Friday, March 30, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Samuel Adams Dark Depths Baltic IPA

Samuel Adams Dark Depths Baltic IPA
I've always seen Samuel Adams as a large-scale beermaker. But their small-batch series is making me believe in their microbrew bona fides. This pours thick and creamy. There's a coffee kick in the finish, but hops pop in scent and sip. Great IPA/stout combo. Awesome label too!
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Bell's Brewery Oarsman Ale

Bell's Oarsman Ale
Not sure if the taste of this beer by the Kalamazoo, Michigan brewers rises to the exceptional, but it gets points for being somewhat unique. Pouring in a color that is almost white, it features a flavor that falls somewhere between acidic grapefruit-like citrus and rustic sourness.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Flying Dog Wildeman Farmhouse IPA



Flying Dog Wildeman Farmhouse IPA

Honestly...I want to write about something other than beer. Really, I do. However, the last two extensive posts I've done have been accidentally deleted. Blogger.com, please get your act together. Provide an "Undo" that works. This beer? The immense hops of IPA combined with vibrant, citrusy Belgian spices. Splendid.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie:
http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Williamsburg Alewerks Tavern Ale

Williamsburg Alewerks Tavern Ale
When I first sipped this one, was expecting something light. Lageresque. Instead, it's smoky, malty, and extremely porterish (second really cool fake word made up for this post!). While part of enjoyment came from low expectations, definitely enjoyed the complexity and depth. Strong, but not overbearing!

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Coronado Brewing Company Golden

Coronado Golden
Didn't get much out of this beer. Think it was one of three things: 1) Was the third of three different light microbrews I had tasted that day; 2) Was trying to take notes while watching the Mad Men premiere; or 3) Wasn't all that great. Going with the third.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Thomas Hooker American Pale Ale

Thomas Hooker American Pale Ale
For whatever reason, when I picked this up, I thought I was buying a British beer that was doing a version of an American pale. Thought that was interesting. But actually they are from Connecticut. Which is cool. Thought it was a pretty good if not transcendent hoppy beer. Went down well.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Southern Tier Eurotrash Pilz

Southern Tier Eurotrash Pilz
Bet friend two Lagunitas sixers that I'd beat him in fantasy basketball. Lost. One night, when I couldn't find Lagunitas, bought him six Great Lakes Christmas and six Eurotrash Pilz. Thought that was fair. He wasn't happy. Now that I 've had it, I feel bad. Watered-down, light beer. Flavorless.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Central Waters Brewing Company Happy Heron Pale Ale

Central Waters Happy Heron Pale Ale
Last we checked in with 'Sconsin's Central Waters, they were offering an IPA that merited lukewarm semi-endorsement. It's official: Have to write them off. This pale has stale scent and hops that are best described as "murky" (held back on funky). Include wack label and it's struggling for air.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Chickie's and Pete's: A Stream-of-Consciousness Review

So there's a Chickie's and Pete's near us now. That's right. We live in Norristown and Philadelphia famous crab fry emporium moved in right across the street. Which is funny, because they say they are in Audubon. But don't get me started on that, as other people who live in Norristown like to say they are from Eagleville or Jeffersonville. I don't know why, but I think it has something to do with making sure people do not think you live in a crack house. Anyway, they opened the place in November, I believe (right after the Phillies' last meteoric flop), and we have been wanting to check it out ever since, but were never able to find the time. Two Thursdays ago, we found the time. The place is a lot smaller than the one in South Philly, but they were able to make it spacious enough. Which is odd when you consider how much real estate is covered by pictures of the owner with famous and semi-famous Philadelphia sports personalities. A very friendly server took our order. The first thing we ordered, of course, was crab fries. This is something that I think you are required by law to order if you go to any Chickie's and Pete's. They came in a sizeable basket that can be shared by two. The basket itself is pretty ingenious, as it features a cupholder on both sides. A cheese cup is placed in each end so that you don't have to keep asking your dining partner to pass the cheese. Pretty smart. I'm not going to lie: These were quite tasty. And really they better be as the place has pretty much made its name on these crab fries. That, though, got me thinking: What is so special about this appetizer? It's a bunch of fries - just the right texture and width, but still - a boatload of Old Bay, and a fine cheese sauce. It is probably a little bit insane the lengths people go to give props to this potato dish (as many plaques in the establishment attest). Next up was the main course - a Buffalo Cutlet sandwich for me and a BBQ Burger for the wife. I found the Buffalo Cutlet sandwich to be agreeable, but there were definite drawbacks. First of all, the chicken sandwich came out quite gently sauced. The wife had to buck up and ask them to bring me out a side of buffalo (I can be shy). Second, the sandwich was somewhat small. While the chicken was tender and moist, I would say that I probably killed the whole thing in about eight bites. That is a little bit tiny when you consider that the sandwich cost [BLANK] (wow, they are savvy; no prices on the Internet menu; think it was around nine bucks) and doesn't come with fries (no surprise; they want you to buy the crab fries, folks). As for the wife's burger, I can't vouch for it really. I did have a bite and thought it adequate, but it was very thin for a non-fast-food burger. As for beers, I had two. The first was a Victory HopDevil. The second was a Victory HopDevil. Did I do this because I just love Victory HopDevil? No (although it is splendid). I found that the taste of the beer was good, but probably not the freshness that you would expect at a stellar beer bar. In actuality, I ordered the same beer twice (something I never do) because it was really the only decent beer on the docket. In scanning the beer menu online, I realize that might be a SLIGHTLY unfair statement (they have Sierra Nevada Pale Ale on draft and Newcastle in bottle), but the bottom line is this is not a place you would ever think to go if you wanted to kill anything but Miller/Coors/Bud in 30 oz. glasses designed to make you want to order more crab fries. Here's the thing: This is not the place for me. The beer choices are not acceptable and the food is not good enough to make you want to forget that fact. Also, I have the sneaking suspicion that it is most likely packed with tools on a frequent-to-perpetual basis. Still, I feel it appropriate to point out some positives. First off, our server was quite nice. Did she fall into a conversation with some customers in our area causing us to wait to long to get our check? Yes. But she did also bring us some extra pickles when she realized that Saucy Jr. liked them. Not only did she do this, but she waited until I had taken him to the bathroom to ask my wife is she could bring them just in case we were the type of parents who would deny him said snack. I thought it was extremely mannerly and it allowed me to get that second HopDevil. Another thing is that I realize that we are not the target audience for this particular spot. Chickie's and Pete's does not exist as a spot for two parents to take their child for a wonderful culinary experience. No. It is designed as a spot for two fellows to drop in, sit at the bar, watch the game on the gigantic televisions, check out the nubile young waitresses, and drink beers that make them take a piss once every 11.84 minutes. And there is no doubt about it, if my brother were to come out to my neck of the woods and we wanted to go out and accomplish the things that I describe above, the first place I would think to take him would be...Hooters. But the second would be Chickie's and Pete's.
---
Chickie's and Pete's Crab House and Sports Bar
675 Shannondell Drive
Audubon, PA 19403

Chickie's & Pete's on Urbanspoon

--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Stoudt's Scarlet Lady ESB

Stoudt's Scarlet Lady ESB
Beer blogger's dream? Mixed sixers. Half-dozen beers to review without shelling out cash for 36 bottles. On name recognition, prize of pack may be this concoction by one of Pennsylvania's best breweries. Not as stellar as their Pils, but a fine malt punch and smokiness that arises upon swallow.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 23, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Stoudt's Pils

Stoudt's Pils
When I hear commercials by Miller Lite and folks are touting "never watered-down, true pilsner taste," I want to put foot through my radio. Only I'm using foot to apply pressure to brakes. Pretty important. For pilsner taste, see this gem. Golden color. Striking scent. Memorable finish. True class.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Port Brewing Wipeout IPA

Port Brewing Wipeout IPA
This bottle's art looks like it was designed by a 5th grader, but the beer's equal to a student who got his MBA and is going for the doctorate (this isn't to say that it's too scared to get a real job). Wipeout is crisp, hoppy, and laced with citrus.

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Victory Brewing Company Golden Monkey

Victory Golden Monkey
Walking my kid. Neighbor comes out. Carrying beer. "Ever heard of this?" Among a cast of luminaries is GOLDEN MONKEY! "I don't drink this stuff." Dude gives me GOLDEN MONKEY for free. ZIPPO. GRATIS! Fellows with gigantic butterfly nets emerge to take him to undisclosed location. Hall of Fame beverage.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Breckenridge Pandora's Bock

Breckenridge Pandora's Bock
Snatched from beer store for three reasons: 1) Had success with Colorado brewer before; 2) tastefully illustrated bottle art is a visual stunner; and 3) had my kid with me and he was about to topple a shelf filled with merchandise. Amber is average. Picking up malt. Not much else.

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Tale of the Pie: Padrino's Pizza & Family Restaurant

Before we have to change the name of this blog to The Beer Project, we fortunately have a pizza review for you. When we first walked into Padrino's, the savory aroma gave us pretty high hopes about the quality of the pie. Since it was a Lenten Friday, meat was off limits, so we decided to get a Sicilian in order to mix things up. In hindsight, that was a dumb choice, since Sicilians take much longer to make and waiting peacefully in a restaurant is not really the nibble's thing.

It's clear that Padrino's is definitely a local favorite. Everyone (with the exception of us) who walked through the door seemed to know at least one other person there. It was a clean and cozy little shop, with some cheesy old world murals on the wall (which Saucy rather liked).

Monday, March 19, 2012

Growler Wars: AleSmith vs. Voodoo

Two growlers. Two beers. Two frosted glasses. One winner.

AleSmith Nautical Nut Brown Ale
The color on this San Diego-based brewer's English brown ale actually borders on black. It gives off serious malts as well as definite coffee notes. There is a bit of a spicy, peppery flavor and the first sip is both smooth yet vibrant and spiky. There is a bit of a sour, vinegary feel at points, but overall this brown is way better than run-of-the-mill.

Friday, March 16, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot

Lagunitas Wilco Tango Foxtrot
Heard keg of this ale by California's beer geniuses had arrived at local watering hole. E-mailed to see when it would be tapped. "Not until next week." Shattering! Until I saw 22-ouncer at Whole Foods. Shockingly, think it's just OK. Somewhere between brown ale and IPA. Struggles to find balance.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot Barleywine Style Ale
First barleywine I had was at event by now-defunct General Lafayette. Took sip. Threw away. Second was at Wegman's: Weyerbacher Blithering Idiot. Ordered accidentally. Made wife swap beers. Had flight of this today. Thought "Not bad." Not sure that would make it decent barleywine. But there you have it.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Brewery Ommegang Hennepin

Brewery Ommegang Hennepin
An absolutely classic beer from the upstate New York brewery. Everything's right about it, from the color to the scent to the flavor. There's something that resembles banana. A major hit of citrus as well. It's a complex beer, but it's also simplistic and refreshing. A perfect specimen.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Kona Brewing Company Fire Rock Pale Ale

Kona Brewing Company Fire Rock Pale Ale
Hit Chap's Taproom for afternoon beers (why do beers taste better in the daylight?). Favorite bartender, Mark, said the beer had gotten a bad review. Decided to give it a shot. Anonymous bad reviewer was right. Imperceptible hops. Bland flavor. Boring beer. Bet it tastes good in Hawaii though.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Dogfish Head Burton Baton Imperial IPA

Dogfish Head Burton Baton Imperial IPA
I avoid buying four-packs. I'd rather pay more and get six than buy four for less. I get it. They're powerful. Give me six. I'll drink moderately. This oaked IPA's heavy. Hop taste and smell are pungent. Dogfish makes tremendous IPA. Wish I had two more to knock back.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Growler Wars: Free Will vs. Stoudt's

Two growlers. Two beers. Two frosted glasses. One winner.

Free Will Brewing Company Citra Pale Ale
Never heard of this brewery before buying this beer. Turns out that they are based in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Based on this product, they are a beer maker to look out for. The beer has an amber coloring and packs a powerful, hoppy scent and taste. The power is more along the lines of an IPA. I tasted a note of caramel and a significant blast of grapefruit. A very nice balance between a heavy-hitting hop monster and an easy-drinking pale. One of the better beers I've had in a while.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Rogue John John Dead Guy Ale

Rogue John John Dead Guy Ale
Since I've never been a fan of hard liquor, I was shocked when I took a pull of this version of Rogue's Dead Guy and bourbon taste was noticeably present. Aged in whiskey barrels, it made me wonder if I'd be able to stomach the real thing. Complex sipping beer.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Peroni Nastro Azzurro

Peroni Nastro Azzurro
Can still remember how delicious this tasted while drinking it at 2 a.m. at an outdoor cafe in Rome. As I downed it at Bertucci's in Audubon, it didn't have the same luster. Had a decent pilsner taste. Went fine with the chicken piccata. And the glass was theft-worthy.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK - Northern Lights

Major solar storms caused dazzling light shows across the northern skies this week.




--


The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Voodoo Brewing Company Wynona's Big Brown Ale

Voodoo Brewing Company Wynona's Big Brown Ale
I know a bit about beer, but you learn something new every day. Today, learned that Voodoo Brewing Company isn't from Louisiana. It's based in Meadville, Pa. Its brown is vibrant and flavorful, with a malty scent, a smoky finish, and a kick that approaches stout level without going overboard.
--

The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Deal Alert: $10 for $20 worth of Grub at South Philly's Pizzeria Pesto

This guy looks like he's pretty serious about his pies.
With today's LivingSocial deal, pay $10 for $20 to spend on Italian eats like calzone, eggplant parm, caprese salad, and a selection of red and white pizzas at Pizzeria Pesto, located at 1925 South Broad Street in South Philly. Valid for dine-in/take-out; not valid on delivery.

Get the deal >>
Check out their website >>

--


The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/

Friday, March 2, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Lancaster Rumspringa Golden Bock

Lancaster Rumspringa Golden Bock
Honey's a main ingredient of this beer from the Amish Country brewers. Liked it for the most part although thought it walked up to the line of being too sweet but remained well balanced. However, as I got farther down the glass, it tasted more bland. Drink while cold!

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Dogfish Head Pangaea

Dogfish Head Pangaea
When I read that this "experimental" beer featured ingredients from all seven continents, I actually wasn't intrigued. More like concerned. Feared it might succumb to the Delaware brewery's reputation for extreme high-mindedness. Luckily, this one didn't shoot for bizarre. Classically strong Belgian with a bit of a minty kick.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Smithwick's

Smithwick's
Other night, a friend was drinking Guinness, saying he was "getting ready for St. Patrick's Day." While I don't go crazy for St. Patty's, I figured I'd attempt to get into the spirit by drinking this ale from the makers of Guinness. Offers fairly lively malt flavor, but that's it.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Deal Alert: $5 for $10 of Food at West Chester's Saucey

No connection to our Saucy, but today's AmazonLocal/LivingSocial deal lets you pay $5 for $10 to spend on food and non-alcoholic drinks at Saucey, located on East Market Street in West Chester. Saucey offers homemade pizza loaded with toppings, like honey mustard chicken or Philly cheese steak. And if you're craving something of a different variety -- choose from a long list of hoagies, stromboli or apps, such as buffalo wings, broccoli bites, or cheese fries. Valid for dine-in or take-out.

Get the deal >>
Visit Saucey's website >>

--


The Pizza Project
Just a nibble: http://twitter.com/ThePizzaProject
Single slice: http://www.facebook.com/ThePizzaProject
The full pie: http://thepizzaproject.blogspot.com/