Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Deal Alert: Pie in the Sky in Wayne

Today, LivingSocial is offering a delicious deal from Pie in the Sky Restaurant in Wayne. Pay $7 for $14 to spend on food and non-alcoholic drinks at Pie in the Sky, from the red, white, or gluten-free pizza with your favorite toppings to specialty sandwiches like the prosciutto, sharp provolone, cappicola, and Genoa salami sandwich or the sausage, peppers, and onions sandwich.

Get the deal >>
Visit Pie in the Sky >>

Pie in the Sky
102 East Lancaster Avenue
Wayne, PA 19087

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The Pizza Project
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Friday, May 18, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Oskar Blues Deviant Dale's IPA

Oskar Blues Deviant Dale's IPA
When I drank this, I wasn't taking notes. It was directly after a viewing. And the Sixers game where they closed out the Chicago Bulls was playing. Needless to say, I was distracted. I remember it being extremely hoppy. And slightly better than Russian River Damnation. That's saying something, right?
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Russian River Damnation


Russian River Damnation
Spy 12-ouncers of this in stores for $8. Saw it on tap at Philadelphia's St. Stephen's Green. Had to try it. It's a very good beer. But it's not worth $8 retail for a short bottle. For that, it would have to be UNPARALLELED! Maybe come with an E pill?
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Lavery Liopard Oir Farmhouse Ale


Lavery Liopard Oir Farmhouse Ale
When I go to Wegman's, I'm allowed two sixers and a 22-ouncer due to their Draconian regulations (I'm sure the rules are created by some idiotic entity). This week, chose this Erie, Pa. beer for big bottle. Was really rooting for it. But there were no elements of note.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Flying Dog Woody Creek Belgian Style White

Flying Dog Woody Creek Belgian Style White
After having a bust of a wheat in Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen, it is nice to have a white that makes you believe in the lighter ales. This beer by the quietly great Maryland brewery is a gorgeous, effervescent clear color. The orange notes and Belgian spices combine perfectly. Total class.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen

Widmer Brothers Hefeweizen
Not good. There's slight lemony aroma. Cloudy color is unattractive. Flavor doesn't pops. Hints of citrus and pepper, but really bland. In attempt to get flavor out, I did a little wine mouth-swish thing. Almost choked. Heard Portland beer was on the come, but this one was wack.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Ithaca Pale Ale

Ithaca Pale Ale
First thing that scared me about this beer was the pour. The head had disappeared from the top of the glass about 3.2 seconds after the thing was full. Very average beer. Malty scent. Little bit of orange, little bit of caramel. Copper color. Nothing really offensive, nothing particularly wonderful.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Goose Island India Pale Ale

Goose Island India Pale Ale
This one ranks as a major improvement over the previously sampled Honker's Ale. It has a powerful citrus scent, a pleasant color that falls between golden and amber, and a spikey hop flavor that really pops. Also features a smooth texture that makes it go down easy as session beer.
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The Pizza Project
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Thursday, May 17, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Great Divide Hercules Double IPA

Great Divide Hercules Double IPA
This is, quite simply, an awesome beer by one of the nation's most underrated craft beermakers. Made in Colorado, the beverage features vibrant hop flavor, serious citrus kick, low-level strawberry notes, pungent, flowery scent, and dry texture that sticks around after consumption. Packs major punch at 10% ABV.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Magic Hat Elder Betty


Magic Hat Elder Betty
Another loser for Magic Hat, a high-profile brewery that I believe makes more bad beers than good. Main attraction is elderberry. Fruity for my taste. Don't know what elderberry is. Must be similar to honeydew. That's what this beer tastes like. A honeydew beer. As bad as it sounds.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Goose Island Honkers Ale

Goose Island Honker's Ale
I've had a few English bitter-style beers. They never really appeal. The version by this Chicago-based brewery is no exception. There's a little pop if you really focus, but the malts are too subtle. Have to chalk it up to the genre. Too understated. Always seems flat.
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The Pizza Project
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Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale

Smuttynose Shoals Pale Ale
First thing about this beer: coloring is brown for a "pale" ale. Then the aroma. Nails you right in the nostrils as you lift to lips. The sip? Cracks you with IPA-level hops yet goes down nice and smooth. Elite beer. Underrated brewery. Bonus: Wonderfully quirky bottle art.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Williamsburg Alewerks Wheat Ale

Williamsburg Alewerks Wheat Ale
Disappointing offering from brewery that had produced two decent hoppy bottles previous. Not much flavor. What little it has sticks around in form of a nasty aftertaste. Cloudy yellow color. Nonexistent scent. Plenty of wheat flavor (if you can call it that), but nothing there to serve as complement. Avoid.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Stoudts American Pale Ale


Stoudts American Pale Ale
Don't know what to say about this beer. On one hand, it's delicious, continuing a 2012 streak that's seen me experience numerous winners by the Adamstown brewery. Then again, the last four times I've tried to write this post, my computer's crashed. Good beer, Stoudts. But I'm moving on.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Leffe Blonde

Leffe Blonde
Like a trip in a time machine: Was one of my first steps toward craft beer many years back. Pours thick, creamy head and features a spicy yet slightly stale aroma. Belgian notes and citrus are strong. Was prepared to write off due to palette expansion, but it holds up.
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The Pizza Project
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Sunday, May 13, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Round Guys Original Slacker Ale


Round Guys Original Slacker Ale
Since I had no idea who the makers of this were prior to ordering (they're a brewery in Lansdale, Pennsylvania), was prepared to write off at first sip. But it's quality, with some really interesting composition. Drinks like simple ale, but with major rush of chocolate and malt in finish.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Southern Tier Iniquity


Southern Tier Iniquity
I was hesitant to try this beer since I've had mixed results with both black IPAs and products by New York's Southern Tier Brewing Company. But hops and stout flavor mix flawlessly. Picked up healthy amount of grapefruit and plenty of chocolate. A chocolate grapefruit. Sounds gross. But it works!
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Full Pint All In Amber

Full Pint All In Amber
Last time I had Full Pint beer, it was Chinookie IPA. Wasn't a fan. Had friend drive in from Pittsburgh for visit. Addressed Full Pint. In tribute, gave them another chance. All In Amber WAS better. Like how malts almost approach stout-flavor, yet its still crisp and easy-drinking.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: AleSmith Anvil Ale ESB

AleSmith Anvil Ale ESB
Have heard a lot about AleSmith Brewing Company recently. Based in San Diego, you would figure they would be able to produce a fine IPA. Only problem? Accidentally picked up the ESB instead of the IPA. No worries. IPA hoppiness. Significant piney notes. Complex maltiness, while retaining smooth finish.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Sixpoint Bengali Tiger

Sixpoint Bengali Tiger
American IPA by the lesser-known Brooklyn brewery that specializes in canned beers. Decent sized hop punch upon first sip. The amber beer contains a degree of citrus flavor, but it's a bit subtle for my taste. Not incredibly impressed. Hops are ample, but additional notes are fairly scarce.
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The Pizza Project
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Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Brooklyn Pilsner

Brooklyn Pilsner
Bought this beer in tribute to MCA (a.k.a., Brooklyn native and Beastie Boy Adam Yauch), then couldn't find time to write about it for a week. Nice hoppy character. Cloudy golden color. Wheaty flavor in the finish. Decent scent, although nothing spectacular. A solid, if not transcendent, beer.
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The Pizza Project
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Friday, May 4, 2012

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Ommegang Witte

Ommegang Witte
Cooperstown, New York brewery's wheat ale features golden color, subtle citrus kick, and healthy amounts of Belgian spicing. Would be terrific beer to drink in the summer, with its light feel and session-beer ABV. A flawless specimen that leaves you impressed, yet lacks an element that creates excitement.
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The Pizza Project
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Time for a Random List: The Ten Best Beastie Boys Songs Ever

10. "An Open Letter to NYC" (To the 5 Boroughs)
9. "Brass Monkey" (Licensed to Ill)
8. "Long Burn the Fire" (Hot Sauce Committee Part Two)
7. "Egg Man" (Paul's Boutique)
6. "So What'cha Want" (Check Your Head)
5. "Shake Your Rump" (Paul's Boutique)
4. "No Sleep Til Brooklyn" (Licensed to Ill)
3. "Sabotage" (Ill Communication)
2. "Hey Ladies" (Paul's Boutique)
1. "Root Down" (Ill Communication)
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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Frankford Hall: A Real Good Time Despite Insane Heat Lamps

As a kid who was born in Fishtown, moved somewhat quickly, but still has a ton of family in the area, I can definitely say that I did not see the influx of hipsters coming. But now that they have been there for a while, I feel a bit of a need to thank them for the slew of great bars they have brought along in their wake. First it was Johnny Brenda's, which is not only a very good bar, serving local standout brews, but also a pretty good spot to catch a band (I saw the Ting Tings there; they were outstan-Ting). Then it was Memphis Taproom, a place cool enough to host a kid's day during Beer Week so that me and Spicy Hawaiian were able to kill exotic cans in their beer garden while our toddler watched some weird lady break it down Raffi-style on her acoustic ax. Finally, Barcade came along, with its wicked combo of 80s and early-90s era video games and a superb selection of national microbrews.

So when I heard that my cousin was having his bachelor party at Stephen Starr's Fishtown outpost Frankford Hall, I was definitely psyched. (Full disclosure: OK, this was not the actual bachelor party. That was at Daydreams (yeah, probably not cool for me to link this; sorry, fellas). However, I boycotted that because I am not willing to pay an exorbitant cover charge to get into a place to see breasts that I am not only not allowed to touch, but would receive a severe beating if I had the temerity to accidentally rub up against.)

I really didn't know what to expect as I drived to the place. For wahtever reason, I thought it would be a huge expanse in some old abandoned parking lot or something. But actually it was very well built into the area's urban landscape. After walking into the place and navigating the two fellows who were there to check my I.D. even though I usually feel like I am the age of Tony Hopkins, I spied a large heavily populated bar on the left and a series of tables for dining. On the right was a ping-pong table, which was kind of odd. Not because there was a ping-pong table in a bar. No, that seems like exactly the kind of thing hipsters would want to do whilst swilling suds. It was simply funny because I was hitting the spot at 8 p.m., it was getting dark, and the table was completely underlit, making it impossible for the players to see such a small bouncing sphere. Of course, this made perfect sense as I assumed they were just swinging the paddles to look cool anyway.

As I made my way out to the courtyard, I spied my "homies" at one of the establishment's many communal tables, designed so people will be forced to make new friends. Basically, my worst nightmare. But it was nice. It had been a slightly rainy night, but the open-air area was still somewhat packed. Being that it was a tad bit nippy, I had dressed warmly: flannel shirt, cardigan, Chucks with athletic socks, fingerless gloves that I planned to keep on no matter how hot I got because I just thought it looked cool. However, despite the slightly chilly temperatures, the place felt a bit like a sauna. This is because of the heating lamps, which seemed to be operating at wildly disparate levels. While some were letting out a little bit of a blue flame, the one nearest us was spilling out heat in the manner of Sherman doing his best to completely eradicate Atlanta, Ga. In the heat department, the camp fire in the middle of the courtyard, which customers are able to roast Smores over if they buy them for a minimal price, probably didn't help either, but I did enjoy how it sent me home smelling like I had just spent the evening camping in the forest instead of downing beers in the city of my youth. Seriously, I spent half of the next day sniffing my attire.

And what of the beers I consumed? Well, I certainly wasn't taking notes at a Fishtown bachelor party if that is what you are wondering. I will simply tell you that they were affordable enough for people who are used to spending way too much at metropolitan night spots and they were available in 16-ounce and 1-liter sizes. Since I can't imagine what the last sip of even the best one-liter beer would taste like, I went with the smaller ones. The first beer I had was Eliot Ness Amber Lager by Great Lakes Brewing Company. It was very good. The second was Hofbrau Sommer. It was very good. The third I had was Victory Prima Pils. That was very good, too. But then again, when you are drinking beers with your cousin who is about to get married, hanging out with good men you rarely get to see other than at momentous events, and getting served by unusually attractive ladies with massive amounts of tattoos, it usually tastes very good.

I cannot vouch for the food at Frankford Hall. I didn't have any. The truth is that the menu mostly consists of sausages and I don't really love sausage that much. Also, I forgot that I was hungry due to all of the "hipster-gawking" I was doing. (Actually, the truthier truth is that I was saving my money in case I wimped out of saying "No" to the strip club and had to spend my evening giving women money for baring their lady parts and pretending that they found me remotely sexy.)

All in all, in the two or so hours I spent at Frankford Hall, I had a wonderful time. But how could you not? There's beer, ping pong, beer, a couple ladies in lederhosen, beer, gigantic pretzels with cheese sauce, beer, heat lamps that could render the Antarctic a gargantuan puddle, beer, and a band that featured an accordion, a tuba, and a jug player (can't believe I forgot to mention them!). Basically, it's hipster nirvana and I can't wait to go back on a nice, sunny day because...dude, wait 'til you see my rockin' Fear in Loathing in Las Vegas tee!
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Frankford Hall
1210 Frankford Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19125

Frankford Hall on Urbanspoon

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The Pizza Project
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The Freezer Case: Lean Cuisine Wood Fire Style BBQ Recipe Chicken Pizza

One day, I was rooting around the refrigerator looking for something to eat at work that day. As happens from time to time, the wife had told me we were broke and I was not allowed to spend money on my usual exorbitant lunch. So I needed something to stick in my mouth around noon to ensure that my work day was not as long and painful as it usually is even when my hunger is fully satiated. Peering into the freezer, I saw this item from Lean Cuisine.

I threw it back in without even thinking about the possibility that I might be forced to consume the thing.

However, when further inspection brought me to the sad realization that there was nothing else to choose from - no leftover pizza, no three-day-old Chinese, no broccoli and mayonaisse sandwiches - I reluctantly tossed the box in my chic leather work attache and headed for the train station.

Fast-forward to lunch. After zapping the pie in the micro for two minutes or so, I set about to devour it. Since it is a decent-sized circle and I didn't want to take the time to cut it in fours, I grabbed a knife and fork and figured I'd cut it up.

The first warning sign I should have gotten out of this is that there was no smell whatsoever. Usually, when something is going to be good, it fires off a smell that makes people ask what you are having for lunch. After cooking, this thing had about as interesting an aroma as a lettuce leaf. When I went to cut it for consumption, it was like a rock. As I gnawed on the thing with my plastic knife for a seeming eternity, I felt like I might need a chainsaw to get the pizza to a place where I could take a manageable bite. When I finally got a piece onto the fork and inserted it into my mouth, the disappointment was palpable.

I can't really say that it tasted like much of anything. The barbecue sauce registered slightly and the chicken was basically nonexistent. The crust, of course, tasted like a flavorless piece of cardboard. I think there were onions on it as well, but I really can't tell you: before I could get a feel for the entire dish, it was sitting in my trash can. I tossed it after four bites since the taste of the pie wasn't worth the effort I was expending in cutting it. Dreadful crap.

I guess Lean Cuisine stuff is supposed to suck. After all, it is made for sadists who are too enveloped by the shape of their physiques to bring themselves to eat a real meal. However, even for something that purposely seeks to not be that great, this Lean Cuisine pie achieved an almost unprecedented level of "Ewwww!"
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The Pizza Project
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