casey Parker cover Outfield's "Your Love" (I don't wanna lose your love toonighyight....) and I watched the raging panda win a hot toddy chugging contest.  One of the greatest nights ever.

I have to hope that the rest of my holiday week is a bit tamer.
Here's two versions of Silent night.
One from the local, WEEN




And my favorite version- Stevie Nicks- here with her friend Robbie Neville 1989




Enjoy the week- it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

Christmas Caroling with Lew Bryson at Grey Lodge

This Thursday- Scoats and the Grey Lodge welcome
American Beer Blogger, Lew Bryson, for an evening of seasonal cheer.

From the desk of the lodgemaster:

*Lew will lead us in some Christmas caroling
*Loads of Christmas beers on tap
*Do some last minute Christmas shopping! Lew will have several of his books to sell and sign. They make great gifts. 

I think Scoats might have some art for sale as well!

7 pm- 9 pm

A Very Joe Gun Christmas- Tomorrow Night!

Typically- Philadelphians only have Philly Beer Week to look forward to the highly-rated "Joe Gun Show." But every once in a while- when we've all been good boys and girls there's some off-season nonsense.

Tomorrow night will be the 2nd or 3rd annual "Very Joe Gun Christmas."

It was a year ago that I participated in an Egg Nog chugging contest on this very night- one of the worst decisions I have ever made. Most of my high school friends are at home nestled with their families and my single (as in marital status) self is trying to down a viscous high-fat holiday beverage quicker than 5 other people.  Some people got 55' 1080p LED-LCD HDTVs with built-in Wi-Fi last year. I just got shame.

So- I won't be chugging a pint of eggnog tomorrow night but I certainly don't want to miss anyone subjecting their stomachs to the same rum-laden dairy overload.  Knowing Joe Gun- and how his show is ever-evolving- I bet there's a new contest in the works.  Who can eat fruitcake faster than santa? Who knows?  But I will be there to find out what merry madness ensues at a Very Joe Gun Christmas and and so should YOU!

This just in:
Casey Parker's new band, "Christmas Bomb!" featuring Olivia Bugbee, Frank Vacille, and the Refridgemator will be performing.
Get there by 11.

Oh what a tree!

Percy Street really out did themselves with their christmas tree this year.
It took 400 cans to make this wonder happen.

O Come all Ye Thirsty- Holiday Samplings on the Horizon

I've been southbound more often than not the last three months. I finally got the DC quadrants down. I love it and I've met a slew of super folks- but it's oh so nice to be home for a bit and hang out with buddies in the local Philly five-county market.

This month I got to be part of an awesome dinner at South Philly Tap Room with Scott Schroeder and Jen Carroll and I was finally enlightened to the great take-out selection of the Trolley Car diner by Chestnut Hill. I also enjoyed meals at a few new spots like Stateside and Birra on Passyunk.

Next up I get to hang out with  beer connoisseurs Steve and Joe at Whole Foods in Devon this Saturday afternoon from 2-5.

Then MONDAY the 19th I'm at Pinnochios in MEDIA (Best of Philly Bottle Shop 2011) from 5 till 8.

Please stop by either if you can so we can TOAST the holiday season.

Here are the POURS
Allagash Vrienden 
Allagash Fluxus ‘11 
Allagash Odyssey
Allagash Hugh Malone
Allagash Victor
Allagash Curieux 
Allagash Blonde 
Allagash Black 
Allagash Dubbel 
Allagash Tripel
Allagash Four 
Allagash White 
(And Dirty Allagash w/ Framboise)


And some other goodies from DAN'S Allagash stash!
Website

Winter CLASSIC (pregame or wholegame) at Jose Pistolas

The day after New Years has long been a day of planned resolutions moving into action, sobriety, and taking it as easy as one can get it.

NOT this year- because we have the 2012 WINTER CLASSIC to look forward to at Citizens Bank Ballpark.

Watch the Flyers beat the Rangers at JOSE PISTOLAS or pregame there and hop on the subway if you're going to the stadium.

I'll be there all day playing Sega Genesis 1984 hockey against Casey Parker and Joe Gun and drinking Allagash Interlude.
what will you be doing?

They will also be pouring Fluxux 2011 (delicious Bier De Garde) Thing #1 (a hoppy monks table beer) and others Allagash greats.

Save the date. Join the fun and Let's Go Flyers.


PS: This is the most advance I have given about anything in as long as I can remember.

A Very Evil Christmas- December 22nd

Thursday, December 22nd  
at 7 pm things get
e v i l at the POPE.

12% Imports Bridget Smith will be on hand to meet and greet while you drink Denmark's fine Evil Twin beers. Get a few in her and she's good for some comedic impressions or foreign film talk.

THE POURS

Evil Twin Xmas Eve in a New York City Hotel Room-

10% Imperial Stout "new recipe, new label, new year"

Evil Twin Monk Suffers Serious Sugar Rush on Barbados- 

8% Belgian Style Dubbel brewed with Muscavado Sugar  "a first class candy coated, escapist beer"

Evil Twin Williamsburg Hipster Ale-

5% American Pale Ale part of Jeppe's Hipster City Series, each one is the same style but with a different recipe all their own… get it?

Evil Twin Soft DK- 

10% Imperial Stout brewed with Vanilla

Evil Twin Before, During and After Xmas- 

8% Double IPA

Bottles-- 

Evil Twin Disco Beer- 

10%… the Chardonnay of IPA's… Literally (it's a blend).  You'll dance all night!

Evil Twin Without You I'm Nothing-

6.2% Sour Ale, an interesting and charismatic coupling.

This week at the Institute

This Thursday the YELP movie club is featuring "Scrooged" at the Institute Cinema.
7pm
Allagash White and Dubbel will be featured.

ALSO-
Did you know The Institute takes 10% off your tab on nights that you might enjoy a show at Union Transfer.

Speaking of which- anyone going to War on Drugs show this Saturday?

Allagash Sales Team- ELFED

Allagash's creative Kate Dunleavy "Elfed" a few departments at the brewery for the Quarterly all-staff meeting.

Check us out!

Devil's Den celebrates Chrismanukkah- December 18th

From Erin Wallace and the Devils Den:

"Join us for a crazy Holiday Celebration. We will be hosting 2 book signing & beer tastings at the same time. Join Don Russell (AKA Joe Sixpack) to sample so great Christmas beers & get a signed copy of his new book What the Hell am I Drinking . Or Join Jeremy Cowan, o wner of Shmaltz Brewing & author of Craft Beer Bar Mitzvah for some He’Brew drafts. There will be Christmas & Chanukah food specials offered as well."

 

THE POURS

Christmas Beers  

Port Brewing Santa's Little Helper

Delirium Noel

Brew Works Rude Elf Reserve

Ridgeway Bad Elf

Bell's Christmas

 

Chanukah Beers

Jewbelation 15, 

Hop Manna IPA,

Bittersweet Lenny's RIPA, 

Gensis 15:15

Origin

 

Food Specials

Christmas Specials 

Seafood Newburg, Glazed Ham & Chocolate Chip Cookies

Chanukah Specials 

Matzo Ball Soup, Latkes, Bagel with Smoked Salmon & Kugel

 
Starts at 7 pm.

Two Track: I've Got my Mind Set on You

I didn't know George Harrison's "I've Got my Mind Set on You" was a cover of James Ray and the Hutchie Davis Chorus and Orchestra.
They're pretty different. I remember the Harrison video with the dog quite well.
 My mom had an in-house daycare and babysat a lad that had a li'l crush on me and he would sing this as his anthem.  We ended up sitting next to each other in a high school history class some years later.
I decided I wouldn't bring up the "old days" of him chasing me around the house.


James Ray (1961 or '62) -Ray died of a drug overdose the same year he earned Billboard success. He was only 23.



George Harrison (1987)

Derby Results!

The beemobile belongs to Erin- our Financial Controller/resident BeeKeeper

Thanks to all who showed interest in my first Pinewood Derby.
The track was first-rate. One pull of a lever sent the four cars racing.
The track even had an LED countdown timer.

My car made it through two heats.
I thought I was out after the 2nd so when I found out I had one more run down the track- I decided to race backwards. This was a mistake.

There was some amazing competition.
Lance is in denial that "Cherry Bomb" sort of bombed.

If you're ever in the position to create a team building exercise for your company/group- I highly recommend the PW derby.

In other news- I boweled a 77. Lance bowled a 100.And I finished the 5K despite an immune system shutdown.

DeeDee's wheels- a Packers fan at work

The Track!! In the 3rd Lane is Brewmaster Jason Perkin's White Bottle

This week's awesome addition to my wardrobe- The Staff-only hoodie

Staff-only hoodies were released last week with Allagash's original logo from 1995.
Awesome. 
Hippy but awesome.
This is the back. Front says "Brewery Staff"

Pinewood Derby tomorrow!

By this time tomorrow we will have our winner in the 2nd Allagash Pinewood Derby tournament.
I took Lance Romance on a consultant for this project.

Our collaboration produced this fine mobile >>>>

We modeled it after one of his childhood matchbox cars we found in his mom's attic.

It was supposed to be a glittery red but then Lance got graphite all over it. So there's a smear here and a smear there. But it's fast.

After the race we have company bowling party on Saturday THEN a bunch of us will be running a Brewers' 5 K on Sunday. I guarantee the car does a better job on Friday than I do on Sunday.

Stay tuned for results (for all the above competitive activity) on Monday.

Nodding Head: 12 Beers of Christmas this SATURDAY

Nodding Head is celebrating 12 Beers of Christmas

Second Saturday has never seen this many TAPS!

 

THE POURS

- two vintages (2010 & 2011) of everyone's favorite holiday ale Sledwrecker

- a phunky barrel-aged barley wine

- aged Old Sot

- J W Lee's barrel-aged Grog

- Plus a lot of other special treats

Kite and Key to host Christmas Extravanganza

Today Friday Dec. 9th, Kite and Key turns the taps over to the beers of the season.

The POURS

Great Lakes Christmas Ale (This beer gets a ton of buzz- haven't had 2011 yet)
Troegs Mad Elf
Scaldis Noel
Sly Fox Christmas Ale
Sly Fox O'Reilly's Stout
Great Divide Hibernation
St. Bernardus
South Hampton French Christmas
Jolly Pumpking Calabaza de Noel
Dupont Ave Les Bon Voux
Affligem Noel
21st Amendment Fireside Chat
YARDS Tavern Spruce
Delirium Noel

Tis the Season for....babies!

Doug and Kelly Hager of Brauhaus Schmitz welcomed Andrew James Hager this evening.
Born exactly 8 pounds at 8:02 pm.

Happy Birthday Tom Waits!

Happy rainy Wednesday.
Here's a track off of 85's Rain Dogs from the birthday boy Tom Waits (62 today).

Just in case anyone thinks the irksome Rod Stewart wrote Downtown Train...
Here's the real version.

Two Track: Cruel to be Kind

December 6th was always an exciting day in the Woods household coming of age.
We put our shoes out in hopes of St. Nicks early visit.
Candy, dollars, candy dollars, some treat of some sort. Maybe even new shoes.

I thought about Nicks. And realized I haven't done a Nick Lowe tune in a while.

So here's Cruel to be Kind (1979)



And the "Letters to Cleo" version featured in the film, "Ten Things I Hate about You" 1999


Tonight in Beer:
Make it a Fairmount night!
Six Points single-hop tasting at Mccrossens
While you're in the area check out the NEW menus at Bishops Collar and Bridgids.

IPA Holiday Mixer next Thursday 12/15 at Standard Tap 8 pm

Where: Standard Tap
When: Thursday, Dec. 15th 8 pm
Who: Pay as you go so anyone came come.
Bring a guest or group!


Bottle Swap: Bring a bottle take a bottle.Most people bring 12 ouncers but if you have a 750 you would really like to share feel free.


Put your party hat on: It's not the royal wedding but it's our 6th annual Christmas party. Wear a hat if you can.


I'm working on  Santa. He's quite busy this time of year cloning himself at Holiday parties internationally but perhaps he can squeeze a ladies beer club in.

I think that covers it. Please email me beerlass@gmail.com with questions.