Saturday, December 29, 2012

My Christmas wish to you ...

WOW! … has this year gone quickly for you, too? … whoosh! ... 

2012 has flown by – and it has been a very rewarding and exciting year for me … and that is ALL due to YOU – those of you who read my posts – those of you who follow me within the social media communities – those of you who we see regularly at Brews & Chews establishments in the Greater Jacksonville area – and those of you who take the time to introduce yourself to me to say hello.

ALL of you have made this year, the first year of the Jax Brew Bitch, a most memorable and blessed one for me. I thank you all for your continuing support and for making Jacksonville a wonderful place to live just by being yourself!

It is my hope that each of you and your families will have a safe, exciting and blessed holiday season.

Thank you again for your support – it means a great deal to me – and I look forward to seeing you – and meeting you – and getting to know you - on future Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.

On behalf of Tinker Beer the Brew Fairy, Krispy the Freakin' Fried Fairy, companion and myself:

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Most Sincerely,

Regina
The Jax Brew Bitch

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Sustenance in the Swamp. Swamp Heads, Alligators and Dominoes.


Sustenance in the Swamp

Adventurer's sojourn, now lonely vigil
Guarding only silence as it wilts when faced with the cursed darkness of the Swamp ...

Tedious otter and winged osprey now still and silent in muted deference
To ancient water beasts and screeching limpkins – I dare not sleep!
Will they return? … Why had they left me here?

Cypress knots turned Satan's minions - well aware of me
Still, yet moving – creeping closer – mocking
As I weakly slap at nocturnal stinging nothings ...
Dark and Brackish water - slither creature under foot!
Biting bugs on back and thigh!
Why had they left me here?

Damn the hunger! … three scorching days and hellish nights
No quiet comes – no peace endures – inside the Swamp …
Bits of root and snail and crawling beetle in my teeth -
Am I evolved from ibis? … from egret? … from some ugly furry thing?
I long for boredom – most blessed sacred boredom - endured at home.
Why had they left me here?

Yet God made the swamp …
Aboriginal … primeval… foreboding … alluring … beckoning ...
Dear God, am I not worthy to coexist with your creation?
God, where is thy gladness? … where is thy balance? … where is thy serenity, God?
Where will I find your sustenance, dear God? … Sustenance in the Swamp?


Swamp Head Brewery - Craig Birkmaier & Luke Kemper
If he had happened to be in Gainesville, Florida this past Friday (Nov 2), the poor abandoned soul above could have found his “Sustenance in the Swamp” about four miles from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Swamp Head Brewery (3140 SW 42nd Way – Gainesville, FL).

It was home-game weekend at The Swamp and Swamp Head Brewery was prepared for the arrival of loyal “ancient water beasts” from around the country as the Florida Gators were going to confront the University of Missouri on Saturday. There would be an outside bar, food truck (with fish tacos!), music and enough swag to choke a Tiger.

During the Florida-Georgia weekend, I had alerted Swamp Head Owner Luke Kemper and Head Brewer Craig Birkmaier that companion and I were headed to Gainesville on November 2 and they had graciously offered to provide us a tour of the brewery.

Per Craig's suggestions, we made plans to arrive at Swamp Head about 3:30 pm to allow time for a tour prior to their opening at 4:00 pm. Companion and I wanted to eat before arriving, so we left Jacksonville about 1:30 in the afternoon. Our initial destination was to be Hong Kong Deli (1236 NW 21st Avenue – Gainesville, FL). Our friend Eric from the Bottle Sharings I have mentioned suggested we give the place a try and recommended the crispy duck.

Hong Kong Deli - Josh, Georgette and Hubert
The trip over to Gainesville seemed remarkably short though companion kept his eye on the speedometer as we traveled through the speed traps of which we were forewarned by friends – Lawtey and Waldo for two of them.

We were using our trusty GPS we refer to as “Maggie” and we soon found ourselves at Hong Kong Deli. Parking is available in front in the circular drive as long as you pull to one side to let cars pass. Otherwise, there is ample parking all around the sides and rear as the surrounding buildings belong to the same owner, we were told.

When Eric told us about the place, he had not provided a description of the interior. As we entered, we could tell they had a “work in progress” but open nonetheless. You are initially met with a counter from which you order your food and then proceed through a smaller room into the larger dining area with several tables are available. The restrooms are just off this room and we could see the proprietors were painting the walls.

At the counter, we met the owners - Josh and his beautiful wife Georgette along with their son, Hubert.  I let Josh know that Eric had recommended his restaurant and that we were in somewhat of a hurry to arrive in time at Swamp Head Brewery.

After some discussion, we decided to order and share:

Crispy Duck and Pork Combination
Spicy salad
Dim Sum – Shrimp Dumplings
Dim Sum – Steamed Pork Buns

The food was outstanding! … we've had good Crispy Duck in Orlando, but I believe companion nailed it when he said this Crispy Duck was the best we've ever had. The flavors of the rest of the food were so phenomenal – don't think you will be getting that usual “American Chinese food” flavor we're all used to. This was less oily - “pure” might be a good word for it,

Since we were hungry, it didn't take us long to get full – we were slamming it down. However, there was plenty to take with us as leftovers.

My sincere appreciation to Eric for turning us on to this place! … and to Josh, Georgette and their son, Hubert for making our first experience at Hong Kong Deli a delightful and memorable one!

We're making plans on a return trip to Gainesville very soon – and Hong Kong Deli will definitely be a scheduled stop on my next Jax Brew Bitch Prowl in the Swamp!

Hong Kong Deli


Sleep did come that third night and with it vivid dreams …
Intrepid explorer in my midst – sharing in my decay ...
“No, eat THAT root, dear sir – it tastes of capers – and that squirming toad? - of beef!”

Lessons of tenure in the Swamp I imparted to him gladly
For he will think of me as scholar – as native woodsman - as friend ...
“Lo, mind ye the ancient water beasts as they thirst for blood ...”
Why had they left him here?

Gone with my dream was my visitor, yet I felt stronger of mind ..
Dawn brought invigoration to my hope – my soul.
Alone I will get myself together and clean my sores – stop my bleeding ...
Alone I will gather food and ration wisely ...
Alone I will yet find sustenance – Sustenance in the Swamp.
Why had he left me here?


Companion and I made tracks for Swamp Head Brewery – slow tracks – since it was a game-weekend Friday afternoon in a college town. Good to bear in mind if you are traveling in for the weekend – allow a little more time than your GPS initially indicates.

Finally arriving at Swamp Head Brewery, we were unable to find a parking spot in the lot near the brewery. We parked out on the cul-de-sac on  SW 42nd Way, hoping (praying) we would not be ticketed or towed. Silly us!

We had arrived BEFORE the crowd – though the tap room was pretty full and there were already some folks enjoying the beautiful weather and sweet music outside. Entering the tap room, I inquired about Craig and Luke, asking those I spoke with to let them know I came bearing gifts. (A bottle of the first batch of Pinglehead Brewing Company Rawhide on which I had the good fortune of working with Keegan).

Craig and Luke soon appeared and I could tell they were prepping for a busy night! … they were both generous enough to take the time to speak with me for quite awhile and Craig provided a most detailed tour of their brewery and the confines of their somewhat recent expansion!

Of course, companion and I needed liquid sustenance for our journey through the brewery, so we quickly made our selection of (descriptions per Swamp Head's website):

Swamp Head Brewery Midnight Oil Oatmeal Coffee Stout
A delightfully smooth stout with a pronounced flavor of organic French roast coffee
Quiet and sensual like a moonlit night, this complex blend of toasted oats, roasted barley, chocolate wheat malt, and dark roast organic coffee, imparts an intense aroma and complex flavor profile. Midnight Oil will wake up your senses!
We brew a traditional English oatmeal stout with a rich malt profile, then add locally roasted organic fair trade coffee while this ale is cold conditioned. Cold extraction imparts an intense coffee aroma and flavor without the bitter oils extracted using heat processing techniques.

Swamp Head Brewery 10-10-10 Imperial IPA
Fertilizer for the hop lover's soul. Our limited release Imperial IPA is all about excess. We use massive quantities of the finest European barley malts and American hops to produce a wonderfully malty beer with outrageous hop expression. From the initial aroma, through the balanced finish and the lingering hop flavors that coat your palette, 10-10-10 is truly fertilizer for the hop lover's soul.

With the recent expansion of the brewery, Swamp Head will have significantly more capacity to brew their popular and delicious beer. On top of that, an automated bottling system had been delivered by the date we were there and would soon be bottling other sizes in addition to the bomber-size bottles they currently handle.
It was fascinating listening to the story of Swamp Head Brewery – including the fact their original brewing plant equipment came from The Villages, the upscale almost-Disney-like retirement community touted as America's Friendliest Hometown.

Craig also mentioned the brewery's dedication to the City of Gainesville and the productive working relationship between the two.

You know me, I could keep asking questions, but I knew Luke and Craig needed to be tending to their customers, so I thanked them for the tour and discussions and let them know we were going to mingle and roam.

After the exhausting tour of the brewery, it is understandable companion and I needed more liquid sustenance, isn't it? … what? … why are you looking at your computer screen that way? … the tour took a good twenty minutes … what?

Swamp head Brewery - Dan Wade and Brandon Nappy
So, we decided to give their current Ephemeral Release a try. Swamp Head Brewery's Ephemeral Releases are a chance for the brewers to have some fun and try some things – to keep their creative brew-juices flowing, so to speak. The one on tap that day was their “My Thai Ephemeral IPA” which was brewed with lemongrass and ginger. Amazing!

We were still full from Hong Kong Deli, so we didn't have a chance to try any of the items offered by the food truck; however, we noticed some patrons inside the tap room had a plate of food and the fish tacos I saw looked fabulous. From the comments I overheard, they were delicious as well.

Finishing the My Thai Ephemeral IPA, it was indeed difficult to pry ourselves out of the comfortable seats we had in the taproom, but “duty called” and other destinations beckoned.

My thanks to Luke, Craig and the rest of the team there at Swamp Head Brewery for making us feel so welcome and for providing a great first-time experience on this Gainesville-area Jax Brew Bitch Prowl,

To view more photos from Swamp Head Brewery, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.372046546214294.89725.181100418642242&type=1

Swamp Head Brewery


Verily, I say that I am King of this Swamp … fresh meat set before me
Slow succulent tree slug and dying dragonfly … a royal feast indeed!
On the morrow, I shall build my throne of cypress and rule with a sage's wisdom …
Today, I shall scrape ticks from my bosom …
Today, I shall lance my abscesses on face and foot …
Slumber will allude the Monarch tonight …
Why did they leave me here?

I didn't want to come to Gainesville and miss visiting Alligator Brewing Company (10 SE 2nd Avenue – Gainesville, Fl – 352.505.0990), the in-house brewery of Tall Paul's Brew House. We certainly had time and companion was as motivated as I was.

As we entered downtown, I was doubtful if we would find a parking spot but we did – a few blocks down from Tall Paul's on SE 2nd Avenue. Apparently, after a certain time, parking on the street is free – no need to feed the meters!

I was quite impressed with the area as we made our way from The Beast to our destination. Passing by a cigar store on the way, I made a mental note if its location. The walk of several blocks was enjoyable, happy tummy full of delicious beer and incredible food, hand-in-hand with companion – admiring the architecture and planning of the City.

Tall Paul's is located in a building built in the 1880's which used to be the stable for the Gainesville Fire Department. Having been the address for many a business since that time, it had been vacant for awhile before 2010 when the Alligator Brewing team realized its potential.

Entering, it appeared to be about half-full but it was still very early in the evening. We sat ourselves comfortably at the bar in front of the beer taps aligned upon one wall.

Our gracious bartender, Mindy was also very pleasant and we learned she was born and raised in Jacksonville! … she spoke of her migration to Gainesville and we explained this was our first visit to the city.

To maximize our exposure to the widest array of beer available from Alligator Brewing Company, we opted for a pint of the Oat Neal Brown Ale and a sampler flight of :

On board with Alligator Brewing Co. 
Habanero Smoked Ale – with bacon … yes, bacon! … absolutely phenomenal.
Red Ale
Porter
Pumpkin Ale
Rye Stout

All Alligator Brewing beers are created in small batches, so be adventurous when you visit – try a sampler like we did!

After downing the pint of Brown Ale and the entire flight of tasty brews, we noticed one we had not selected for our flight and one Alligator Brewing creation they had just tapped. We asked our bartender, Mindy for samples of the Purple Rain Sour Ale and the Pale Ale. Both were quite nice on the palate!

When you do your own Gainesville-area prowl, make this a must-stop destination! … I'll definitely be back to Tall Paul's the next time I venture near The Swamp!

Tall Paul's Brew House

Alligator Brewing Company


Enter, herons! … make your plea! … I'm of a mood to grant your boon …
Imprudent anhinga, scurrilous knave – I banished him from my kingdom this very day …

Wait! … do I sense a presence? … a snapped twig? … scent of perfume?
Nay … nay … a wish on the wind … delicate memory … fading ...
I'll marry Nell upon my return … no more traveler, I'll be … home … home ...

Why did they leave me here?

The Hippodrome Theater in Gainesville, FL
It was still a beautiful night and as we stepped out of Tall Paul's, so companion and I decided to take a stroll over to the Hippodrome Theater (25 SE 2nd Place – Gainesville – 352.375.4477), the old Federal Building in Gainesville which was built over the time period of May 1909 to March 1911. Having a stage and cinema screen, live performances and movies can be enjoyed through the year. I mention it here as a suggestion for any of you first-time visitors to this area!

Hippodrome Theater


Stubbies and Steins
We continued our stroll, the route of which had been suggested by a very sweet coed from UF who had also provided a brief history of the Hippodrome. Our destination was Stubbies and Steins (9 West University Avenue – Gainesville, Fl – 352.384.1261). As we approached, there was a menu board outside indicating specials and my attention was directed pointedly to it by companion. WOW! … Brisket braised in Old Chub by Oskar Blues!

It was crowded but found a table in the “Stubbies” side (Australian slang for bottles of beer). I had to “powder”, so I left companion to order the beer and brisket we were planning to share. He opted for (description per brewery's website):

Dogfish Head Hand Craft Brewed Ales – Indian Brown Ale
Forget about the car companies, this is the original hybrid. A cross between a Scotch Ale, an India Pale Ale and an American Brown, Indian Brown Ale is well-hopped and malty at the same time (It's magical!).
The beer has characteristics of each style that inspired it: the color of an American Brown, the caramel notes of a Scotch Ale, and the hopping regimen of an India Pale Ale. We dry-hop the Indian Brown Ale in a similar fashion to our 60 Minute IPA and 90 Minute IPA. This beer is brewed with Aromatic barley and organic brown sugar. Note: 7.2% ABV & 50 IBUs
Food pairing recommendations:
Balsamic vinaigrette salads, smoked meats, duck confit, braised ribs, venison, prosciutto, stews

Tasting Notes:
molasses, coffee, ginger, raisinettes, chocolate

Grits and Brisket braised in Old Chub by Oskar Blues
When I returned, the Dogfish Head beer companion had ordered was on our table and soon our brisket arrived. Let me say, we had assumed the brisket would be on a bun but we were happily mistaken! … the Old Chub-braised brisket was served upon a large puddle of grits with cooked sweet carrots!

The brisket was amazing … the grits perfect (I like mine non-runny) and the carrots were delicious! … also, the portion was large enough to split. If we were starving, I would order this again and a small appetizer – that would be A LOT of food!

We did not get to meet any of the staff there since they were busy and filled with groups of former students prepping themselves for the following day's game.

Another great first visit – we'll be coming back to Stubbies and Steins during our next trip to Gainesville. My thanks to those who cooked and served that evening – a most deserved, “Well done!”

Stubbies and Steins


Retired taps at Gainesville House of Beer
Our next stop was next door at the House of Beer (19 West University Avenue – Gainesville, Fl – 352.376.1100)

Owing to a return to Jacksonville that evening, we decided to share just one more beer and companion selected (description per brewery's website):

Cigar City Hot Blooded Foreign Stout
Black in color with a tawny head, our foreign stout has a medium body with deep caramel and dark toffee sweetness. We balance this out with an ample amount of English roasted barley and chocolate malt, which lends a mocha expression. Our exclusive use of Mt. Rainier hops lends hints of black licorice to this already complex stout. Food Pairings: Dessert, Bread, Chocolate - Note: 7.0% ABV

Cigar City's Hot Blooded Foreign Stout
We considered this a great way to end this Gainesvilla-area Jax Brew Bitch Prowl – busy, not too crowded. But read on, we were not quite through ...

Gainesville House of Beer

Cigar City Brewing



What day is it? … five .. or six? … ha! … poor sheltered souls at home … home ...
Father with his pipe … Mother with her needle …Sister with her book … all content with their boredom.
Friend Thomas at the public house … Father Michael at the church … all in expected order.

My room! … how I miss my room! … soft bed and welcome window … what did I see then?

What made me leave the humdrum? … was it so cursed? … so foul? … Answer me, antlered deer!

Give me your thoughts, oh dark blackish bear! … what say ye, ancient long-toothed water beasts?

Why did they leave me here?


As we made our way around a couple of blocks to look around en route to The Beast, we passed a cigar bar – Havana's Downtown Cigars (214 Southeast 2nd Avenue – Gainesville – 352.226.8998). I stopped companion and suggested we go in so that I could buy him a cigar. Offer accepted!

Entering, I could tell we were going to LOVE this place! … cozy, intimate with friendly and attentive staff and personable regulars.

Companion confirmed he could enter the humidor and did so, accompanied by humidor manager Joey, a native of Miami now living in Gainesville. Joey suggested a particular cigar which companion had never heard of – obviously a masterful recommendation judging by the look on companion's face as he smoked it.

We met owner Lee Scheel and his friend, Ralph and enjoyed their stories of riding and partying together over the years. In no time, Lee had invited companion to join him and others for a game of dominoes.

During the game, I asked Joey to help me select a couple of more cigars for companion since he had finished his first one – dominoes can take awhile! - and companion was quite pleased with his second one, as well.

Since companion was driving, he had opted for water but I was able to enjoy (description per brewery's website):

Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales 60 Minute IPA
60 Minute IPA is continuously hopped -- more than 60 hop additions over a 60-minute boil. (Getting a vibe of where the name came from?)

60 Minute is brewed with a slew of great Northwest hops. A powerful but balanced East Coast IPA with a lot of citrusy hop character, it's the session beer for hardcore enthusiasts!
Food Pairing Recommendations:
Spicy foods, pesto, grilled salmon, soy-based dishes, pizza, vintage cheddar

Tasting Notes:
Really hoppy, citrusy, grassy

Note: 6.0% ABV & 60 IBUs

Now, keep in mind we entered Havana's Downtown Cigars at 9:30 pm – we exited at 1:30 am the next morning! … warm fellowship, great cigars, dominoes and good beer can take awhile!

My sincere appreciation to Lee Scheel and the rest of the folks at Havana’s Downtown Cigars for making us feel so very welcome – and for staying open and not throwing us out. Havana’s Downtown Cigars will definitely be a regular stop on Gainesville-area Jax Brew Bitch Prowls!

To view more photos from Tall Paul's and Alligator Brewing, Stubbies and Steins, House of Beer, Hong Kong Deli and Havana's Downtown Cigar, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.377454629006819.90924.181100418642242&type=1




Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales


Seventh day – the day of rest? … here in your swamp, dear God?
Weak silly sour toad my last meal ...yesterday? … or was it the day before?
The wonder of God's creation, this Swamp! .. Prone in muck, I feel now at home.
Ah, behold the majestic white-fanged serpent as it latches onto me!
Sweet venom … mist cloud Sirens of the Swamp forming overhead …
Why have you joined me here?

Beautiful Sirens of the Swamp now soothing my fevered brow …
Lamenting a traveler's soon departure …
That chorus! … “Is this Paradise, sweet Sirens? … please tell me where I am” …
“No, tis not in Heaven you be, Adventurer - you yet be alive …
Tis the Swamp where Gators live – and where only THEY survive”

Revelation now floods over me – vision failing … movement? … ripple? ...
Behold! ... the horde of ancient water beasts as they silently approach …
Their sharpened teeth and leather hide … you know, we now share this Swamp ...
I now know why they left me here … I now know why their God LED me here …
Blessed recognition of their God's serenity – of Nature's balance – at last, of my Own contentment!

For the Gators have now found God's sustenance – Sustenance in the Swamp.

Cravitz part deux - Getting "BOLD" at Dahlia's Pour House, Billy's Boathouse Grill and Tsunami Tuesday


Pint Night at Dahlia's Pour House
Tuesday (July 24) would be the second leg of our marathon week of beer-related activities and once companion arrived home after work, we crawled into The Beast and pointed it toward Riverside..

Our first destination that evening was Dahlia's Pour House (2695 Post Street – 904.738.7132). It was Pint Night there featuring the creations by Bold City Brewery. Pint Night is very popular at Dahlia's – so get there early to be able to snag a pint glass or two!

TJ from Pele's and Robin and Jennifer from
Bold City Brewery
Entering, we were pleased to see Bobby behind the bar. Bobby and his partner, George own a production company (ReelFLA Productions) and just landed a significant national gig with Heineken!

Companion and I selected and shared the following Bold City beers while sitting at the bar:

Bold City Irish Red
Malty and just the right amount of bitter on the tail end.

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.
I snagged that shirt! Mine!

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 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 E-St. Ale
An Amber Ale brewed specifically for European St. Cafe restaurants. It's known as their "Lamp Post Ale".

BCBTCB ... translation; Bold City Beauties
 taking care of business
Companion and I must have looked like glassware merchants as we left Dahlia's, balancing all of our pint glasses as we made our way back to The Beast.. We had other destinations that evening and needed to get on the road.

To view more photos from Dahlia's Pour House for Bold City Pint Night, please visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.336383976447218.79311.181100418642242&type=3

Dahlia's Pour House


Our next stop was Billy's Boathouse (2321 Beach Blvd – Jacksonville Beach (904.241.9771).

I had heard and read of their Tuesday All-You-Can-Eat Tacos Special (aka Taco Night) and had been wanting to give that a try.

Since it was our first visit, we had a little trouble locating it using our GPS, but find it, we did. Being situated adjacent to Nipper's, the presence of the bridge over the Intracoastal blocks a direct view of the establishment.

We entered and after a minute or so were led to a table near the rear of the restaurant. The hostess said our server would be with us soon. She was wrong. After seven minutes had passed (we were timing it), the hostess re-appeared and said our server would be there momentarily. Wrong again. The place had very few patrons at that time, by the way.

I needed to “powder” and went downstairs to do so in a restroom obviously minimally maintained (companion later confirmed the mens' restroom was the same). When I returned to our table, there were two glasses of water there which had arrived ten minutes after we were seated. I asked companion if our server had taken our order and he responded that she hadn't – just dropped off the water, said she's return soon and quickly left.

Good lord – enough of the waiting  - and it was obvious the server was poorly trained and was well on the way of ruining a first impression.

I walked up to the bar and asked  the bartender (Jamie) if we could move from our table (aka “Land of the Lost”) to the bar. Jamie affirmed we could and was very pleasant during the balance of our stay. Rest assured, she alone salvaged my first impression of Billy's Boathouse.

Their drink specials of the evening included margaritas, so I decided to swerve a little off my usual beer-centric path. It was good – but I realized how much I do indeed now much prefer craft beer. Several beers are available but nothing especially noteworthy – a good dose of “craft” would make the bar more attractive to me, of course.

We ordered Fried Fish, Chicken and Blackened Fish tacos which are served with all the “fixin's” on a separate plate. All were delicious but my favorite was the Fried Fish – companion preferred the Blackened Fish.

As we were eating, companion continued his description of the game of Cravitz which he had started the evening before:

As Cravitz became embraced by a small number of competitors in America in the early 70's, livestock gave way to bragging rights and cases of Falstaff beer - and fully conforming teams were initially defined as having eight “fielding players” (2 Offensive Niblings, 2 Frummerts, 2 Brooders and 2 Blats) and the two Wicket Men (goalies). American rules established that no injury timeouts would be in effect – if a player went down, his replacement must assist or carry the injured one off the field prior to entering the game, which continued on unabated.

In modern times, scoring through the four attended goals could be either on the ground (known as a woomick and worth 17 points) or through the air (known as a dermish and worth 11 points). Scoring through the “Chumb Goal” was worth 6 points, via either dermish or woomick. The hitlibitle must always be used to propel the purnunkle - any touching of the purnunkle by hands, head or other body parts (intentional or not) resulted in a penalty. Penalty shots were taken from the “Chumb Line” in front of the “Chumb Goal”. Failing to score via penalty shot in the air through the unattended goal forced the team failing to score to put the purnunkle back in play by one of their Frummerts from the “Chumb Line”.

He paused with his explanation due to a loud party sitting in an adjoining room whooping it up, louder and louder as time went on. This was a little disappointing as far as “atmosphere” but something we were, with a little effort, able to overlook.

To me, my impression was that Billy's Boathouse needed a good scrubbing, stem to stern and some formal and focused training of wait staff. Other online reviews of the establishment include a significant number indicating slow or non-existent service. I never make my decisions on whether to visit a bar or restaurant based on those reviews, but my experience there that evening supported what I had read. Unfortunately, Jamie can't tend the bar AND wait all the tables by herself!

All this said, I must say the tacos were great and Jamie was a professional and effective bartender. When I go back, we'll just sit at the bar so as not to risk being “lost at sea” in the dining area.

Billy's Boathouse (2321 Beach Blvd – Jacksonville Beach – 904.241.9771)


While we were on that side of town, we had just a short drive over to Green Room Brewing (228 3rd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.201-9283) which was our next destination. Being it was Tuesday and being members of Tsunami Tuesdays, we wanted to sample their new offering that week.

The featured brew was the Cascade IPA – a single hop – single malt creating weighing in at 6.5% ABV. Good stuff!

Fellow patron at Green Room Brewing
It was late and a school night, so we decided to call it an evening. Besides, there was more beer-related evenings ahead on this marathon Jax Brew Bitch week!

Green Room Brewing