Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Getting Gas, Killing Kegs & a Double Feature at Mile Marker Brewing


Gas Full Service Restaurant
Carol Lowrey Graham of Brown Distributing told me about a restaurant in St. Augustine with a rather distinctive name – Gas Full Service Restaurant. I was intrigued by the nom de guerre, of course – all types of connotations were bouncing around in my head – but her description of the place is what motivated me to pre-plan our Prowl for Thursday evening (April 5) to center in and around the Nation's Oldest City.

Since my agenda for the evening included at least three destinations, we headed south early. To get to Gas Full Service Restaurant, we exited at the Outlet Malls (Exit 318 – S.R. 16) , turned left and stayed on S.R. 16 until it dead-ended on San Marco Avenue and turned right and drove into town. After turning left and crossing the Bridge of Lions, the establishment was just ahead on the right.

The restaurant occupies a building originally constructed as a gas station, later (reportedly) home to a florist business.  After dining there, I certainly believe the current endeavor represents its highest and best use!

Entering the place, I was instantly pleased with the décor! … fresh, clean and inviting, I was impressed with the owners' follow-through in maintenance and cleaning. You know, all restaurants open up initially extremely clean – but after awhile, you notice the occasional dead waterbug in a corner, stained baseboards, mildewed tile grout, grimy soap dispensers, etc. Not here! … it was immaculate – so refreshing!

Our server, Sami
A cute energetic girl approached, introduced herself as Sami and seated us at a table near the door. Sami is obviously happy to work there and her excitement was indeed infectious. She was attentive, efficient and never lost her smile!

A menu board noted their dinner specials and … available beer! … another plus already!

We quickly selected (descriptions per breweries' websites):

Red Brick Brewery
Brown Ale
Red Brick Brewery Brown Ale - “Dark copper color with bronze rims. Very thick foam, persistent. Nice and elegant toffee aromas with spices and roasted almonds, very persistent and evolving on brewed coffee.

Very franc in the mouth. Black fruits, plum with more intense spicy notes of canella and cloves. The texture is very delicate. The beer seems to have all characters for a beer with personality but is kind of dissociated having intense flavors at first, then some emptiness in the middle of the mouth and finishing with a bitter finish.” - Note: 6.0% ABV

Narragansett Lager
"Jaws" Beer!
Narragansett Lager - “5.0% Alcohol by Volume and 12 IBUs. A classic American lager and the workhorse of the Gansett stable. Available all year long in bottle, can and on tap! ...We brew our lager with six row malt, seedless hops, corn from Iowa, our lager strain (the same one the brewery has depended on since just after Prohibition), and the purest water from Lakes Ontario and Hemlock … This beer is brewed just right for drinking—crisp and refreshing. It’s got more flavor than other premium lagers, yet it’s one of the most drinkable beers in the world.

Chillin' with Narragansett
Narragansett has the highest rating of all domestic premium lagers on BeerAdvocate.com, and received the bronze medal for American Lagers at the 2008 World Beer Cup. 2010 Gold Medal winner in the lager category at the 14th annual Great International Beer & Cider Competition in Providence, RI. Winner of bronze medal in the 2010 World Beer Championship and the silver medal in the 2011 World Beer Championship.

The Lager is old reliable. It was the first beer brewed by “The Original Six” back in 1890, the bestselling beer in New England from the 1930s to the 1970s, and the official beer of the Boston Red Sox from 1944-1975.”
JBB note – Narragansett is also the beer Captain Sam Quint in the movie “Jaws” drinks and then crushes the can in his hand.

The Jalapeno Popper Burger
Having taken care of the brews, it was time to handle the chews! … Carol had described the Jalapeño Popper Burger in such a way my mouth watered upon hearing about it. The menu includes the drool-inspiring details: “Two 4oz. Cartwheel Ranch Beef Patties stuffed with Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese & Fresh Sliced Jalapenos … Grilled then Panko Breaded and Deep Fried – Served with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and Ranch ($12.50)”  - yep, that was for me! …

Companion ordered the Black and Blue Chicken Hot Brown Sandwich described on their menu: “Open Faced Sandwich with Blackened Chicken, Blue Cheese Bechamel, Fried Green Tomatoes & Applewood Smoked Bacon ($9.50).

Black & Blue Chicken Hot Brown
The discussion I was having with companion abruptly stopped when the food arrived … I think the world stood   still for a moment, actually … as we beheld the masterpiece – an inspired creation from a talented Gastro-Maestro - the  Jalapeño Popper Burger.  The height of this … this … this sandwich (too impotent a word)  … is unbelievable! ...Owner Lindy Loose dropped by to say hello and observe our amazement. I asked how in the world one could begin consuming this marvel and she mentioned something about unhinging my jaw – much like a python. Amy Vanderbilt suggests one covering one's mouth with a pillow case when attempting this, I believe ...

Unhinging jaw ...
I would have sought the advice of companion but he was way too busy lavishing lustful attention to his Black and Blue Chicken Hot Brown Sandwich – complete with bacon and fried green tomatoes on top! … he was such a happy fellow!

The homemade potato chips we both had selected as our side are wafer-thin, crisp and have the waffle pattern body which you can see through. Very unique and delicious!

Somehow, I managed to dig into my “Mount Bovine on a Plate” and the flavor was fantastic. Don't worry about the Jalapeño influence – it is not overpowering – in fact, it is mild but noticeable – a wonderful tastebud-pleasing effect. I was able to devour half of this monster before requesting a to-go box.

I took a bite of companion's Black and Blue Chicken Sandwich – the combo of the bacon, blue cheese and fried green tomatoes with the blackened chicken was scrumptious! … hungry, he was able to empty his plate. He winked and said he was still a “growin' boy” ...

Both entrees were excellent – companion called them “grand slams” – ones we'll definitely order again!

Sea Salt & Caramel Brownie
Sami, our food temptress, casually mentioned their impressive dessert selections. Carol had already suggested the Sea Salt and Caramel Brownie  – served with homemade vanilla ice cream, I might add – so, we could NOT  leave without trying that particular delicacy. Once it arrived, we realized Gas Full Service Restaurant had once again delivered an insurmountable summit of splendor – let's call it “Sugarload Mountain”. Decadent … evil … awe-inspiring mixture of the sweet caramel, the distinctively unique salty-brine of the sea salt and down-home Mamaw-type chocolate brownie atop homemade vanilla ice cream make this dessert a benchmark for the Jax Brew Bitch. All others will be judged against this one, believe-you-me!

Sami & owner, of Gas Full Service
Restaurant, Lindy Loose
Owner Lindy dropped by our table once again and she graciously answered some questions I had about the restaurant, its history and her and her husband's (Ben) plans for the establishment's menu in the future.

Dedicated to wholesome and quality ingredients, Lindy and Ben purchase only from local suppliers offering the very best. What goes into their finished products is all fresh, clean and natural. You can certainly taste the difference and that it is important and notable in an industry where the choice between “cheap but tasteless” vs. “higher quality & cost”  is too often made by rationalizing while quoting business-school axioms about bottom-line considerations. Hogwash! … Quality In makes for Quality Out … and Gas Full Service Restaurant embraces this quality concept – and then goes the extra mile.

On the way out, I noticed above the door as you leave, there is a message on the wall thanking patrons for “Not Passing Gas” - which, of course, is targeted for others than myself for we all know that Southern girls are never plagued with that – we just get “the puffs” … however, it IS a cute play on their name and indicative of the fun atmosphere they have created and maintain.

I can tell you the Jax Brew Bitch will be returning to Gas Full Service Restaurant – and soon! … it is one of those places you can feel comfortable in recommending to your friends and family … rest assured Lindy, Ben and Sami will make your visit there memorable and first-rate!

Jacksonvillians, if you have not tried this eatery, you are truly missing out on something spectacular. Treat yourself! … get on down there, cross the Bridge of Lions and make your night-out-on-the-town or weekend getaway a very special experience by getting filled up at the Gas Full Service Restaurant!

My heartfelt appreciation to Lindy, Ben and Sami for making their place a new and exciting regular stop on Jax Brew Bitch St. Augustine Prowls!


To view more photos from Gas Full Service Restaurant, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276389362446680.66864.181100418642242&type=3




J.P. Henley's in
St. Augustine, FL
Excited with having tried a new place, I was ready to invade J.P. Henley's (10 Marine St. - St. Augustine – 904.829.3337), one of our favorite haunts in St. Augustine. That evening, they were having a Kill-the-Keg night featuring Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales Namaste and El Presidente Cervesa. I was there for the Dogfish Head, of course!

Dogfish Head's Namaste
The Namaste is described on Dogfish Head's website: “A witbier bursting with good karma. Made with dried organic orange slices, fresh-cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander, this Belgian-style white beer is a great thirst quencher. Namaste was originally... A witbier bursting with good karma. Made with dried organic orange slices, fresh-cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander, this Belgian-style white beer is a great thirst quencher.

Namaste was originally brewed at our pub in Rehoboth Beach with our Italian friend Leo from Birra del Borgo. It was a tribute to our friends at 3 Fonteinen brewery in Belgium, who had devastating production loss (1/3 of their annual production) in 2009.”

JP Henley's Roasted
Chicken Salad
Peggy had ordered their Roasted Chicken Salad ($12.95) and it looked delicious! … J.P. Henley's describes it: “Herbed Garlic Chicken, grape tomatoes & savory roasted red pepper corn relish on a bed of spring greens” - I'll get this next time!
Companion and I apparently “killed the keg” of the Namaste after only one small glass each – but there were other motivated Dogfish Head fans there before we arrived!

Thanks to J.P. Henley's for being a solid beer venue in the St. Augustine area!





My third main objective for this evening was to attend the Double Feature Movie Event at Mile Marker Brewing! … Movies at the Brewery? … COUNT ME IN! ...  we were Gone With the Wind from J.P. Henley's and hightailing it over to 3420 Agricultural Center Drive  - St. Augustine.

This unique beer-cinema event was starting at 8:00 pm and the movies being shown were:

“Beerfest” (2006) and “Strange Brew” (1983)

Perfect seat in the house!
Arriving just in time, I was “ready for my close-up” with some of the delicious Mile Marker brews, so companion and I grabbed a Pecan Brown Ale and a Coconut Porter, respectively, and seated ourselves on one of the comfy sofas situated in front of the large screen TV. Neither of us had seen Beerfest, so we were looking forward to enjoying this brew-centered entertainment!

Peggy joined us there and she secured her own seat on one of the other sofas near the TV. This was her first visit to Mile Marker and she loved it – she stayed out a lot longer than she had planned because of the good beer she enjoyed and the great folks she met during the evening.

Mile Marker Brewing's
Coconut Porter
During the movie, there were occasional “official” pauses to answer Beer Trivia in order to win swag and pints of beer. They were also raffling swag after providing raffle tickets to each patron. Although I need to bone up on my beer trivia, I DID win a free beer by answering one of the trivia questions! … WooHoo!  - “Hats and Horns” ! ….by the way, I'm now searching for all obscure beer facts – feel free to share ...

A little over halfway through Beerfest, Tap Room Manager Ben Stamps offered to introduce me to one of the owners, Mike Fierro, head brewer Dennis Grune and Mile Marker's “Man with the Golden Pen”, Steve and his lovely wife, Dorothy. Dorothy introduced us to Liz, who is so funny and friendly – and she and Peggy hit off, as well.

Steve, the JBB and Mike
Steve and Dorothy invested financially and emotionally in the brewery right before it opened last year, after in-depth interviews with ownership, management and staff.  They own and operate a successful business in New Jersey and their business acumen will undoubtedly benefit Mile Marker Brewery substantially in the future.

Mike Fierro's background is, in a word, amazing. His previous business successes include Vitamin Water and Honest Tea – a well-seasoned professional in the beverage industry, he is now focused on Mile Marker Brewery and its consistency of quality.

Investor Steve said that during interviews, all those involved with the brewery were very impressive – they are living, breathing examples of motivated believers – those who not only talk a good game but show their dedicated spirit in how much and how hard they each work. You hear phrases like “sweat equity” a lot in business, but Steve said this level of personal ownership in the success of Mile Marker went beyond the financial realm. It is their “baby”, he said – a  wonderful labor of love – each is firmly committed, knowing there will be growing immense satisfaction for all involved as their “baby” grows up. Notably, Steve mentioned owner Mike Fierro was “all in”, which meant a great deal to him. In fact, he said that perception was one of the deciding factors influencing his decision to invest with his pocketbook – and heart.

I also had the chance to say hello to owner Vance Joy making his way around the brewery and tap room during the evening. Of course, Houston was there, spreading the canine love to all who ventured in. As Official Ambassador for Mile Marker Brewery, Houston holds sway over the establishment.

Matt Hopcraft, one of the brewers at Mile Marker was there and I was able to speak with him and his lovely wife Amanda (with a last name like that, these two were born to be in the brewery business!). Amanda is an amazingly talented make-up artist and is soon opening her own spa in St. Augustine, providing hair styling, manicures, pedicures, facials and many other spa treatments.

Luke, Caleb & Ben
We were having such a wonderful time speaking with Vance, Dennis, Steve, Dorothy, Liz, Amanda and Matt, we missed the end of Beerfest and all of Strange Brew. - didn't bother us in the least. The discussions being had and the friendships made were all vastly more important. Ben had excused himself to pick his brother up, just in from serving our country in the Middle East – companion and I appreciate his service to our Nation!

Sweet new additions to the
Mile Marker family.
Mile Marker continues to excite me. Their enthusiasm and earnest dedication to quality is something at which to marvel. I was overjoyed when the “family” there at Mile Marker formally invited me to come and “brew for a day” with them – to have the opportunity of learning firsthand more about the brewing process. They warned I would get hot and dirty – but hey, I get the same over a pile of freshly boiled crawfish! … I can't wait to do this! … words cannot express how grateful I am to be given the privilege of this unique experience!

Time flew by and way too soon it seemed, it was closing time. Bidding farewell to Houston and the gang at Mile Marker Brewery, we buckled ourselves into the Jeep and headed North by Northwest. I knew I would soon sleep soundly, having enjoyed such a wonderful evening - one so satisfying, it was the perfect Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

It is said “if you don't know where you're going, any road will do” - I can tell you without a doubt that Mile Mark Brewery knows where THEY are going and the road they are traveling is headed toward a place called “Success”.

Jacksonvillians, exciting adventures await just a short trip south … I urge you to climb aboard the Mile Marker Brewery Express ... hold on to your pints ... and enjoy the ride!

A meaningful Jax Brew Bitch “thank you” to Ben, Vance, Dennis, Mike, Steve, Dorothy, Matt, Amanda and all at Mile Marker Brewing for delivering yet another delightful and unique event, for providing our friend Peggy with an outstanding first-time experience – and for making me and companion feel so very welcome!


To view more photos from Mile Marker Brewing, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276402435778706.66867.181100418642242&type=3




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