88.5 WXPN Friday Funk, my favorite at home happy hour music. It was especially welcomed tonight. Tonight music selection is paired with a cold can of Sly Fox Dunkel Lager. "Does that make you love me baby?" Yeah, I think it does. I know I say beer is a social drink, but there are exceptions to every rule - and that exception is tonight.
Being obsessed with Austin City Limits and having already begun the countdown to next year's festival - every Tuesday night I watch ACL on PBS YArts and dance around the apartment with my dog Barley. I'm kidding about that last part. This week's artist was Arcade Fire - who I have heard of before, but till Tuesday I don't think I ever sat and listened to their music. Watching them perform live might have been the tipping point, I'm not sure - but man, they play with such passion and vigor - it was hard not to want to get up and dance. You may recognize the song I've chosed to share in this week's Hootennanny from the soundtrack fo Where the Wild Things Are. I higly recommend their recent album a well...amazing.
I've downloaded their recent album and have found their music to pair well with the current homebrew on tap at Mellody Brewing Company - the American Triple. I'd say their music goes well with any triple, subtle, spicy, complex and fun. If you want to try the triple, you best come over soon, we're about to run out.
Cheers!
I've been getting lots of good ideas in the shower lately. I had a downpour of ideas about my bar concept the other day, and after writing them all down - I'm really excited about them. The more I think about it, the more I think it is something that could be a success. I need to stop writing ideas down and blogging about them and move into action.
Sigh, well time to head into the office.
I've spent the last few weeks planning some trips, in accordance with the Top Ten in 2010 list. It's helped get through the cold winter nights and days here, as well as the never ending drudgery that is work. I'll be heading to Tampa, FL in March for Spring Training to see my Fightin' Phils. Of course we'll be stopping by Cigar City Brewing - for an extended stay. I'm toying with taking a long weekend the first week of March and driving to Portsmouth, NH for Kate the Great Day. This trip would kill two birds with one stone, as they say, knocking them off the list, and getting some of their great beer for the cellar. I have to finalize the logistics of that trip, as I may not have a car then, so a road trip will be out of the question.
I have decided to put off the trip to Milton, DE for Dogfish Head till the summer, I have been tempted to do that one sooner rather then later - but think it's best to wait till the weather is more agreeable as well. This leaves a summer trip to California as well in the docket. Lots of planning to do still.
Final note, I think I'm going to pick up a small video camera so I can (where allowed) film my visits and post some video blogs. Exciting, I know.
On the home brew front, the American Triple is a hit on draft at home. Everyone is really enjoying it. I must say, it's really turned out better then I hoped after the stuck fermentation. It's sweet, fruity, with great color and body. I am going to have to see if I can replicate it, it's been that popular. The brown ale is ready for kegging after a month in secondary as well. I'll be getting that ready to tap soon. I also hope to brew again in the next two weeks, so as to keep the supply steady.
I realized after some conversations with friends that I didn't have any local PA or Philadelphia Breweries on my list for the Top 10 in Ought Ten. This is for a multitude of reasons, the most prevelant being that since I have access to these beers so easily, I sometimes forget how good they are. I do always try to drink local beer when I'm out - it's the craft bottles that I hoarde. I have also been to lots of these fine breweries for tours, tastings, etc. over the years. That being said, that doesn't mean I can't plan a few day trips or afternoon visits to some of these and share my experiences with you all.
In that spirit, I'm making a commitment to visit the following local breweries as well, the Local 10 in 2010 we'll call it. The list of breweries for these visits include: