Hello friends!
So this year pretty much kicked our butts.
No one wants to hear our violins, but we had to put a lot of things on hold, and that included this blog for a little while. But...we are BACK! And we have a lot of material from our times of trial that translates into great beers and food stories. I am working on getting those together now.
But that's not good enough! We want to hear from our readers! Where have you been to eat that was outstanding? What beers have you tried that you would like us to try?
Toss a comment down below and let us know whats up!!!
~Eric and Amanda
Friday, August 22, 2014
St. Moritz Grill & Bar - Sparta, NJ
It's not often that we get out these days. Most of our beer sampling is done at home after work or on the weekends after we have caught up on things around the house. That's the way of things with two full time jobs and a family! But we still do what we can to get out to local spots and have a taste of what the local communities are offering. A night out lately is a rarity so we really try to make the best of it. Not often though are we as floored as we were this week!
We pop into the Lake Mohawk section of Sparta a bit. We really love the beer and food and the community itself is simply lovely. It's charming and old and the perfect place to eat and drink and stroll. Every time we do, we look to St. Moritz and say "Let's go there next time". Then we forget, or life hands us a curve ball and we can't go out for a month, or we forget... there has been a whole lot of that this year.
Finally, we had the opportunity for a nice dinner out and set off for St. Moritz. First of, the building itself is lovely. I had been there under it's previous ownership many years ago and I don't recall it being quite as cozy as it is now. The building itself is a great size with a lot of seating both inside and outside. We chose to sit indoors on this visit as it was a bit hot outside and their cool air conditioning felt amazing when we came in the door. The large bar right inside was moderately full upon our arrival and a very relaxed atmosphere swirled around the room. We were seated right away.
The menu itself is a wonderful variety of not so typical tastes. (you can see it HERE) You had your usual salads and entrees, but they all had a real unique listing below of smart flavor combinations and creative flare. It was not at all easy choosing a dish. We decided to start with a few pints to wet our whistles and help us decide. Our very polite and sweet waitress came by and gave us the local craft beer list. They have a great wine and beer selection and what appears to be three rotating local craft selections. We made our choice and also opted for the "Schrimps Flammkuchen". Don't ask me to pronounce that...I am pretty sure I bludgeoned it. The description had two magic words for us...shrimp and feta cheese. It was described as a flatbread.
WOW. The appetizer came out a short time later and was amazing. It was exactly as described. A flatbread smeared with wood-charred tomatoes and shrimp, dotted with crumbles of feta, basil, and leek. Very tasty and light. The flatbread was cooked perfectly, as were the shrimp that topped it. It was a perfect portion for two to share and was huge on flavor. The acid of the tomato and the bite of the feta worked perfectly with the shrimp. We loved it.
For entrees, Eric opted for one of the specials. It was a HUGE pile of shrimp with fresh green beans and carrots and an amazing corn based sauce. The shrimp was cooked perfectly again. Every single one. The sauce was inventive and unique. Not anything I have ever tasted before myself and paired so well with the shrimp. The vegetables were very obviously fresh and cooked in such a way that their flavor and texture just melded together in your mouth like song and dance. You can get veggies anywhere, at any restaurant. But how often to veggies really make you stop and look at your dinner partner and say wow? I honestly never saw Eric clean his plate so fast.
I decided on the Chicken Schnitzel. Something I have had in a variety of places before but like to order on occasion to see what the chef can bring to it. The chef at St. Moritz really outdid himself. The chicken was cooked perfect...firm and soft while still juicy and tender. The same veggies Eric had were also on my plate along with a pile of creamy delicious mashed potatoes. And the sauce, OH THE SAUCE! I wanted to just run everything on my plate through it. Buttery and rich without being too much of anything. The hint of lemon and white wine was not overwhelming. It was a perfect balance. I had inhaled my food as fast as Eric did. The portions are perfect.
As we like to do when food floors us, we asked our excellent waitress to please give a compliment to the chef. Eric has cooked in several places in addition to attending culinary school. He knows that appreciation for your craft comes through in great food and a compliment for a job well done is always appreciated. The waitress said sure. A short time later, our chef came out to see us. We were delighted to shake his hand and thank him for an excellent meal. He is someone who clearly loves his work and treats food like the art that it really is. It comes through in the food.
A short time after that, the manager came by to let us know about a food and beer tasting that they would be having August 28th. He told us a bit about it (you can find out more about it on their website HERE) They were so welcoming and really made us feel appreciated as customers.
St. Moritz is a new favorite place for us. The service was outstanding with quick seating and a super waitress who was very attentive while never being overbearing. The chef obviously loves his craft and does it with excellence. The manager was welcoming and professional. The food was just outstanding. All in all, I could not have been more delighted to have chosen that as our dinner spot that Wednesday. We will most certainly be back.
We pop into the Lake Mohawk section of Sparta a bit. We really love the beer and food and the community itself is simply lovely. It's charming and old and the perfect place to eat and drink and stroll. Every time we do, we look to St. Moritz and say "Let's go there next time". Then we forget, or life hands us a curve ball and we can't go out for a month, or we forget... there has been a whole lot of that this year.
Finally, we had the opportunity for a nice dinner out and set off for St. Moritz. First of, the building itself is lovely. I had been there under it's previous ownership many years ago and I don't recall it being quite as cozy as it is now. The building itself is a great size with a lot of seating both inside and outside. We chose to sit indoors on this visit as it was a bit hot outside and their cool air conditioning felt amazing when we came in the door. The large bar right inside was moderately full upon our arrival and a very relaxed atmosphere swirled around the room. We were seated right away.
The menu itself is a wonderful variety of not so typical tastes. (you can see it HERE) You had your usual salads and entrees, but they all had a real unique listing below of smart flavor combinations and creative flare. It was not at all easy choosing a dish. We decided to start with a few pints to wet our whistles and help us decide. Our very polite and sweet waitress came by and gave us the local craft beer list. They have a great wine and beer selection and what appears to be three rotating local craft selections. We made our choice and also opted for the "Schrimps Flammkuchen". Don't ask me to pronounce that...I am pretty sure I bludgeoned it. The description had two magic words for us...shrimp and feta cheese. It was described as a flatbread.
WOW. The appetizer came out a short time later and was amazing. It was exactly as described. A flatbread smeared with wood-charred tomatoes and shrimp, dotted with crumbles of feta, basil, and leek. Very tasty and light. The flatbread was cooked perfectly, as were the shrimp that topped it. It was a perfect portion for two to share and was huge on flavor. The acid of the tomato and the bite of the feta worked perfectly with the shrimp. We loved it.
For entrees, Eric opted for one of the specials. It was a HUGE pile of shrimp with fresh green beans and carrots and an amazing corn based sauce. The shrimp was cooked perfectly again. Every single one. The sauce was inventive and unique. Not anything I have ever tasted before myself and paired so well with the shrimp. The vegetables were very obviously fresh and cooked in such a way that their flavor and texture just melded together in your mouth like song and dance. You can get veggies anywhere, at any restaurant. But how often to veggies really make you stop and look at your dinner partner and say wow? I honestly never saw Eric clean his plate so fast.
I decided on the Chicken Schnitzel. Something I have had in a variety of places before but like to order on occasion to see what the chef can bring to it. The chef at St. Moritz really outdid himself. The chicken was cooked perfect...firm and soft while still juicy and tender. The same veggies Eric had were also on my plate along with a pile of creamy delicious mashed potatoes. And the sauce, OH THE SAUCE! I wanted to just run everything on my plate through it. Buttery and rich without being too much of anything. The hint of lemon and white wine was not overwhelming. It was a perfect balance. I had inhaled my food as fast as Eric did. The portions are perfect.
As we like to do when food floors us, we asked our excellent waitress to please give a compliment to the chef. Eric has cooked in several places in addition to attending culinary school. He knows that appreciation for your craft comes through in great food and a compliment for a job well done is always appreciated. The waitress said sure. A short time later, our chef came out to see us. We were delighted to shake his hand and thank him for an excellent meal. He is someone who clearly loves his work and treats food like the art that it really is. It comes through in the food.
A short time after that, the manager came by to let us know about a food and beer tasting that they would be having August 28th. He told us a bit about it (you can find out more about it on their website HERE) They were so welcoming and really made us feel appreciated as customers.
St. Moritz is a new favorite place for us. The service was outstanding with quick seating and a super waitress who was very attentive while never being overbearing. The chef obviously loves his craft and does it with excellence. The manager was welcoming and professional. The food was just outstanding. All in all, I could not have been more delighted to have chosen that as our dinner spot that Wednesday. We will most certainly be back.
9 White Deer Plaza, Sparta NJ 07871
www.stmoritzgrill.com
River Horse Brewing - Ewing, NJ
Eric and I fell in love in New Hope, PA. We had not been dating long when I dragged him out to my favorite, quaint little town in Bucks County, PA for the weekend. A weekend we spent sampling beers, something that has always been a treat we enjoyed together. My love of craft beer started years before our being introduced, but our relationship and eventual engagement have been a journey spent exploring and developing that love as well as ours. Are you puking from my romantic sentiments yet?
Across the river from New Hope is the equally lovely little town of Lambertville, NJ...the former home of River Horse Brewing Company. Eric has been a River Horse fan for some time now, Tripel Horse being his favorite. I was new to the brewery myself, though I already had a love affair with their Oatmeal Stout, and we had decided that on a return trip to New Hope, we would stop by the brewery for a tour. Well, when that time came River Horse had moved! They had brand new digs in nearby Ewing, NJ and we were all too happy to take the drive. It was chilly and rainy...a perfect day for tours and beers.
The brewery itself sits very unassumingly off a side road looking like any other office complex building. We saw the sign pulling down the road and got very excited - that familiar hippo we love so much peeking at us from the bottom. Now it's time! Our car pulled into the parking lot with several other beer loving folks and waited for the doors to open.
When it was tour time, the doors were unlocked and we strolled into the main beer reception area. There were cases of delicious River Horse against the wall, t-shirts and glassware for sale, and a bar in the corner with several taps just waiting for our consumption. Our guide came out a short time after we checked in and started us off with a taste of the brew of our choice from the taps. Eric was more than happy to partake in some Tripel Horse, being his River Horse love. It's a tasty 10% kick. I was delighted to see they had their Oatmeal Milk Stout up there as well so I had some of that. I love stouts, no doubt about it, and River Horse makes one of the very best. It was the first time I had ever had it on tap and it tasted even better. We also noticed they had some Hipp-O-Lantern available, but we decided to wait until the end for that.
The tour is not the type that gets you sloshied. If that is what you are looking for, look elsewhere. In addition, you must be on a tour to sample the beers at the facility. No stopping by to taste. You get several samples in 4oz. glasses enabling you to really have a good look at the variety of beers that River Horse offers and appreciate them. Start with your first in the lobby. From there, you move into the brewing center in a large warehouse. It looks like any other warehouse, except for the huge shiny vats, bottling apparatus, and distinct beer smell. And barrels. And labels. Ok, so it's like the most amazing warehouse you were ever in. There were a few employees on site doing their thing, though being a Saturday there was no brewing being done. Still, it's nice to see happy folks around. Who wouldn't be happy working in such a place? There was also some really awesome artwork throughout.
The one thing that stood out to me the entire tour was how CLEAN this facility is. They really take care in making sure that they put out the best product in the best conditions possible. We were able to view several wine barrels in which they were aging a new brew for the fall...which I am delighted to see was just bottled this week...and our guide gave us a run down of what they were working with. Our guide was great. Extremely knowledgeable about the brewing process as well as the business of brewing and able to answer every question that came up. And funny. Dude was funny. Beer is a serious business, but if beer is your job, life is pretty darn good!
The tour took us through the brewing process from start to bottle. We were able to see the different stages of what makes each beer it's own taste and texture with a great description from our tour guide on everything. How it moves from stage to stage around the facility, what happens at each stage that may or may not change everything about the particular beer being mad, etc. My describing it to you would do it no justice. You have to see it to really appreciate it, and I was fascinated. The bottling process, the labels, each step is an important one in making a well loved and recognized product in a market flooded with competitors. The brewery as a business is amazing. We were informed about how the spent grains are returned to local farmers for feed. That made me really happy to hear. We love a business that gives back to it's local community, especially in a renewable way. Along the way, we were occasionally invited to sample a beer. There were kegs and taps strategically placed throughout the facility.
As our tour winded down, we were again invited to the lobby to partake in another brew from the bar. This is where I opted for that amazing Hipp-O-Lantern, one of the best seasonal fall beers. Eric and I picked up a couple pieces of glassware for our collection which were very reasonably priced. We stayed for a bit to watch the next batch of beer lovers come in for their tour, and we wished them well.
The tour costs a whole $5. It's WELL worth it being both educational and fun. Plus the beer. The beer is delicious. We have lots of Jersey pride as it is, but knowing these folks represent our fine state in the beer world makes it all the better. If you can get yourself down to Ewing, we strongly recommend the tour. You won't be disappointed. As always, we are big fans of River Horse and if you ever find yourself debating some yourself, give it a try! You will be a River Horse fan too!
www.riverhorse.com
Across the river from New Hope is the equally lovely little town of Lambertville, NJ...the former home of River Horse Brewing Company. Eric has been a River Horse fan for some time now, Tripel Horse being his favorite. I was new to the brewery myself, though I already had a love affair with their Oatmeal Stout, and we had decided that on a return trip to New Hope, we would stop by the brewery for a tour. Well, when that time came River Horse had moved! They had brand new digs in nearby Ewing, NJ and we were all too happy to take the drive. It was chilly and rainy...a perfect day for tours and beers.
 |
| Hello hippo! |
The brewery itself sits very unassumingly off a side road looking like any other office complex building. We saw the sign pulling down the road and got very excited - that familiar hippo we love so much peeking at us from the bottom. Now it's time! Our car pulled into the parking lot with several other beer loving folks and waited for the doors to open.
 |
| She greeted us again inside the door, wearing her summer best. |
When it was tour time, the doors were unlocked and we strolled into the main beer reception area. There were cases of delicious River Horse against the wall, t-shirts and glassware for sale, and a bar in the corner with several taps just waiting for our consumption. Our guide came out a short time after we checked in and started us off with a taste of the brew of our choice from the taps. Eric was more than happy to partake in some Tripel Horse, being his River Horse love. It's a tasty 10% kick. I was delighted to see they had their Oatmeal Milk Stout up there as well so I had some of that. I love stouts, no doubt about it, and River Horse makes one of the very best. It was the first time I had ever had it on tap and it tasted even better. We also noticed they had some Hipp-O-Lantern available, but we decided to wait until the end for that.
 |
| So much Tripel Horse...so little time... |
The tour is not the type that gets you sloshied. If that is what you are looking for, look elsewhere. In addition, you must be on a tour to sample the beers at the facility. No stopping by to taste. You get several samples in 4oz. glasses enabling you to really have a good look at the variety of beers that River Horse offers and appreciate them. Start with your first in the lobby. From there, you move into the brewing center in a large warehouse. It looks like any other warehouse, except for the huge shiny vats, bottling apparatus, and distinct beer smell. And barrels. And labels. Ok, so it's like the most amazing warehouse you were ever in. There were a few employees on site doing their thing, though being a Saturday there was no brewing being done. Still, it's nice to see happy folks around. Who wouldn't be happy working in such a place? There was also some really awesome artwork throughout.
 |
| Amazing artwork throughout the facility |
The one thing that stood out to me the entire tour was how CLEAN this facility is. They really take care in making sure that they put out the best product in the best conditions possible. We were able to view several wine barrels in which they were aging a new brew for the fall...which I am delighted to see was just bottled this week...and our guide gave us a run down of what they were working with. Our guide was great. Extremely knowledgeable about the brewing process as well as the business of brewing and able to answer every question that came up. And funny. Dude was funny. Beer is a serious business, but if beer is your job, life is pretty darn good!
 |
| Mmmmmmmmmm...can't wait... |
The tour took us through the brewing process from start to bottle. We were able to see the different stages of what makes each beer it's own taste and texture with a great description from our tour guide on everything. How it moves from stage to stage around the facility, what happens at each stage that may or may not change everything about the particular beer being mad, etc. My describing it to you would do it no justice. You have to see it to really appreciate it, and I was fascinated. The bottling process, the labels, each step is an important one in making a well loved and recognized product in a market flooded with competitors. The brewery as a business is amazing. We were informed about how the spent grains are returned to local farmers for feed. That made me really happy to hear. We love a business that gives back to it's local community, especially in a renewable way. Along the way, we were occasionally invited to sample a beer. There were kegs and taps strategically placed throughout the facility.
As our tour winded down, we were again invited to the lobby to partake in another brew from the bar. This is where I opted for that amazing Hipp-O-Lantern, one of the best seasonal fall beers. Eric and I picked up a couple pieces of glassware for our collection which were very reasonably priced. We stayed for a bit to watch the next batch of beer lovers come in for their tour, and we wished them well.
The tour costs a whole $5. It's WELL worth it being both educational and fun. Plus the beer. The beer is delicious. We have lots of Jersey pride as it is, but knowing these folks represent our fine state in the beer world makes it all the better. If you can get yourself down to Ewing, we strongly recommend the tour. You won't be disappointed. As always, we are big fans of River Horse and if you ever find yourself debating some yourself, give it a try! You will be a River Horse fan too!
River Horse Brewing Company
2 Graphics Drive
Ewing, NJ 08628
2 Graphics Drive
Ewing, NJ 08628
609-883-0890
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-5pm for take-out beer and merchandise. Tours run every Saturday and Sunday
www.riverhorse.com
Friday, January 17, 2014
Don Jose - Netcong, NJ
Good Mexican food is not easy to come by in New Jersey, but it's there. Its scattered around in the places you would usually least expect. I am not talking about TexMex, franchises, or the like. I am talking good recipe, traditionally prepared, yummy Mexican food. We had no idea it was sitting quietly right there in the next town over from us, but there is was.
The have come commercials around, mostly emphasizing their East Hanover location (to which we have not been to yet) and modestly describing their excellent food. They do emphasize their margaritas properly though, but we will get to that. This. Place. Is. Amazing.
Eric and I have found this to be one of our favorite local spots for several reasons. First of all, their location is easy to find, easy to get to, easy to leave. Its conveniently located just past what was formerly the Netcong circle on Rt 46.You can't miss it.
Second, the service has always been good. I do not like an over eager server any more than I like one that vanishes just when I need another water with lemon. The service at Don Jose in Netcong is the perfect balance of accuracy in order, attentiveness but not overly gushy or pesky, and always polite. My glass is never empty, but I do not feel rushed to eat, pay, and get the hell out either. When you walk in, you are greeted by bright colors and artwork on the walls, plenty of staff to take care of your needs, and even a band moving around the restaurant. They take requests, we learned!
Third, the food. The food is amazing. Let me start with the fact that in the areas of Morris and Sussex counties in New Jersey, there are not a whole lot of places who will attempt ceviche. If you have never had it, it's seafood. Pieces of raw fish with spices and diced vegetables marinated in a citrus that more or less cooks the fish. Its served cold and normally in a very small portion for a large price. The ceviche at Done Jose is OUTSTANDING. Aside from being a LARGE portion for a very modest price, its so delicious. Eric and I order the appetizer as an appetizer and split it, but I have often debated getting it as my meal. There is such a perfect balance of lime, onion, tomato, and spices. Perfectly light and flavorful.
I have had many of the dishes on the menu, but the floutas are my favorite. Crispy, flavorful, very delicious! Eric had the quesadillas on our last visit. These are a VERY popular menu item all over the place and in all sorts of restaurants. You figure you have had one, you have had them all, right? Eric made the declaration that these were THE BEST he has had. Plus the sides you get fill out your meal all the more. I am not a fan of re fried beans at all. They are normally tasteless and sticky. The ones you get at Don Jose are creamy, flavorful, and light. They are a very tasty surprise! Everything on the menu is tasty. Nothing disappoints. Everything is super fresh and you can see it and taste it all through your meal, from start to finish.
Lets talk about those margaritas now. THE BEST. Not because of flashy tequilas or pretty colors or wild glasses. It's fresh. It's made properly. They have several varieties, and that was where they really won us. Eric loves mango everything. He ordered a mango margarita and expected the kind of nonsense that a lot of bars pull where the "mango" flavoring is not mango at all. Its usually a mix of other juices. The reason is that there is no mango juice...only mango puree. Don Jose uses the puree for a real, authentic mango flavor. Big sell for us! Seems simple, but its things like this that will illustrate a caring in how things are prepared and not a shortcut.
All in all, its an excellent place to get good Mexican food in a friendly, fun atmosphere. Head on over there. Order the ceviche!!!
The have come commercials around, mostly emphasizing their East Hanover location (to which we have not been to yet) and modestly describing their excellent food. They do emphasize their margaritas properly though, but we will get to that. This. Place. Is. Amazing.
Eric and I have found this to be one of our favorite local spots for several reasons. First of all, their location is easy to find, easy to get to, easy to leave. Its conveniently located just past what was formerly the Netcong circle on Rt 46.You can't miss it.
Second, the service has always been good. I do not like an over eager server any more than I like one that vanishes just when I need another water with lemon. The service at Don Jose in Netcong is the perfect balance of accuracy in order, attentiveness but not overly gushy or pesky, and always polite. My glass is never empty, but I do not feel rushed to eat, pay, and get the hell out either. When you walk in, you are greeted by bright colors and artwork on the walls, plenty of staff to take care of your needs, and even a band moving around the restaurant. They take requests, we learned!
Third, the food. The food is amazing. Let me start with the fact that in the areas of Morris and Sussex counties in New Jersey, there are not a whole lot of places who will attempt ceviche. If you have never had it, it's seafood. Pieces of raw fish with spices and diced vegetables marinated in a citrus that more or less cooks the fish. Its served cold and normally in a very small portion for a large price. The ceviche at Done Jose is OUTSTANDING. Aside from being a LARGE portion for a very modest price, its so delicious. Eric and I order the appetizer as an appetizer and split it, but I have often debated getting it as my meal. There is such a perfect balance of lime, onion, tomato, and spices. Perfectly light and flavorful.
I have had many of the dishes on the menu, but the floutas are my favorite. Crispy, flavorful, very delicious! Eric had the quesadillas on our last visit. These are a VERY popular menu item all over the place and in all sorts of restaurants. You figure you have had one, you have had them all, right? Eric made the declaration that these were THE BEST he has had. Plus the sides you get fill out your meal all the more. I am not a fan of re fried beans at all. They are normally tasteless and sticky. The ones you get at Don Jose are creamy, flavorful, and light. They are a very tasty surprise! Everything on the menu is tasty. Nothing disappoints. Everything is super fresh and you can see it and taste it all through your meal, from start to finish.
Lets talk about those margaritas now. THE BEST. Not because of flashy tequilas or pretty colors or wild glasses. It's fresh. It's made properly. They have several varieties, and that was where they really won us. Eric loves mango everything. He ordered a mango margarita and expected the kind of nonsense that a lot of bars pull where the "mango" flavoring is not mango at all. Its usually a mix of other juices. The reason is that there is no mango juice...only mango puree. Don Jose uses the puree for a real, authentic mango flavor. Big sell for us! Seems simple, but its things like this that will illustrate a caring in how things are prepared and not a shortcut.
All in all, its an excellent place to get good Mexican food in a friendly, fun atmosphere. Head on over there. Order the ceviche!!!
Monday, December 23, 2013
Holiday Beers Part III - The Best of the Best of Christmas
Eric and I are working hard for YOU...drinking, tasting, enjoying, giggling, dancing, falling down. It's all for JOURNALISM! No, it's really not. It's all for the simple enjoyment of BEER. And what says holidays like beer? Well, that's simple. MORE BEER! And that is what we have for you. More beer. With this list, our final of 2013, we bring the the best in holiday brews from our findings. The ones that made us laugh and cry. The ones that made us stop, look at one another, and exclaim, "Holy shit...that's tasty..."
So here you go...
BROOKLYN WINTER ALE
I like Brooklyn beers. I had been a virgin to their skills until this year when I started finding Brooklyn Lager at all the ska shows I was at around New York City. I quickly became a fan. Eric already knew. Then one hot day this summer before boarding a booze cruise, Eric and I stumbled into Molly's Shebeen on 3rd Ave (one of my now favorite spots) and found Brooklyn Brown on tap. We had several. I fell in love. So naturally when we saw Brooklyn Winter Ale in our travels to review holiday brews, it was immediately in my hand to purchase. This beer was a delightful deviation from what we has been experiencing in other holiday beers. There is no spice. No heaviness. No hoppy taste. This beer is clean, crisp, and veeeeeeery easy going down. It tastes like the most delicious light brown ale you ever had...if there was such a thing. I liked it so much, I went back and got a six pack the next time I felt like having a beer. In our discovery with sampling holiday beers, there are some that are one at a time, classy glass, slow drinkings. There are some that you take one sip of and decide you are pretty much done with. And then there are some that you know you will enjoy again and again and again in any kind of company. This is THAT beer. It's simple and good. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy, just really good beer. Brooklyn is good at that.
SHIPYARD PRELUDE SPECIAL ALE
Special, indeed. HOLY CHOCOLATE CHRIST. This is a good beer. I mean, probably the best holiday beer out there (in Amanda's humble opinion). Ship Yard does beer right. They have a pretty incredible Fall brew as well so I was expecting something good. I was not expecting something THIS good. As I sipped, I must have remarked to Eric 20 times that it was a really good beer. He tasted it as well, and agreed...and might have been a little sad that he was not the person who selected that one from the batch for tasting. Maybe its the water up there in Maine, but something was done incredibly well with this beer. Its nutty and smooth. A deep amber color. A real rich flavor but subtle in how its hits your tongue. When I got to the bottom of the bottle, I was sad. I was really sad. I kept looking at it to make sure there was really no more in there. To make matters worse, it is near impossible to find here in NJ! I even used the beer finder on the website and there is nothing in 10 miles listed! Eric and I went out on a search for it to our favorite beer spot which we thought had everything. They had exactly one bottle left. I left crying. This beer seriously is that good, friends.
SMUTTYNOSE WINTER ALE
Oh, these cats do it right. Eric and I already knew we loved New Hampshire's Smuttynose anything. He introduced me to their Old Brown Dog last winter and I fell in love. (you like browns? Check that one out...) We have purchased the sampler case on a few occasions and enjoyed them all. Their beer is just really well made. Its clean and tastes of the care they put into brewing it. Naturally we knew the Winter Ale would not let us down, and it did NOT! Its a complex brew with notes of fruity, notes of nutty, and an all around warm and yummy finish. This is the kind of beer Eric and I will fight over the last bottle of, and true to form...we did. Its perfect with snacks and even more perfect with laughs and friends. Thankfully we found this one to be readily available around us because I have a feeling it will be in our house pretty often this winter. Look for the bottle with the lovely lady on it.
TROEGS MAD ELF
It's maddeningly good! Is maddeningly a word? Well it is now. Our friends at Troegs over in nearby Hershey, PA created something sinfully delicious with this brew. Its a pretty reddish/orange ale in the glass with a warming finish and notes of cherry and honey on your tongue. Eric hogged this one all for himself. He describes it as very drinkable and solid. Heavy on the alcohol content at 11%, but no one is complaining! Subtle fruit and spice notes and very nicely aromatic. It's a tasty one! It's super good on it's own as a social sipping beer or at a gathering with good folks and great conversation. On a side note, we happened upon an enormous gift bottle of this on our way back to the beer spot. And I mean enormous. It was 101 oz. Need a gift for a friend with good taste? Or a lot of them in one place? That is available! I am sure you would be a hit with a six pack too.
And that's all folks!
I'm not saying we won't be back with another installment...because by now you know us...and we probably will!
What has been YOUR beer of choice this holiday season??? Let us know! We will feature it on a future blog!
So here you go...
BROOKLYN WINTER ALE
I like Brooklyn beers. I had been a virgin to their skills until this year when I started finding Brooklyn Lager at all the ska shows I was at around New York City. I quickly became a fan. Eric already knew. Then one hot day this summer before boarding a booze cruise, Eric and I stumbled into Molly's Shebeen on 3rd Ave (one of my now favorite spots) and found Brooklyn Brown on tap. We had several. I fell in love. So naturally when we saw Brooklyn Winter Ale in our travels to review holiday brews, it was immediately in my hand to purchase. This beer was a delightful deviation from what we has been experiencing in other holiday beers. There is no spice. No heaviness. No hoppy taste. This beer is clean, crisp, and veeeeeeery easy going down. It tastes like the most delicious light brown ale you ever had...if there was such a thing. I liked it so much, I went back and got a six pack the next time I felt like having a beer. In our discovery with sampling holiday beers, there are some that are one at a time, classy glass, slow drinkings. There are some that you take one sip of and decide you are pretty much done with. And then there are some that you know you will enjoy again and again and again in any kind of company. This is THAT beer. It's simple and good. Nothing flashy, nothing fancy, just really good beer. Brooklyn is good at that.
SHIPYARD PRELUDE SPECIAL ALE
Special, indeed. HOLY CHOCOLATE CHRIST. This is a good beer. I mean, probably the best holiday beer out there (in Amanda's humble opinion). Ship Yard does beer right. They have a pretty incredible Fall brew as well so I was expecting something good. I was not expecting something THIS good. As I sipped, I must have remarked to Eric 20 times that it was a really good beer. He tasted it as well, and agreed...and might have been a little sad that he was not the person who selected that one from the batch for tasting. Maybe its the water up there in Maine, but something was done incredibly well with this beer. Its nutty and smooth. A deep amber color. A real rich flavor but subtle in how its hits your tongue. When I got to the bottom of the bottle, I was sad. I was really sad. I kept looking at it to make sure there was really no more in there. To make matters worse, it is near impossible to find here in NJ! I even used the beer finder on the website and there is nothing in 10 miles listed! Eric and I went out on a search for it to our favorite beer spot which we thought had everything. They had exactly one bottle left. I left crying. This beer seriously is that good, friends.
SMUTTYNOSE WINTER ALE
Oh, these cats do it right. Eric and I already knew we loved New Hampshire's Smuttynose anything. He introduced me to their Old Brown Dog last winter and I fell in love. (you like browns? Check that one out...) We have purchased the sampler case on a few occasions and enjoyed them all. Their beer is just really well made. Its clean and tastes of the care they put into brewing it. Naturally we knew the Winter Ale would not let us down, and it did NOT! Its a complex brew with notes of fruity, notes of nutty, and an all around warm and yummy finish. This is the kind of beer Eric and I will fight over the last bottle of, and true to form...we did. Its perfect with snacks and even more perfect with laughs and friends. Thankfully we found this one to be readily available around us because I have a feeling it will be in our house pretty often this winter. Look for the bottle with the lovely lady on it.
TROEGS MAD ELF
It's maddeningly good! Is maddeningly a word? Well it is now. Our friends at Troegs over in nearby Hershey, PA created something sinfully delicious with this brew. Its a pretty reddish/orange ale in the glass with a warming finish and notes of cherry and honey on your tongue. Eric hogged this one all for himself. He describes it as very drinkable and solid. Heavy on the alcohol content at 11%, but no one is complaining! Subtle fruit and spice notes and very nicely aromatic. It's a tasty one! It's super good on it's own as a social sipping beer or at a gathering with good folks and great conversation. On a side note, we happened upon an enormous gift bottle of this on our way back to the beer spot. And I mean enormous. It was 101 oz. Need a gift for a friend with good taste? Or a lot of them in one place? That is available! I am sure you would be a hit with a six pack too.
And that's all folks!
I'm not saying we won't be back with another installment...because by now you know us...and we probably will!
What has been YOUR beer of choice this holiday season??? Let us know! We will feature it on a future blog!
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Holiday Beers Part II - Ho ho the mistletoe!
The holidays are upon us, and you know what that means? Pine needles everywhere? Moths in your wallet? Untangled Christmas lights? Cats knocking over your tree and scattering your heirloom ornaments across the living room while you scream? Yes. All that, and BEER!
Its the time of the year for those delicious holiday beers. In the age of craft beer popularity, there is a wide assortment to choose from when you head to your local liquor store or beer spot, and we are going to sample them for you! Well, we were going to sample them anyway...but we are going to TALK ABOUT THEM for you! So here are some of the ones gracing our fridge this year:
ANCHOR CHRISTMAS
Oh Anchor! Your Steam beer alone is reason enough to love you, but your Christmas brew is something we look forward to every year. San Francisco's Anchor Brewing has been delighting the beer world with their Christmas beer since 1975. That's a long time, so its no wonder they have mastered it by now. Their bottle is graced with a Christmas tree that you might not know changes every single year. Not only that, their recipe changes every single year. It also remains a complete secret right down to what hops they use. This years is crisp and delicious. A subtle but tasty blend of flavors. Not too bitter. No weird aftertaste. Its a delicious compliment to friends, food, sports, or just a cold night while the weather outside is frightful. The folks at Anchor Brewing assure us that kept sealed and refrigerated, their seasonal remains delicious for years. We are just not that patient. Last year we cleaned out our local beer store of this tasty brew. They should expect the same from us this year.
SIERRA NEVADA CELEBRATION
This was a new one for me this year. Another oldie but goodie seasonal, Sierra Nevada has been brewing their Celebration since 1981. A hoppy IPA, this brew is a good take in a Christmas style beer but remains its very own thing. Its a real nice, bold brew. Celebration stands out among the holiday beers in that it is an IPA and has a taste that the folks at Sierra Nevada describe as "hop forward" with Centennial, Cascade, and Chinook hops. A nice 6.8% brew. It pairs very well with friends and merriment. Have it with your holiday dinner, your holiday leftovers, your holiday leftovers' leftovers, or a good hockey game. That is what we are doing right now.
ELYSIAN BIFROST WINTER ALE
This is a lovely, hoppy brew! It was a surprise to taste! I would have billed this as a Pale Ale myself. It's best served in a glass as its unfiltered and tastes better that way. It has a light crispy, fruity start with a hoppy finish that warms the belly. Seattle's Elysian Brewing Company doesn't have too much on the web to check out, so I don't know too much about the brewery itself except that they operate three pubs in the city of Seattle. Lucky city...its good beer! I am glad it made its way to New Jersey so I could taste it.
EVIL GENIUS NAUGHTY OR NICE
Oooooh...this was a tasty find! Connecticut's Evil Genius Beer Company is fairly new and already doing things right. This tasty, tasty spiced brew with notes of clove and cinnamon is a real holiday treat. Brewed with Tettnang hops and caramel and chocolate malts (to name a few), it delivers a spiced yet evenly yummy beer. This one just screams cold weather with friends and a fireplace, a football game, or sitting in front of the Christmas tree. It's a pretty amber 7.2% so get warm and cozy with a six pack and pair it with someone special. I paired it with nachos. It works great.
HARPOON WINTER WARMER
They got this one right on the money with their label description of "Full bodied spiced ale with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg...a classic holiday beer." Vermont's Harpoon Brewery is already a favorite in this house, and they did not let us down with this winter brew. A lovely copper color with a modest 5.2%, its a medium bodied, super tasty brew. They have been making this tasty treasure since 1988. Its no mystery why they continue to bring this one to the masses. It's just sweet enough to make you notice with a spice that makes you stop and go "ohhhh!". Well, that's what we did anyway. Look for the cool red argyle diamonds on the bottle and pick yourself up some! Really yummy.
GOOSE ISLAND MILD WINTER
Chicago's Goose Island Beer Co. delivers us a perfect winter ale. Eric describes this one as "Ridiculous!". The best way possible. It's absolutely delicious. A very subtle winter ale. Its light, but not the way a traditional light beer is "light". Its perfectly balanced. A very drinkable 5.6% with a pretty light toffee color. It would be really great with any kind of really great food. Or really great friends. Mild Winter has that flavor that just reminds you of cold weather when its welcome. The smell in the air of clean winter. Its really great poured into a pint glass and served cold. This is a favorite so far in our tasting travels.
So there you have it kids...but we are hardly done! We will have a whole new batch of tasties coming this weekend...stay tuned!!!
Its the time of the year for those delicious holiday beers. In the age of craft beer popularity, there is a wide assortment to choose from when you head to your local liquor store or beer spot, and we are going to sample them for you! Well, we were going to sample them anyway...but we are going to TALK ABOUT THEM for you! So here are some of the ones gracing our fridge this year:
ANCHOR CHRISTMAS
Oh Anchor! Your Steam beer alone is reason enough to love you, but your Christmas brew is something we look forward to every year. San Francisco's Anchor Brewing has been delighting the beer world with their Christmas beer since 1975. That's a long time, so its no wonder they have mastered it by now. Their bottle is graced with a Christmas tree that you might not know changes every single year. Not only that, their recipe changes every single year. It also remains a complete secret right down to what hops they use. This years is crisp and delicious. A subtle but tasty blend of flavors. Not too bitter. No weird aftertaste. Its a delicious compliment to friends, food, sports, or just a cold night while the weather outside is frightful. The folks at Anchor Brewing assure us that kept sealed and refrigerated, their seasonal remains delicious for years. We are just not that patient. Last year we cleaned out our local beer store of this tasty brew. They should expect the same from us this year.
SIERRA NEVADA CELEBRATION
This was a new one for me this year. Another oldie but goodie seasonal, Sierra Nevada has been brewing their Celebration since 1981. A hoppy IPA, this brew is a good take in a Christmas style beer but remains its very own thing. Its a real nice, bold brew. Celebration stands out among the holiday beers in that it is an IPA and has a taste that the folks at Sierra Nevada describe as "hop forward" with Centennial, Cascade, and Chinook hops. A nice 6.8% brew. It pairs very well with friends and merriment. Have it with your holiday dinner, your holiday leftovers, your holiday leftovers' leftovers, or a good hockey game. That is what we are doing right now.
This is a lovely, hoppy brew! It was a surprise to taste! I would have billed this as a Pale Ale myself. It's best served in a glass as its unfiltered and tastes better that way. It has a light crispy, fruity start with a hoppy finish that warms the belly. Seattle's Elysian Brewing Company doesn't have too much on the web to check out, so I don't know too much about the brewery itself except that they operate three pubs in the city of Seattle. Lucky city...its good beer! I am glad it made its way to New Jersey so I could taste it.
EVIL GENIUS NAUGHTY OR NICE
Oooooh...this was a tasty find! Connecticut's Evil Genius Beer Company is fairly new and already doing things right. This tasty, tasty spiced brew with notes of clove and cinnamon is a real holiday treat. Brewed with Tettnang hops and caramel and chocolate malts (to name a few), it delivers a spiced yet evenly yummy beer. This one just screams cold weather with friends and a fireplace, a football game, or sitting in front of the Christmas tree. It's a pretty amber 7.2% so get warm and cozy with a six pack and pair it with someone special. I paired it with nachos. It works great.
HARPOON WINTER WARMER
They got this one right on the money with their label description of "Full bodied spiced ale with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg...a classic holiday beer." Vermont's Harpoon Brewery is already a favorite in this house, and they did not let us down with this winter brew. A lovely copper color with a modest 5.2%, its a medium bodied, super tasty brew. They have been making this tasty treasure since 1988. Its no mystery why they continue to bring this one to the masses. It's just sweet enough to make you notice with a spice that makes you stop and go "ohhhh!". Well, that's what we did anyway. Look for the cool red argyle diamonds on the bottle and pick yourself up some! Really yummy.
GOOSE ISLAND MILD WINTER
Chicago's Goose Island Beer Co. delivers us a perfect winter ale. Eric describes this one as "Ridiculous!". The best way possible. It's absolutely delicious. A very subtle winter ale. Its light, but not the way a traditional light beer is "light". Its perfectly balanced. A very drinkable 5.6% with a pretty light toffee color. It would be really great with any kind of really great food. Or really great friends. Mild Winter has that flavor that just reminds you of cold weather when its welcome. The smell in the air of clean winter. Its really great poured into a pint glass and served cold. This is a favorite so far in our tasting travels.
So there you have it kids...but we are hardly done! We will have a whole new batch of tasties coming this weekend...stay tuned!!!
Friday, December 6, 2013
Easy Chicken Pot Pie
The holiday season stress has begun! AAAAAAAH! I can’t
afford Christmas yet! Wasn’t it just Halloween? Why am I still finding pine
needles from last Christmas!? I don’t even live in the same house anymore! I
can’t find my wreath! Even the dog has a holiday sweater on and I don’t!
 |
| Nope, not kidding. |
So to minimize the stresses that are coming, allow me to
present to you a few blogs of holiday cheer! BEER! And food. Because what is
food without beer? And beer without food?
The holidays can cause quite a stir in even the tamest of
households, and ours is never tame anyway. This is why we try to plan out
simpler dinners during these tumultuous times to ease our minds and tummies.
Eric can make gourmet dinners out of a very barren cabinet. I have a multitude
of simple cold weather meals in my noggin that warm you up from the mind to the
toes. It keeps us sane. So as we are in the process of gathering info for our
holiday beer blog, here are some recipe posts to get you going!
The first of which is my simple, I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT TO COOK
AND IT’S A WEEKNIGHT AND IM TIRED AND ITS SNOWING AND I SAT IN TRAFFIC FOR AN
HOUR AND I AM ONLY MAKING ONE STOP meal. And its yummy.
Stop at your local grocery store and pick up whatever
rotisserie chicken thing is on sale. We will get one of these, usually for $6
or so, and eat chicken, potatoes, and a veggie one night. Then we pick the
carcass clean and put the extra chicken in the fridge for the next night. And
this is what we make…
You will need:
- Two rolled instant pie crusts (Pilsbury sells a box of two…Shop Rite and other grocers have a just-as-good generic version)
- One can Veg-All (or generic peas and carrots, mixed veggies…really whatever you like…I have used canned mushrooms too)
- One can cream of mushroom soup
- One can cream of potato soup
- Shredded leftover chicken (rotisserie is best…use the skin too!!!)
Preheat your oven to 375
Lay out one crust in a pie plate and bake in the oven for 15
minutes or until the bottom is just getting crisped
In a pan on your stove top, heat chicken, two kinds of soup,
and can of veggies.
Season with salt and pepper. I like to add a little onion
powder as well.
Stir until well mixed and creamy…it will be chunky! Make
sure you taste it!
When the bottom crust is just crisping, remove from oven.
Pour in your chicken mixture.
Top with remaining pie crust and make cuts in the dough for
the steam to escape.
Bake for 35-45 minutes at 375 or until top is golden brown.
Remove. Let cool for about 10 minutes. Cut. Eat. Enjoy!
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