 |
| Dahlia's Grand Opening! |
Several of my schoolmates were blessed by the gods to have a
mated couple and I was astounded at how often they announced their “herd” had
multiplied. Unaware of the process which generates young hamsters, I mentioned
my fascination to my mother. She quickly explained this process – and … um …
well, “mechanisms and mechanics” so that I had a vague and disconcerting
knowledge of hamsterian procreation.
She went on to explain a “gestation period” - where young
are carried and nurtured until birth … another unsettling reality formed in my
mind as I learned from her humans do the same … and then she just threw out the
factoid that some hamsters have a gestation period of only a little over
two weeks.
Two weeks? … even at my tender young age, two weeks was
nothing – not even waiting for Christmas Eve – or the next Cabbage Patch Kids
release.
Stepping hesitantly further into my growing awareness, I
asked about humans … nine months? … you're kiddin' me, right? … wow, that's
WAY too long ...”
Of course, my inquisitive mind led me to ask the obvious following
question - “Well, after the gestation period, what happens?” … (okay, so
the baby hamsters come out) … “How, where? ...” … (??? … ??? … !!!)
…” … (*stifled scream*)
No way I was going to lead our discussion into the human
realm for this aspect of genetic transfer from that point forward, but as the
years passed, I became wiser, reading where good ol' Eve caused us all pain in
childbirth due to not following directions. So, labor pains signal the end of
the gestation period. (By the way, you are all welcome for the edification
you are receiving – no extra charge).
As I was brushing my hair in preparation for that night's
(July 6) Prowl, I was connecting these concepts with the first stop on our
otherwise unplanned adventure.
 |
| Jax Beer Guy approves! |
The reason for the association between Dahlia's and
reproduction was the gestation period and labor pains I previously mentioned.
Owners Andrea and Kris have certainly had a long gestation period – they have
fought long and hard to acquire the location, renovate the building and secure
the necessary permits from the City and I was SO excited their “baby” was about
to be born. I wanted to be there – in the visitation room – to admire their
“offspring”, take a few photos, shake the hands of the proud parents and make
the usual comments on how much it looks like both of them but highly favors
Andrea. Knowing that newborns have pointy heads for awhile, you look past that,
realizing in a few days the new one will start taking shape and bringing joy to
all those around it.
The estimated time of opening was reportedly 7:00 pm with
caveats about opening-day last-minute details possibly causing a slight delay,
so we decided to arrive there around 7:15.
Companion was able to pull The Beast into a parking spot
right in front of the establishment, and as he did so, we saw Springfield Brew Crew
(and newly self-proclaimed “The Jax Beer Guy”) seated on a bar stool inside. A
few other people were hustling around, obviously still in mid-preparation for
opening hour.
 |
| 85 taps of deliciousness at Dahlia's Pour House |
We spoke a little with Marc about how things were coming
together and Kris soon made his appearance from the keg room and said hello. I
mentioned to Kris that I felt like they were at the “labor pains” stage, where
the head and one shoulder of the baby have appeared – and just one last push
would be all that was left to be done. Marc said something like “Ewww …
“ but that's understandable – since he's officially a “Guy”.
We then told them all we would return after Dahlia's
actually opened later that evening - which they guessed would be around 9:00
pm.
Our “sort-of” plans had been to visit a certain restaurant
for the first time, but then I remembered we had been invited to a rather
unique bar / private club that weekend - by a lovely young girl who works there
– during a recent Prowl-stop at Stogies
Cigar Bar in St. Augustine. I wasn't all that hungry, so I suggested on our way
to this club, we stop first at Taps Bar & Grill in Fleming Island, on the
way in the direction we had decided to travel.
Companion confirmed fuel and liquid levels in The Beast,
secured the trailing net to catch falling parts and started the gallop south.
I announced my find to companion in a very subtle way,
screaming … “STOP! … LOOK! … another sushi buffet! … do you wanna try
it?!!! “
Amazing how companion can maneuver The Beast on two wheels –
as he quickly turned the truck around in the parking lot and brought it to rest
in a parking spot close to the front.
Pleasantly greeted, we were offered a table not too far from
the buffet. Although I noted they indeed sell beer, I knew the evening held
ample brew-related opportunities. Regardless, ice water with lemon is my
preferred choice at this genre of restaurant
Many thanks to David and the rest of the staff at Osaka Grill and Sushi Buffet for an enjoyable
first experience and initial stop on this Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.
Osaka Grill & Sushi Buffet
Entering, we were cheerfully greeted by two pretty and
friendly young women and we passed on being seated, preferring spots at the
bar. As we approached the bar, we noticed it was completely full and many of
the nearby tables were taken, as well.
After a few minutes, we decided to leave, since I really
wanted to sit at the bar and have some discussion with the bartenders about
their available beer and upcoming events / specials.
I was not aggravated, by the way – it was Friday evening
around 8:30 pm, so it was not surprising this popular place was crowded! … I'll
return to Taps Bar & Grill soon.
Informing us about this oddly-named bar had been one of the
bartenders, lovely Pamela, when we met her at Stogies in St. Augustine a week
earlier as I mentioned above (see upcoming blog post about that Prowl).
The Fraternal Order Orioles
is a social organization that was organized in August 1910. It is comprised of
men and women who want to make a difference in their respective communities by
serving the community in a variety of ways. On the local level, Nests and
Auxiliaries sponsor various fund raising events for members and their families;
provide food for the needy during the holidays; support local projects, such as
the YMCA/YWCA, rehabilitation centers, hospice care, etc.; award scholarships
to members or their immediate family members so they can continue their
education; as well as participate in many other functions.
The building appears to be an older former honky-tonk or
biker bar – nothing wrong with either two, by the way – and as we entered, it
was apparent an update had been applied to the interior in the not-too-distant
past.
The bar was huge and I was excited to see Pamela was working
that evening! … she ran over and graciously and enthusiastically greeted us,
thanking us for coming in.
We selected two seats on the close side of the lengthy wrap-around
style bar, although half a dozen tables or so are available, as well. There are
also a couple of tables outside for those wishing to enjoy a smoke since no
smoking is allowed within the premises.
 |
| Pamela, JBB and Rob |
The large cooler along the rear wall held 118 different
types of beer that evening, though typically the bar offers more than 120.
There are currently 14 taps with more on the way. But that wasn't the beer-reason
I was there that evening. Pamela had mentioned her companion Pat and coworker
Rob were combining efforts and talents to brew their own beer, available from
the Fraternal Order of Orioles for a donation. Plans are underway to make the
brewing “official” with no set ETA at the present time. I wanted to try the
brews prepared by a couple of those “lean and hungry” entrepreneurs I have
mentioned before!
 |
| Fraternal Order of Orioles own brewed Oatmeal Milk Stout and Lighter IPA |
“Oatmeal Milk Stout” – wow … deep impressive flavor –
smile inducing, eye-opening taste! … hurry to make sure you get some of this!
“Lighter IPA” -
… good hop jolt which Rob informed companion was a reduced-hop IPA to
make it more palatable … I bet they could peddle both! … good stuff!
They also had a Scottish Ale and a Blackberry Lager – but I
assume all the above are in somewhat limited quantities and the style can vary
based upon what these two guys have in their mind.
I also ordered a draft offering of Left Hand Brewing
Company's Good JuJu described on their website, “Fresh ginger kisses
the lithe malty body, copulating with the hop in this pale ale ancestor.
Emancipate yourself from the dead of winter, none but the vernal equinox can
free the light. A refreshing frivolity. Hey mon. Shuccha fwangaa! Better a witch
doctor than a trouble maker. Quit yor’ bitchin’ an’ get to witchin’. “ - Note:
4.5% ABV & 20 IBUs
Here are some particulars about this “Nest”, which is open 365
days per year!:
Hours
Monday through Thursday – 4:00 pm until midnight
Friday – 4:00 pm until 2:00 am
Saturday & Sunday – Noon until 2:00 am
Note: if there are patrons still inside at closing time,
staff stays until they depart.
Since it is a private membership club, you must fill out an
official application and pay $10 to join. Membership entitles you to purchase
from the “Nest”. As a member, you can bring as many visitors as you wish –
and they do NOT have to join – but a member MUST pay for everything
purchased. Companion and I both joined to show our support but we doubt if
either would visit without the other.
Pamela and Rob offered a tour of the rear deck outside the
bar where a fire-pit will soon be added, along with some additional seating.
Overlooking undeveloped area for now, it will be a fantastic place to sit and
enjoy the “flora and fauna” during pleasant weather.
The restrooms are updated, well-stocked and clean,.
During our visit there, we also got to enjoy a:
 |
| Chocolate Covered Pretzel Shot |
and
(graciously offered
by fellow-patron Brian)
Shot of Goldschlager … *ahem* … (somebody said something
about drinking Goldschlager and being able to produce Rolex watches … when I
inquired further, I turned to companion and told him I had no idea Rolex
watches were manufactured in that manner)
 |
| Left Hand Brewing's Good JuJu |
According to a Chinese proverb, “A bird sings not because it
has an answer – it sings for it has a song”.
Jacksonvillians, the song you hear coming from your neighbor to the
south is the “Song of Welcome” being
sung ever so sweetly by the St. John's River Nest of the Fraternal Order
of Orioles. Grab your loved one or a group of friends and make a very special
night of it by visiting – and making yourselves at home – in the “Nest”
My sincere appreciation to Pamela for informing us about the
“Nest”, to Rob and Pat for some delicious brews and to Pamela and Rob for providing an exciting and memorable visit on
this very special and unique Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!
To view more photos from the St. John's River Nest of the Fraternal Order of Orioles, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/JaxBrewBitch/181100418642242?sk=photos
To view more photos from the St. John's River Nest of the Fraternal Order of Orioles, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/JaxBrewBitch/181100418642242?sk=photos
Fraternal Order of Orioles
Left Hand Brewing Company
Arriving a little past 1:00 am in the Riverside area, we
were able to find a parking place on King Street, not far away. Approaching
Dahlia's front door, we were met by John, my first Beer Bud (and
beer sensei) and Kat, my original and beautiful Ale Angel.
John and Kat excused themselves to find some food across the
street at The Garage and companion and I presented our IDs and entered.
 |
| Swamp Head Brewery Darkwater and Florida Beer Company's Swamp Ape IPA |
For our first “pours' at Dahlia's, companion and I selected
the following (descriptions per the breweries' websites):
Florida Beer Company Swamp Ape IPA
“Florida Beer Swamp Ape IPA is an Imperial India Pale
Ale. The fresh and lively hop character is derived from using 5 distinct
varieties of hops:
·
Tettnang
·
Centennial
·
Chinook
·
Cascade
·
Amarillo
Swamp Head Brewery Darkwater Floridian Dark Ale
“A dark, hoppy Floridian Dark Ale. This award
winning dark ale features a rich smoothness and complex hop profile.
Blackwater Floridian Dark Ale is an American-style
Black Ale at the low end of the IPA alcohol range (6.4% ABV), with an abundance
of hop flavor and aroma. It represents what we consider to be an improvement on
what are being called Black IPAs, or Cascadian Dark Ales, deriving its
"darkness" from chocolate wheat malt rather than the bitter roasted
barley used in most examples of this new style. The name is derived from
Florida's "Blackwater" rivers, which are dark in tannins from the
native oak trees.
Blackwater was created through a collaboration between Head Brewer Craig Birkmaier from Swap Head Brewery and Eric Luman, Head Brewer at Jacksonville's Green Room brewery. It was judged the Best Beer in Florida at the 2011 Best Florida Beer Competition.”
Blackwater was created through a collaboration between Head Brewer Craig Birkmaier from Swap Head Brewery and Eric Luman, Head Brewer at Jacksonville's Green Room brewery. It was judged the Best Beer in Florida at the 2011 Best Florida Beer Competition.”
Bobby had prepared a playlist which was playing through
Dahlia's sound system, setting an upbeat eclectic atmosphere for the evening.
The layout is comfortable and the lighting matches the theme!
 |
| Kelly and Andrea |
Andrea was happy with the evening, I could tell. All her
hard work – in this definite labor of love – had finally paid off. I am excited
for she and Kris as their new “baby” will progress from crawling to walking –
and then to running the distance, every day.
Companion unlocked my door of The Beast and I climbed in
noticing there were some work papers of his which had fallen to the floorboard,
so I left the door open while I retrieved them. Suddenly Tinker Beer, the Brew
Fairy appeared and sat upon my knee.
“How and where was I born?”, she asked.
 |
| JBB, Andrea and Kelly |
“Yes”, said Tink - “I was – and I was excited as
you were, but when I heard you talking about their “baby” being born, it got me
to thinking about my own beginnings … so, as I was asking before, how and where
was I born?”
I explained to Tink that as a Brew Fairy, she wasn't born –
she came from my first beer-scented laugh - much like “ordinary” fairies come
from a baby's first laugh.
“So, that makes you very special, Tink … because only my
FIRST beer-scented laugh could have brought you into this world – none of my later
beer-scented laughs could or will produce any other Brew Fairy.”
Tink stood and flew to the tip of my nose – kissed it – and
as she flew out the door and into the night, she said,
“Whew! … Good thing! … otherwise, we'd be thick as
hamsters ...”
To view more photos from Dahlia's Pour House, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.329997940419155.77477.181100418642242&type=3
To view more photos from Dahlia's Pour House, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.329997940419155.77477.181100418642242&type=3
Dahlia's Pour House
Florida Beer Company
Swamp Head Brewery
(FACEBOOK)
No comments:
Post a Comment