Tom Corrigan, manager of Uno's Grill and Brewery on Rt. 1 in Metuchen, NJ should get some kind of recognition from Jersey beer nuts for his unfailing commitment to the craft. Here's a guy who for years has been waging a one-man battle with the corporate suits at Uno's to maintain a solid craft beer presence at his restaurant.
There are some 170 Uno's around the world and the only one with a brewery in it is the one in Metuchen. You might think that distinction would garner some special effort--if not recognition--for Corrigan and his head brewer Mike Sella, but I challenge you to find anything in the monthly or quarterly Uno's Newsletter that even acknowledges the existence of the brewpub.
Thankfully, enough of the Uno's brewpub faithful are fully aware that there is good stuff to be had here, and that's due to Corrigan's commitment and Sella's product. Some healthy numbers-about 24--turned out to sample Corrigan's menu magic and Sella's ever-evolving Seasonal Scotch Ale and legendary Porter. I was on hand to provide my usual contribution of lame jokes and half-witty repartée, and the dinner was thoroughly enjoyed by all despite my efforts.
A Mozzarella--wrapped prosciutto with special mustard was accompanied by Mike's solid 32-Inning Pale Ale. Corrigan then sent out Uno's Good Guy Lenny with trays of Pineapple-Orange Shrimp and Mango-Ginger Shrimp to be enjoyed with a classic wit known as Hoegaarden. The match was superb according to the assembly. Uno's piping hot French Onion soup appeared next, joined by Spaten Oktoberfest (hey, who said Oktoberfest beers can only be drunk in August?). Then a Mesclun Salad with Blackberry and Pomegranate dressing made its appearance, linked with Great Divide's (Rasp)Berry Ale.
These outstanding dishes, however, served only as a warmup to the star of the show entreé--a Cab Crusted Pepper Steak that was melt-in-your-mouth good. The steak was a clear hit with the crowd with nearly everyone exclaiming of its virtuous qualities. (Beer drinkers tend to exclaim as the night wears on.) Though everyone was pretty well full after the main course, most bit the bullet to find room for the Chocolate Chip Cookie Sundae dessert, trundled out to ooh's and aah's--and Mike's Gust 'N' Gale Porter. That brew always brings a wide smile to the face of Uno's regular Joe Skelly, who will very likely one-day be firmly ensconced in the White House as an adviser, though probably not to a Republican president.
The evening concluded with a story of how angels became fixtures atop Christmas trees and a "12 days of Christmas" visual interpretation by 12 sated volunteers. Two lucky interpreters--five golden rings and eight maids a-milking-- walked home with growlers of Mike's brews. The rest of us walked out to the bar to extend the festivities.
The beer dinners--at $45 (less tip) are a bargain and a boon for both food and beer lovers. Maybe if enough of them e-mail Uno's website and say as much, Corrigan's and Sella's efforts may get some well deserved R & R.
As in Recognition--and Raises.
Merry Christmas!
Card
Good pubs, Good Beer, Good People
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
The James D'heron Memorial Foundation
Jimmy D's story is a powerful and heroic one--so much so that a beer--Jimmy D's Firehouse Red--was created in his memory by Brewmaster Matt McCord at the Harvest Moon brewpub in New Brunswick, NJ.
If you've never been to the Moon when they celebrate Jimmy's life, you're missing an incredible event. This year's bash is on January 20, 2008. But here's a hint: get there early--and tell them The PubScout sent you! But there's even an uspide to getting there late...it gets so crowded, you couldn't fall down if you tried!
Explore the site, learn about Jimmy D and the great work going on in his memory, and check out the events! See you there!
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Box of Beer? Novel idea!
A BOX OF BEER
Take a box of freshly brewed Milford Ale .
Our Price: 5 liter $17
10 liter $27
What we like about the new Boxes of Beer:
More Beer: the 5 liter box works out to around $2.00 per pint . It's even less for the 10 liter box.
Lasts Longer after Opening:
The collapsible bag inside allows you to pour the beer without letting in air. The flavor will keep for weeks rather than days. it's perfect for our cask- conditioned ale.
Toss the box when you're finished. Keep the tap for your next box.
Visit the site at http://www.shipinn.com/index.php
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Breaking Beer News!
IRON HILL BREWERY & RESTAURANT
TO OPEN NEW LANCASTER LOCATION
WITH A "FIRST POUR"
LANCASTER, PA – At 4 pm
on Wednesday, November 28, owners Kevin Finn, Kevin Davies and Mark Edelson of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant will celebrate the opening of their newest location on the 781 Block of Harrisburg Pike, across from Franklin & Marshall College's campus, with a festive toast. Chamber of Commerce President Thomas Baldrige, Franklin & Marshall Vice President for Administrative Services and External Affairs Keith Orris and James Street Improvement District Deputy Director Marshall Snively, along with the Iron Hill founders, will join together in pouring the first beer from the award-winning brewery. The restaurant will open for business at 5 pm.
"We're simply thrilled to be opening in our latest location in Lancaster," says Finn. "We pride ourselves with creating a comfortable, casual, worry and hurry-free dining experience for our customers. These simple standards are the key to our success."
After the "first pour," all PRESS are invited to enjoy a complimentary dinner featuring Iron Hill's inventive menu of New American cuisine and award-winning handcrafted brews.
For press who wish to attend the First Pour and then sit down for dinner, please rsvp to jennie@profilepr.com or call 215.985.2106 by Tuesday, November 27, so that we can make a reservation.
CAMERAS AND REPORTERS ARE WELCOME
Monday, November 19, 2007
You're the Pro!
Beer is not an elitist beverage, and you don't need someone else to tell you what you should like. If you enjoy it, that's enough. What's more, you can tell everyone else why you liked a particular beer by going to
Membership is free, and the site is LOADED with information about beers. Don't delay...just go! It's fun and informative. Maybe you'll come across the beer that will make this holiday at your house a memorable one!
(Just don't get cocky and think you can have MY job....)
Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!
You might need to settle down with a good Old Chub (Oskar Blues), Old Fezziwig(SA) or Oatmeal Stout after this....
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