Booze ... in 50 Words or Less: Skinnygirl Margarita

Easy drinking, good choice for keeping it light. However, a bit tart and watered-down, even before your ice melts. If you like your 'ritas sweet, this beverage is not for you. Overall, not bad for 100 calories per 4 oz. Would I get my inner Bethenny on again? Only if it's on sale.

Visit the website >>

Monthly Roundup: July's Top 5 Posts

My mom called us to be sure we didn't miss this

news segment. See the video at

http://thefw.com/bulldog-dragging-kiddie-pool-inside-home-video/

To close each month, we'll do a quick roundup of the top five not-to-miss posts. In a blog with so much fascinating content, it could be easy to miss one or two good posts.

Boy, it's hot out. And according to our readers (and bloggers), these July posts are just as hot as your a$$crack is approximately five seconds after you leave your air conditioned home/car/workplace.

•  Margate Posts - Headed down the shore? Don't pack your speedo until you check out our posts on Luciano Lamberti's Sunset Marina & Grill, Junior's Donuts and Dogs, and Mack & Manco Pizza Too.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee Champagne

Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee Champagne
On our blog, they have ads that they throw up automatically. They posted all these jawns for alcoholism sh*t. No idea why! NOT COOL!!! But anyway, WE DRINKIN' CHAMPAGNE TONIGHT!!! Barefoot Bubbly. It's good. But why do I feel like, if I ever had Dom Perignon, I might be orgasmic!?

10,000 Views! Woohoo!

Just wanted to deliver a big THANK YOU to all of our readers, followers and fans! Yesterday, The Pizza Project hit 10,000 views. A special shout-out to one of our favorite commenters (MC) and @DannyZ24, a good friend who is spreading the word about our pizza reviews and bathroom musings.

It's not just the site traffic that has expanded. We've been getting an increasing amount of email from readers with suggestions and pizza thoughts of their own ... and we love it! Our blog is now featured on Restauranteers. And we're slowly but surely making our way up the Urbanspoon Philadelphia Blog Leaderboard, from #135 to #41.

To celebrate 10K, Saucy, the nibble and I will be hitting up a new Philly Mag pizza spot tonight and then enjoying some Barefoot Bubbly after the nibble goes to bed. Stay tuned for a review.

Props Out: Ruben Amaro Jr.

Today, we are throwing some love in the direction of Philadelphia Phillies GM Ruben Amaro Jr. The dude done did it again. He detected a weakness on his team that could keep them from succeeding, and he went out and filled the hole. Two years ago, it was nabbing Cliff Lee from the Cleveland Indians. Last year, it was jacking Roy Oswalt from the "Happ-less" Houston Astros. This July 29 (amazingly, all three trades have happened on the same date), he went out and pried rightfielder Hunter Pence away from those same erstwhile Colt 45s (apparently the guy has an affinity for robbing former Phillies GM Ed Wade).

For the last week, as the trade deadline in Major League Baseball has approached, I have been telling anyone who would listen to me that the Phillies needed to go out and snag Pence (in fact, I feel stupid that I did not write it in these airwaves because I would have looked like a frigging genius). First of all, he immediately fills a hole in your lineup because of his right-handed bat (watch Ryan Howard's numbers go up now with proper protection). He is a guy who hits for a .308 average on a team where someone hitting .250 is a rarity. He plays right field proficiently and has a rocket for an arm. Anyone who has seen Dominic Brown out there (diving for balls awkwardly, throwing the ball all over the place, jogging after balls in the corner) over the last few months knows that you would not have wanted him prowling the outfield when the games really started to count.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Paulaner Hefe-Weizen Natural Wheat

Paulaner Hefe-Weizen Natural Wheat
Had a great friend over. Reminded me of a time when we traveled to Rome. He had many Paulaner drafts one night. So many that he took a spill in the middle of the bar where we had experienced an epic Happy Hour. What an evening! The beer? Spectacular!

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Old Dominion Brewing Beach House Golden Pilsner

Old Dominion Brewing Beach House Golden Pilsner
Had a choice between Pilsner Urquell and this summer ale by the Dover, Delaware brewer. Decided to go with the latter because I hadn't tried it before. Should have went with Urquell. This has that typical pilsner crispness, but it lacks the flavor of a Prima Pils. Little bland.

Top Ten Thoughts I Had While Sitting in the Bar by Myself for Ten Minutes

1) "Ok, where should I sit? Alright, that looks like a good spot. No. It's totally wrong. There needs to be at least three seats open so I can sit in the middle. I don't want to encourage anyone to talk to me. That would be completely idiotic."

2) "Is it wrong to be this excited about getting myself a growler of Troegs Mad Elf? Seriously! I feel like a kid about to open his Christmas gifts or something! But does it make me an alkie?"

3) "OK, so getting the Mad Elf growler doesn't make me an alkie! It's just a really good beer! Hoping it's a slow pour so I can finsih a pint of Ballast Point Big Eye IPA while I wait? Maybe."

4) "I wonder if these people think I am a psycho or something because I'm sitting here by myself? Well, I'm a 34-year-old man wearing a shirt with the Nestle Quik rabbit on it. Of course they do!"

5) "Maybe I should just talk to someone about the weather or the Phillies or something. How about these people to my left? Oh wait, they are both women. I am married and contractually not allowed to talk to human beings with breasts. How about this guy to my right? No, I can't talk to him! He might think I am hitting on him, or, more importantly, that I am someone who is actually interested in his drunken ramblings. Let me just stare at this beer menu instead and maybe they won't think I'm waiting for a hooker to show up."

6) "How long can you stare at a beer menu before you look like a total booze fiend? At this point, I have picked it up and put it down something like 15 times. I've memorized the alcohol by volume of Budweiser, MGD, and Coors Light. Someone take this thing away from me!"

7) "Maybe I will just look at my cell phone for a minute. It's a handy tool. Makes it look like you are just waiting for someone to come and join you. Would it be odd if I had, maybe, a fake conversation on it? I guess that's a little crazy? Oh wait, it's actually ringing now. It's the wife wondering where I'm at! Better put that away. I told her I was getting dog food."

8) "I guess I will just stare at the Phillies game on the TV. NO! I can't do that!!! People will wonder why I didn't just stay home and watch it. 'Oh, he had to come out here because there is beer here! He couldn't just drink Dr. Pepper or something!! WHAT AN ALKIE!!!' Plus, there is the fact that they are totally being humiliated by Tim Lincecum."

9) "The jukebox is an option. It's like ten minutes, right? I could play five Ramones songs in that amount of time. Plus, I always look cool and intense while looking at a jukebox. 'Wow, look at how long it is taking him to decide! He must really like interesting, obscure, inaccessible music! I want his CD collection!' No one would ever think that I was an beer-guzzling psycho with an affinity for shooting up local pubs and shirts with cocoa-loving, lactose-tolerant cartoon characters on them!"

10) "Sh*t! Here's the bartender with my growler! Do I have time for one more beer? I can go to the car and get a book to pretend to read."

Better Late Than Never Reviews: 4 - Beyonce

The third album by Beyonce Knowles, I Am...Sasha Fierce, was both a musical and an environmental disappointment. The world did not need her overly precious cover of "Ave Maria," nor did it need an 11-song album printed on two CDs just so an accomplished star could pretend to be her sassy alter ego. After the sensation that was Dangerously in Love and the underrated follow-up, B'Day, her fourth studio album, the unfortunately titled 4, found Jay-Z's main squeeze looking to prove that she did not lose ground to the Katy Perrys and the Lady Gagas of the world. Luckily, the former Destiny's Child songstress chose not to compete on their pop level and made an album that, despite having a few flaws, shows a mature artist who is still capable of churning out effortless body-movers.

Beginning with the Princely, soulful, rock-tinged ballad, "1+1," the 12-song album (yes, more than Sasha Fierce yet contained on one disc) continues quite strongly for 10 tracks. Highlights include "I Care," a bass-heavy mid-tempo joint with Squarepusher-esque airy synth and a nasty guitar solo/Beyonce vocal run (a past weakness that she is admirably restrained with throughout the album), "End of Time," a Michael Jackson-influenced banger with effectively chaotic production by producers Diplo and Switch, and "Party," a Kanye West track whose off-kilter beats and funhouse keys were attractive enough to get Andre 3000 to climb out from whatever rock he has been living under (the erstwhile Outkast MC contributes a verse that will hopefully hold the world over until he decides to put something full-length on wax). The very 80s "Love on Top" also satisfies, with Knowles putting in some of her best vocal work. I even managed to get into the one that Babyface wrote, "Best Thing I Never Had." It had to be the incredibly massive chorus, because I have to tell you: I never thought I would be able to get down with a song with piano that sounds like it was played by John Tesh in his NBA theme song era.

Booze ... in 50 Words or Less: Tröegs Mad Elf

Partook in Christmas in July at Chap's today. And the Mad Elf was just as delicious on a humid, rainy day as it is on a freezing cold, snowy one, which confirms my suspicion that this 11% Belgian-style brew is, hands down, my favorite beer of all time. Extremely smooth, with just the right amount of cherry-esque sweetness and a wee bit of holiday spice.

Tale of the Pie: Bravo Pizza

I'm starting to worry about the people who ran Philadelphia Magazine's pizza issue.

After a terrific recommendation in East Norriton's Charlie's Pizzeria, the magazine has now pointed us in the direction of two straight duds. If you haven't read our review of Franzone's in Bridgeport, catch it here. As for Bravo Pizza of Paoli, we tried it out on Friday. It was the essence of average. Maybe even a little less than.

I should have known we were in trouble from the start. I never had that moment when you are like, "Wow, this smells incredible." As I think about it, I never even registered a scent. The only thing I could concentrate on was how their big screen was showing some CNN story about the Tea Party at a loud volume when there was a Phillies game playing at the same time. F*c kis up with that? Was I about to order pizza from a Michele Bachman-voting looney tune? However, not wanting to judge them on their viewing habits, we ordered pizza anyway. We got a large plain pizza and a medium Chicken Parmesan pie for four people and a baby.

Drinking when you have absolutely no idea what the ingredients are...

Two weeks after my roommates and I graduated from Drexel University and we decide that we want to act like young professionals and go out for dinner and drinks in Center City...mind you that only one of us has a job out of college and about the only professional experience is things that we learned during coop. So my roommate Taylor takes it upon herself to decide for the group that we should go to The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co. (Not telling either of her other roommates that drinks were a tad on the expensive side...but I'm gonna be honest, she has a flare for the expensive) After eating at Smiths we walk over to The Franklin, most likely looking like three awkward girls because lets face it, that's what we were when we were confronted with a black door with basically nothing but a small green sign that says "The Franklin Mortgage and Investment Co."

King of the Case: Samuel Adams

Wherein I will buy a variety case and decide what the best beer in it is.

Samuel Adams

Sam Adams Light
I'm just not a fan of light beer. I understand that you have to make something like this when you are a high-profile beer brand with commercials on TV and stuff. You need to appeal to the people who like Budweiser because they think the Clydesdales are kick-arse! This being said, I don't think this had any business in a variety pack. It's low on flavor and a must-skip for beer sophisticates.

Christmas in July at Chap's Taproom

If you're anything like me, the holiday season means more than just celebrating Jesus' birth, giving gifts to those you love, or enjoying the wonder and excitement of the little ones as they await Santa's arrival. It also signifies the arrival of Tröegs Mad Elf on draft and dreams of ... the perfect combination of cherries, honey and spice in a Belgian dark ale ... dance in my head.

So you can imagine my excitement when I received an email from our local fave, Chap's Taproom, announcing that they have reserved a keg to tap this coming Monday, July 25th at 6 p.m. Now that's my kind of Christmas in July.

Ten Things I'm Hating...RIGHT NOW!!!

1) That guy on the train who flops into the seat like a 300 pounder - Seriously, you couldn't ease your behind onto the leather without making me hop three inches out of my seat? Chill the F out. It's not a trampoline!

2) The lady who gave me the look when I jumped in front of her at the Corner Bakery today - Sorry, lady. They asked for the "next ready guest." Staring at the menu board for ten minutes with your mouth wide open does not exactly communicate the idea of readiness. They have salad, soup, and sandwiches. Pick one and get it over with.

3) People who talk when they are in the bathroom - I don't even like when someone talks to me while I am urinating, but the other day I walked into a bathroom to see two dudes chatting each other up...and one of them was in a stall with his pants around his ankles. Engaging in conversation mid-evacuation is so wrong I'm not sure I could do the reasons justice.

Booze...in 50 Words of Less: Dogfish Head Red & White

Dogfish Head Red & White
This orange-tinged Belgian has a citrus aroma and a slightly bitter taste due to its having been aged and fermented in Pinot Noir tanks. A heavy beer, it was surprisingly refreshing on a sweltering summer day. The Milton, Delaware brewery is a future must-visit for its adventurous concoctions.

Pizza Olympics in South Philly - Third Annual

When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that's amore and you can only be in South Philly! 
For $10, you get to sample competing parlors' pies as they fight for the title.


Check it out and mangia!!!
When: Thursday, July 21, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Penns Landing Caterers, 1301 S. Columbus Boulevard
Tickets >>
Learn more >>

Tale of the Pie: Franzone's Pizzeria

Yes, my grandparents definitely had those same glasses

Another weekend, another Philly Mag "Best Pizza" spot. This time it was Franzone's in Bridgeport, a pizzeria apparently in business since 1955.

Upon arriving at this neighborhood spot with the hubby and nibble, I immediately decided that I would not look around extensively while we wined and dined. That's because I'm a bit of a clean freak, and this place was not up to par. And let's just say that our fellow diners made the Via Veneto's crowd look runway-ready.

When we saw that a half carafe of wine was only $6.95, we couldn't help but order it and laugh about what we might be getting. It ended up being a chilled red, most likely from a Carlo Rossi or Paisano jug. Oh, and two mini, slightly dirty, old-school Italian glasses that I remember being part of my grandparent's glassware collection. Beer is also quite cheap for a decent selection - $3 for a bottle of  Russian River Damnation, Golden Monkey, Prima Pils or Summer Love from Victory, or Dogfish Head Festina Pêche.

Ten Quick Thoughts on...Blue Valentine

1) I really should have realized this flick wasn't coming anywhere near a happy ending when it basically began with a dog escaping from its pen, only to be found laying on the side of the road dead from an apparent car collison. As metaphors for a failed marriage go, that was kind of clear.

2) Michelle Williams is quickly putting the whole Dawson's Creek aspect of her career in the rear view. She has deftly avoided the curse that has struck the rest of her castmates on that show (I will cop to having never bore witness to one scene). As a woman stuck in an unfulfilling marriage to an alcoholic lacking in ambition (is there any other kind of alcoholic?), she is splendid. Still, one gets the idea that she could probably be game for a comedy at this point of her career. Think of her most memorable roles: Ryan Gosling's put-upon wife in this one, Heath Ledger's put-upon wife in Brokeback Mountain, Leonardo DiCaprio's dead wife in Shutter Island. I guess it is better to be put-upon than dead? In any event, she plays Marilyn Monroe in a movie coming out soon. Marilyn Monroe. That can't end well.

Time for a Random List: The Ten Best T-Shirts Currently Available at the Urban Outfitters Website

10) Mr. Rogers


I mean, just look at the cardigan. The man was ahead of his time.

New to the Collection: Milk

Every time Saucy adds a new DVD to his increasingly mammoth film collection, he will take the time to provide five indelible scenes that convinced him to spend his hard-earned sheckles on something he could have gotten for free with a DVD burner and a Netflix subscription. This installment discusses Milk, the 2008 biopic of gay icon and San Francisco revolutionary Harvey Milk by iconoclast director Gus Van Sant.

1) Harvey Milk meets Scott Smith
Other than the provocative opening sequence that shows actual footage of gay men being harassed by police, this is the first scene of the movie, and the thing that makes it so interesting is that it is so...boring. It's just a simple meet-cute scene between two men filmed in matter-of-fact fashion by Van Sant, who with this opening states that he doesn't plan on treating two men meeting each other and agreeing to a tryst as anything out of the ordinary. No swelling orchestra music. No winking concessions for the straight audience. Just two people running into each other and falling in love...kind of. Just like straight people do. That is sort of the point, I think.

The Rare Night Out: Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery

Last Thursday, I was coming home from work and for some reason I just started thinking about Rock Bottom Restaurant and Brewery. I don't know why. Maybe it was a long day. Maybe the daily pressures of child-rearing had just added up. But for whatever reason, I was thinking about the place and their incredible Thursday deal where they offer their very stellar brews for $2 each. I had decided. I was going to ask Wifey if we could go there for dinner. So imagine my surprise when i walk through the door and she tells me that her parents had OFFERED to watch Saucy Jr. so that we could go to Happy Hour! Unbelievable! After going through a few alternative choices (Capone's, Brother Paul's, the always reliable Chap's), we settled upon Rock Bottom, my choice from the beginning.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: North Coast Brewing Company Red Seal Ale

North Coast Brewing Company Red Seal Ale
A pleasantly hopped, copper pale ale by the California beermaker. Was introduced to me by a treasured friend, a purveyor of fine spirits and a man of knowledge and taste. Their Brother Thelonious is also the "bomb diggy." To the gent who hipped me to this...I LOVE YOU, MAN!!!!

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Blanche de Bruxelles (White Beer)

Blanche de Bruxelles
Spectacular specimen! One of three beers that I can remember where I had it the first time. This? St. Stephen's Green in Philly. The other ones would be a Brooklyn Smoked Weissbock (General Lafayette Beerfest) and Chimay Premiere (Manayunk's Flat Rock Saloon; vommed all night afterward...in a good way).

Ten Quick Thoughts about...True Grit (2010)

1) I am certainly not a fan of the whole sequel/remake/reboot fascination that is running rampant through Hollywood in this foul era of our cinema (heard today they are remaking Total Recall), but this is one that I think was well worth the effort. Supposedly, the film is more loyal to the intent of the book than the 1969 version that starred John Wayne so it doesn’t really count as a remake; it is better termed a reinterpretation (I must be honest and say that I have not read the novel by Charles Portis, nor have I seen the entire film – saw enough to see that John Wayne was good fun, but probably not award-worthy, and that the girl playing Mattie Ross was kind of annoying and awkward). In any event, the new version is a strong story of retribution with the customary dark wit of the Coen Brothers.

Tale of the Pie: Penny's Pizza

I remember the days when my dad would bring home a pie from Penny's Pizza and we were the only ones that would eat it in the house. It was a sad day when my dad and I heard that they were closing. No more pie to ourselves. Penny's was known for their unique red top pie, using a sweet and chunky sauce over a delicious blend of cheeses. The crust was unlike any other using a heavy dose of cornmeal in the dough.

The Pizzeria was closed for almost four years, reopening this past October. At the very beginning cars were lining up on the road just to order. The waits were exceeding 2 hours just to get a pie. We finally were able to revisit Penny's Pizza this past weekend. To my delight the same family owns and operates the shop. They still use the same recipes as before which means the pie is exactly as I remembered it.

Dear...You: The Neighborhood Qdoba Restaurant

Dear Qdoba,
I know you have been wondering why I stopped coming to see you! After all, you are right across the street from my abode. It was so convenient. There was a time that I would make a weekly appearance to sample your pleasures! The people who work for you were beginning to know my name and my preferred dishes! Why would such a comfortable relationship have to come to an end?

The fact is I needed to lose some weight! I was pushing two-hunny! My musculature was beginning to disappear like dictatorships in the Middle East. My man-boobs were beginning to rival Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy’s for sheer voluptuousness. My waist was beginning to display more jiggle than an episode of Boardwalk Empire that features Paz de la Huerta prominently. The final straw was a visit to the doctor for a physical. She inserted a syringe into my arm. She drew some blood. She went to look at the results. And then she straight up came back into the room and asked who was getting my film collection once I’ve moved on. Evidently she too liked films by Stanley Kubrick and Alfred Hitchcock, and was eager for a bequeathing.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Stella Artois

Stella Artois
Before tastebud expansion, Stella Artois was my joint. I'd roll up to a bar, say "Stella Artoys," and sit with my rockin' goblet like a member of King Arthur's court. Chicks flocked! Until I bought them a drink. Then they'd leave. Pretty good, but nasty aftertaste down at bottom.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Coors Light

Coors Light
Was at party. They stocked this. What to do? Abstain from beer? Ice Cube didn't show! Bogus "Super Cold" stripe didn't seem to work therefore I couldn't tell if my beer was the right temperature (sensation on hand is insufficient indicator)! Tasted like water. Get better buzz from cough syrup.

How to Land Your Kid in Therapy

My dad saved me this article ("How to Land Your Kid in Therapy") from the July/August issue of The Atlantic. A lot of food for thought, especially for someone who's only been doing the mom thing for 18 months and just now really getting into actual child rearing, as opposed to infant parenting, which is comprised primarily of diaper, safety, playtime and feeding duties.

Basic premise: Many parents today are so focused on "making their kids happy" that the children grow up without knowing how to deal with disappointment, defeat or life in general, and therefore, find themselves to be unhappy adults. She discusses a wide range of contributing factors, from the increasingly popular unscored soccer and pee week basketball games to running over to pick up and coddle your toddler the second he falls down.

Better Late Than Never Reviews: Circuital - My Morning Jacket

Circuital, the sixth studio album by Kentucky rockers My Morning Jacket, is four-fifths of a great album. While not as grandiose as Z or adventurous as their last album, Evil Urges, it does feature eight tracks with their signature multi-guitar attack, layered sonics, and endlessly memorable choruses. However, the last two tracks on the album are enough to wonder if the band simply fell asleep at the wheel or if they were working to have the same thing happen to their audience while they were operating their automobiles.

Album highlights include the title track, a seven-minute monster that alternates between spare, echo-filled acoustics and soaring, country-tinged electric solos, all of which is balanced by an instantly catchy bass line and nimble piano work. "The Day Is Coming" also stands out, with a somewhat ghostly wordless intro, more stellar work on the keys (both conventional and Moog-like), and one of lead singer Jim James' best vocal turns of the album. "Holdin' on to Black Metal," which ranks as the album's best song and the one that best encapsulates the bands delicate balance of delicate songcraft and R&B eccentricity, features tweaked James vocals formed into a sort of demonic choir (and even some actual chorus work in other parts), unhinged horns, unholy fuzz guitar, and some terrifically intrusive horn blares. All in all, the first eight tracks of the album work as a tremendous unit, all of which makes the letdown of the last two tracks all the more disappointing.

Tale of the Pie: Charlie's Pizzeria

As mentioned in our post on Philly Mag's Best Pizza issue, we're visiting all of the local spots recommended in the article. First up was Charlie's Pizzeria in East Norriton.

Because it's about 15 minutes from our house, we planned on eating in, so the pie didn't get cold during the ride home. But before we even got in the door, we thought we might be changing those plans. There are a few tables in the back, but it didn't seem like the spot for a nice Friday night out with our 18-month-old. Plus, once I did get inside, I realized that the temperature was hot enough that they could have been cooking the pizzas right on the counter.

A Slightly Aimless Rant about...the Chinese Government

Thank you, Chinese government, for ruining the sh*t out of Yao Ming's career!

The guy was my favorite player in the NBA. He was a giant who moved fluidly on the court, with a variety of hook shots, turnaround jumpers, and spin moves. He was a deft passer, getting his teammates involved, almost to the detriment of his team at times. He was a marvel at the free throw line, shooting 90 percent in a league where big men regularly shoot in the 50s and blame it on having big hands or some other such nonsense. He was a hard-working defender, constantly looking to develop his lateral movement so that teams could not victimize him with easy pick-and-rolls. He was the best center in the league, someone who rose to every challenge, facing down a prime Shaquille O'Neal with dignity and courage, and outshining the Man Who Would Be King, Dwight Howard, every time they played each other (if you follow basketball, I'm sure you think Dwight Howard has been the best center in basketball for quite some time; if so, check out the numbers - Dwight Howard simply could not get it done against Yao Ming). He routinely did things you would not expect from a 7'6" man, whether it be throwing a no-look pass behind his head, dazzling multiple defenders with spin-move up-and-unders, or going behind his back to finish a length-of-the-court rumble to the basket.

Tale of the Perfect Pie: John's Pizza - New York, New York

So I have been quite lackadaisical in my blogging duties when it comes to pizza eating activities. The seasons have now changed since I had visited John's Pizza in New York City but I'm pretty certain that the memories are still alive.

I was in NYC back in April with the church youth group sightseeing and after a half day of walking the streets of NYC someone in my group demanded we eat at John's Pizza. He claimed that they had the best pizza ever. Ever? Really?

King of the Case: Flying Dog Brewery

Wherein I will buy a variety case and decide what the best beer in it is.

Flying Dog Brewery

Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale
A crisp ale with a vibrant flavor. The golden beer offers a hoppy zest that does not overwhelm. A smooth beverage with no aftertaste of which to speak.

Booze...in 50 Words or Less: Avery Brewing Company White Rascal

Avery Brewing Company White Rascal
Belgian-style white ales are not always my favorite, but then again Colorado's Avery Brewing Company simply does not make a bad beer. This one's got a pungent citrusy kick and an unfiltered yeasty flavor with just the right amount of smooth aftertaste. Dig the coriander and orange peel spices!

Booze ... in 50 Words or Less: Hitachino Nest White Ale with Limoncello

The hubby got this mixer idea from a recent article in GQ. Throw a shot of limoncello in a pint glass and top it off with a wheat beer, such as Hitachino's flagship beer. Both elements quite strong on their own. Together, the perfect refreshment for a hot summer night.

Thirty Quick Thoughts on...the Philadelphia Phillies

1) At the halfway point of the season, the Phillies are 55-33, and in first place by three games, and the only thing I can say about that is...how? Chase Utley has been hurt. Shane Victorino has been hurt twice. Placido Polanco may be crippled for life...but he'll play in the All-Star Game. Roy Oswalt aggravated an injury trying to fight for the Confederacy a la Robert E. Lee. Three different closers have spent extended time on the disabled list. Every other game seems to feature the opposing pitcher throwing a no-hitter into the fifth. Meanwhile, the manager would never be accused of having a LaRussa-esque mind for strategy and innovation. Yet, here they are set to make another majestic October run. How can this be?

Tale of the Pie: Mack & Manco Pizza Too

The two things I enjoy most about going down the shore are running on the beach and eating a slice or two from Mack and Manco's. Since I was recovering from strep throat this past weekend, I could not go for my beach run. I did, however, go for plenty of Mack and Manco's.

Since we were sharing with my aunt, uncle, grandmom and both halves of Ellio Totino, we ordered the two large pie special, one plain and one pepperoni for $26. Delivery took about 40 minutes, definitely not bad for the Fourth of July weekend.

Weekend in Margate: Junior's Donuts and Dogs

The little guy woke up early on July 4th. Evidently, kids don't understand the concept of sleeping in on vacation. The wife is still recovering from a slight bout of strep throat, so after struggling to get Saucy Jr. back to sleep, I decided to get him out and about instead. So although we were roughly a mile and a half away, I decided to walk him to Junior's Donuts and Dogs. We headed down Atlantic Avenue, passing Lucy the Elephant. We waved a quick Hello, but kept on cruising. I didn't know if Junior's would accept card so we stopped at a local Wawa, parking the stroller in an area that seemed specially designated for bikes and baby pushers. After hitting the ATM - braving a possible upbraiding for assuming the burden of a withdrawl fee - we moved on along our journey toward sugary sustenance. After a few more blocks (and a lot more sweat accumulation), we arrived at our destination. I removed the Sauce from his wheeled chariot and we waited in line with the other patrons, many of which became locked in involuntary staring matches with a hungry toddler. When it was my turn to order, I didn't hesitate*: Two large, chocolate strewn chocolate donuts, a sizeable chocolate milk, and a Diet Coke for myself (as if a lengthy walk had not already woken me up). I gathered up some napkins (surprised I remembered them) and all of the goods and walked over to find a seat. Most of the tables on their premises were taken or in too close of a proximity to other customers. I am not a social animal. So I looked for other options. And there it was. An open park bench...

Weekend in Margate: Luciano Lamberti's Sunset Marina & Restaurant

Two years ago, when some family chipped in to get a shore house in Margate, we went to Lamberti's (Luciano Lamberti's Sunset Marina & Restaurant if you're not into the whole brevity thing) a lot. First of all, they had a lovely view of the bay. Second, they had a happy hour that, while a little bit erratically applied by the staff, lasted from noon to 7 and gave you half off of appetizers. Third, they had Sierra Nevada Pale Ale on tap for cheap. And finally, they made a darn good penne arrabiate. Well, I'm happy to report that we went there again this weekend, and all of those statements remain true.

Better Late Than Never Reviews: Turtleneck & Chain - The Lonely Island

Sorry to all of our devoted fans on Google Images - wow, y'all heads really enjoy Chinese food, huh - for a slight break in content. We were on a short hiatus for the July 4th holiday, but we are now back for what is going to be a veritable explosion of content.

First up is a review of the second album by comedy rap trio, The Lonely Island. The group, consisting of comedians/comedy writers Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, and Akiva Schaffer, is almost certainly more famous among the populace for the digital shorts they create for Saturday Night Live, but on their sophomore effort they prove to be just as deft with their ability to manufacture strong hip-hop beats.