Cooking with beer – Thanksgiving Style

Hello hello.  I know this post might seem a bit belated, but I wanted to write about how beer could be integrated into a big holiday feast (in a different way than simply drinking it).  If you are anything like me, you are just crawling out of the food coma that was Thanksgiving and smiling at the fun times had with family and friends.  I love this holiday because it centers around food and there are no other requirements then to conquer a huge feast and enjoy the company of the people you love.  In my house, my mom handles the cooking and tries to keep it exciting by attempting new ways to cook the turkey every year.  Usually, mom doesn’t think too hard about the experiment, she just acts on an impulse and voila! It’s been upside down, right-side up, stuffed, unstuffed, and basted with numerous concoctions.

This year, I must’ve inspired my mom as when she was preparing 26-pound “Tom the Turkey” and she asked me to grab a beer from the fridge. I passed her a Saranac Scotch Ale and she popped off the top and poured it into the already full pot. The beer served as a baste base as well as a primary gravy ingredient.  Everything turned out deliciously. It was a really simple beer-integration but it added a fun kick to the meal and I swear that the turkey was extra moist.  If you are thinking about adding some brew to your next turkey dinner, my suggestion would be to make it a darker beer with a noticeable spiciness to it.  The winter seasonal brews out now are a good place to start.

I found a few other recipes/blogs that offered some mouthwatering (and legit) recipes. Check them out!

http://beer.about.com/od/beertastinganddrinking/a/HolidayBeerPair.htm

http://www.homebrewchef.com/BeerInspiredThanksgivingMenu.html

http://www.nbwa.org/Beer_Route/Article.aspx?ArticleId=203

Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!  I am very thankful to still be posting and to have great people still reading Brewnette (like your gorgeous self). So thanks!  and Cheers!

Beer and Business Cards

Getting my first “big girl/real” job was a major step in my life, and one that I am very proud of.  I think one of the most exciting, and probably trivial, job steps for me was the day I got my first stack of business cards.  For whatever reason, that was when I truly felt like I had made it and was a legit grown up.  Of course, I stuffed a small stack of these little guys into my wallet and properly distributed them to all of my friends and family, and the occasional stranger when I wanted to prove that I was employed.

The most effective use of these wastes of paper, I’ve found, is dropping them in the little boxes/jars are bars and restaurants in hopes of winning a free meal/drink.  While this is not a helping me further my career or my network, it’s a simple act that happened to pay off for me and a group of my friends.

Turns out I won a party at one of my favorite Boston bars, the Pour House!  Free food, trivia, prizes, and the notoriously “cheap” drink menu were all selling points for a party on a Tuesday night.  They even blocked off a section of the bar for just my guests.  All in all, it was the most fun I’ve had on a Tuesday night that I can recall.  It was so fantastic to see people who I hadn’t in a while, and to feed my entry level and law student friends.

So there isn’t much of a moral or message to this post, but I had a good time and wanted to tell you out there to check out the Pour House.  It’s a simple bar with good beer and a laid back atmosphere.  Oh and if one of your business cards wins a party, I’m there.  Cheers!

Baby, it’s cold outside…

So somehow, winter has descended on Boston. As usual, it came without warning and is showing zero remorse for those of us who tend to enjoy the mild autumn months. People keep warm in numerous ways: heated seats in cars, those fancy glove warmers that skiers typically need, excessive intake of Starbucks’ hot chocolates and mocha-something-or-others, burying oneself in electric blankets, parkas, wool everything, etc. The list goes on and on. As you may have thought, I enjoy a good beer when it gets cold out. “What?” you say, “Aren’t beers cold themselves?!” Maybe so, but when sipping the right ones next to a particular fireplace or in front of a big game (or, let’s face it, anywhere with heat) it warms you up easily.

Anyone who has read earlier posts of mine knows that I am a huge Guinness Fan and will say that it is best sipped pretty much in any situation. While this is true, and other Guinness-ites will concur, I think Guinness has the perfect thickness and depth to make you frozen fingers alive again and bring feeling back into your too-exposed ears. Stouts have that way about them. Knowing that Guinness is the King of Stouts, I thought I might give another a try, just to see if it had the same warming affect.

Last night at Brendan Behan’s, one of my favorite JP spots, I ordered a Brooklyn Brewery Black Chocolate Stout as I shivered in from the cold. Honestly, it did not stand up anywhere near to my love for the “King.” It was very thick and not terribly cold (I am strange, maybe, because I love all kinds of beer ice cold, the colder the better, even if people tell me thats not how its supposed to be). There was a chocolatey essence to it, but nothing overwhelming or helpful to the overall dark, even smoky, beverage. The Web site says that this beer was once exclusively brewed for Catherine the Great…kind of cool that my name is Catherine too, but I’m not sure what my namesake was thinking. Maybe she has something against the Irish, because she was missing out.

Serves me right, straying from old faithful. I must say though, the seasonal Winter Lager from Sam Adams has kept me warm and happy this past week. It’s not a stout, but it has a dark richness with even a berry taste to it that appropriately combats the brisk winds that seem to follow me around. Try it, it will not disappoint. Cheers!

The Good, The Bad and the Unemployed

I don’t know if anyone ever expects to be laid off…I certainly didn’t.  But on Tuesday morning, I, along with 17 or so of my fellow employees, were told our jobs were part of our company’s massive cutbacks.  This is pretty much as close as anyone can get to realizing how horrible our economy actually is – when they are let go from a company who just a month ago boasted of the growth and success being achieved.  In the past four days, an amazing network of people have helped me stay focused and positive about how this will turn out to be a blessing in disguise.  One of the other awesome omens for my big life change was when my fantastic bf, knowing about the day’s events and my love of all thing having to do with hops, walked into our apartment holding a six pack of Harpoon Winter Warmer…the next seasonal brew from Harpoon.  It’s spicy and soothing, and perfect for the winter.  After the icy shock of day I had on Tuesday, it was the perfect surprise.  I don’t think it is technically transitioned from Octoberfest yet, but look for it soon.

Another upside to this whole “unemployment” thing is the chance to (finally) blog more.  So expect more thoughts and suggestions on a somewhat regular basis.  Oh and any tips about how to navigate my “time off” and my in-progress job search – any and all tips are welcome.  And if by some stroke of luck you know someone who would want to hire this PR pro and lover of beer, (or any of my amazingly qualified colleagues) let me know.  Cheers!

A Farewell to Zima

This will be a quick one, but I was just alerted to the news that Zima, MillerCoors’ “malternative” beverage of choice, is no longer.  I can’t say that I have ever had Zima, or that I have ever had the desire to try it, but the comedic value of this simple clear drink will surely live on.  So with your next Octoberfest, toast to its now deceased, long-lost, 4-times-removed cousin, Zima.  Cheers!

Playing Goldilocks for Pumpkin Beers

As October quickly approaches, I’ve accepted the fact that summer has turned to fall, that I will have to start breaking out the coats and boots soon enough, and that Corona’s most appropriate months have passed. From limes to pumpkins. All things related to pumpkins – pie, pumpkin spice lattes, jack-o-lanterns, and of course beer – make autumn that much more enjoyable. And I can completely understand that pumpkin + beer does not exactly sound enticing to all, but trust me, the spices and flavoring in both the beer and the pumpkin mesh in a fantastically autumnal libation. While many Bostonians might agree that the city nearly skips fall entirely, all of this pumpkin happiness gives us a reason to sit back and enjoy watching the trees change colors.

In “researching” this post, went to Trader Joe’s and selected two types of pumpkin beer and sampled another at Alchemist Lounge. Reflecting on my opinions of each brew, I felt a lot like Goldilocks with her mooched porridge…too hot, too cold and just right – except mine was too light, too spicy and just right.

To begin, I went with the Kennebunkport Pumpkin Ale. I think I would describe this as a transition beer. Its light enough to drink while the weather is still on the warm side, but still has the pumpkin accents weaving in and out at the end of a swig. I’ve been a big fan of Kennebunkport’s blueberry beer as a summery treat, but the pumpkin is okay, with the pumpkin part very understated. It was almost bitter at the end, but not sour, instead kind of like you’ve eaten too much sugar and your mouth rebels by tasting sour (or is that just a weird thing i do?) But overall, it’s drinkable and cheap.

Next up is the too spicy. Smuttynose Pumpkin Ale is a little intense for this beer enthusiast. It’s on the darker side, which doesn’t always scare me off. What does scare me off is the scary feeling like I’m going to get a mouthful of cinnamon and nutmeg in my last swig (think when you sprinkle cinnamon on your coffee or if the sugar doesn’t dissolve all the way and then the last sip is chock full of spices/sugar). My bf happened to love this stuff, and I really wanted to, but I just didn’t.

And finally, my “just right” pumpkin beer: The Shipyard Brewing Company’s Pumpkinhead Ale. For me, this is it. Its crisp, like a true fall day (corny, yes, but true), sweet, spicy and beer-y. The pumpkin flavor is aromatic and consistent through every sip. And something I have not found too often, Pumpkinhead tastes just as good out of a tap as it does from a bottle. And an added bonus, it’s brewed in the great northeast (Maine).

I suppose the “moral” of this beer tale is that sometimes you want more of a spicy kick and sometimes you want something more subtle. For me, the brewnette Goldilocks, the middle-beer is the way to go. Let me know what you think about these, or if you have more pumpkin suggestions for me, share! Cheers!

My Humble Return

Hello Hello! Major apologies for the unexpected and unnecessarily-extended hiatus. Not to make excuses, but adjusting to post-college, full-time job life made me sideline Brewnette…until now. I’m back and ready to talk beer, bars and Boston once again.

In thinking about what the proper comeback post should be, I reflected a lot on my (almost over) summer. It was full of adjustments like not being a college student, having a real job, making new friends and trying to find some sort of balance between it all. Perhaps one of the biggest changes was moving to Jamaica Plain (a little neighborhood oasis that’s still in Boston proper) and getting to know this eccentric and oh-so-loveable new town of mine. So I suppose I’ll highlight a few of my favorite JP haunts that have made my transition so smooth.

Costello’s Tavern is what I lovingly refer to as “my neighborhood hole in the wall.” It’s the perfect JP place to play darts (not a skill I have or want) or to watch a game with your friends, which is exactly what I did all through the Celtics path to basketball glory (finally)! They have a decent selection of Harpoon and Sam beers, always carrying the regular and seasonal varieties on tap, as well as the other staples of a great local bar – cheap light beer and Guinness. And the beer is cheap (at least by Boston’s standards). At $4 for a good beer (read: UFO), it certainly makes a good case for staying in JP instead of trekking downtown. Also, the food is really good. My bf goes back over and over again for the steak tips meal (it’s huge, delicious and completely affordable). Costello’s is that kind of bar you hope a new town has and I am a grateful and happy patron.

Another favorite is the way-too-cool-for-me Alchemist Lounge. The Alchemist offers a dimly lit bar area and quiet lounge-y restaurant room. It often hosts DJs and bands, and it hold Jeopardy tournaments and maybe ever Rock Band/Guitar Hero competitions. While I still haven’t been to one, Alchemist hosts a Jazz brunch every Sunday morning. It’s a little bit of a trendy Boston bar, mixed with the eccentricity of JP. More good food and awesome (and always changing) draft and bottled beer selection. Last time I was there, a honey beer (with a name I cannot recall) kept my interest. The all black-attired staff ranges from mildly friendly to constantly pissed off, but I don’t particularly mind, as I know that I am not as hip as they are. And I know this is a blog about beer, but this place has amazing sangria and some of the best mojitos I’ve ever experienced. Not as affordable as Costello’s but worth a visit.

On a rainy night, the bf and I stumbled past Fat Ram’s Pumpkin Tattoo parlor (real name – I could NOT make that up) and into Brendan Behan Pub and immediately fell in love. We were instantly brought back to O’Donoghue’s, a Dublin pub we loved and frequented in our tenure in the Land of Eire. Inside the tiny, dark bar were “Regulars” on bar stools at the end of the bar, a crowd of young hipsters in the corner talking about their skinny jeans and androgynous haircuts, and us, sliding onto a bench and stool around a short table. The vast beer selection was spelled out in chalk on the wall next to the old fish tank. I tried the Long Trail Blackberry Wheat (eh) and he had some Guinness. Adding to our nostalgia was the Irish memorabilia strewn over the walls. I may have said this too many times for it to be believable but this was one of the closest pubs Boston has to those that Ireland has mastered. Oh, and it’s completely dog-friendly.

So that’s my brief recap of the JP bars I have taken as my own. I hope I have done them justice as I enjoy each for very different reasons. Lots more to come…taking time off means lots of ammunition for upcoming posts. Thanks for tuning in and CHEERS!

Beer Buyout News – It’s Getting Nasty

I just read in the Boston Globe that Anheuser-Busch is suing InBev.  The back story – in case you hadn’t heard – is that Belgian InBev is trying to buy out A-B.  InBev owns Stella Arteois, Beck’s, Bass and other fancy beers like those.  Sometime last month, InBev decided to try to buy A-B for $46 billion.  The big guys at A-B were kind of offended that anyone would think of such a thing, and for so little (gasp!).  So in what was I’m sure a kindly-worded letter, A-B declined the offer.  But InBev was not about to back down that easily.  In fact, InBev just threatened to buy out most of A-B’s board of directors and therefore gain control over the company.  Now, in response to InBev’s, A-B is going to the courts.  A-B is suing InBev for trying buy out board members and asking the federal courts to officially stop them.  Scandalous world of beer conglomerates.  I’ll keep an eye on where this goes…

In semi-related news, I recently had the chance to test the brand new Bud Light Lime.  I must say, it wasn’t nearly as awful as I was expecting.  It was surprisingly refreshing on a hot day.  The artificial lime flavoring brings a sort of new, refreshing twang that is best enjoyed nearly frozen on a too-hot day.  As far as sticking limes into things, I will most likely stick with the basics: Corona, Margaritas, and Mojitos. (Note: if Corona takes that step out of the process, I can say with confidence that I will NOT go there).  So I say, if you’re feeling adventurous, bored, or have had a few regular Bud Lights, give the BLLime a try.

Cheers!

Bell in Hand, Bouncers, Bachelorettes and my Birthday!

It’s been a while…I supposed because being a working woman and everything I don’t have a ton of time to blog. That’s not to say that I don’t want to, it’s just tough. So here’s my latest insight.

I celebrated my 22^nd birthday last weekend. I did not get to the American Craft Beer Festival, as I had posted about, but I enjoy myself. My family came to town to spend some time with me and after we finished dinner, some friends and I headed to Bell in Hand Tavern down by Faneuil Hall and Haymarket in a very touristy area of downtown Boston. I had heard good things and had enjoyed myself at other bars in the same block, so what the hell!?

I was not terribly impressed. Bell in Hand boasts that it is the oldest tavern in the states. That is a pretty cool fact, regardless of whether I enjoyed myself or not. We got there very early (9:30) and walked right in. By “right in” I mean that I showed my ID and paid the $10 cover. I have issues with covers sometimes, particularly when the drinks are overpriced and the bar does not live up to the door price. Anyway, getting the first round, I ordered a Harpoon UFO and IPA (anyone surprised?). I was excited by the large pilsner glasses they served the beers in, but had to catch myself when the bartender asked for $13. Yes, I understand that it is a downtown bar and that it’s a large beer, but in my neighborhood bar, earlier that day, I enjoyed the same-sized beer for 4 dollars. Come on. I anted up and decided to drink bud light for the rest of the evening. (Even that was $4.50).

At 10:20ish, a couple more friends showed up…after waiting in line for 10 minutes. Not so bad, I guess you have to wait sometimes. But when I received a text from another friend a half hour later, she was at the end of a 4 block-long line that was not moving. I went out to meet my friend and was rudely greeted by the door staff. The big used-to-be high school football allstars ordered me back inside, without making eye contact. Listen, all I ask for is a little respect. I’m not someone to go out and plead or make a scene but not having the decency to look me in the face and say something is simply uncalled for. Needless to say my friend could not wait and left shortly there after.

I went back to my Bud Light and friends and the second set of a brilliant cover band who never quite made it out of the 90s. I enjoyed their particularly grungy rendition of the ACDC gem, “Shook Me All Night Long” while watching a classy (ehem wasted) bachelorette hoist her blow-up man-friend in the air. As the doll’s, um, endowment, grazed the spotlights, I couldn’t be too upset.

Bell in Hand might be better during the day when you can enjoy a decent beer at a tavern with actual history.  It probably won’t get my attendance again anytime soon, but let me recommend the lesser-know The Point. It’s right next to Bell in Hand to the left and around the corner, and has provided numerous good times for my crew. Better cover bands, cheaper cover, better beer selection (had the seasonal Blue Moons before anywhere else), and, in my humble opinion, a better crowd. Plus, their bouncers looked me in the eyes as they invited me into the bar.

Cheers!

Beer Festival on my birthday? Coincidence, I think not.

So a week from Saturday, June 21 (the first official day of summer), I turn 22. Also on this glorious day is day two of the American Craft Beer Festival (ACBF) which just happens to be in Boston. It’s as if the Gods knew that I would be looking for a way to celebrate my birthday and they made it happen. I still haven’t decided if I will attend yet – it’s $40 a session (yikes!) and my mother will be in town. Though the thought of introducing mom to the wonders of the Craft Beer World is quite appealing. Tickets are on sale now and you have three sessions to choose from: Friday night at 6, Saturday afternoon at 1, or Saturday night at 6. With the ticket you are authorized to test EVERY beer there. I think they are actually just posing a challenge, one I might attempt. You also get a souvenir glass, granted attendance at that session’s lectures and the respect of all your friends (and me!).

As far as who is going to be there, it looks like many brewers are from the good old North East. Lots of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. OF course, as it is an American beer festival, brewers from the majestic purple mountains using their amber waves of grain to produce some of the best stouts, weizens, and IPAs we’ve ever known. Some of my favorites – Smuttynose, Harpoon, Sam Adams, and Dogfish Head – will be presenting. If you share my love for beer and happen to be in Boston next weekend, I really recommend that you go.  It’s right at the Seaport World Trade Center.

So if you go, let me know.  If you have any other suggestions for my birthday, also let me know!  Cheers!