Jax Brew Bitch: Filling up at The Garage ... when in need of something new and different.

Jenine, Joey and Bree at the Garage on Post St., Jax, FL

Do you find yourself looking for something “different” from time to time? … living on a Caribbean island for years can certainly bring on “rock fever” and when that would hit us while living in St. Croix, we would fly over to St. Thomas for a couple of days – not for the beach (though Magens Bay Beach is in the world's top 10) – not for the accommodations (though Sugar Bay Beach Resort and Frenchman's Reef & Morningstar Beach Resort are spectacular) – and not for the food (though Northside Bistro will knock your socks off) – but for the sake of enjoying something different.

In St. Croix, we could reach the beach in less than 2 minutes by walking, within 15 minutes (driving) be enjoying Goliath-sized rock lobsters from Junie's Bar & Restaurant, within 20 minutes gorging on an AUCE buffet Sunday Brunch at the Carambola Beach Resort – but after awhile, even these now-cherished experiences took on the sallow pallor of the mundane. Color me jaded at the time.

By taking a small seaplane ride to St. Thomas, we could visit the Hard Rock Cafe (which closed in 2005), catch the $3 ferry over to the island of St. John to shop at Mongoose Junction and have a rum & coke at Pusser's Restaurant (closed near the end of 1999 after a fire) and enjoy a great meal at ….. Taco Bell. Yes, Taco Bell – we didn't have one in St. Croix but there was one location in St. Thomas (now closed) near the high school and we made sure we got our “refried bean fix” during each visit.

The reason we got so excited for Taco Bell and the other activities was that they were “different” that those we could enjoy on our “home rock” of St. Croix.

So, I found myself in that mood Friday (May 25) as companion and I discussed possibilities for that evening's Prowl. I wanted something “different” and “out of the norm”. He was in early from week-long training and I was searching through fliers and coupons trying to come up with economical brews and chews destinations.

Companion suggested that we possibly try The Garage, a recently opened bar at the corner of King Street and Post Street – a block from Kickbacks Gastropub. His idea had merit, I thought – something different, for sure … and a destination we had been considering the previous week.

I texted our friend Tina and we were excited she indicated she would join us. We were also pleased that another friend Peggy informed us she would be there, as well.

The Jeep “has a hitch in its get-along”, as companion says, so we took The Beast – his old but reliable pickup. Since his truck does not have the same innate homing sense to the Kickbacks area as the Jeep, companion had to maneuver the vessel over to The Garage and moor it in one of the parking places in front of the establishment.

We first thought it was all in an open-air environment from its appearance outside, but upon entering, we noticed there is a large enclosed climate controlled (read that as air-conditioned) portion. The late afternoon breeze was quite pleasant though as we chose our seats and sat at the bar. We were seated between a young gentleman from Orlando (who works for Hard Rock Corporate coincidentally) and a local couple-in-love discussing the young man's upcoming wedding and plans for their own. Everyone was quite friendly and I wish the two couples represented there that evening the very best.

Something “different” presented itself to us when we noticed The Garage has a food menu! … and the prices are VERY reasonable. On top of that, we noted they have several brews on tap including some from Intuition Ale Works, Bold City Brewery and Orlando Brewing Company!

I ordered Intuition Ale Works very popular I-10 IPA described on Intuition's website:

“The West Coast comes to Jax with this extremely hoppy, true India Pale Ale. Our two-row malted barley and caramel malt come to life with a half-ton of Northwest hops. We use 4 different hops during the brewing process and during dry hopping. It’s music to your nose.”

JBB Notes: A Jacksonville favorite and certainly one of mine!

Orlando Brewing Co. Organic Pale Ale

Companion ordered Orlando Brewing Company's Organic Pale Ale – because a friend of ours from Orlando, Mad Dog, the BT, said he is soon going to visit that brewery.

The Organic Pale Ale is described on the Orlando Brewing Company's website:

Description: An All-American beer. American organic grown malts, zesty American grown hops and the American ale yeast clearly identify this beer as homegrown. Refreshingly hoppy, pale yet tan and complex maltiness epitomize what this pale ale has brought to the American beer culture. Crisp, clean, sassy and complex, American ale at it finest.

Aroma: Enticing hop aroma from late kettle additions of American hop varieties.

Appearance: Amber gold.

Flavor: American hops lend a unique balance to the commanding malt flavor. Organic caramel flavors and fresh “baked bread” flavors are evenhanded with the full malt taste.

Mouthfeel: Refreshing and lightly carbonated. Long lasting rock head and thirst-quenching flavor.

History: An American adaptation of English pale ale.

Comments: In the past, this ale was known as American amber ale.

Ingredients: American organic two-row pale ale malt, American organic Crystal and CaraPilsner malts all mixed to give a considerate body. Truly American Cascade hops, lend a citrusy flavor.

Note: 6.4% ABV – 16 IBUs

JBB Notes: Another “something different! … I'm not really a big Pale Ale fan but THIS one was quite surprising and tasty! … the malt/hop combo combines to provide a full-flavored and refreshing Pale! … I will DEFINITELY be adding this to my fav list …

The Garage Chicken Philly

Now with great brews in hand (and gullet!), I surveyed the impressive menu. My eyes kept returning the “Garage Chicken Philly” - $8.99 and companion and I decided to share this selection.

Tina then arrived, followed not too long after by Peggy. They ordered and split the Tuna Sandwich which looked amazing and they said was very good.

Our pleasant, knowledgeable and efficient bartender and server, Jenine, soon brought our food – WOW! … a heaping sandwich of rotisserie chicken and caramelized onions, grilled mushrooms, bacon and melted pepper jack cheese served with chips and their “secret sauce” … the sauce was incredible and I attempted to pry the recipe from Bree but she informed me the chef keeps that a secret from them, as well.

I ventured over to the enclosed section of the establishment – upscale, clean and inviting, the ambiance is quite appealing. I look forward to another visit in the near future!

This was an all-around spectacular experience at The Garage! … great service, great food and great beer!

Thanks to Jenine, Bree, the crew and management of the Garage for providing a different and memorable Jax Brew Bitch experience!

To view more photos from The Garage, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.309108269174789.73201.181100418642242&type=3

http://www.orlandobrewing.com/

http://www.intuitionaleworks.com/

http://www.boldcitybrewery.com/index.php

My yearning for “different” had been dealt with by “The Garage”, so I was very happy to get back in our recent routine of heading out to Engine 15 Brewing Company (1500 Beach Boulevard – Jax Beach – 904.249.2337) since I was in the running for the Mai Queen title along with three other girls.

I felt I needed to “work the crowd” since each pint purchased allowed the buyer to request one ticket to vote for the Mai Queen of their choice. Since it was perfectly legal to “vote often”, companion and I did our part to bring voters into Engine 15 to take part in this beer-centered event – and to cast our votes many times – well, I am so civic-minded. Campaigning, I had been promising “A beer in every hand” - as long you buy it, of course.

Once we arrived at Engine 15, we contacted our friend Danny who lives in Jax Beach and let him know we were there. Companion and I ordered and shared Engine 15's Old Battleaxe IPA and Rye of the Tiger.

Old Battle Axe IPA – (description per brewerydb.com)

“The Summit hops lend a pronounced pineapple and citrus character to this American IPA, late additions of Northern Brewer, Glacier and more Summit round out the hop profile in this delicious nectar.”

Rye of the Tiger – (description per brewerydb.com)

“This amber colored rye beer combines the citrus and floral character of a classic American IPA with the spicy earthy notes of a Rye ale. Hoppy but not too bitter and just enough spice to give you a little “how’s your father?”

Danny arrived soon after we received our beer and he had brought along three friends and co-workers who were in town for the Qualifying Track Meet at the University of North Florida. He introduced us to the three – Randy, Bob and Glenn.

Serving us that evening was Moll, who is such a sweetheart and knowledgeable about the various brews available at Engine 15. One of the owners Andy was also there working alongside Moll and Caleb and the combination of the three was very effective in providing top-notch, effective and personable customer service!

Danny had, weeks ago, introduced me to Kasteel Rouge and he did the same for his friends that evening – and it became … uh … um … let's say “popular” … at our table. During the evening, Randy was kind enough to also buy one for me! … I just love this heavenly nectar!

8 oz. Kasteel Rouge at Engine 15

Kasteel's rather unique website contains this description for the Kasteel Rouge:

“Castle Red is the fruit beer of the Castle range. Its unique dark red colour is obtained by mixing Castle brown that has been left to mature for at least 6 months with sour cherries. This beer has gastronomic qualities and can be drunk as an aperitif, with a BBQ, to accompany a dessert or simply as an outstanding real ale.

After a grand time of fellowship with “the boys” (me reminding them throughout the evening to vote with each brew purchased), the late hour forced them to call an end to their Engine 15 visit since Track Meet duties were on their early morning agenda.

I bid farewell to Danny, Randy, Bob and Glenn, thanking them for their support on this, the last night of voting for Mai Queen. Lastly, I said goodnight to the crew at Engine 15.

Companion secured me within The Beast and we were soon sailing westward on Beach Boulevard – our usual route home.

My sincere appreciation to Moll, Andy and Caleb for making our visit to Engine 15 Brewing Company such a pleasant one on this Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!

I believe it was Elizabeth Arden who said “Repetition makes Reputation and Reputation Makes Customers” - nothing truer could be said of Engine 15 Brewing Company – their steadfast dedication to their customers has brought about their well-deserved exemplary reputation and paves the way for their future continuing success.

http://www.engine15.com/home/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Engine-15-Brewing-Company/428033335437

On the voyage home in The Beast, I mentioned to companion it would be good to get something to eat. Given the lateness of the hour, I knew little would be open and I really didn't feel like a huge meal – just a “little something” …

As we drove westward along Beach Boulevard, I spotted a Krystal (there's “Nothin' Like it” ! - 8151 Beach Blvd – 904.725.4407) – . yeah, well, you know … sometimes what you need is a bag o' Krystal burgers to soak … uh, I mean, provide that stomach-settling and hunger-satisfying solution!

As we pulled up to the drive-through lane, I was surprised to notice the Freakin' Fried Fairy, enveloped in a Caribbean Java Wrap, sitting atop the large menu board staring at me as companion ordered my six Ranch Chiks and order of fries along with his own six Original Krystal burgers.

As we waited at the drive-through window, the Fried Fairy flew from the menu board and hovered outside my window, dancing a Bomba for some reason and then finally lighting upon my rear view mirror. I lowered the truck window, silently wondering about the source of the miniature attire and asked, “How did you know I was going to be here?” … and before flying and dancing away into the night, that crispy imp responded, “Because whether in Jeep or Beast, you are always SO predictable” …

Turning back on to Beach Boulevard, I raised the window still contemplating that rather quick odd encounter and started eating my delicious Ranch Chiks. I then looked over at companion … “Well”, I said, “THAT was certainly different”.

http://krystal.com/

http://www.facebook.com/KrystalBurger

My heartfelt appreciation to the following U.S. Virgin Islands establishments and locations for cherished memories – each “different” and wonderful in their own individual way:

Sugar Bay Resort and Spa – our first weekend together

http://www.sugarbayresortandspa.com

http://www.sugarbayresortandspa.com/tripadvisor-facebook-twitter-youtube.htm?toggle=fbNav

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlqV0VVsTXM (Sugar Bay Beach Resort video)

Magens Bay Beach – St. Thomas - USVI

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g147406-d149849-Reviews-Magens_Bay-Magens_Bay_St_Thomas_U_S_Virgin_Islands.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az50Be5Rwz8 (not our video)

Frenchman's Reef & Morning Star Marriott Resort – St. Thomas- USVI

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sttfr-frenchmans-reef-and-morning-star-marriott-beach-resort/

http://www.facebook.com/marriottinternational

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXria4fKWkU (Marriott video)

Northside Bistro – St. Thomas - USVI