Put Some DePeppe in your Step

The PubScout doesn't hit the Jersey Shore much these days--at least for fun in the sun. That may be because while there is sun, the fun seems to be absent.

I was enjoying an ocean view last year while on the boardwalk in a town that I refuse to name. I had pulled up to take a brief respite from a long motorcycle ride, and after I dismounted, I pulled out an Alvarez, clipped the tip and lit it, thinking a relaxing forty minutes or so would be just the right amount of break.

"Not so fast there, Biker-Boy!" came the voice. "There's no smoking on the boardwalk!"

"Huh?" says I, thinking, this is outside in the open air, and there's nobody within 200 feet of me, except this dude in the jungle hat, engaging in usury for allowing access to a beach.

But he wasn't kidding, and threatened to call the local constabulary if I did not immediately cease and desist an activity that my American Indian ancestors shared with the Europeans. So I had to walk a block away and enjoy my cigar while watching traffic on Rt. 35.

Beer lovers at Beer on the Boards

Still, I will "go down the shore" if there's a good reason, and this event is one of them.
This "must-visit" Beer event really needs no hype, as peripatetic beer nuts of every stripe usually flock to Martell's on the Boardwalk in Point Pleasant.

Everybody who's anybody is usually on hand, sampling the wide variety of beer and the always excellent food included with a ticket purchase--which you can make right here.

Mulshine and admirers

Heck, the last few years have even seen that curmudgeonly conservative columnist Paul Mulshine mingling with us hoi-polloi. Paul's a regular guy, though, and besides being a lover of good
--and inexpensive--beer, his wry sense of humor and keen wit never fail to delight.

Neither will Beer on the Boards, brainchild of Chris DePeppe of Total Bru Marketing. With two separate sessions, beer lovers can certainly fit one into a busy schedule, and there are even special rates for DD's (designated drivers).

So come on down the shore on March 22. Most likely, it won't be warm enough to swim or sunbathe, or hot enough to wear one of those jungle hats under an umbrella while engaging in usury for beach access--and denying cigar smokers their simple pleasure.

But just in case you need a hint as to where it is, just look for me with a lit Alvarez standing on Ocean Ave in Point Pleasant some time between 12:30 and 9:30 PM.

Cheers!
The PubScout

Oktoberfest, Schmocktoberfest...Erlanger Bergkirchweih looks like it deserves a shot

Don't get me wrong; the centuries-old party in Germany celebrating the marriage of Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese is a super time, even though it's still on my bucket list.

But there's a beer festival that's even older, and my Down Under pal Kenneth Hart can get you there via his website, The Thirsty Swagman.

Erlanger Bergkirchweih is the name of the festival that has been putting the "oomph" in "Oompah" for fifty five years longer than Prince Ludwig's lederhosen began twitching after setting eyes on the Princess. Set in the small town of Erlangen, the fest welcomes about 1.3 million beer drinkers, and the event is set in motion when the Lord Mayor taps the keg.

My Aussie mate has made a business of partying (far more profitable, no doubt, than beerwriting)  in great locales around the world, and if you have the urge (and the gelt) to run with the really big dogs, Ken will see to it that you have memories to last a lifetime.

He and his Swagman pals tell me that this fest runs for TWELVE full days that start at 10 AM and run till 11 PM, and in anybody's book, that's a party.

Check out what's available on Ken's site, and be sure to read his "Idiot Rules." Ken wants you to have fun, but if you behave like a "Pferdearsch," you'll get kicked off the tour.

But if you want to run with the big dogs, you have to get off the porch...

Cheers!
The PubScout

Good news, bad news at Trap Rock's Mardi Gras dinner

Charlie Schroeder and Bill Boyle enjoy a brew

First, the good news. 

Charlie Schroeder and the Trap Rock Crew never fail to put on a memorable dinner at their Berkeley Heights "country estate." This one, in partnership with Stone Brewing looks to be no exception. 

Now the bad news. This baby is already booked solid. Bummer. But there is a waiting list. Go here for more info. If you are fortunate enough to acquire a spot, you will definitely learn why Mardi Gras means what it does.

NOTE: if you have any food allergies or dietary requirements, please send them several days before the event to the restaurant by clicking  .

   Menu (subject to change)   

6:30-7:00 PM, 

Arrival, Welcome Course

Cajun Popcorn, Blackened Potato Chips with Melted Blue Cheese, Spicy Pecans 
Barfly's Choice: Complimentary Glass Of Beer

7:00 PM, Dinner

First Course
Wild Boar & Local Apple Crepinette
Stone Grapefruit IPA

Second Course
Plantation Style Crayfish Pie
Trap Rock Kestral IPA

Third Course
NOLA Duck Salad
Trap Rock Imperial Pilsner

Fourth Course
Louisiana Seafood Gumbo
Stone Barley Wine

Dessert
King Cake
Stone Black India Pale Ale

The Porter vs. Stout Question Answered...Sort of...

Some of the monumental questions that rarely get satisfactory answers:
Is there a God?
Is there life after death?
Will the Giants (or Denver, for that matter) ever win another Super Bowl?

And, in the beer world, what's the difference--if any--between a Porter and a Stout?

Go here, and draw your own conclusions.

For what it's worth, The PubScout agrees.