Dec
26
2004
When we went out with my friend Chris last weekend, he mentioned a great prospect to me – the fact that he wants to open a pub in Virginia. I’m not ready to give up my day job, but that sounds like a great opportunity. We have both worked at bars before, and I loved doing so even though I know how difficult it can be to manage them. Still, the idea of opening up a British-style pub with a good beer selection, good music and good food in a college town is hard to pass up. Most likely, I’ll end up as a consultant in this, helping him out where I can, but it is a tempting offer to get involved on the ground floor.
We did agree on this – it would NOT be the chic place to be, but would HAVE to have good food, good music and good beer (but not necessarily in that order). Our minds were on the same page – jalapeno burgers like we used to get at the West End Tavern, good blues and jazz music on the stereo or live (preferably), and a good selection of beers without being ridiculous. It’s where I would like to hang out, and there is that bit of nostalgia that remembers all of the good times I had bartending … although it’s way past time for me to be doing that now…
no comments | posted in Beer, Friends, Work
Dec
16
2004
Each Christmas, I get it into my head that I should stock up on beer. My relatives are finally getting into the game since they have realized that I am a true beer snob. My grandmother got me Chimay for my birthday, for chrissakes. Lately, though, my habit has resulted in some very nice purchases.
In October, it was my hunt for Pumpkin beers. I was really looking for Dogfish Head Punkin’ Ale, but couldn’t find it and had to settle for Post Road Pumpkin Ale (made by Brooklyn Brewery) and Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale (made by the dreaded Coors). Then I finally found the Dogfish Head and was happy. But with the Xmas season approaching, that meant holiday beers – or at least holiday gift packs. I picked a “Traditional Beers of Scotland” four-pack that looks interesting – beers made with heather, gooseberry, kelp and other exotic ingredients (it seems there was a law banning the use of hops in beers brewed in Scotland, so they found other substitutes).
But I also managed to pick up the Saranac Holiday Twelve-Pack, something that I discovered last year to my eternal gratitude. Although I got somewhat chinced by the fact that they left out my Season’s Best in place of two Roggen Bock’s I have to say that I really have enjoyed the half-case. You can read my reviews of their beers here:
In the end, I have a lot of beers to get through, and at least one question about a “Beer of the Month” club. So, I will hopefully have a lot more to enjoy in the near future. Of course, that means I’m going to have work harder to keep off the weight – but it’s worth it … right?
no comments | posted in Beer, Epinions
Dec
6
2004
There is something to be said for a hole-in-the-wall bar. It might not have the best beers, and it might not have the MTV Real World cast and it might not have pollo fri diablo on the menu, but there is an honesty to it. I got experience this on Friday night when my wife and I went out with her brother into Philly. After a delicious dinner at Dmitri’s, we were going to meet up with his Mummers’ troop at a local pub. Yes, I went to a Mummer’s meeting, for which I’m sure I’ll hear about from several people.
The place – Ray’s Tavern on 8th and Federal, near the Italian Market. Now, there are some bars that are local places and there are some bars that are LOCALS places – Ray’s is definitely the latter. I’m a beer snob, so walking into a place that offers Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap usually doesn’t happen. But after a few minutes, I figured what the hell – and it was worth it. Ray’s makes up for in comfort what it doesn’t have in beer selections – the bartender was a genuinely friendly guy who took care of the whole group as though they were family, and Annabelle, the portly English bulldog, patrolled the bar and the backroom like a friendly sentinel. Scratch her back and you had a friend for life.
I probably would never had gone into this place if it hadn’t been for Mick, but I’m glad that I did. I got to see a different side of most of Shari’s old friends – including golden “Bo Peep” dresses, conversations about sparking nipple clips and a straight man talking about using “silver lamè″ on their outfits. Beat that night out, folks. But more than that, I got to see the inner workings of what really goes on with the Mummers – as an outsider looking in, but still a good look. Granted, this was the beginnings of this year’s extravaganzas, but it was interesting enough to get me interested. No, you won’t see me walking down Broad St. carrying a golden parasol anytime soon, but you will probably see me on the sidelines this year (as long as the weather holds – I’m still a fairweather zealot, after all).
The night also provided the best opportunity for me to get to know my brother-in-law better. We’d had the typical family conversations at the parties, but only once had gotten to hang out before – and that was in a loud, dark bar, so conversation was limited. This time, I got to know Mick better. It helps that we escaped from my wife’s clutches at the bar to walk the short block to Geno’s Steaks for a provolone without. There’s something about sharing a cheesesteak over a PBR in a dark bar that makes for camaraderie. Too bad he wouldn’t play darts later at the Dark Horse – but I did hit my best throw of darts ever – 2 double bulls and a single bull. That’s 125 points in cricket, folks. Awesome.
Links »
no comments | posted in Beer, Eating, Family, Friends, Photography, Play, favs
Oct
4
2004
Twas an interesting weekend – two pets provided for a host of laughs. First, the dog, who discovered that bringing us things makes us happy – so we spent most of Sunday getting slippers, clothes, remotes and anything else that wasn’t tied down brought to us by a very happy puppy. He also discovered the joys of doing tricks outside. We want to eventually enter him into rallies (dog competitions which highlight skills and agility rather than plain looks), so we started giving him some easy tasks. The guy loves running through the ladder, crawling through the tube and jumping over the poles we set out. I can’t wait until he’s really ready to compete – or at least run through a true AKC course.Friday night, the cat provided the entertainment.
Miko, our tabby, is known for zany stunts: she’ll chase you for Whiskas treats, and has gotten her head stuck in a glass while trying to get to the beer. But Friday night was her coup de grace. When I’m washing up for bed, she’s been known to jump up to the sin to watch, usually via the toilet. This time, when she leapt up, she discovered that someone (namely, me) had accidentally left the seat up. With a startled look, she jumped up as normal, and into the bowl she went.
***SPLASH***
In an instant, she leapt straight up, a la Luke Skywalker jumping out of the carbon freezing chamber, shrieking in horror at this change in plans. As my wife looked on, she tore out of the bathroom, horrified by her little swim. Watching a small cat fall into the toilet was something that you never think you’ll see, but my wife and I were literally staggering with laughter (don’t worry, it was clean). The cat was not amused. Despite her “I’ll kill you while you sleep” look, we had to laugh. In retaliation, she did leave toilet water paw prints all over the comforter cover.
**Other Fun Stuff**
While out on the town in Philly the other night, we made a stop at New Delhi for some dinner (umm, Tikka Masala), then went out to The Artful Dodger for some drinks. We haven’t been there in quite a while, so it was fun to go back to an old haunt. While there, I discovered a wonderful invention.
Now, what I want to know is … where can I get one of these for the remote control?
no comments | posted in Beer, Family, Humor, Pets, Play, favs
