Friday (Dec 16) found us at our new friend Debbie's place in downtown for a Christmas party! … we were blessed to be invited by Teresa and Marco, Debbie's long-time friends. Debbie is so cool! … just like Teresa and Marco. A bunch of good food and fellowship – and got to meet some other members of Teresa and Marco's wonderful family. We had a wonderful time and spent the entire evening there.
I think the Jeep actually twitched as we crossed King Street on Park Street as we headed home – no, Jeep! … we are NOT stopping at Kickbacks tonight! … the party at Debbie's had completely satiated the Jax Brew Bitch's desire for libations!
By the time Saturday evening (Dec 17) rolled around though, I was ready to be “On the Prowl” once again ...
It may be awhile before I can get back to La Fiesta in San Diego for their Fish Tacos … and, I had heard good things about those at TacoLu's Baja Mexicana and mentioned it to companion. All of a sudden, we were (as he calls it) “haulin' buggy” over to the east side. It appeared crowded but we were able to find a parking spot in the rear without the assistance of the available and courteous Valet. If you've never visited TacoLu's before, DON'T WEAR HEELS … parking there means rough walkin' in heels ...
Not too crowded when we arrived, so we were seated immediately. We then ordered:
· Baja Fish Taco - $2.95
· Brisket Taco - $2.95
· Carnitas Taco (2) - $2.95 each (I liked these best)
· Carne Asada Specialty Taco - $ 3.95
· Roja Stacked Enchilada - $8.95
. Frijoles Charros - (as side)
… with the obligatory Dos Equis Amber on tap …
The tacos were good but maybe just a little bland – though they WILL serve as a quite satisfactory alternative to tide me over until I can get really great tacos in San Diego. The Roja Stacked Enchilada was not warm when it arrived; however, once I took a couple of bites and pointed that out, our server immediately whisked it away to the kitchen have them make another one. He returned in a few moments and mentioned the kitchen had informed him they were having some trouble with their oven and that other orders had been returned, as well.
When the replacement came, it was warmer than the first but still not as hot as it should be. However, the flavors were impressive and I look forward to trying it again once they get their equipment repaired or adjusted.
Chips and salsa were perfect and service was superb. Overall, a good experience that I feel certain will be even better next time!
Being in the area and wanting to “get my Cigar City on”, we ventured over to Engine 15. The place was fairly crowded but we found two seats at the far end of the bar.
Those behind the bar were very busy but pleasant and smiling more than when I visited there last. This made the experience very enjoyable.
We ordered:
· Great Divide Brewing Oak Aged Yeti Imperial Stout
· Cigar City Brewery Hot Blooded Foreign Stout
· TommyKnocker Brewery Black Rye IPA
The Cigar City Hot Blooded Foreign Stout was exactly what I wanted. Dark and thick with a flavor caught somewhere between sweet and roasted – with a splash of subtle fruitiness. Delicious yummers!
Great Divide Brewing's website describes the Yeti as “an onslaught of the senses. It starts with big, roasty malt flavor that gives way to rich caramel and toffee notes. YETI gets its bold hop character from an enormous quantity of American hops.” - and then quickly summarizes by noting the 9.5% ABV and 75 IBUs! … Caramel and toffee I noticed, for sure – definitely FELT the ABV … well, a little!
The Tommyknocker Black Rye IPA is described on their website: “This beer is characterized by an intermingling of spicy citrus hops and chocolate malt creating an interesting complexity and great first impression on the nose. Hop Strike’s substantial 78 IBU’s are balanced by Chocolate Rye, resulting in a nice depth of malt character and deep color.” … maybe I was affected by the other brews but spicy citrus didn't leave an impression – but the chocolate malt certainly did.
All three were spectacular! … all in all, a nice cozy time at the bar for me and companion ...
I was glad to see the expansion into the next unit/bay by Engine 15 had been completed and there were fellow brew-enthusiasts enjoying the new room's ambiance. If you haven't been there since the expansion – or if you've never previously visited, make it a point to drop by there and enjoy some good brews & chews.
Although I had been able to swat the freakin' Fried Fairy when she came flittin' around again, I wanted to have one more beer and figured Kickbacks Gastropub would be the place; however, when the Jeep drove us there “by scent”, no parking space closer than … well, Middleburg ... was available. Nope … this little girl was not hiking THAT far, even for a good brew …
It was difficult getting the Jeep broken from circling the streets seeking (and yearning for) a parking place near Kickbacks, but with the stronghold grip companion and I had on the steering wheel with all four hands, the Jeep's determination (and spirit) finally weakened and it sadly, but dutifully, started heading home …
But wait! … what's that on the right? … neon sign indicating brews! … and OPEN!!! … “dive-bar-ish” in appearance – and fairly empty. My Jeep was still pouting and smarting from the brute force we applied to get it turned away from Kickbacks when we pulled right up front at the Tradewinds Bar at the corner of Edgewood Avenue South and Post Street in Murray Hill.
Upon entering, we were greeted by a very lovely Dawna and I immediately had to “powder”, leaving companion seating himself at the bar. There were only a couple of other patrons and a couple of more entered prior to us leaving. Pool tables are present and ample seating abounds. Restrooms were dated but clean enough and well-stocked. We felt comfortable being there – even during this, our first visit.
When I returned, Dawna shared the interesting history of the place and its owner along with how she came about living and working (two jobs) in the area.
On tap, there was Bud, Bud Light, Shock Top and Amber Bock. Companion opted for a bottled Heineken and I went with the Shock Top. FYI - it's cash only but they DO have an ATM on premises.
Heineken used to be the beer of choice for companion (along with Elephant Beer) when we lived in the islands – and at that time, he thought it was quite bitter and heavy. Funny how the taste buds change, isn't it? … now, it seems not all that bitter and fairly light – owing, no doubt, to recent experience with darker, heavier ales, porters and stouts!
The Shock Top was extremely cold and very tasty. I like their pumpkin-flavored seasonal and I was not disappointed in this offering. Light, but flavorable!
Tradewinds has $6 pitchers ($7 for Shock Top) – and is open until 2:00 am every day.
Dawna is an excellent bartender and I hope she decides to stick around. I would be very glad to see her upon our next visit. Her friendly manner and prompt service, coupled with the comfortable local-hangout atmosphere made the Tradewinds Bar another favorite of the Jax Brew Bitch!
Looking for a value-priced venue for enjoying some suds and maybe playing a little pool? … put Tradewinds Bar on your list of destinations!
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