Against All Odds...

Pre-celebration congregation at Foley's
(with a "Peace" sign from a passerby!)

The signs did not augur well for a large turnout at Foley's Pub in NYC on Monday, even though the cause was noble.

Craft Beer for a Cause, brainchild of Foley's owner Shaun Clancy, was designed to assist my son (who is in end stage renal failure) with the expenses associated with his treatment.

First, it was a Monday night, typically slow in most bars and restaurants. Second it was a holiday, so the normal crowd that might come into the pub on the way home from work was probably already home.
Third, it was a bone-chilling fifteen degrees, and fourth, more heavy snow (darn that global warming!) was forecast.

Those factors, however, were mitigated--if not ignored completely-- by the basic goodness and decency of average people as Foley's was pretty packed from the start time of 5 PM till 10 PM. They came from Jersey, from Pennsy and from the city to pitch in, and they were rewarded with good cheer, good beer and a rousing good time.

Good Cheer, Good Beer!

They enjoyed three fine Jersey beers as well as those from Foley's extensive taps. Climax Brewing donated its exceptional Snow Plow, Forgotten Boardwalk kicked in its very popular 1916 Shore Shiver IPA and Ramstein Brewing chimed in with a kick-ass Double Platinum Blonde Bock. All three kicked by 8 PM, a testimony to their quality.

The Foley's Pub staff, including beer manager Demian Knott, Manager Brian and the always feisty--and lovable--Kathy the Brooklyn Waitress handled their duties to perfection as the throng enjoyed both beer and Foley's fine victual. The Shepherd's Pie was the PubScout's personal favorite, but everyone I spoke with was thoroughly satisfied.

Flights of NJ Beer and T-shirts were sold in addition to a generous donation from the night's take by Shaun Clancy, raising a substantial amount, which was, after all, the intent of the event. John Mooney of Over The Moon Public relations did yeoman's work in generating interest and participation for this special event.

The "Bros," Cody L. and Kacy, R. sandwich Brett

Adding to the upbeat feeling of the night was the recent news that my son (who flew up from NC just to attend) may have found his live kidney donor, pending a few more tests. More info will be released as it becomes verified, and if it is, he could have his new kidney as early as April. God is good, and so are those who came out and who have been contributing and praying all along to get my son past this crisis.

Yes, the stars all aligned, but the real stars of the night were those who braved severe weather to show up and participate. Our family is eternally grateful for their sacrifices.
They have proved that, as usual, God's angels come in disguise. We happened to catch some angel pictures here.

More will follow! Stay tuned!
Cheers! The PubScout

These pics just in, courtesy of Kenneth C. Mok. If you were there, you're probably here.

Quick Hit: Cherry Snow Plow Winter Warmer

I just returned from Der Beermeister's (read Dave Hoffman's) workplace in Roselle Park, NJ, where I stopped to drop off some beer for the upcoming Craft Beer for A Cause Event slated for Foley's Pub, NYC next Monday. Dave was nice enough to store the beer as it awaits pickup from Shaun Clancy of Foley's.

He was also nice enough to share some of his latest beer with me, and this one deserves all the publicity it can get. It's called Cherry SnowPlow Winter Warmer, and it's made with sour cherries from Michigan. Those cherries impart a very unique taste and finish to the beer without being overly tart. Dave also has a cousin to it on tap called just plain "Snowplow," and it, too is excellent, imparting loads of dark fruit into the palate and nose.

On a day like today, with freezing rain, ice and more snow in store, it's just a perfect antidote.

Dave's a good guy, and he is one of three brewers (Forgotten Boardwalk and High Point are the others) who are donating beer to the Foley event designed to help my son who is in End Stage Renal Failure.

Originally, I had asked Dave for his superb, world-acclaimed (and Michael Jackson recommended) ESB, and he consented. But today he suggested substituting one of these Winter Warmers, what with Washington's Birthday coming up and its apocryphal links to cherries.

I assented in a heartbeat. Anyone who hates winter and its "wintry mixes" will love this beer. Be sure to try it at Foley's if you can get there, and if not, get to Climax Brewing and pick up a growler or ten. If you own a bar, do yourself and your customers a favor and order this winner ASAP.

Winter, after all, still has  six more weeks to go.

Cheers!
The PubScout

Exclusive! Chris Flynn's Epic "Thank You" Speech!

If you haven't heard by now, Hailey's Harp and Pub has garnered a coveted spot in the annals of Pub Popularity!

In a recent contest run by NJ.com, Chris Flynn's Main St. Metuchen Pub was named as one of the FIVE best pubs in NJ! Even more impressive, Hailey's was the #1 Pub in Middlesex County!

So it was that The Zany Wizard of Main Street decided to show his appreciation to his loyal customers (yours truly being one) with a hearty, Pre-Super Bowl welcome launched earlier today.

Knowing his Irish heritage and its concomitant penchant for garrulousness, and knowing Flynn's blessed gift for verbal expression, I arranged to attend the gala event, slated for noon. I walked in to the crowded pub at 12:01 only to be informed by the proprietor that his speech had already concluded.

"You missed my speech," was his greeting.

Wait. What? It was ONE minute after his scheduled start time!

As a special favor to me, he offered to reprise his epic speech, designed to express his deepest appreciation to his faithful patrons. So I whipped out my handy iPhone, ready to record what was sure to be a memorable Churchillian homily, stentorian in delivery.

OK, Chris! let it fly!

"Thank you," said Chris.

I waited for more. But that was it.

Thank you. Friggin' THANK YOU?

"Yeah. It's my customers who make this place what it is, and I wanted to say thanks to them."

Sigh. I should have anticipated his reticence, given the way he usually avoids photos like Dracula does mirrors.

So I suppose there's only one thing his loyal customers can say to a speech like that:

YOU'RE WELCOME!

And "WE'LL BE BACK!"

Cheers!
The PubScout