Trader Joe's Surprise

The missus dragged me to this place in Westfield, NJ named Trader Joe's. It's difficult to describe this place as anything but a mini-Wegmans--and that's high praise from me because I enjoy going to Wegman's..

But unlike Wegman's, this place sells beer and wine. I sauntered over to the beer corner and saw Sierra Nevada and some other decent commercial beers. There's also a house brand called HofBrau, which looked appealing. Trader Joe also has his own beer, a brown bag, no-frills sixer of what may be a decent session beer, but I haven't tried it --yet.

What I did try was a six of something called JosephsBrau Brewing Co. (San Jose, CA) Winterfest. Billed as a "dark double bock lager" it looked like it might be interesting. What the hey, sez I. Winter's coming to a close, and if I don't like it, I always have Mike Sella's Scotch Ale to fall down--er--back on. And at $5.49 a sixer, the price was right.

I wasn't expecting much, but JB's Winterfest was surprisingly good--malty, smooth and well-balanced, and at 7.5% ABV, it packed a decent enough kick to warm most anyone's cockles. Really nice looking beer, too, with a superb nose.

Makes me look forward to the other sixer I picked up--we beer guys have to sample these suds in the interest of the craft, you know--called simply IPA by Kennebunkport Brewing Co. I seem to recall a suggestion on the sixer  pack that hinted that this was a Blueberry IPA, but I'll fill you beer lovers in more after I try it. Also just $5.49 a sixpack, it seemed worth a leap.

What I didn't try was the "Mystery Bag" for $4.99 proffered by the salesman, who was plying his pitch on a stunning, buxom and leggy blonde of about 24 who already had two cases of mix-n-match wine in her cart. (Hey, can't blame him for trying.) But when I heard him say that you could wind up with some good beers like Corona in the bag, I decided it wasn't my, um, bag. And I knew the missus would be looking askance at me if I decided to give this innocent young lady an instant primer in beer appreciation. She was still mad at me because in Newark Airport a skycap asked if he could carry my bag, I said, "Nah. Let her walk." My trip to Trader Joe's was part penance.

Anyway, Trader Joe's in Westfield. Check it out. Be back with the IPA report later.

TavernTax.com

Get your taxes done in the pub? Get out.

I'm not connected to this outfit in any way, but I thought it was a neat idea---neat enough to share it with you. Warning: this is not an endorsement of their services or ability. You decide that on your own.

Unless, of course, they get you a huge refund. Then remember the guy who steered you their way...click the link.

Drink responsibly...especially when a few pints might color your opinion of the government that's taking your beer bucks.

TavernTax.com

What beer will you choose to toast the Super Bowl? - New York Giants Football Fan Center - NJ.com

Go here and tell The Star Ledger what beer you'll be drinking on Super Bowl Sunday!

What beer will you choose to toast the Super Bowl? - New York Giants Football Fan Center - NJ.com

Burn Awareness Week

This post is about burns, not beer. Piggy-backing off my last entry, and being fortunate enough to have Erin Varga (Hero Jimmy D'Heron's daughter) send me the information, I thought I'd share it.

Makes sense.

Read and learn.

Burn Awareness Week
February 3 - 9, 2008
Preventing Gasoline Burns

www.burnawarenessweek.org
www.ameriburn.org
www.burnsurvivor.com

"Burns and fires are the leading cause of accidental death in the home for children 14 and under and the third leading cause of accidental death for adults."
www.burnsurvivor.com

"Burns are one of the most expensive catastrophic injuries to treat. For example, a burn of 30% of total body area can cost as much as $200,000 in initial hospitalization costs and for physicians fees. For extensive burns, there are additional significant costs which will include costs for repeat admission for reconstruction and for rehabilitation."
www.burnsurvivor.com

Let's all learn more so we can help prevent burn injuries, & please feel free to share with your address book! Remember, burns can happen to anyone at any time.

In good health,
Erin

Jimmy D 2008

Oops! They Did It Again!

Th 3rd Annual Jimmy D LoveFest was everything it was cracked up to be. The Harvest Moon Brewpub in New Brunswick was--once again--wall-to-wall with supporters of hero Jimmy D'Heron and his brothers in arms. The cold temperatures did not negatively impact attendance, and the heated outside tent may have been warmer at times than the interior of The Moon, which had to keep its doors open to accommodate the throngs who came to pay their respects to the fallen New Brunswick firefighter who paid the supreme sacrifice by single-handedly saving fifteen people from a fiery death four years ago.

As predicted, space inside the Moon was at a premium as Jimmy D's Firehouse Red Ale and other fine Harvest Moon brews flowed steadily to slake the thirsts of those who came to pay tribute. The Middlesex County Pipes and Drum Corps regaled the crowd with musical favorites and patriotic tunes to honor Jimmy D, his fellow firefighters and those who perform so nobly in the service of the nation's military.

Again, Matt McCord's brew served as a lubricant, not to drunkenness, but to fund the Connecticut Children's Burn Center, one of Jimmy D'Heron's favorite charities. Representatives of the Burn Center were on hand to witness the outpouring of love, respect and emotion that accompanies this annual George St. event.

It's truly a worthwhile effort which brings folks together from across the state to honor a hero's memory.

The 2008 version of Jimmy D's Firehouse Red was a tad different from past versions, exhibiting a maltier, sweeter character with a reduced hop presence. An infusion of Crystal malts in this year's edition made for a very drinkable, very satisfying brew
which had the heads of beer cognoscenti like Kevin Trayner nodding in appreciation. And with a huge portion of the proceeds going to that Burn Center, the quaffing not only tasted good, but served a good cause. More than $37,000 had been generated for the Burn Center prior to 2008, and it appeared that the $40,000 mark would be surpassed by day's end.

If you missed today's gala, you still have a chance to quaff for the common good. To the credit of the Moon's ownership, Firehouse Red is available year-round, and the donations to the Burn Center continue apace throughout the year.

Moon Shots

Moon over Lambeau

See you at The Moon!

January 18, 2008

By Kurt Epps

 

Yeah, I know the Giants and the Packers are playing Sunday to see who goes to the big dance. But this time Sunday (1:45 PM), I'll be sidling up to the mahogany bar at the Harvest Moon Brewpub in New Brunswick, NJ raising a glass of Firehouse Red to a true American Hero—Jimmy D'Heron. If you don't know who or what I'm talking about, you need to do two things. First, Google Jimmy D, Firehouse Red and Harvest Moon. Then just scurry on down to the George Street establishment on Sunday, January 20 sometime after the noon hour.

Once there, pick a spot against the wall or the bar (the bar is better) and watch what happens. Look for me and we'll clink glasses to a guy who gave his life to save fifteen other common folks like us from a house fire. You'll feel good knowing there were—and still are-- guys like Jimmy D in every firehouse across the fruited plain. And every pint sends a sizable donation to one of Jimmy's favorite programs—a Burn Center for kids.

It's a great way to spend your beer bucks. And though I can't predict who'll win the NFC Championship, I can say with certainty that plenty of burned kids will win big time if you're there. If you're lucky, you may get a chance to chat with Jimmy D's sparkplug daughter Erin Varga. One of the reasons I go is to get in a picture with her. If I'm lucky enough this year, I'll post such a photo on this blog when it's all over.

Big time kudos are due to the Moon's owners who have instituted and kept up this great tradition for a regular guy who made the supreme sacrifice for his fellow human beings.

I'm sure the Moon will have Jints/Packers on somewhere anyway. The bagpipes will add a nice touch to the background, too. Who knows/ maybe your raised glass will be toasting a Big Blue TD or a Brett Favre toss simultaneously.

See you then! And please drink responsibly.