Oct. 2, 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. EDT on PBS
Prohibition | History of an American Calamity | Television Review by Dorothy Rabinowitz - WSJ.com
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Good pubs, Good Beer, Good People
Friday, September 30, 2011
Prohibition Special by Ken Burns: Must Viewing
How could something like Prohibition have ever happened? Yours truly will be watching to find out...click the link below.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
A Beer Challenge
Let's have some fun. Take this Beer Quiz and see how you do.
Of course, The PubScout got a Perfect Score... but--no pressure.
Cheers!
The PubScout
Of course, The PubScout got a Perfect Score... but--no pressure.
Cheers!
The PubScout
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Quick Hits
Yep, new word for y'all--sapid. Means very tasty with a pleasing flavor, kind of the opposite of vapid, meaning flat, lacking taste or flavor, which logofiles like me find pretty neat--and an easy way to remember the two. Sapid. Yup.
Now where was I? Oh, yes...suds. Stopped by Uno's Grill and Brewery to sample new brewer Chris Percello's Oktoberfest, a lager, and the first beer that is truly his. Result? A nice job--gorgeous color, malty with a hint of nuttiness and balanced by a nice hop notes. I don't know why (the hell I don't), but you might get the notion that he worked under a Roselle Park brewer known for his outstanding Oktoberfests. But in all, a very creditable first attempt and a sapid seasonal beer.
Next up an offering from Trader Joe's called, unsurprisingly, Oktoberfest. It's brewed by Gordon Biersch. Most of the beer cognoscenti give it a "B" or something in that range, but The PubScout likes it a helluva lot better than what Sam Adams gave us this year, which came closer to vapid than sapid. So I'd give it an A minus. Hallertau hops and dark-roasted Munich malts give it a very sapid flavor. Good color, excellent nose and, at $5.99 a sixer, great for your wallet. You might even have some left over for a wedding gift for Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Their anniversary is coming up on October 12. It will be their 201st, in case you were wondering. I hear there's a sale on aluminum walkers if you need an idea.
Regardless, drink up and enjoy these two excellent examples of sapidity!
Cheers! The PubScout
Now where was I? Oh, yes...suds. Stopped by Uno's Grill and Brewery to sample new brewer Chris Percello's Oktoberfest, a lager, and the first beer that is truly his. Result? A nice job--gorgeous color, malty with a hint of nuttiness and balanced by a nice hop notes. I don't know why (the hell I don't), but you might get the notion that he worked under a Roselle Park brewer known for his outstanding Oktoberfests. But in all, a very creditable first attempt and a sapid seasonal beer.
Next up an offering from Trader Joe's called, unsurprisingly, Oktoberfest. It's brewed by Gordon Biersch. Most of the beer cognoscenti give it a "B" or something in that range, but The PubScout likes it a helluva lot better than what Sam Adams gave us this year, which came closer to vapid than sapid. So I'd give it an A minus. Hallertau hops and dark-roasted Munich malts give it a very sapid flavor. Good color, excellent nose and, at $5.99 a sixer, great for your wallet. You might even have some left over for a wedding gift for Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Their anniversary is coming up on October 12. It will be their 201st, in case you were wondering. I hear there's a sale on aluminum walkers if you need an idea.
Regardless, drink up and enjoy these two excellent examples of sapidity!
Cheers! The PubScout
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Damned Fine Time Down East or A Merry Time in The Maritimes
It was a long overdue anniversary-celebration vacation, and for the first time ever on such an occasion, The PubScout and the missus did not head south to the Caribbean. Instead, we hopped on a cruise ship out of Cape Liberty, NJ (it was Bayonne when I was growing up) and headed North to Maine and the Canadian Maritimes—New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. They have some pretty good beer up yonder, and I had always pestered my family about the natural phenomenon known as the Bay of Fundy, especially after I put it on my bucket list. I was willing, then, to sacrifice a boatful of bikini-clad babes for a port-ful of porters and a bay-ful of Fundies. Herewith the report:
First Port: Portland, Maine
Of the many places suggested by our friends at Beer Advocate above, time limitations and tours demanded that I select only a few, though Lord knows I wanted to hit them all. One of them was Gritty McDuff’s, where we ate and quaffed first. A very neat, quirky and welcoming pub, populated with a nice array of beers, McDuff’s was offering its Halloween Ale, a darker, malty brew with some amazing flavors of caramel, toffee and raisins. It’s listed as an Extra Special Bitter, and it deserves the sobriquet. At 6% ABV, it should only be scary to a canoe-beer drinker. Having been born in Ringwood, Hampshire, England, the brews based on the Ringwood yeast strain—it’s a pub that makes English style ales, after all—and the operation is both efficient and effective. The food was good quality pubgrub, too.
I made the acquaintance of a guy named Jimmy Hendricks (no, not that one) and his wife Sheila who advised me that there was a special beer session going on a block and a half away at a place called Novare Res Bier Café. This was a very cool joint, reminiscent of a Belgian Biergarten of the 1940’s or earlier. On this day, a Cantillon session called Zwanze Day 2011 was taking place, sadly at a time later than I could stay. But we went in to sample the wares anyway. Owner Eric greeted us and suggested a black beer of 21% ABV (served in an eight-ounce glass to prevent guys like me from missing our tours). It’s not on this list, but it was quite impressive and started with the word “Black.” After the 21%, that's all I can remember. I’d have loved to stay, but the quaint little town of Kennebunkport was calling me, so we headed for the tour bus.
Kennebunkport, Maine
This is a neat place and pretty near picture-perfect, especially on a gorgeous, warm fall day like the one we enjoyed. After meandering a bit to check out the shops, we walked back across the short bridge to a place in neighboring Kennebunk called Federal Jack’s, where Shipyard Ales began their journey to beer fame. It was Shipyard’s Pumpkinhead Ale season, and though I did not have sufficient time to visit the brewery in Portland, Federal Jack’s would suffice. Rimming the lip of the pint glass with a concoction of cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg and probably allspice (a technique destined to affront the purist), the pumpkin ale won over the missus immediately—and she’s a diehard canoe-beer lover. It was quite tasty, and the effect was to give a hint of autumn to come in this picturesque fishing village. That former President George “Daddy” Bush lives outside the town proper in some seriously gorgeous digs on a spectacular promontory doesn’t hurt the ambience either. That sure is some beautiful country up there.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Our next stop on the trip was in beautiful Bar Harbor (pronounced by the locals as BaHaba). It is a supremely neat little town laden with all kinds of shops—including my favorite: The Man Store. Bar Harbor Brewing—which was bought two years ago by Atlantic Brewing Co.—wasn’t open when we arrived, and wouldn’t be by the time our whale watching catamaran pulled out. So we vowed to hit some pubs when we got back from seeing the giants of the sea. We actually saw six of them—two, a mother and a calf, came within ten feet of the boat, and we celebrated our good fortune by sidling into the the Finback Ale House, which had quite a selection of beers from Black Bear Brewing. As it happened, our bartender Eric was best friends with the BB brewer from childhood, and the business connection was made. Everybody seems to go blueberry nuts while in Maine, and BB had a fine blueberry beer, according to our drinking companions. But I opted for something called Drop Dead Red, a smooth malty, roasty session beer that had a gorgeous deep red color and an exquisite nose. It also matched up quite well with the Scallop Taco I had upon the recommendation of the barman.
The Crown and Kettle (aboard our ship-the Explorer of the Seas)
Before we venture into Canadian territory, I would be remiss if I did not give a hat tip to the Beverage director aboard our ship. At one of the ship’s many drinking emporiums—though its only true pub—there was a menu of fine beers that would have made any land-based tavern proud. Sam Adams Imperial White was absolutely delicious, and at 10.3% ABV, quite impressive. And it was only one of many, including Chimay, that demonstrated the growing nod mainstream places are giving to finer beer. That’s most heartening to see.
Canada—The Maritime Provinces
Saint John, New Brunswick was our first port of call in The Maritimes, but it was a morning tour of the area and a boat ride on the famous Reversing Rapids that dictated the schedule, and a very impressive natural phenomenon it was. On the way I passed what looked to be a very interesting pub called The Saint John’s Ale House, but as it was not yet open for business, you’ll have to rely on the reviews posted by Trip Advisor here. I did, however, manage to jump off a separate tour bus at the Old Market to sample some excellent beer at Billy’s Seafood Company from a brewery called Pump House, located in Monckton. A delightful bar lass recommended the Fire Chief’s Red Ale, and an excellent recommendation it was, though The PubScout had to gently direct the comely wench in the art of the proper draw, a lesson which she gratefully and graciously accepted. The beer was very smooth, malty—almost nutty—with a nicely defined hop presence, I was chagrined that I could not stay for another.
Then it was on to Halifax across the legendary Bay of Fundy and into Nova Scotia. Once again, the weather cooperated fully, and after a beautiful tour to the picturesque Peggy’s Cove, we returned to the ship for another tour—The Sou’Wester Pub Tour—which required the wearing of those yellow Sou’Wester rain hats. Our group drew much attention—and bemused looks-- as we toured the streets of Halifax, piped into three different pubs by a kilted Irish bagpiper. At each pub, beer was proffered and we listened to an itinerant Irish band playing sing-along Irish drinking songs. The PubScout himself held forth with a solo verse of the famous “Galway Bay” to thunderous applause from his besotted fellow travelers. We also learned of an Irish custom, perhaps unique to the Maritimes since I never heard of it here, wherein any Sou’Wester pubber could yell out the word “Sociable!” This utterance required everyone else in the party to respond with “Sociable!” as they downed their glasses. The practice made for a most interesting afternoon, as it continued at all three pubs.
The first, The Red Stag, was located in what we were told was the oldest continuously operating brewery in North America—Alexander Keith’s. This information caused the PubScout some distress, as I had been under the presumption that that title was held by Molson, but after a few “Sociables!” the discrepancy seemed to matter less and less. It was by every measure an excellent pub, and one which I would gladly visit again.
The second stop was The Split Crow a few blocks away, but we were transported by bus to a distance which would enable our piper to pipe us in again. More beers, more “Sociables!” and sing-along’s had everyone greased for the short—but piped-- walk to our third pub, The Lower Deck. More songs, more beer, more “Sociables!” (and easy access to a much-needed loo) helped us finish the tour and march—reasonably sober—to our bus for the ride back to the ship. You can check out some of the videos here.
In terms of fun, The Pub Tour was outstanding, but it was also pricey—roughly $80 per person. It provided great memories, however. And you got to keep the hat.
Right at pierside was another brewery called Garrison’s which, besides free WiFi, also offered excellent beers for pierwalkers and those who were leaving or returning to the ship. For $2, you could buy a six ounce cup of beer, and that way, you could try a few before you had to stumble either into Halifax or back aboard ship.
Back in the USA: Boston, MA
There were just three things on my Bucket List for Boston: to eat and quaff at the Cheers Bar, to see a bit of this historic City, especially Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall and to find a Starbuck’s. Not so much for their coffee, but for their WiFi, as the cost to go online on the ship borders on the usurious. In addition, download speeds for web pages are practically glacial. And who knew I’d have 807 emails in just ten days?
Of course, there was not enough time to read, let alone answer, them. But with that task down, and an excruciating trolley tour of the city (the narrator had the most annoying voice and delivery in history) behind us as well, we struck out for Quincy Market nearby. And we stumbled upon a pub that should NOT be missed called Dick’s Last Resort. The décor is college-freshman-dorm-room and the intentional prevailing attitude of the staff is just this side of sophomoric and completely insulting.
And funny as hell. As is my wont, I walked in to survey the place, and a staffer asked if he could help me. I said I was just looking around. He responded, “Well, now you’ve looked around, so get the hell out.” We headed straight for the bar. We ordered up two Sam Adams beers—hey, it was Boston, ya Tory bastard—and this particular beer, SA Brick Red, was only available in Boston. It was delightful to look at and a solid combination of malty smoothness with a pleasant, well-balanced hop presence. Proceeds from its sale go to helping SA with a promotion to “Brew The American Dream.” After listening to a waiter ask a wench who hopefully had ordered chicken, “How are your breasts?” we wended our way to the place in Beacon Hill “where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.”
There are actually three “Cheers bars,” one of which is a replica of the set right in Quincy Market. You’ll see pics in the Bull and Finch link below. The other replica, much smaller and tighter than the set you see on TV, is above the below-street-level pub you see in the opening credits of the hit show. That pub is technically called The Bull and Finch after a fellow named Bulfinch, who apparently was related to Norm. For the PubScout, a longtime fan of the show, it was a special treat to descend the legendary steps into the pub, grab a seat and order up a brew, a bold IPA from Wachusett Brewing called, appropriately The Green Monsta. Served in a large mug rather than a pint glass, it was, in a word, outstanding if you’re an IPA fan. The food was excellent and the ambiance was, well, captivating, for me anyway. Now I can say I’ve been there, done that and got the mugs and the t-shirts.
And, followed by a fine Alvarez Cigar for the walk back to the ship shuttle, it was the perfect way to conclude my Northeastern American Pub Tour.
Be sure to check out the pics on the right side.
Cheers! The PubScout
©Kurt Epps 2011 All rights reserved
First Port: Portland, Maine
Of the many places suggested by our friends at Beer Advocate above, time limitations and tours demanded that I select only a few, though Lord knows I wanted to hit them all. One of them was Gritty McDuff’s, where we ate and quaffed first. A very neat, quirky and welcoming pub, populated with a nice array of beers, McDuff’s was offering its Halloween Ale, a darker, malty brew with some amazing flavors of caramel, toffee and raisins. It’s listed as an Extra Special Bitter, and it deserves the sobriquet. At 6% ABV, it should only be scary to a canoe-beer drinker. Having been born in Ringwood, Hampshire, England, the brews based on the Ringwood yeast strain—it’s a pub that makes English style ales, after all—and the operation is both efficient and effective. The food was good quality pubgrub, too.
I made the acquaintance of a guy named Jimmy Hendricks (no, not that one) and his wife Sheila who advised me that there was a special beer session going on a block and a half away at a place called Novare Res Bier Café. This was a very cool joint, reminiscent of a Belgian Biergarten of the 1940’s or earlier. On this day, a Cantillon session called Zwanze Day 2011 was taking place, sadly at a time later than I could stay. But we went in to sample the wares anyway. Owner Eric greeted us and suggested a black beer of 21% ABV (served in an eight-ounce glass to prevent guys like me from missing our tours). It’s not on this list, but it was quite impressive and started with the word “Black.” After the 21%, that's all I can remember. I’d have loved to stay, but the quaint little town of Kennebunkport was calling me, so we headed for the tour bus.
Kennebunkport, Maine
This is a neat place and pretty near picture-perfect, especially on a gorgeous, warm fall day like the one we enjoyed. After meandering a bit to check out the shops, we walked back across the short bridge to a place in neighboring Kennebunk called Federal Jack’s, where Shipyard Ales began their journey to beer fame. It was Shipyard’s Pumpkinhead Ale season, and though I did not have sufficient time to visit the brewery in Portland, Federal Jack’s would suffice. Rimming the lip of the pint glass with a concoction of cinnamon, brown sugar, nutmeg and probably allspice (a technique destined to affront the purist), the pumpkin ale won over the missus immediately—and she’s a diehard canoe-beer lover. It was quite tasty, and the effect was to give a hint of autumn to come in this picturesque fishing village. That former President George “Daddy” Bush lives outside the town proper in some seriously gorgeous digs on a spectacular promontory doesn’t hurt the ambience either. That sure is some beautiful country up there.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Our next stop on the trip was in beautiful Bar Harbor (pronounced by the locals as BaHaba). It is a supremely neat little town laden with all kinds of shops—including my favorite: The Man Store. Bar Harbor Brewing—which was bought two years ago by Atlantic Brewing Co.—wasn’t open when we arrived, and wouldn’t be by the time our whale watching catamaran pulled out. So we vowed to hit some pubs when we got back from seeing the giants of the sea. We actually saw six of them—two, a mother and a calf, came within ten feet of the boat, and we celebrated our good fortune by sidling into the the Finback Ale House, which had quite a selection of beers from Black Bear Brewing. As it happened, our bartender Eric was best friends with the BB brewer from childhood, and the business connection was made. Everybody seems to go blueberry nuts while in Maine, and BB had a fine blueberry beer, according to our drinking companions. But I opted for something called Drop Dead Red, a smooth malty, roasty session beer that had a gorgeous deep red color and an exquisite nose. It also matched up quite well with the Scallop Taco I had upon the recommendation of the barman.
The Crown and Kettle (aboard our ship-the Explorer of the Seas)
Before we venture into Canadian territory, I would be remiss if I did not give a hat tip to the Beverage director aboard our ship. At one of the ship’s many drinking emporiums—though its only true pub—there was a menu of fine beers that would have made any land-based tavern proud. Sam Adams Imperial White was absolutely delicious, and at 10.3% ABV, quite impressive. And it was only one of many, including Chimay, that demonstrated the growing nod mainstream places are giving to finer beer. That’s most heartening to see.
Canada—The Maritime Provinces
Saint John, New Brunswick was our first port of call in The Maritimes, but it was a morning tour of the area and a boat ride on the famous Reversing Rapids that dictated the schedule, and a very impressive natural phenomenon it was. On the way I passed what looked to be a very interesting pub called The Saint John’s Ale House, but as it was not yet open for business, you’ll have to rely on the reviews posted by Trip Advisor here. I did, however, manage to jump off a separate tour bus at the Old Market to sample some excellent beer at Billy’s Seafood Company from a brewery called Pump House, located in Monckton. A delightful bar lass recommended the Fire Chief’s Red Ale, and an excellent recommendation it was, though The PubScout had to gently direct the comely wench in the art of the proper draw, a lesson which she gratefully and graciously accepted. The beer was very smooth, malty—almost nutty—with a nicely defined hop presence, I was chagrined that I could not stay for another.
Then it was on to Halifax across the legendary Bay of Fundy and into Nova Scotia. Once again, the weather cooperated fully, and after a beautiful tour to the picturesque Peggy’s Cove, we returned to the ship for another tour—The Sou’Wester Pub Tour—which required the wearing of those yellow Sou’Wester rain hats. Our group drew much attention—and bemused looks-- as we toured the streets of Halifax, piped into three different pubs by a kilted Irish bagpiper. At each pub, beer was proffered and we listened to an itinerant Irish band playing sing-along Irish drinking songs. The PubScout himself held forth with a solo verse of the famous “Galway Bay” to thunderous applause from his besotted fellow travelers. We also learned of an Irish custom, perhaps unique to the Maritimes since I never heard of it here, wherein any Sou’Wester pubber could yell out the word “Sociable!” This utterance required everyone else in the party to respond with “Sociable!” as they downed their glasses. The practice made for a most interesting afternoon, as it continued at all three pubs.
The first, The Red Stag, was located in what we were told was the oldest continuously operating brewery in North America—Alexander Keith’s. This information caused the PubScout some distress, as I had been under the presumption that that title was held by Molson, but after a few “Sociables!” the discrepancy seemed to matter less and less. It was by every measure an excellent pub, and one which I would gladly visit again.
The second stop was The Split Crow a few blocks away, but we were transported by bus to a distance which would enable our piper to pipe us in again. More beers, more “Sociables!” and sing-along’s had everyone greased for the short—but piped-- walk to our third pub, The Lower Deck. More songs, more beer, more “Sociables!” (and easy access to a much-needed loo) helped us finish the tour and march—reasonably sober—to our bus for the ride back to the ship. You can check out some of the videos here.
In terms of fun, The Pub Tour was outstanding, but it was also pricey—roughly $80 per person. It provided great memories, however. And you got to keep the hat.
Right at pierside was another brewery called Garrison’s which, besides free WiFi, also offered excellent beers for pierwalkers and those who were leaving or returning to the ship. For $2, you could buy a six ounce cup of beer, and that way, you could try a few before you had to stumble either into Halifax or back aboard ship.
Back in the USA: Boston, MA
There were just three things on my Bucket List for Boston: to eat and quaff at the Cheers Bar, to see a bit of this historic City, especially Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall and to find a Starbuck’s. Not so much for their coffee, but for their WiFi, as the cost to go online on the ship borders on the usurious. In addition, download speeds for web pages are practically glacial. And who knew I’d have 807 emails in just ten days?
Of course, there was not enough time to read, let alone answer, them. But with that task down, and an excruciating trolley tour of the city (the narrator had the most annoying voice and delivery in history) behind us as well, we struck out for Quincy Market nearby. And we stumbled upon a pub that should NOT be missed called Dick’s Last Resort. The décor is college-freshman-dorm-room and the intentional prevailing attitude of the staff is just this side of sophomoric and completely insulting.
And funny as hell. As is my wont, I walked in to survey the place, and a staffer asked if he could help me. I said I was just looking around. He responded, “Well, now you’ve looked around, so get the hell out.” We headed straight for the bar. We ordered up two Sam Adams beers—hey, it was Boston, ya Tory bastard—and this particular beer, SA Brick Red, was only available in Boston. It was delightful to look at and a solid combination of malty smoothness with a pleasant, well-balanced hop presence. Proceeds from its sale go to helping SA with a promotion to “Brew The American Dream.” After listening to a waiter ask a wench who hopefully had ordered chicken, “How are your breasts?” we wended our way to the place in Beacon Hill “where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came.”
There are actually three “Cheers bars,” one of which is a replica of the set right in Quincy Market. You’ll see pics in the Bull and Finch link below. The other replica, much smaller and tighter than the set you see on TV, is above the below-street-level pub you see in the opening credits of the hit show. That pub is technically called The Bull and Finch after a fellow named Bulfinch, who apparently was related to Norm. For the PubScout, a longtime fan of the show, it was a special treat to descend the legendary steps into the pub, grab a seat and order up a brew, a bold IPA from Wachusett Brewing called, appropriately The Green Monsta. Served in a large mug rather than a pint glass, it was, in a word, outstanding if you’re an IPA fan. The food was excellent and the ambiance was, well, captivating, for me anyway. Now I can say I’ve been there, done that and got the mugs and the t-shirts.
And, followed by a fine Alvarez Cigar for the walk back to the ship shuttle, it was the perfect way to conclude my Northeastern American Pub Tour.
Be sure to check out the pics on the right side.
Cheers! The PubScout
©Kurt Epps 2011 All rights reserved
Monday, September 12, 2011
Anybody Wondering Why?
I sure ain't. And the news reports now that a truckload of Bud Light flipped over on a highway ramp in CA, spilling its cargo.
This is a tragedy how? What's more, it seems that Bud Light trucks are prone to flipping over. Google truck spills Bud Light and be amazed.
This is a tragedy how? What's more, it seems that Bud Light trucks are prone to flipping over. Google truck spills Bud Light and be amazed.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Uno's News
Chris Percello, new brewer at Uno's in Metuchen wants to let beer lovers know that his Oktoberfest Lager will be available on September 19, and that Uno's Cask Fest is set for October 8. The PubScout looks forward to both!
Cheers! The PubScout
Cheers! The PubScout
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Kildare's Authentic Aulde Sodde in America
By Kurt Epps—the PubScout
I found Kildare's Pub quite by accident in Newark (that's New-Ark), Delaware during a summer college visit to U-Del. On a somewhat tight schedule, I didn't have time to perambulate around the place or chat at any length with the staff—though I always find time for a brew. And Irish pubs—especially ones that are built in Ireland and shipped here—are designed for lingering. So when my youngest had to interview down at the home of the Blue Hens, I made it a point to stay at Kildare's for a while, to savor the ambience as well as the food and grog.
I found Kildare's Pub quite by accident in Newark (that's New-Ark), Delaware during a summer college visit to U-Del. On a somewhat tight schedule, I didn't have time to perambulate around the place or chat at any length with the staff—though I always find time for a brew. And Irish pubs—especially ones that are built in Ireland and shipped here—are designed for lingering. So when my youngest had to interview down at the home of the Blue Hens, I made it a point to stay at Kildare's for a while, to savor the ambience as well as the food and grog.
In keeping with that ambience, I was met at the door by an apparent Irish beauty named Rikki Goren—who turned out to be 100% Russian. But no matter. This very first hourly employee of Kildare's had risen through the ranks to managerial status, even handling such duties as opening up other Kildare spots around the country, and the company has seven of those now. This "colleen" with the stunning smile was also adroit behind the bar, drawing me a pint of Guinness, and drawing a cloverleaf with her tapdraw on top of that signature creamy head. She said that had been the result of hours of intense study at St. James's Gate during her formative pub years.
One of the wonderful things about taverns, pubs and beer halls is that the experience and atmosphere differs with each one. A cozy snug in an irish pub may offer the same beer that's available at a German Biergarten, but the atmosphere is vastly different, from the actual table at which you sit, to the delivery of the beer to the table.
At every Kildare's, there are different "atmospheres" for the thirsty traveler to choose from—a Pub Shop setting, a Gaelic period section, a Cottage area and a Victorian area. Each has its own motif and they each blend seamlessly into one another. Their welcoming nature makes it easier to understand Brendan Behan's classic line: I'm a drinker with a writing problem."
You'll also find a bicycle somewhere in every Kildare's, a testament to the main mode of transport between Eire's various towns and pubs. And, true to its Irish roots, there's an actual tapestry of the Book of Kells.
Newark Kildare's also has an impressive beer list beyond the de rigueur Guinness, and under the watchful eye of Rikki Goren, it's in constant flux. Offerings from Troeg's, Victory and many others give the Beer Nut plenty of goodies from which to choose.
Food is a big part of the experience at any beer-drinking emporium, and Kildare's has a menu that is true to its Irish heritage. My review of Irish pub food usually centers on its Shepherd's Pie, and as the picture to the right will attest, this version is most appealing to the eye. It's got a great Irish flavor, too, but it's meat component differs from most in that the meat (both beef and lamb) is offered in chunks, rather than ground as it is in many Irish pubs. Rikki advised me that Kildare's had just switched to the chunk version and added lamb in an attempt for more Irish authenticity. The flavor combo worked well, but I still prefer the ground meat in my Shepherd's Pie. But the dish paired nicely with both a Guinness and a Victory Festbier. The missus ordered a Veggie Burger that she claimed was absolutely delicious, and my potential Blue Hen had a Buffalo Bleu Burger which he declared to be excellent.
And if he does indeed get to wear the "Fear the Bird" shirt I saw on so many of the students who thronged Main Street in this college town, the PubScout will at least have a comfortable, welcoming Irish pub in which to rest a while when he visits, enjoying good food, good beer and a special ambience.
If college costs keep rising, however, that will be The PubScout squatting outside Kildare's door in a shawl with a cup pleading, "Alms for the poor! Alms for the poor!"
If college costs keep rising, however, that will be The PubScout squatting outside Kildare's door in a shawl with a cup pleading, "Alms for the poor! Alms for the poor!"
So show some Irish generosity and throw some coins into the can. When I have enough, maybe I'll buy you a "Good-Luck" Guinness, with Rikki Goren's signature cloverleaf on top.
Click on Rikki's picture to the right to view the rest of the photos.
©Kurt Epps 2011 All rights reserved
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Ein Prosit der Gemutlichkeit!
As promised, here's the link to the Artisan's Oktoberfest menu. It's in pdf. form so you need that to view it, but most everybody does. Make your reservations early, as this baby packs out quickly.
Come down ready for some good "trinken und essen, singen und tanzen!" And hopefully some good lachen! The food will be top shelf, as will Herr Hoffmann's beers, and the Artisan's Beauties will be on hand to serve both your palate and your eye...Ein Prosit der Gemutlichkeit!
Cheers! The PubScout
Come down ready for some good "trinken und essen, singen und tanzen!" And hopefully some good lachen! The food will be top shelf, as will Herr Hoffmann's beers, and the Artisan's Beauties will be on hand to serve both your palate and your eye...Ein Prosit der Gemutlichkeit!
Cheers! The PubScout
Monday, September 5, 2011
Sam Adams Octoberfest Underwhelms
I am a big fan of Jim Koch's beers--known as Sam Adams--and many of my brewer friends are as well. SA beers are usually always "dead-on" when it comes to style, even if you may not be a fan of that style.
This time of year, I'm a die-hard fan of Sam Adams Octoberfest because it heralds the the Autumn like the deciduous trees celebrate the season. It's always well made, malty, ballsy and very flavorful.
But this year, somebody in the SA Brewhouse took the testosterone out of one of my favorite beers.
No significant nose, a decidedly flat taste and a most unusual watery mouthfeel for this year's edition made me sorry I bought a whole case.
Not that it will go to waste. It can flavor my sauerkraut and I can boil brats in it.
But that sure ain't what I buy Sam Adams Octoberfest for....
This time of year, I'm a die-hard fan of Sam Adams Octoberfest because it heralds the the Autumn like the deciduous trees celebrate the season. It's always well made, malty, ballsy and very flavorful.
But this year, somebody in the SA Brewhouse took the testosterone out of one of my favorite beers.
No significant nose, a decidedly flat taste and a most unusual watery mouthfeel for this year's edition made me sorry I bought a whole case.
Not that it will go to waste. It can flavor my sauerkraut and I can boil brats in it.
But that sure ain't what I buy Sam Adams Octoberfest for....
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Beer Events--Heads Up!
Just giving you time to lock in your calendars...Artisan's (Toms River) hosts what may be the premier Oktoberfest party in the state (with what may be one of the best Oktocberfest beers in the Tri-State area--Dave Hoffman's), and it's taking place on Friday, September 30. More info to come on the menu and beers as I get it.
Uno's in Metuchen is also planning to continue its Cask Beer event in September. I'll forward info as I get it.
Also, Chris Flynn over at Hailey's Harp and Pub in Metuchen has announced plans for a McMoshe and McJohnny Beer Dinner on Tuesday, October 18. Ditto on the details forthcoming.
Contact each place to make your reservations!
Cheers! The PubScout
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Welcome to the Club, Hayley, but...
I and others have been doing this for a decade or more...still, any publicity about beer and food is good for the business.
H/T to Ralph!
The PubScout's Personal Stimulus Plan
Trying to put as many comely lasses to work as I can, yesterday it was an Oktoberfest Girl, and today my other vice needs help--Cigar Girl at Monmouth Park for BeerFest Day...click the link below.
Once again, a H/T to George for the info!
Cigar Girl Need for Monmouth Park Beer Fest
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