“This is like deja vu all over again” … that
quote from Yogi Berra certainly applied on Saturday (April 7) as we readied
ourselves for the day's brew-related activities – once more to be centered
around Jacksonville Beach. The Rare Bottle Tasting event at the Green Room
Brewing Company (228 3rd Street North – Jax Beach –
904.201.9283) was our initial destination – but I knew I would probably be
motivated to venture into other establishments while we were over by the
beaches. I am SO dedicated.
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| Beer Zombies |
Given the fact the event was to begin at noon and realizing “it
gets late early out there”, we had set the alarm to give us enough time to
get ready. Companion did yeoman's work loading the Jeep with the cooler of
bottled beer we would be sharing with those attending and all the other bags of
snacks and accessories needed for an extended Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.
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| ... and so it begins |
The evening before, we had prepared “Armadillo Queso” - a
recipe from companion's father – which really does not have any of the
leathery-shelled creature involved – just a name given to it in jest. In a
crock pot and kept hot for a couple of hours the night before, the flavor of
the ingredients come out strongly when re-heated just prior to serving. The
still-warm crock pot was thus another item companion needed to pack away
somewhere within the confines of the Jeep.
By the time we arrived, the tables had been joined to
provide a large plateau for arranging snacks, bottles and glasses. Companion
quickly set up the Crock Pot of queso on a nearby end table while I acquired
two of Green Room's brews.
We noticed that those attending this event who had also been
at Green Room the evening before for the Florida Tap Takeover were in much the
same shape as the Jax Brew Bitch and companion – that is, a little disoriented –
Beer Zombies, as it were - filing in the
front door, wondering, mumbling, “Weren't we just here a few hours ago?” - the
answer being “Yes”.
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| JBB & Scott |
Scott Russell and Gentry from North Florida Sales made their
appearance, welcoming several in the group, including myself. They had their
“game face on” and needed to tend to some business, so they excused themselves
with promises of returning.
Owner Eric Luman joined the group and shared some rather
unique and tasty beers. I was fortunate enough to be able to speak with him for
a little while about Green Room, this event and the previous evening's Tap
Takeover,. He had another event to attend for Jax Beer Week, so he too left our
“Bonfire of the Breweries” being presented table top at his establishment.
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| Gentry & Eric |
Sharing commenced and soon the effects from the previous
evening's extravaganza were overcome by the enjoyment of the numerous and
varied brews being shared by the group. These included:
Karl Strauss Brewing Company 23rd Anniversary Old
Ale (http://www.karlstrauss.com/)
Crooked Stave Surette Wood Aged Farmhouse Ale (http://www.crookedstave.com/)
Three Floyds Brewing Company Dreadnaught (http://www.3floyds.com/)
Cigar City Tropical Heatwave Wheat Beer (http://www.cigarcitybrewing.com/)
Ruckus Brewing Hoptimus Prime (http://www.ruckusbrewing.com/)
The Bruery Autumn Maple (http://www.thebruery.com/)
Russian River Brewing Company Temptation (http://russianriverbrewing.com/)
Russian River Brewing Company Damnation
Russian River Brewing Company Consecration
Abita Jockamo IPA (http://www.abita.com/)
Boston Beer Company SAVOR Flowers (http://www.samueladams.com)
Boston Beer Company LongShot Derf's Secret Alt
Boston Beer Company LongShot Five Crown Imperial Stout
Boston Beer Company LongShot A Dark Night in Munich
Surly Brewing Company Bender Beer (http://www.surlybrewing.com)
Surly Brewing Company Coffee Bender Beer
Surly Brewing Company Furious Beer
Surly Brewing Company CynicAle
Surly Brewing Company Abrasive Ale
New Belgium Brewing DIG Pale Ale (http://www.newbelgium.com)
New Belgium Brewing Ranger IPA
New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire Amber Ale
Avery Brewing Company The Beast Grand Cru Belgian Strong Ale
(http://www.averybrewing.com)
Odell Brewing Company Woodcut No. 1 – Oak Aged Ale (http://odellbrewing.com)
SweetWater Brewing Company Dank Tank Mean Joe Bean (http://sweetwaterbrew.com)
There were several others but it is difficult to remember
them all.
Jason & Molly were handling the activities at the bar –
and keeping a watchful eye on all of us! … they were so friendly and helped
make the event a wonderful experience.
An amazing volume of beer was consumed by the large group
attending the event and each bottle opened and shared received rave reviews by
all the beer enthusiasts gathered, each graciously sharing a favored brew – or
wanting the group to join them in trying a new one.
To view more photos from the Rare Bottle Tasting, visit the link below:
Looking at my watch, I noted the appointed time for the end
of the Rare Bottle Sharing event approached and I was really hungry for
something other than queso to eat. Scott Russell and Gentry of North Florida
Sales had indeed returned and stated matter-of-factly that he and Gentry were
headed over to Dick's Wings (3311 3rd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.853.5004)
– right across the street from the Green Room ... Marvelous idea, Scott! …
Scott and Gentry were walking over from the Green Room, but
no, no, no - I was having none of that walking business. Companion already knew
my preference and was happy to oblige me - and soon we were parked about the
same distance away from Dick's Wings – but at least we were safely across the
busy 3rd Street.
Entering, we noticed Scott and Gentry were now part of a
trio having had a third individual join them and Scott was gracious enough to
introduce me to Preben Olsen of Grassroots Natural Market - who is also one of
the owners of the hopefully-soon-to-open Aardwolf Brewery (see link to Metro
Jacksonville's interview of Preben and business partner Michael below).
Preben was kind enough to indulge me in asking him a few
questions about his background, their
plans for the brewery and their beer. I can't wait! … Preben is a fascinating
individual and such a gentleman.
Since food was a main objective, we ordered (descriptions
per their website):
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| Cajun Wings with Ranch Sauce |
Cajun Ranch Burger ($7.99) - “Our traditional burger w/ Cajun and
ranch dressing”
5 wings - with Cajun Ranch sauce
($6.99)
Companion and I split a pint of Dukes
Cold Nose Brown Ale ($4.99) to go with the meal, noted on Bold City's website:
“This is a mild brown ale which is easily drinkable. A slight nuttiness and
sweetness are present. ”.
We ended up sharing the burger and
wings – good food – friendly staff – clean restrooms … I was happy with my
first experience at Dick's Wings at Jax Beach!
Hunger mitigated, Scott suggested we
visit Brix Taphouse (300 2nd Street – Jax Beach – 904.241.4668),
just a short walk down from Dick's Wings.
We had never visited Brix before, so I
was hoping to not be disappointed. I wasn't! … the upscale décor and
appropriate lighting made this establishment quite inviting. Of course, the
massive bar didn't hurt, either. With seating enough for a small country, Brix
offers a wonderful place for groups – both small and large.
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| Bar-temptress Charlotte |
Our beautiful and efficient bar-temptress
for the afternoon was Charlotte, who was engaging, effective and quite
knowledgeable about the beer!. Co-manning the beverage duties was Grady. Both
he and Charlotte were hustling from one side of the bar to the other, tending to
the needs and desires of our fellow-patrons.
I was taken aback when I learned from
Charlotte that their 32 available drafts were only $3.00 each during Happy Hour
which runs until 8:00 pm every day … $3.00 ??? … every day? … I'm movin' to the
Beach! … Companion! ... grab the critters - leave the rest!
Excited about this discovery, we
ordered (descriptions per breweries' websites):
Terrapin Beer's Hopsecutioner IPA
This Killer
IPA earns its name by using six
different types of hops while still remaining an aggressive well balanced beer.
ABV: 7.3%
IBU’s: 78
O.G.: 16.3
FG: 3.0
Malt: 2 Row Pale
Malt,Munich, Pale Crystal 24L, Victory
Hops: Warrior, Chinook,
Centennial, Simcoe, Amarillo, Cascade (dry hop)
Awards: Gold Medal- 2010
Atlantic City Beer Festival (India Pale Ale)
and,
Left Hand Brewing Company's Nitro Milk
Stout
Style : Sweet Stout
Color : Black
Body : Full
ABV : 6.00%
IBU's : 25
Both were superb, of course. The
Hopsecutioner has the jolt I love and the Nitro Milk Stout was almost like dessert.
I know many have ventured into Brix
Taphouse but this was a new and exciting “find” for the Jax Brew Bitch! … I'm
going back very soon!
Great spot for a great deal - if you
haven't tried Brix Taphouse, you are certainly missing out!
Thanks to Charlotte and the owners of
Brix Taphouse for providing a new and very unique and habit-forming regular
stop during my Jax Brew Bitch Prowls!
To view photos from Dick's Wings and Brix Taphouse, visit the link below:
Companion had done an admirable job of squiring me around
that week and I wanted to do something special for him, Knowing he loves
cigars, I suggested we all head over to Island Girl Cigar Bar (108 1st
Street – Neptune Beach – 904.372.0943).
Once we were inside, I heard something behind me and coming
through the front door was none other than Ed Stansel. He was dining with this
family next door at Tama's Sushi Japanese and since they were seated at the
window, noticed us walking along the sidewalk. We followed him back to Tama's
and saw his beautiful and ever-so-intelligent wife Beth and a strapping young
handsome man - one of their sons. What a remarkable family! … they were about
done with their meal and decorum was the only thing which kept me from grabbing
what was left on their plates …. tempting though, since I've been really
wanting to try the sushi at Tama's - but hunger had not yet re-materialized.
After some discussion, we bid the Stansel’s farewell and once again entered
Island Girl.
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| Comfy seating at Island Girl Cigar Bar |
Scott and Preben were at the bar and we found two seats next
to them. Companion learned of their special that evening pairing a certain
Maduro cigar with a specific beer. He went with the special and we shared it.
Scott had to leave but we were able to sit with Preben and
talk more of his plans for the future. What a fun time! … we have been to the
Island Girl on Gate Parkway, but I think I prefer this Neptune Beach location –
more cozy!
All too soon, it was time to leave Island Girl and say
goodbye to Preben. We look forward to seeing him again in the near future!
I'll be back to Island Girl very soon on another Prowl – the
upscale décor, friendly staff, clean restrooms and subtle lighting combined to
make this establishment a new regular haunt of mine on future Jax Brew Bitch
Prowls!
Thanks to Island Girl for providing another unique
brew-related venue!
The mix of the aroma of fine cigars and the taste of fine
brews had combined to stimulate my hunger once again. Upon entering the Jeep, I
noticed the freakin' Fried Fairy had appeared, crouched in front of me on the
dashboard. The Fried Fairy directed us over to Colonel Mustard's Phat Burger
(1722 North Third Street – Jax Beach – 904.247.5747) and I was certainly not
going to protest.
We had noticed this establishment before on previous Prowls,
but had never stopped in. I doubted it was still open but was pleased to see it
was! … As we entered, I noticed it was just 10 minutes prior to them closing,
so we asked the staff there if it was too late to order some food.
I was very impressed that not only did they not mind cooking
us up a couple of Phat Burgers, they were also pleasant and made us feel like
they appreciated us coming in! … the “phabulous” staff explained all about
their eatery and made suggestions to us for our next visit. The owners of Col. Mustard's are certainly
blessed with some great folks doing their best for them – and their customers!
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| The Phat Burger with Homefries |
The burgers were phenomenal! … the “beef-o-sauras rexes”
they modestly refer to as “Phat Burgers”
served up to both me and companion were truly awe-inspiring creations. 98%
Burger and 2% Bun – just like their website says. A true value for your money.
Throughout our meal, the staff was engaged in our
conversations and we felt neither rushed or a burden. Upon leaving (with half
of my Phat Burger in a to-go box), they wished us well and hoped for our return
in the near future.
Regrettably, it was time to pronounce the end of this
evening's activities. Companion opened my door and made sure I was securely
buckled in. I looked up to see the Fried Fairy once again crouched on the dash,
smiling at me … I asked, “Little one, how did you know I needed a Col.
Mustard's Phat Burger?”
Disappearing, that crispy little creature laughed and slyly
responded … “As Yogi said - you can observe a lot - just by watchin' ...”
A most enthusiastic and sincere “Thank You!” and “Well
Done!” to the crew at Col. Mustard's for being so kind – for serving up
fantastic food – and for providing an enjoyable end to this Jax Brew Bitch
Prowl!
Make sure you donate your livers for science. I don't know how you guys do it and still keep your girlish figures. Fun times, sorry I had to leave to go to that other event (zzzzzz).
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