Friday, May 4, 2012

Deja Vu at the Green Room, Beer Zombies and hittin' Dick's and Brix



“This is like deja vu all over again” … that quote from Yogi Berra certainly applied on Saturday (April 7) as we readied ourselves for the day's brew-related activities – once more to be centered around Jacksonville Beach. The Rare Bottle Tasting event at the Green Room Brewing Company (228 3rd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.201.9283) was our initial destination – but I knew I would probably be motivated to venture into other establishments while we were over by the beaches. I am SO dedicated.

Beer Zombies
Given the fact the event was to begin at noon and realizing “it gets late early out there”, we had set the alarm to give us enough time to get ready. Companion did yeoman's work loading the Jeep with the cooler of bottled beer we would be sharing with those attending and all the other bags of snacks and accessories needed for an extended Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

... and so it begins
The evening before, we had prepared “Armadillo Queso” - a recipe from companion's father – which really does not have any of the leathery-shelled creature involved – just a name given to it in jest. In a crock pot and kept hot for a couple of hours the night before, the flavor of the ingredients come out strongly when re-heated just prior to serving. The still-warm crock pot was thus another item companion needed to pack away somewhere within the confines of the Jeep.

By the time we arrived, the tables had been joined to provide a large plateau for arranging snacks, bottles and glasses. Companion quickly set up the Crock Pot of queso on a nearby end table while I acquired two of Green Room's brews.

We noticed that those attending this event who had also been at Green Room the evening before for the Florida Tap Takeover were in much the same shape as the Jax Brew Bitch and companion – that is, a little disoriented – Beer Zombies, as it were -  filing in the front door, wondering, mumbling, “Weren't we just here a few hours ago?” - the answer being “Yes”.

JBB & Scott 
Scott Russell and Gentry from North Florida Sales made their appearance, welcoming several in the group, including myself. They had their “game face on” and needed to tend to some business, so they excused themselves with promises of returning.

Owner Eric Luman joined the group and shared some rather unique and tasty beers. I was fortunate enough to be able to speak with him for a little while about Green Room, this event and the previous evening's Tap Takeover,. He had another event to attend for Jax Beer Week, so he too left our “Bonfire of the Breweries” being presented table top at his establishment.

Gentry & Eric
Sharing commenced and soon the effects from the previous evening's extravaganza were overcome by the enjoyment of the numerous and varied brews being shared by the group. These included:

Karl Strauss Brewing Company 23rd Anniversary Old Ale (http://www.karlstrauss.com/)

Crooked Stave Surette Wood Aged Farmhouse Ale (http://www.crookedstave.com/)

Three Floyds Brewing Company Dreadnaught (http://www.3floyds.com/)

Cigar City Tropical Heatwave Wheat Beer (http://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/)

Ruckus Brewing Hoptimus Prime (http://www.ruckusbrewing.com/)
The Bruery Autumn Maple (http://www.thebruery.com/)

Russian River Brewing Company Temptation (http://russianriverbrewing.com/)
Russian River Brewing Company Damnation
Russian River Brewing Company Consecration

Abita Jockamo IPA (http://www.abita.com/)

Boston Beer Company SAVOR Flowers (http://www.samueladams.com)
Boston Beer Company LongShot Derf's Secret Alt
Boston Beer Company LongShot Five Crown Imperial Stout
Boston Beer Company LongShot A Dark Night in Munich

Surly Brewing Company Bender Beer (http://www.surlybrewing.com)
Surly Brewing Company Coffee Bender Beer
Surly Brewing Company Furious Beer
Surly Brewing Company CynicAle
Surly Brewing Company Abrasive Ale

New Belgium Brewing DIG Pale Ale (http://www.newbelgium.com)
New Belgium Brewing Ranger IPA
New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire Amber Ale

Avery Brewing Company The Beast Grand Cru Belgian Strong Ale (http://www.averybrewing.com)

Odell Brewing Company Woodcut No. 1 – Oak Aged Ale (http://odellbrewing.com)

SweetWater Brewing Company Dank Tank Mean Joe Bean (http://sweetwaterbrew.com)

There were several others but it is difficult to remember them all.

Jason & Molly were handling the activities at the bar – and keeping a watchful eye on all of us! … they were so friendly and helped make the event a wonderful experience.

An amazing volume of beer was consumed by the large group attending the event and each bottle opened and shared received rave reviews by all the beer enthusiasts gathered, each graciously sharing a favored brew – or wanting the group to join them in trying a new one.

To view more photos from the Rare Bottle Tasting, visit the link below:

Looking at my watch, I noted the appointed time for the end of the Rare Bottle Sharing event approached and I was really hungry for something other than queso to eat. Scott Russell and Gentry of North Florida Sales had indeed returned and stated matter-of-factly that he and Gentry were headed over to Dick's Wings (3311 3rd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.853.5004) – right across the street from the Green Room ... Marvelous idea, Scott! …

Scott and Gentry were walking over from the Green Room, but no, no, no - I was having none of that walking business. Companion already knew my preference and was happy to oblige me - and soon we were parked about the same distance away from Dick's Wings – but at least we were safely across the busy 3rd Street.

Entering, we noticed Scott and Gentry were now part of a trio having had a third individual join them and Scott was gracious enough to introduce me to Preben Olsen of Grassroots Natural Market - who is also one of the owners of the hopefully-soon-to-open Aardwolf Brewery (see link to Metro Jacksonville's interview of Preben and business partner Michael below).


Preben was kind enough to indulge me in asking him a few questions about his background,  their plans for the brewery and their beer. I can't wait! … Preben is a fascinating individual and such a gentleman.

Since food was a main objective, we ordered (descriptions per their website):

Cajun Wings with Ranch Sauce
Cajun Ranch Burger ($7.99) - Our traditional burger w/ Cajun and ranch dressing”

5 wings - with Cajun Ranch sauce ($6.99)

Companion and I split a pint of Dukes Cold Nose Brown Ale ($4.99) to go with the meal, noted on Bold City's website: “This is a mild brown ale which is easily drinkable. A slight nuttiness and sweetness are present. ”.

We ended up sharing the burger and wings – good food – friendly staff – clean restrooms … I was happy with my first experience at Dick's Wings at Jax Beach!










Hunger mitigated, Scott suggested we visit Brix Taphouse (300 2nd Street – Jax Beach – 904.241.4668), just a short walk down from Dick's Wings.

We had never visited Brix before, so I was hoping to not be disappointed. I wasn't! … the upscale décor and appropriate lighting made this establishment quite inviting. Of course, the massive bar didn't hurt, either. With seating enough for a small country, Brix offers a wonderful place for groups – both small and large.

Bar-temptress Charlotte
Our beautiful and efficient bar-temptress for the afternoon was Charlotte, who was engaging, effective and quite knowledgeable about the beer!. Co-manning the beverage duties was Grady. Both he and Charlotte were hustling from one side of the bar to the other, tending to the needs and desires of our fellow-patrons.

I was taken aback when I learned from Charlotte that their 32 available drafts were only $3.00 each during Happy Hour which runs until 8:00 pm every day … $3.00 ??? … every day? … I'm movin' to the Beach! … Companion! ... grab the critters - leave the rest!

Excited about this discovery, we ordered (descriptions per breweries' websites):

Terrapin Beer's Hopsecutioner IPA

This Killer IPA  earns its name by using six different types of hops while still remaining an aggressive well balanced beer.

ABV: 7.3%
IBU’s: 78
O.G.: 16.3
FG: 3.0
Malt: 2 Row Pale Malt,Munich, Pale Crystal 24L, Victory
Hops: Warrior, Chinook, Centennial, Simcoe, Amarillo, Cascade (dry hop)
Awards: Gold Medal- 2010 Atlantic City Beer Festival (India Pale Ale)
and,

Left Hand Brewing Company's Nitro Milk Stout

Style : Sweet Stout
Color : Black
Body : Full
ABV : 6.00%
IBU's : 25

Both were superb, of course. The Hopsecutioner has the jolt I love and the Nitro Milk Stout was almost like dessert.

I know many have ventured into Brix Taphouse but this was a new and exciting “find” for the Jax Brew Bitch! … I'm going back very soon!

Great spot for a great deal - if you haven't tried Brix Taphouse, you are certainly missing out!

Thanks to Charlotte and the owners of Brix Taphouse for providing a new and very unique and habit-forming regular stop during my Jax Brew Bitch Prowls!

To view photos from Dick's Wings and Brix Taphouse, visit the link below:





Companion had done an admirable job of squiring me around that week and I wanted to do something special for him, Knowing he loves cigars, I suggested we all head over to Island Girl Cigar Bar (108 1st Street – Neptune Beach – 904.372.0943).

Once we were inside, I heard something behind me and coming through the front door was none other than Ed Stansel. He was dining with this family next door at Tama's Sushi Japanese and since they were seated at the window, noticed us walking along the sidewalk. We followed him back to Tama's and saw his beautiful and ever-so-intelligent wife Beth and a strapping young handsome man - one of their sons. What a remarkable family! … they were about done with their meal and decorum was the only thing which kept me from grabbing what was left on their plates …. tempting though, since I've been really wanting to try the sushi at Tama's - but hunger had not yet re-materialized. After some discussion, we bid the Stansel’s farewell and once again entered Island Girl.

Comfy seating at
Island Girl Cigar Bar
Scott and Preben were at the bar and we found two seats next to them. Companion learned of their special that evening pairing a certain Maduro cigar with a specific beer. He went with the special and we shared it.

Scott had to leave but we were able to sit with Preben and talk more of his plans for the future. What a fun time! … we have been to the Island Girl on Gate Parkway, but I think I prefer this Neptune Beach location – more cozy!

All too soon, it was time to leave Island Girl and say goodbye to Preben. We look forward to seeing him again in the near future!

I'll be back to Island Girl very soon on another Prowl – the upscale décor, friendly staff, clean restrooms and subtle lighting combined to make this establishment a new regular haunt of mine on future Jax Brew Bitch Prowls!

Thanks to Island Girl for providing another unique brew-related venue!



The mix of the aroma of fine cigars and the taste of fine brews had combined to stimulate my hunger once again. Upon entering the Jeep, I noticed the freakin' Fried Fairy had appeared, crouched in front of me on the dashboard. The Fried Fairy directed us over to Colonel Mustard's Phat Burger (1722 North Third Street – Jax Beach – 904.247.5747) and I was certainly not going to protest.

We had noticed this establishment before on previous Prowls, but had never stopped in. I doubted it was still open but was pleased to see it was! … As we entered, I noticed it was just 10 minutes prior to them closing, so we asked the staff there if it was too late to order some food.

I was very impressed that not only did they not mind cooking us up a couple of Phat Burgers, they were also pleasant and made us feel like they appreciated us coming in! … the “phabulous” staff explained all about their eatery and made suggestions to us for our next visit.  The owners of Col. Mustard's are certainly blessed with some great folks doing their best for them – and their customers!

The Phat Burger with Homefries 
The burgers were phenomenal! … the “beef-o-sauras rexes” they modestly refer to as  “Phat Burgers” served up to both me and companion were truly awe-inspiring creations. 98% Burger and 2% Bun – just like their website says. A true value for your money.

Throughout our meal, the staff was engaged in our conversations and we felt neither rushed or a burden. Upon leaving (with half of my Phat Burger in a to-go box), they wished us well and hoped for our return in the near future.

Regrettably, it was time to pronounce the end of this evening's activities. Companion opened my door and made sure I was securely buckled in. I looked up to see the Fried Fairy once again crouched on the dash, smiling at me … I asked, “Little one, how did you know I needed a Col. Mustard's Phat Burger?”

Disappearing, that crispy little creature laughed and slyly responded … “As Yogi said - you can observe a lot - just by watchin' ...”

A most enthusiastic and sincere “Thank You!” and “Well Done!” to the crew at Col. Mustard's for being so kind – for serving up fantastic food – and for providing an enjoyable end to this Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!



1 comment:

  1. Make sure you donate your livers for science. I don't know how you guys do it and still keep your girlish figures. Fun times, sorry I had to leave to go to that other event (zzzzzz).

    ReplyDelete