“Oh, but anyway, Toto, we're home. Home! And this is
my room, and you're all here. And I'm not gonna leave here ever, ever again,
because I love you all, and - oh, Auntie Em - there's no place like home! “
Takes you back, doesn't it? … for companion, it reminds him
of those rare Sunday evenings his parents would allow him to stay home and
watch The Wizard of Oz instead of accompanying them to their
church's evening service.
For me, it was dancing in step with Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion
and Scarecrow – with my grandmother telling me to sit and watch before I broke
something valuable in the house. (Companion took over where Grandmother left
off ...)
Dorothy's famous line above certainly set the mood for me
Friday night (July 20) as I awaited companion's return home from a relatively
“non-beery” section of North Carolina where he had been the previous two weeks.
Fortunately, he had secured some bottled and canned beer I have not seen here
in Jacksonville, by shopping at the Harris Teeter grocery store near where he
was staying.
With the Jeep still “at the clinic”, all that was left for
me with which to transport myself about was The Beast and I was a little
concerned about riding THAT tornado and landing it on top of some poor
unsuspecting witch – wicked or not.
As a result, I stayed “home” during his absence – and it
wasn't easy – Tinker Beer, the Brew Fairy and Krispy, the Freakin' Fried Fairy
tormented me every night, attempting to lure me away toward King Street in
Riverside by singing off-key:
“Follow the Swallow Brew Road! … Follow the Swallow Brew
Road!
Follow, swallow, follow, swallow,
Follow the Swallow Brew Road.
Follow the Swallow Brew, Follow the Swallow Brew,
Follow the Swallow Brew Road …..”
Follow, swallow, follow, swallow,
Follow the Swallow Brew Road.
Follow the Swallow Brew, Follow the Swallow Brew,
Follow the Swallow Brew Road …..”
However, I was a good girl and fought off all temptation,
occasionally indulging in a bottled beer we had in the fridge.
Companion had been texting me that day during his long drive
back to Jacksonville, indicating he could not wait to be back. I was definitely
elated his business trip was completed and although I suggested we stay home
that night for him to rest, he insisted we get “out and about” as soon as he
got back.
I had been surviving on my own cooking for the previous two
weeks, with a couple of small exceptions and I was ready for anybody
else's cooking. Mind you, companion loves my cooking, especially when I do
“down home Cajun” - and I love cooking for him – but when it is solely for
myself, I am rather uninspired and eat quite blandly.
So, my mind was racing to decide among the many options we have
here in Jacksonville and narrowed it down by limiting the choices to locations
no further than the Riverside area from our home. Companion had to be up at
3:00 am the next morning and we wouldn't be starting this evening until around
8:00 pm. He had to take his coworker to the airport for an early flight the
next morning, so I wanted to stay close and make it an early evening. Well,
“one outta two ain't bad” …
I finally selected Saigon Time (622 Cassat Ave – 904.378.2348
), a place we have been many times before, but I was in the mood for their
delicious pork bowl. I get mine with the sectioned summer roll mixed in.
Companion gets the full-on pork bowl, so it's easy to order there – Numbers B3
and B5, please!
Saigon Time is
located within a small dated shopping center on the southwest corner of I-10
and Cassat Avenue. Inside, the establishment is clean and well-maintained.
Every time we have been there, the crowd is small but consistent. As one group
leaves, another enters and many are apparently “regulars” - a level our own
status is now approaching.
The pork bowls were fabulous, although the preparation
seemed a little different than normal. We always pre-hydrate here, opting for
“water with lime” for our drinks or tea. Leaving with two full bellies for under
$20, this is a great value.
If you've never visited, leave any pretentiousness at home
and give Saigon Time a try – a good
place to start any of your own Jacksonville-area prowls.
My appreciation to Saigon
Time for consistency in delivering an enjoyable, value-priced meal.
Saigon Time
Pre-hydrated and ready for quality brews from a tap, I
suggested we visit Bold City Brewery (2670
Rosselle St - 904.379-6551)
Bold City Brewery
was my first exposure to any beer outside the usual mass-produced brands. When
we first relocated to Jacksonville, companion introduced to me to the place
after his supervisor had done so for him. On my initial visit, I had ordered a
sampler – and I came away from the experience with the knowledge there was
something else out there – beer-wise – much different than I had ever tasted.
By the way, for those of you wishing to nudge your spouse, significant other,
unenlightened friends into the world of craft beer, the sampler at Bold City is
a great way to do so. The sampler is FREE – all you need to do is agree to
purchase a pint of one of the selections available once you have tried them
all. What a value! … and for those of you who have not ventured into Bold City
(yes, we have run across several on my Prowls who have not had the
opportunity), the ambiance is warm and welcoming, with games available for you
to play, free of charge, while you enjoy your visit. Plus, food is available by
ordering at the table just outside the tap room – in the open-air portion of
the brewery. Burgers, wings, pulled pork and other tasty goodies are available
– and you can add the food selections to your bar tab, payable with credit,
debit or cash.
Dedicated to our community, ownership provides the following
information about their business on their coasters:
Jacksonville: The Bold New City of the South. It's
where we live and where we were born. It's home – and it's where we decided to
pursue our dream of opening a craft brewery. “Bold Beer for a Bold City” is the
motto we use at the family-owned and-operated Bold New Brewery of the South,
which is headed by the Mother/Son team of Susan and Brian Miller. Our ales are
made with love, passion and dedication. As you enjoy our beers, you're bringing
the heart of our family to yours. BE BOLD!
After my initial visit to Bold City, it would still be
several months before I “got the passion” for craft brews the evening at
Kickbacks (thanks to John, my beer-sensei). Once I acquired the passion, I then
became even more appreciative of the fine brews available at Bold City Brewery. The owners and staff
there are phenomenal – always professional and friendly – they make you feel
comfortable being there.
That evening, we decided to share the following three Bold
City Brewery's offerings (descriptions per their website):
Bold City Brewery Chinook IPA
The Chinook IPA is brewed with a single hop variety. The
Chinook hop gives this IPA a nice floral aroma and the addition of caramel
malts adds a hint of sweetness.
Bold City Brewery 1901 Red Ale
This is not your standard Red Ale. This is a very ‘malty’,
‘roasty’ and complex Red Ale. The roasted flavor comes from the high presence
of roasted barley. With a very minimal but high alpha hop addition, this Red
Ale has become a favorite among patrons.
Bold
City Brewery Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale
This
is a mild brown ale which is easily drinkable. A slight nuttiness and sweetness
are present.
We sat comfortably at the bar while we enjoyed the beer and
I was such a happy girl – companion at home, full tummy and feeling right at
home, again as usual, at Bold City
Brewery. Co-owner Brian was our friendly bartender that evening with
beautiful Kacey swinging by from time to time to check on us. (always A+++
customer service!)
The urge to continue my Prowl was intense, but I told
companion we should go home for him to rest. Bless his heart, he still insisted
we continue on and that he would “fight through the drowsy fog” , “take one for
the team” and “see it through to the end” … all with a smile on his face.
We bid farewell to Brian and Kacey and I thank them and the
rest of the team at Bold City Brewery for
providing a relaxing atmosphere for this stop on that evening's Jax Brew Bitch
Prowl!
Bold City Brewery
(FACEBOOK)
I knew the next stop would be the last one of the evening,
so what better place to end it than Kickbacks
Gastropub (910 King Street – 904.388.9551)?
By clicking the heels of my comfy flats together, and saying
“There's no place like Kickbacks, there's no place like Kickbacks”, The Beast
transported us through a cloud of flying monkeys to a parking spot on College
Street, not too far from King Street.
Entering, we made our way to the bar at just the right time
as two spots were open at the end. Jimmy and Wil were manning the bartending
stations and Wil served as our efficient, professional and friendly brews and
chews provider that evening.
After sorting through the amazing selections available, we
settled on the following (descriptions per breweries' websites):
Wychwood Brewery Hobgoblin Legendary Ruby Ale
Traditionally craft brewed with Chocolate & Crystal
maltsand a blend of Styrian, Goldings & Fuggles hops to produce a
full-bodied, Ruby beer that delivers a delicious chocolatetoffee malt flavour,
balanced with a rounded moderate bitterness and an overall fruity, mischievous
character.
Hobgoblin is the perfect beer to drink with meat stews
& Steak & Ale pies, Sausages & Mash, Burgers & BBQs; roasts;
& char-grilled vegetables. Ideal for Halloween!
Deliciously Dark, What's the matter Largerboys...
Afraid you might taste something?
Note: 4.5% ABV in cask, 5.2% ABV in bottle
JBB Notes: A brew we have enjoyed in the bottle many a
time – we wanted to finally try it on tap!
Terrapin Beer Company Monk's Revenge Belgian Style IPA
Step back in time for this holier-than-thou union of
two great brewing traditions that are worlds apart. Kudos to Friar Spike and
Little John for marrying a classic Belgian Style Tripel and a new age American
Double IPA.
Revenge is a BEER best served cold!
The high content alcohol of this beer make it perfect
for cellaring…hide it away and pull one out for a special event 2-3 years
later! - Note: 9.8% ABV & 82 IBUs
JBB Notes: Eye-opening flavor – hop jolt softened
somewhat - and sweetened - by the Belgian Tripel.
Wil noticed us scanning the menu and he offered the
suggestion of their “beer-cheese soup” for the evening – a wonderful
combination of smoked cheddar and Unibroue
Brewery's Don de Dieu, described on Unibroue's website:
Unibroue Brewery Don de Dieu
Origin: Chambly, Quebec
Fermentation: Top
Style: Triple wheat ale
Color: Orange-golden hue
Clarity: Lightly cloudy
Head: White, creamy
Bubbles: Fine
Effervescence: Slow
Nose: Complex aromas of vanilla and
fruitcake, flowers, and honey
Flavor: Smooth, complex flavor that is
slightly fruity, malty, nutty, and yeasty, with a hint of unfiltered sake.
Note: 9.0% ABV & 10.5 IBUs
This beer-cheese soup was outstanding! … served with some
crackers on the side and some chopped green onions on top, Wil was SO right in
describing how good it was! … even on a warm summer's evening, this soup hit
the spot!
It was nearing time to go home and we wanted something to
“top off” the evening – so, perusing the available taps, my eyes settled on the
following (description per brewery's website):
Stone Old
Guardian BELGO Barley Wine
Quoting Stone Brewer
Mitch Steele:
Appearance:
Deep gold/light amber with a light tan head. Beer has a
light haze.
Aroma:
Floral and very fruity, with banana and other tropical
fruit notes, wine, and hints of spice.
Taste:
Banana fruit esters, light caramel/toffee notes and
hints of alcohol that should mellow over time.
Palate:
Medium body up front, finishes dry with a nice hop
bitterness and some alcohol heat.
Overall Impression:
Absolutely my favorite of our Belgian versions, the
Belgian yeast takes this beer into a totally new direction. The yeast esters
dominate the flavor, while the malt character remains solidly in the background
to provide ample fullness and balance. Hop flavors, while muted slightly up
front, end strong on the beer's finish.
Note: 12% ABV & 85 IBUs
JBB Notes: WOWZA! … sweet nectar with a rockin' jolt –
deceptive, too – so be cognizant of the 12% ABV!
Savoring this last selection (around 11:15 pm), I looked
around inside our home away from home – and I realized there was indeed nothing
like it. Each establishment develops its own personality – due to its
management, staff and patrons – and each CAN provide a wonderful atmosphere in
which to enjoy what each has available. Kickbacks
Gastropub is simply “our place” - where the ownership, management and staff
have made us feel very welcome. That, combined with the phenomenal selection of
brews – and well-prepared chews – make Kickbacks our “Emerald City” – and the
perfect place to end this – and many other – Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.
My sincere thanks to Wil, Jimmy and Cindy for their warm
greeting and for being such gracious hosts. Also, I extend my appreciation to
owner Steve Flores (The Wizard) for having the brain, the heart and the courage
to establish and maintain the all-inclusive welcoming environment of Beer
Central in the Greater Jacksonville community – Kickbacks Gastropub.
Kickbacks Gastropub
Wychwood Brewery
Terrapin Beer Company
https://www.facebook.com/terrapinbeerco
Unibroue Brewery
Stone Brewing Company
https://www.facebook.com/StoneBrewingCo
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