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,
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
Havana’s Downtown
Cigars
http://www.downtown-cigars.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HavanasDowntownCigars?fref=ts
http://www.downtown-cigars.com/
https://www.facebook.com/HavanasDowntownCigars?fref=ts
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.
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