Beerlass

Two track: Some Guys Have All the Luck

2012-05-28T11:45:00.002-04:00

I was cruising around on Saturday -doing "reverse shopping" as my sister titled it. I hate returning things because my mother was a chronic returner. She would go to Marshalls, load up a cart and return half of the items a week later. But this needed to be done.
So while I am heading East to West in South Philly with a palm tree in my car- I hear this reggae version of Rod Stewart's "Some guys have all the luck." Then when I get home to look up youtube videos for this week's two track- I learn that Rod Stewart's version wasn't event the original!

In 1973 -it was first performed by the Persuaders. Made it to 36 on the billboard charts.

The version I heard while running errands- turns out to be Maxi Priest. ( #12 in UK in 1987)

Rod Stewart- took it to the top 10 on the billboard charts in 1984

AND one more

the late, great Robert Palmer (1982)

Philly Beer Scene Awards: TONIGHT

2012-05-22T11:45:00.002-04:00

So I've yet to post about tonight. But it's a big one. This is the 3rd year Philly Beer Scene has given out awards to local beer heroes- but the first time that an official ceremony has been attached to it.

I'm excited for many reasons:

1) I get to see Ric Hoffman in the middle of the week
2) The Bella Vista crew is arriving in style via limousine- that definitely adds to the celebration
3) I will be on the red carpet interviewing guests as they arrive. This could get really awkward.
4) Someone is going to win this thing- I mean "win" with all the firkins flowing and beer about- someone is going to get way too drunk and embarrass themselves- let's hope it's not me.
5) Lance romance has a r~~idiculous~~ awesome outfit.
6) Curt Decker and Wendy Domurat (birthday girl) are coming straight from Mexico (airport) to the bash.
7) Joe Gun has a pin all to himself on stage.

It's tonight and I have no idea what I am wearing.
I sorta wanted to wear the dress I wore to the Mayoral ball in 2003- cuz it fits! But It also makes me look a bit like Madonna in the Vogue video. That might have to stay in the closet.

Best of Luck to all. And thanks for all your efforts to make our city the Best Beer Drinking city in AMERICA.

See you on the carpet.

Nominees for Best Brewery
Victory, Troegs, Yards, Weyerbacher, and Flying Fish

Nominees for Best Brewer
Casey Hughes, Chris Lapierre (who's that?) Chris Wilson, Tim Roberts and Gordon Grubb

Nominees for Best Brewpub
Iron Hill, Nodding Head, Earth Bread brewery, Dock St, Stewarts

Everybody- Clambake! Help us kick off the summer Vacationland style at JG Domestic this Wednesday!

2012-05-21T11:28:00.001-04:00

Ahhh coastal living is the life. You may have heard me say before -when I am up in Portland, Me- It's like everything is right in my ever so hectic world.
I'll be in Maine a week after I surivive Beer Week. But this Wednesday- Maine is coming to me- hopefully to US! I am so very looking forward to this evening to kick off the Summer. I know that I throw a lot of events. But if you could squeeze this into you hump-day- I promise you'll thank me!

JG Domestic is hosting a Clambake showcasing ALLAGASH beers
thisWednesday 6:30 pm

It starts off as a reception with
JG DOMESTIC DRIED PORK SAUSAGE-House Mustard & Sourdough Baguette
AND CAVE AGED LANDAFF CHEESE with Seasonal Mostarda & Sourdough Baguette

then on to the Mains

HOUSE DINNER ROLLS Maldon Sea Salt, Whipped Butter
JG DOMESTIC CHOWDER
Smoked Cod, In House Cured Salt Pork,
Potatoes, House-Made Oyster Crackers
LUNA FARMS GARDEN SALAD Blueberries, Lemon Vinaigrette
JG DOMESTIC CLAMBAKE
Little Neck Clams, Maine Mussels,
Maine Whelks, Shrimp,
Sweet Corn, New Potatoes,
House-Made Linguica Sausage

DESSERT
A seasonal assortment of WHOOPIE PIES ! (Did you know: There's a competition between Maine and Lancaster on who can claim the whoopie pie!)

THE POURS
Allagash White
Allagash Dubbel and Triple
Allagash Curieux
Allagash Black
Allagash Four

RESERVATIONS: 215-222-2363
$55 ++

Two Track: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

2012-05-16T01:53:00.001-04:00

Indoor/Outdoor Pool

This Sunday- I headed to the new Revel Resort with a few of my beer ladyfriends to celebrate a couple birthdays, We went to the AMAZING "Bask" spa complete with a Himilayan pink salt room. It might be a bit pricey (facials start at $145) but you get to hang out in their Wet Lounge, and Pool area which is nicer than any spa I have ever been to. If you're staying at the hotel- you can also forgo the treatment and pay $55 to play in the water all day. I got an enzymatic peel of sorts. So if you see me this week and can't tell I drank everything under the Revel roof- that is why. She also recommended I use a product called "ICU." Not exactly what you want to hear in such a state of serenity.

The beer part: We started at Amada (which has the best view) then hit Village Whiskey to reunite with an old Philly industry contact Mark Grika of Chifa. We then took a restaurant break and headed back to our room on the 18th floor to drink a growler of "batch 100" I stole from my Lance Romance. Then we hit Mussel Bar for a few Whites and walked another ten feet across the way to throw back some margies at Distrito. We ended the night with burlesque spot, Royal Jelly. My bartender who boasted 15 years in the industry didn't know what a sazerac was - so my order turned into Jameson on the rocks. Then we played fooseball, and air hockey on the way back to the room.

Yes- us beer girls know how to have fun. Woke up severely dehydrated but had inspiration for this week' two track.s

You see- Cyndi didn't write "Girls just wanna have fun."
It was written and first performed by PhiladelphianRobert Hazard, who passed away four years ago.

Robert Hazard

Cyndi Lauper

And why not?
Katy Perry and Nicki Minaj 2010 "Salute the troops" concert

Allagash and A. Kitchen team up for American Craft Beer Week

2012-05-08T12:59:00.007-04:00

Next Monday begins a week-long celebration of
Craft Beer.
Allagash is celebrating in all markets across the US from Boston to L.A.

In Philly- we are excited to be teaming up with A.Kitchen on Wednesday, May 16th.

We will be doing a dinner- but not the conventional way.
You order as much or as little as you like.

You can do all four courses with beer pairing for $65.
Or you can come in try a Victor and Victoria, savor a swordfish and be on your way.

I will be there from 6-9:30.

Allagash Brewing Pairing Menu
a la carte or 4 courses with Beer Pairing: $65

VEGETABLES, ETC...

Roasted Maitake Mushrooms, Squash Consomme, Creamy Polenta 13

Quad; Complex Belgian Style Quadruple Ale 6

Grilled Halloumi, Pickled Rhubarb, Ramp Salad 10

Tripel; A Strong Golden Ale with Notes of Passionfruit, Herbs & Honey 6

Glazed Turnips, Baby Carrots and Gremolata 9

Victoria; Belgian Strong Ale Brewed with Chardonnay Grapes 8

FISH

Seared Sea Scallops with Meyer Lemon and Belgian Endive 14

Tripel; Strong Golden Ale with Notes of Passionfruit, Herbs & Honey 6

Spaghetti with Nova Scotia Mussels 14

Victoria; Belgian Strong Ale Brewed with Chardonnay Grapes 8

Chili Glazed Swordfish with White Beans and Black Olive Puree 18
Quad; Complex Belgian Style Quadruple Ale 6

MEAT

Pork Bolognese with Tagliatelle 16

Curieux; Bourbon Barrel Aged Strong Ale 6

Lamb Loin, Farro Risotto, Fiddlehead Ferns, and Tallegio 17
Quad; Complex Belgian Style Quadruple Ale 6

Rib-Eye Deckle Steak, Spring Onions and Crispy Potatoes 18
Victor; Belgian Strong Ale Brewed with Red Wine Grapes 8

DESSERT

Selection of Three Cheeses with Grain Mustard Compote and Fennel Marmalade 13
Taleggio, Ca de Ambros, Italy Cow’s milk, semi soft, washed rind
Prima Donna, Netherlands Cow’s milk, aged gouda style, sweet and nutty
Rogue Smokey Blue, Central Point, Oregon Aged cow’s milk, smoked with hazelnut

Side by Side Tastes of the Victor & Victoria 8

Pound Cake, Banana Ice Cream, Butterscotch Pudding 8
Curieux; Bourbon Barrel Aged Strong Ale 6

In Pursuit of Ale meets tomorrow night @ the Boilermaker

2012-05-08T11:45:00.000-04:00

from Drinkphilly.com

Yes- Beer Club has been on a bit of a hiatus. It's crazy to think we met every other Wednesday for over five years. My role with Allagash has me in Maryland, DC and Virginia quite often so it became increasingly difficult to manage.

But we're going to regroup, and recharge and be better than ever.

Interested ladies- please come out to the Boilermaker tomorrow night
7:30 pm
216 S. 11th St. (between Walnut and Locust)

We will be on the second floor- their American Craft beer bar. There are some communal tables-fitting for the club.

Also- we're establishing a running group for the Odyssey half-marathon on May 26th. Costumes are encouraged and all your hard work is immediately rewarded in that of a Sly Fox Beer Garden. Here's the link. For some reason unbeknownst to me -the run isn't sold out yet.

Two Track: Let my Love Open the Door

2012-05-08T10:01:00.000-04:00

M. Ward slows it down in the same fashion as he treats his cover of Bowie's "Let's Dance." So although Ward's is interesting - the young Townshend's upbeat version is the day-maker.

M. Ward will be performing at Union Transfer this Saturday night. His new album, "Wasteland Companion" was released last month which includes "Primitive Girl," a quite catchy number but if you listen to XPN as much as I do, you've probably already tired of it.

Pete Townshend

M. Ward

CHESTNUT 7 hosts Allagash night This Thursday

2012-05-07T12:51:00.004-04:00

Allagash's Victor and Victoria will make there annual debut this Thursday at Chestnut 7 in Chestnut Hill.
This year's Victor features St. Croix grapes grown in Maine and Chardonnay grapes grown in Cape Cod.

We will have White, Blonde and some others on as well.
Fingers crossed for nice weather as they have a huge patio.
There will be live music and happy hour eats.

Join us for this Germantown Ave soiree if you can;)
It's less than a four minute walk from the Chestnut Hill West Train!

Beers flow from 5 pm on.

Resurrection Beer School this Wednesday featuring Dogfish Head

2012-05-06T23:59:00.001-04:00

I just saw Wendy Domurat of Dogfish Head at For Pete's Sake. She was talking excitedly about her beer school class this Wednesday at Resurrection Ale House. Which reminded me I needed to post it on the blog.

It will start at 4 pm.
Class is free. Full menu is available as well.

Then later on that night -In Pursuit of Ale, women's beer club, will meet for the first time in a long time at The Boilermaker 7:30.
216 s. 11th st. (between Walnut and Locust).

"Ben Franklin" gets us psyched for 5th annual Philly BEER WEEK (as if we weren't already)

2012-05-04T12:06:00.001-04:00

By now you've probably seen this. I was on the road all day yesterday but I probably received four different messages about it. Yes- it's a must watch. My favorite scene is probably "Ben under water."

Make sure you're keeping up with the website. Events are being added constantly.

Also- American Craft beer week is May 14th-20th. I will be doing a dinner at A. Kitchen on Wednesday, May 16th. It's going to be a switch-up from you atypical beer dinner. We will be featuring Bryan Sikora's awesome dishes you can try there any time (if you've been). And I will be on hand to chat about the beers and talk about pairings. Including this year's Victor and Victoria. It's a pay as you go, eat as many courses or as little courses as you want sort of dinner.

Cheers-
suz

TWO TRACK: G-L-O-R-I-A

2012-05-01T10:58:00.000-04:00

Last week I picked up the Rolling Stone special collectors issue "500 Greatest Albums of All Time"

There's brief explanations that make for some good reading as to why certain albums made the cut.

After the two track- you can scroll down and see the TOP 20 albums of all time according to the RS panel.

Two artists that made it in the top 30 were Van Morrison and Patti Smith.
The band that wrote "Gloria,"Them" included Van Morrison before his solo career. Smith does a famous cover of the song.

Germany 1979

Them (with Van Morrison)

Here are the top 20. This list was also made in 2003. The new issue out is a revision. Wonder what changed....

Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band

Pet Sounds

Revolver

Highway 61 Revisited

Rubber soul

Whats Going On

Exile on Main St.

London Calling

Blonde on Blonde

The White album

Sunrise (Elvis)

Kind of Blue

Velvet underground

Abbey Road

Are you Experienced?

Blood on the Tracks

NeverMind

Born to Run

Astral Weeks

Thriller

Jammin' all Summer Long under Cooperstown Stars

2012-04-30T14:29:00.002-04:00

credit: Professor Good Ales

Ommegang Brewery has released their line-up of Summer Concerts.

I make it to the brewery once a year for their "Belgian Comes to Cooperstown" event at the end of July.
There's plenty of awesome beer.
And no need to drive anywhere.

There's also no light pollution so you can see stars forever.

CAKE June 5th
Death Cab for Cutie July 21st
Lyle Lovett July 27th
WILCO July 28th
Darias Rucker September 22nd

Tickets:
888-512-SHOW
www.ommegang.com

*Vendors will be there. No outside food or beverage is permitted. Extra fee for camping.

Here Come the Goats: BOCKFEST this Sunday @Slyfoxbeer 11-6

2012-04-30T10:12:00.000-04:00

Sad to say- I am missing the Sly Fox Goat Races for the first time in 6 years! My sister is getting married.
I would be missing it regardless, because if I wasn't at the wedding- chances are- I would be in San Diego at the Craft Brewer's Conference

I still maintain that it's the most fun you can have on the first Sunday in May.

I'd love to be there to see how 2011's champion goat, the three-legged Peggy does retaining her title.
Based on the Sly Fox website registrants- it looks like Dax, the bock from the past is not seeking revenge...

A few things to keep in mind this year as you get all bocked up-

Free Shuttles are provided 11 am- 6pm
Please don't bring your own beer
Please don't bring disposable water bottles/
However refillable water bottles are encouraged.
Bring your ID and Cash for beer.

Here's last year's video:

In the Catbird Seat of Nashville's dining scene

2012-04-30T08:07:00.000-04:00

One of the highlights of our trip to Nashville last weekend was our dinner at Catbird Seat. Embarrassingly enough, I had to have Lance romance explain the name to me. The first literary reference dates back to a short story by James Thurbur in 1942. Basically, it's where everyone should want to be. Wikipedia explain it as having three strikes with no balls.

Upon entry, guests find themselves in the smallest of lobbies and do have to go up an elevator to get to the dining experience. You walk into a very white room. With thirty some seats surrounding and open kitchen.
It's sort of like a dining bar. Everyone must sit at the bar save two tables at the back of the room that can fit up to four.

There are no servers per se. Your nine courses are served by the chefs who will explain their inspiration for each dish, and mention any seasonal ingredients incorporated. Jane, the lovely and most knowledgeable sommelier, will offer you a variety of beverage options. You can do a n/a pairing for $20 ( I was very curious what this entailed), the standard for $30, or reserve pairings for $75. I think most people did the standard during our visit. You can also order wine by the glass, and by the bottle.

And nine courses is the only option. But there wasn't one that "I could live without," nor one that was just "ok."
It is a tasting menu for a rather reasonable $100. They will cater to allergies and dietary preferences. There was a pescetarian sitting kitty-corner to us. The chef duo, Eric Anderson and Josh Habiger had just been named two of Food and Wine's top 12 new chefs of the year three weeks prior. The acknowledgement didn't inflate their egos in the slightest. Their dual-resume includes French Laundry, Alinea, England's Fat Duck and more.

Before I get into some glamorshots - let me reiterate just how nice these talented men are. Let us not forget that we were in Music City. So it's not your run-of-the-mill dinner jazz here. It's roots rock, americana, alternative country, etc...

Reservations are typically made at least a month out. Plan on about three hours for you experience. Then plan on talking about it for years to come.

Amouse Bouche
Northern Cross Oyster with yuzu and cucumber,
Cornbread with bacon pudding,
and the chefs' take on local favorite "Hot Chicken with spices, dill and wonderbread puree
Beverage: Anna de Codorniu Brut Rose with Quince vinegar and honey syrup

Beef Tartar with capers, mustard, greens, shallots, chiles, and egg

Ramp Vicheysoisse with Grilled Pork Belly, watercrewss, violets, creme de violet foam
Beverage: Montinore 09 Gewurtztraminer, Williamette Valley

Alaskan Halibut with smears of Tarragon, Fennel, Lemon and Beet
Beverage: 2011 Chateau St. Evalie Rose Minervois, France

Pigeon with Hay yogurt, white asparagus, and black trumpets
Beverage: 2008 Clos de la Briderie Taraine Route, Loire Valley

Rabbit with snap peas, morels and a spring garlic cream sauce
Beverage: 2010 Cantine Valpane Barbera del Monferrato

Brillat-Savarin- french Cow cheese with rhubarb and walnut accompaniments. Puffed Wild rice added for texture
Beverage: BEER! Triple Karmeliet

WOW- Cucumber lime semifreddo with toasted rice, thai basil
Beverage House-made gin cordial with Manna Espumante

Another Wow- Maple Bacon Egg- think custard inside shell with layer of pale syrup
garnished with a slice of bacon .

Of course you need three desserts....Vanilla Cake served with Pineapple gelee, cherry crips oak ice cream and

BOURBON BALLS

Beverage: 2009 Royal Tokaji Co. "Mad Cuvee," Hungary, Glass first rinsed with

Black Maple Hill

Mr. Joes

2012-04-28T23:51:00.000-04:00

I heard about Mr. Joes for the first time about two months ago. It's a little Italian luncheonette of sorts across the street from Termini Bros (same family). The gent who enlightened me to its existence and location couldn't say enough nice things. Plenty to gush over- complimentary jug wine (one glass with pasta order), House-made pastas, complimentary desserts and of course, Mr. Joe making it all happen.

It took me like I said- two months- but I finally made it there this week. I started with a Caprese salad. I could never tire of the simple combination of mozz, tomato, and basil with a bit o balsamic. Then I ordered something that wasn't even on the menu but our server told me it could be done... House-made papperdelle with an Amatriciana sauce featuring large chunks of tomatoes and pancetta.

I went from famished to full in about twenty minutes. So I had to take my pineapple upside -down cake to go.

This could very well be South Philly's best kept secret. I'm too tired to really elaborate on the experience- but I urge you to check it out sooner than later.

Mr. Joes is at 1514 S. 8th st.

BYOB

They are open for lunch (at the very least) Monday-Friday.

TWO TRACK: Naive Melody/This Must be the Place

2012-04-24T11:51:00.001-04:00

Sometimes two-tracks take me a while to find. This time took about two seconds.

It was about 3 weeks ago that I was listening to 88.5, cruising through my day when I heard a catchy song. And then Helen Leight comes on the radio telling me the band is going to be at Johnny Brendas on April 24th. What? Sweet. I had birthday plans. I could tell from one song that I liked their sound.

They are The Lumineers. The song was "Hey-Ho." I've heard it many times since then but I've also looked up a bunch of other songs. I just got back from Nashville and they will be playing down there next weekend but thanks to my Johnny Brendas buds I will get to see them here. Ironically, I miss Langhorne Slim every time he's in Philly and I got to see him do a free concert in Nashville behind a record store.

Anyway--So I looked up the words "Lumineers cover the ..." and I find a version of "Naive Melody" from the Talking Heads. I can't think of a better birthday two track.

Enjoy.

The Talking Heads

The Lumineers March 23rd 2012

Music City!

2012-04-24T11:34:00.000-04:00

Lance Romance took a long weekend and whisked me away to celebrate the uneventful birthday that is 34.
I woke up on Friday morning and heard him call a cab and said "To the airport." To the airport! I had no idea where we were going till we got to the gate.I had predicted Chicago- but once I knew we were going to terminal F- I knew Chi-town was out of the running. He handed me the boarding pass to get through security and I didn't look at it. We made it all the way to the gate. He went to pick up a vitamin water and I looked toward the gate and saw a small rectangular sign for Nashville. How awesome is that? 72 hours in Music City.
In edition to a bevy of banjo-playing aspiring music men and women, there's a thriving food scene. Lance did all the necessary research and scored us reservations at two to Nashville's finest, Catbird Seat and City House (these will be reviewed in separate posts).

We also hit up some hot chicken at 400 degrees. I did the 100 degrees. Lance feeling bold in the mid-west- did 200 degrees. He barely could talk. Hot chicken is cooked to order. So even though it seems like it should be fast food- you have to wait about 20 minutes. They had hundreds of magazines to keep you occupied.

Then we headed straight to the Honky Tonks. Lance had spent about 2 hours in Nashville before, so he knew a lil bit more than me. He also chatted with a few people to get the scoop. We started at the legendary Tootsies. It was only about 2:30 in the afternoon and the places was packed. Lots of women dolled up with bud lights in hand. The amateur band played for tips. They did a good job of working the crowd and getting their bucket full of Jacksons.

We had an early ressie at Catbird seat. Nine courses later- we're off to the Cannery- a music venue to see the Punch brothers. We make it about an hour into the show, and Lance was under the weather. So we headed back to rest up and squeeze as much as we could out of Saturday.

And believe me we did that. I gotta go now- but stay tuned for A free Langhorne Slim concert, Record Store day, Lucky Bucket beers, cupcakes, City House, yours truly getting sassy on a bouncer, Being losers at a karaoke bar called "Winners," and the night of a thousand Fat Tires.

Happy Belated Birthday Jim Wiggins

2012-04-19T01:29:00.001-04:00

Once upon a time -not so long ago- you'd run into him at any given time at any better beer bar in Philly. That changed in December when Jim and his wife, Kathryn welcomed li'l Anna. Since then- I have to finish my 750 ml myself. But just look how happy he is ;)
(side note: she was very happy that day to-just not in this pic).

A very happy birthday to the man who knows something about everything. And that now includes changing diapers.

First Sips: The Boiler Maker

2012-04-19T00:51:00.000-04:00

Finally made it to the Boiler Maker- the new 11th st spot from the folks behind Farmer's Cabinet. I wanted to check it out since the opening night-but I've barely been in city limits long enough to do so. As Murphy's law would have it- when I finally have time- I am about a 6.5 on the health scale. I barely have an appetite, and a beer is not on my "things I need now" list. That list includes Halls, Puffs, water, Alka Seltzer cold, my cream down blanket and my all-too-comfy couch.

As you've probably heard by now- the downstairs focuses on American craft outside the local region and the upstairs bar is the "Locals Bar." The downstairs tower also features one house beer from the Cabinet Artisanal brewery in Alexandria, VA (Terry Hawbraker's goods) and two guest taps -which our from parts non-USA.

I went with a few ounces of the house beer and enjoyed it as I do all Terry's beers. Grub wise- I chose Shrimp and Grits, an increasingly popular dish on Philly menus. The app version will get you two shrimp and a generous portion of the ivory hip-stickers garnished with fried okra.

The beer list included many of my favorites from Green Flash, Bells, Cigar City and Founders. But, there's plenty of room to include some more under-radared breweries too. There could be a bit more variety by style. Menu includes suggestions on what liquors to sip along what beers, thus the reasoning behind the name. Cocktails are offered like the classic Mint Julep which tie into the Americana vibe I was getting. Said julep was garnished with a mutant sprig of mint.

Familiar faces are behind the bar, including Alyssa Wegner- formerly of Brahaus Schmitz and Rocco Renzetti. You may have enjoyed his gregarious bartending at Resurrection Ale House some time ago.

I was not surprised at all by the two-week redux on the former Blue Bear. The previous owners put a lot of work into the bar following Doc Watson's demise. And the Farmer's cabinet crew excel at taking a space and furnishing it with a hodge podge of flea market finds and creating an ambiance that attracts nearly everyone, especially those looking for a li'l romance. The space is illuminated by a bevy of red candles. They were thinking goth. I think they definitely created a mood- but I've never been in a "gothic" bar per se, to see if they were successful.

I was there less than an hour but long enough to see a crowd file in. They will do well. I'm looking forward to returning and taking in some live blues on the second floor, trying their house rotisserie chicken, and of course doing that whole shot and beer thing that inspired the bar in the first place.

Running across the river

2012-04-19T00:10:00.000-04:00

I've been a functioning sick person for five days. Today was the first day that I didn't feel like someone tried to take a razor to my throat. I told my friend Megan that it was as if someone give me a "sick menu" and I ordered "the works."

So I figured go "full-throttle" as I laced my sneaks for the first time in a few days. To the Ben Franklin bridge!

I had only run the 9,573 ft bridge once before in my 11 years of living in Philadelphia. My work-out buddy Jonny had never done it. We started out our run not knowing whether or not we would make it across the bridge. We commenced running at 8th and Catherine. By the time we arrived at the western stretch of the bridge we had enough energy to cross. So we did. It was awesome. Try it sometime.

I just found out that they have a bridge race in the fall to benefit the Larc- a non-profit special education school for disabled childred. During this race you get to run across the main drive of the bridge as opposed to running on the side of it. Looks like I have plans on November 4th.

Just doing my duty as "campaign manager"

2012-04-18T01:43:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, May 22nd Philly Beer Scene will host the Philly Beer Scene Awards at World Cafe Live.

It will be hosted by columnist/bar owner Joe Gunn. You can vote for your faves and buy your tix here.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $15.

To my knowledge nothing quite like this has ever been done acknowledging the efforts of the local beer industry. Co-Founder Mat Falco has confirmed that over 400 feet of red carpet has been ordered. So- yes, guests are encouraged to wear their best threads...

Which means Lance Romance is probably not going to sport his Weyermann Red Overalls. But he is in the running for "Best Brewer." If you've enjoyed his beers as much as you enjoy playing Words with Friends with him, give him your vote.

Dogfish Barroom Blitz! This Friday, April 20th

2012-04-17T22:20:00.001-04:00

Starting at 4 pm- The fishtown craft beer/music mecca will be pouring a bunch of Dogfish including their 75 minute IPA on handpump.

DJs, The Swivel Chairs will be spinning some tunes
AND all beers are $1 off from 4-6. Oysters are half off.
The POURS

**Namaste - Belgian white with orange peel and lemongrass

**Ta Henket - Brewed with ingredients and techniques described in Egyptian hieroglyphics!

**Chateau Jiahu - Brew recipe includes rice, honey, and grape and hawthorn fruits

**Pangea - Brewed using one ingredient from every continent

**Faithfull Ale - Belgian-style golden ale with black currants

**Aprihop - strong IPA brewed with real apricots

**75min IPA/Johnny Cask

TWO TRACK: BE MY BABY

2012-04-17T21:48:00.000-04:00

I was getting a few records together on Sunday night to play at Lucky's Last Chance event. I picked up my Bay City Rollers album and noticed "Be my Baby," as a track. I also proudly own Dirty Dancing's soundtrack on vinyl- so I can play the Ronettes version as well. I actually have enough two tracks wax now to play a whole set.

I found live versions of both- but the clamor of fans was a bit overwhelming- so these are just video montages.

Ronettes

Bay City Rollers

Congrats PATTY!

2012-04-16T17:00:00.000-04:00

My sister ran in the heat wave of the Boston Marathon today.
She finished in 3:44 -putting her in the top 15% for females.
Patty has actually had her foot bandaged up for over a month now- and had to really take it easy during training because of it.

This is her 3rd or 4th marathon. Hopefully some of that inspiration can run my way in the next two months as I take on the Odyssey half-marathon on May 26th.

Here our my little nugget nephews, Kellen and Tanner- with their father cheering her on from afar.

TWO TRACK: Born on a Train

2012-04-10T10:20:00.000-04:00

Lance Romance said I could pick a four-day trip for my upcoming birthday.
At first I though- let's look at E-savers and wing it.
Then I was thinking Chicago- then plane tickets went up over $100 within 12 hours. Then I thought Nashville or Savannah as I was craving some southern charm. BUT then- I went on Amtrak and saw we can travel on the "Adirondack" train from New York to Montreal for $89 round trip... However- I would be on a train for 20 hours in four days. That's a lot of "Words with Friends." Anyway-I still haven't made up my mind... but here's "Born on a Train."

Magnetic Fields - live version from Cambridge, Mass

Arcade Fire-awesome cover by Win Butler and his crew. He tells the story of how he discovered the song in a shoe store...