“But I don't even HAVE a fez! … any more, at least “ - my
response to learning the location of the Folio Weekly Beer & Music
Festival was going to be the Morocco Shrine Center (3800 Saint Johns Bluff Rd S – 904.642.5200).
I said “any more” since the one I had collected earlier in my life grew some
legs and vanished during my days living on Bourbon Street in New Orleans – it
must have been during one of the Girl Scout meetings I regularly attended while
residing in the Quarter … so much more aggravating then since I was left
without anything with which to cover my halo … for I was such an angel in my
youth ... modest and demure … *ahem* ...
I was certainly excited about going that Friday (April 27) –
Scott Russell of North Florida Sales had secured some tickets for me and
companion and two more for Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom and Kristi. (see
earlier blog post)
The VIP tickets I had in my hand allowed us in the door one
hour ahead of regular admission and I was stoked for an evening of Beer, Food,
and Fellowship! (BFF) … I prepped myself as best I could and donned an outfit
which companion attested made me appear most heavenly and I reminded him he was
simply mesmerized by the glowing aura of my still uncovered halo.
 |
| JBB, Scott Russell. Marc Wisdom (Springfield Brew Crew) and Kristi |
Arriving more than twenty minutes before VIP admittance,
there was already a healthy crowd assembled in front of the doors. We staked
our claim to a spot in the ever-increasing line and were pleased when they did
indeed let us in on time. Marc and Kristi had made their appearance and we were
all able to invade the Shrine Center together.
Policy of the event was to grab a plastic cup and printed
line-up of beer – and then get to it! … I now had my “marchin' orders” !
Wasting no time, we signed up for a door prize as we entered
the main auditorium – a lifetime supply of your beer of choice – just teasing –
but it was something good, nonetheless. Surveying the layout of an ungodly
number of tables before us, the fact that they were almost all dedicated to
chews and brews – well, let me just say I believe I heard the seraphim
mid-chorus – and was looking for divine guidance on which way to go.
 |
| Engine 15's Black Bean Chili Queso |
We decided to start our tour with food – always good to lay
down a strong base of soakin' matter for nights like this – and went basically
clockwise around the upper perimeter of the room. Knowing the need to pace
ourselves, we vowed to keep the samples to a minimum since there would be more
than 200 beers available that evening!
I have debated awhile on how best to report my experience
with all the food and beer I enjoyed and settled on the following list format –
stating at the outset that ALL the food I ate that night was delicious. In a
couple of cases, you will note a comment
which indicates an encounter strong enough to lodge in my brain – one which was
not whisked away with the cobwebs – or flushed out with all the beer which
found its home within me.
To view more photos from Folio Weekly Beer & Music Festival, visit the link below:
Blackfinn American Grille
Fionn Maccools Irish Bar - Amazing Braised
Pork Belly!
Libretto's Pizzeria
Mojo Kitchen
Nippers Beach Grille
The Pier Cantina
Poe's Tavern
Suite
Tijuana Flats – Outstanding Chicken Tacos!
Urban Flats
Now the beer! … my
original mission on this pilgrimage had been to try as many beers as possible
but reality settled in quite early, so I had to concentrate on those to which I
had never been introduced. I list them all because others were certainly
enjoying the ones I passed by … and yes, I DID pass some by ... I promise …
(*adjusting halo*) …
Blue Point Brewing Company
Blueberry Ale
Hoptical Illusion
Pale Ale
RastafaRye Ale
Summer Ale
Toasted Lager
 |
| Marc, Scott, JBB & Andy from Engine 15 Brewing Co. singing, "It's Raining Men" by the Weather Girls |
CROWN IMPORTS
Corona
Corona
Corona Light
Pacifico Beer
Grupo Modelo Brewery
Negra Modelo
Modelo
Especial
Tsingtao Beer
Tsingtao
Tsingtao Pure
St. Pauli Girl
St. Pauli Girl
St. Pauli Dark
Engine 15 Brewing Company
Hoffbrau – Munich Helles
Lost Coast – Tangerine wheat
Mystery Beer 1
Mystery Beer 2
Ragtime Tavern
Dolphins
Breath Light Lager
Red Brick Ale
Seven Bridges
White Chocolate Espresso (YUMMERS!)
Lime Light
Toll Tender IPA
Tona Cerveza
 |
| Bold City Brewing |
Asahi
Asahi
Asahi Dry
AB/INBEV
Becks
Becks Dark
Boddingtons
Leffe
Stella
Hoegarden
Bass
Bold City Brewing
Dukes
Killer Whale
1901
Mad Manatee
Rhino Rye
Fritz
 |
| JBB & Stu with SweetWater Brewing Co. |
SweetWater
SweetWater 420
Blue
IPA
Road Trip
Victory Brewing Company
Hop Devil
Storm king
Donny Brook
Headwaters Pale
Prima Pils
Hop Wallop
Old Horizontal
Golden Monkey
Southern Tier Brewing Company
Pale
IPA
Phin & Matt's
Farmers Tan
2XIPA
Backburner
Jahva
Oak Aged Unearthly
Gemeni
Choklat
Budweiser
Budweiser
Bud Light
Platinum
Bud Light Lime
Natural Light
Busch
Bud Select
Landshark
Rolling Rock
Rolling Rock Light
Busch light
Select 55
Bud Ice
Michelob Brewing Company
Ultra
Michelob Light
Amberbock
19th Hole
Kona Brewing Company
Longboard
Firerock
Koko Brown
Green Room Brewing
Various
Redhook Ale Brewery
ESB
IPA
Widmer Brothers
Bon
Galaxy
Drifter
Florida Beer Company
Keywest
Pils
Southernmost
Swamp Ape
Florida Lager
Sunset Ale
Conchtober
Shocktop (A/B)
Shocktop Ale
Raspberry
Wheat IPA
Lemon Shandy
 |
| Libretto's Pizzeria |
Woodchuck Cider
Variety Pack
Summer
Strongbow
Kelly's Irish Cider
Traditional
Raspberry
Krombacher Brauerei
Pilsner
Weizzsen
Dark
Margaritaville Spiked Drinks
Spiked Lemonade
Spike Tea
 |
| Pina Colada Cupcakes |
Capital Brewery
Supper Club
Amber
Blonde
Fest
Estrella Brewery
Damm
Daura
National Brands
Spaten North American
Tucher
Banks
Full Sail
Napa Smith
Unibrew
Fullers
Ace Cider
 |
| Fionn MacCool's Braised Pork Belly |
Jack's Cider
Kalik
Pensacola Bay Brewery
Lighthouse
Riptide
Kirin brewery USA
Ichiban
Ichiban Light
Murphy's Brewery
Stout
Red
 |
| "Rockin' the Casbah" |
Outside the main auditorium, there was a large area filled
with tables with servers slingin'
Budweiser, Rolling Rock and some other beers, a Dunk Tank, a Rock Wall
Climb set-up and tents for both the Chicken-Wing Eating Contest and hookahs, samples
being provided by Casbah Cafe & Bar of Avondale (3628 Saint Johns Avenue – 904.981.9966). I was unsure of how to get
in the hookah line … *pause* ... and was obviously looking a little puzzled.
The owner of Casbah Cafe took pity on me and led me to a table and provided
information on what was available and a little about his establishment. I was
able to sample the blueberry flavored hookah but this section was very popular
and the line was quite long (when I found the end of it), so I didn't “go back
for seconds”. Now, I can't wait to try Casbah Cafe – it is definitely on my
list of must-visit destinations.
Those pouring the beer at the various tables (mainly young
women) were admittedly eye-candy with basic knowledge of the brews they were
sharing. Understandable, given the packed crowd and number of people standing
at each table! … it would have been difficult for a knowledgeable rep from each
brewery to impart anything worthwhile to the multitude of marathon
beer-drinkers cascading by each display.
Of course, Bold City,
Green Room and Engine 15 had
their owners and members of their superior staff present, so any questions
event attendees had about their respective brews were answered in specific
detail. Engine 15 was also providing some black bean queso dip with chips –
which companion and I decided w2e MUST have – so glad we did – it was
incredible!
 |
| Brittany & Steve Halford from Brewer's Pizza representing, Pinglehead Brewing Co. |
The seraphic chorus I had earlier imagined must have
actually been the warm-up of the live local band, Split Tone
entertaining the massive crowd for the evening. Great music by a very talented
group! … I even caught companion doing a little toe-tappin' … rare, indeed!
We kept running into people we knew – no, not physically – gad,
what condition do you think I was in? … we were pleased to see our friends
from other venues there – Rich (active military – see earlier blog posts),
Ryan, the impressive bartender from European Street (Jax Beach), Caleb from
Engine 15 and Steve and Brittany Halford from Brewer’s Pizza.
 |
| Chef, Kevin Gaston of Fionn Macool's Irish Restaurant and Pub |
Also, we were able to meet some people for the first time,
including Kevin Gaston, the chef at Fionn MacCool's Irish Restaurant &
Pub at The Landing. As noted earlier, his Braised Pork Belly was
spectacular and his table was a very popular stop for those in attendance that
evening.
The auditorium was filled and I noted how happy everybody
seemed to be – the everyday issues, worries and concerns were all put on a
back-burner so that each person appeared to be thoroughly enjoying themselves –
I believe a truly significant benefit that beer-centric events provide to
attendees.
 |
| JBB, Scott and Andy |
Just as the event began promptly on time, so it ended. At
the appointed time, members of the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office cordially
invited attendees to exit the building. They were indeed gracious but firm in
their objective and this made for a smooth transition out of heaven – Paradise
Lost, as it were. “Well done” to the professional (and understanding) uniformed
law enforcement officers for how well they corralled and herded all the event
attendees out the doors!
Morocco Shrine Center was incredible – first time we had
ever set foot in the massive building – and it was obvious maintenance is
superb. I admire their mission which is best stated on their website:
“Morocco Shrine has been helping kids and making a
positive impact in North Florida for over a hundred years.”
Of their “kids”, they state:
“We call them "Our Kids" because once our
Noble organization begins to offer help to a child in need, that child becomes
a part of our family. We, then, as fraternal brethren and providers of the
finest medical care available - seem to become a part of that child's family as
well.
Every child's smile is why our clowns put on makeup.
Every child's tears; why we're quick to lend a hand.
Every child's triumph is shared by every Shriner.
For over 80 years and all across the land.
The impact that Shriners Hospitals has on these children is demonstrated time
after time when a recovering child, perhaps years after their medical
treatment, hugs a Shriner they've only just met to thank them... or in a quiet
hospital room where relieved parents know their child is in the best hands...
and when a little face looks up from his hospital bed with bright eyes and says
in a tiny voice to the man wearing his Fez, "you're my second Daddy".
These really are "Our Kids"
From my youth, I have always had a special place in my heart
for Shriners – for reasons known only to myself and companion.
I hope that you too will find a special place in YOUR
heart - and pocketbook - to send a
donation over to the Morocco Shrine Center. Let them know that we
Jacksonvillians appreciate that source of love and affection for all the
suffering, irrespective of race, creed, or affiliation they offer - and which
they have steadfastly provided in our area since 1889. (http://www.moroccoshrine.org/Contribute.asp)
 |
| Scott, Andy and Luch of Engine 15 Brewing Co. |
My sincere appreciation to Scott Russell of North Florida
Sales for his generous gift; to Marc and Kristi for their warm fellowship;
to the organizers of the Folio Weekly Beer & Music Festival for an
outstanding event; and to the Morocco Shrine Center for providing the
facility and their outstanding civic involvement making Jacksonville a better
place to live.
… and Mr. Smith (now in the presence of the cherubim above),
thank you from the little girl who needed someone to show her they cared – at
just the right time.
To view more photos from Folio Weekly Beer & Music
Festival, visit the link below:
Morocco Shrine Center
 |
| Melee |
Split Tone
Blue Point Brewing Company
CROWN
IMPORTS, LLC
Corona
Pacifico Beer
Grupo Modelo Brewery
Tsingtao Beer
St.
Pauli Girl
Engine 15 Brewing Company
Ragtime
Tavern
http://www.facebook.com/RagtimeTavern
Seven
Bridges Grille and Brewery
Tona
Cerveza
http://www.cervezatona.com/en/
Asahi
Beer USA
http://www.asahibeerusa.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AsahiBeerUSA
Bold City Brewery
SweetWater Brewing Company
Victory Brewing Company
Southern Tier Brewing Company
Budweiser
Anheuser-Busch InBev
Busch Beer
Michelob Brewing Company
Kona Brewing Company
Redhook Ale Brewery
Florida Beer Company
Shock Top Beer
Woodchuck Cider
Kelly's Irish Cider
Krombacher Brauerei
Margaritaville Spiked Drinks
Capital Brewery
Estrella Brewery
National Brands
Spaten North American
Tucher Brewery
Banks Barbados Brewery
Full Sail Brewing
Napa Smith Brewery
Unibrew Brewery
Fullers Brewery
Ace Cider
Jack's Hard Cider
Kalik
http://www.heinekeninternational.com/commonwealthbrewerybahamas.aspx
Pensacola Bay Brewery
Kirin Brewery USA
Murphy's Brewery
I had sailed out of the auditorium on the wings of St.
Inebrious, still in the spirit of fellowship and brews and companion said he
almost had to tether me to the Jeep seat.
It had been our plan to attend the after-event party at The
Pier but a suggestion floating around near the end of the event was judged to
have enough gravitas to make it our “plan of the hour” - go to Suite
instead. Suite had been one of the establishments with a table at the Folio
Weekly Beer and Music festival offering desserts and samples of martinis. We
figured we may be able to get a nibble, even at that late hour – so, the four
of us headed for our vehicles.
A quick Jeep ride later, we arrived at St. Johns Town Center
and meandered through it until finding a rather sweet parking spot right in
front of Suite (sorry – just had to do that). We had never visited Suite
before, so we were looking forward to it. Entering, the atmosphere was
energetic with a significant number of patrons already enjoying themselves.
Companion and Marc spied a table for four up front while Kristi and I went to
“powder” …
Upon returning from the “little girls room”, we waited quite
a while – noting Suite personnel walking by from time to time – smiling and
determined – but paying no real attention to us. Marc went and inquired about
service and it was then we learned there is no table service at Suite - at that
hour. Customers must belly-up to the bar to get anything – and we were informed
the table at which we were seated was going to be removed soon in order to make
more room for the dance-floor.
I understood that, given the late hour and the fact most of
their customers were primed and ready for … well … “activity” …. and preferred
to socialize around the bar and dance-floor. However, after a full evening of
beer and music, we were more in the mood for sitting and enjoying some late night
craft brews. We bid farewell to Suite
that evening, but I certainly plan on returning in the near future, early in
the evening and try something off their impressive menu!
The four of us discussed our next move and it was decided to
indeed go over to The Pier – not really knowing exactly where it is located –
keep in mind, I have only been here in Jacksonville for a couple of years and
only started stretching my self-indulgent legs and Prowling a mere six months
ago.
Aggravation reared its ugly head as we attempted to find The
Pier – we even tried dead reckoning, navigating by the stars, divining with a
stick, yelling at passers-by, etc. … no luck ...
We received a text from Kristi that their truck had been hit
by another car WHILE they were still partially IN their parking space at Suite.
They were unsure of how soon law enforcement would arrive but we told them we
had given up our search for The Pier and were going to get cozy at one of our
favorite places, Island Girl Cigar Bar in Neptune Beach (108 1st Street
– Neptune Beach – 904.372.0943).
Fortunately, we were able to locate a parking spot right in
front of Island Girl and were pleased to see available seating at the bar.
 |
| Left; Brian, Humidor Manager |
Companion loves this place – as do I – and he couldn't wait
to get into the humidor. I secured four seats at the bar as companion floated
into the confines of the spacious cigar trove. After a few moments, I decided
to join him and inside I met Brian, Humidor Manager for Island Girl who was providing
companion with some info and suggestions.
It is so comfortable inside Island Girl Cigar Bar there at the Beach. There is no ear-piercing
music making it impossible to communicate with someone right next to you
(without texting) – though that type of atmosphere has its time and place –
ample plush seating, great service and a worthy selection of draft beer.
Companion “loves him a cigar” every now and then and always finds the right one
for the evening with the help of the gracious staff there at Island Girl.
I do occasionally enjoy a few puffs myself – but only when
we go to a cigar bar – and with the right beer-pairing, I can see why companion
loves them so. The knowledgeable crew at Island Girl can assist you with just
the right combo during your next visit – which I suggest you plan for the very
near future!
Back at the bar, Brian had decided to assist Shauna behind
the bar due to the significant crowd. Shauna is so sweet and efficiently and
graciously serves her customers. Maybe being in a cigar bar put us in a “brown
mood”, so we ordered the following two beers:
Bold City Brewing's 1901 Red Ale,
described on Bold City's website:
"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."
and
Newcastle Brown Ale, described on Newcastle's
website:
“A true One and Only, Newcastle Brown Ale features fewer
hops for a less bitter taste, a blend of light and dark malts for a unique,
smooth flavor and a cool temperature for easy drinking.”
Brian was kind enough to answer a few questions about Island
Girl and how he came to work there. First visiting there as a consumer, he
found himself with the opportunity of working there and is now Humidor Manager.
He also provided some details about the soon-to-be opened Island Girl location
in Ponte Vedra Beach (it is now open in the Medure complex with Pusser's and
Ruth's Chris Steakhouse).
From what I understand, island Girl opened with one location
on Gate Parkway in 2009 and has now grow the three locations. The owners have
written regarding their history:
“Island Girl was the name of our boat. We had the best
of times aboard Island Girl and often took her to the Bahamas. We enjoyed
cruising the Abacos ... Green Turtle Cay, Treasure Cay, Marsh Harbour, Hope
Town, & Little Harbour, where we anchored in a quiet island lagoon and made
excursions to Pete's Pub.
There's never any hurry when you're on island time as
we found out when clearing customs! The tropical sunny weather, crystal clear
water, sandy beaches & sangria boat drinks made this paradise. We hope you
enjoy a little of island life while you're here."
One of our favorite places, I'll be including Island Girl Cigar Bar on many future
Prowls!
Sadly, I realized the evening was drawing to a close and I
said goodbye to Brian and thanked him for the information he had provided about
Island Girl and his fascinating background. With the arm of companion, I made
my way to the front door, admiring the décor along the way.
The Jeep was thankfully just a few steps from Island Girl
Cigar Bar … thankfully, because I had walked a lot when I was at the Folio Weekly Beer & Music Festival
earlier in the evening and my feet were now hurting … what? … yes, my
FEET were hurting … and it was difficult to walk … what? … why? … what were
you thinking?
As companion poured … I mean, got me comfortably buckled
into my seat, I noticed Tinker Beer, the Brew Fairy, perched on my knee,
laughing and shaking her head … she had the nerve to ask me if my halo was
still intact – that it looked to her a little bent and nicked in places, here
and there … and then she had the gall to remind me a halo has to slip only a
few inches to become a noose. I promptly – and solidly - swatted her out of the
Jeep …
Companion pointed the Jeep toward home and I settled in for
a snooze, still thinking of Tinker Beer's insinuations.
Silly Tink – she should KNOW my halo NEVER gets dented.. I
always keep it securely fastened to my horns so it won't get damaged.
My thanks to Brian and Shauna for their superior service and
to Island Girl Cigar Bar for providing a relaxing environment to end this
exciting - and most heavenly - Jax Brew
Bitch Prowl!
http://newcastlebrown.com/
Joyous to come across this Beer and music festival. Would love to attend it but recently working on my friend’s social event at one of event venues. She is hosting this event for one orphanage home. Hope everything will go good that day.
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