Showing posts with label CoRK Arts District. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CoRK Arts District. Show all posts

Monday, October 8, 2012

Bold City Brewery taps into Fall and Jax never missed a beat ...


Martha Graham 
Martha Graham was the first dancer ever to perform at the White House … wow, can you imagine? … what an honor that must have been …

However, Martha Graham had a lifetime full of honors and awards including being regarded as the “Picasso of Dance” due to her influence in that artistic form and choreography. She also won the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the “Key to the City of Paris” and the Japanese Imperial “Order of the Precious Crown”. She also founded the Martha Graham Dance Company, which outlived this accomplished and talented mega-star, now the oldest dance company in the United States.

She once said, “Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of their passion.”

In retrospect, last night (Thursday, Oct 4) was an evening filled with watching others as they performed magnificently  - all motivated by their passion. No, nothing pornographic here, so “git yer minds outta the gutter” …

Bold City Brewery (2670 Rosselle St  - 904.379-6551) was having a special tapping of a cask of a Maple and Caramel Pumpkin Spiced Ale – only 5 gallons would be available – so, companion and I had arranged our schedule to arrive at Bold City before the doors opened at 3:00 pm to make sure we were lucky enough to get a pint.

Although the weather had turned and rain was pouring down upon us and the other loyal Bold City patrons, as soon as owner Brian Miller unlocked the door, about a dozen fellow beer-lovers invaded the taproom – many more were on their way.

The group of “early arrivers” included Gary and Jackson (talented and motivated home brewers), Keith Kimball and Allison Lang (performing duo who are also part of Firewater Tent Revival), Jay and Tiffany (masterful home brewers) with friends Ryan and John Allmand, a local and very talented artist who's work is now featured at CoRK Arts District. Following soon were Mark Corbin and Mike Lichtenfels  (beer critics of great renown), Robin (beer-bringer extraordinaire at the Brewer's Pizza Bottle Sharing events) and Ed Stansel (co-author of Amber Waves and multi-awarded home brewer who took home beaucoup bling from the latest CASK First Coast Cup). Ed is also the “Uncle Ed” noted on the Bold City board as the namesake of “Uncle Ed's Belgian IPA” - available there at Bold City Brewery.

Brian and Susan Miller at Bold City Brewery
Companion and I ordered a pint each of the special Maple and Caramel Pumpkin Spiced Ale cask offering. Sweet, a little spicy and for which Ed Stansel nailed the taste – “like liquid candy corn”! … so delicious and unique!

Owner Susan Miller had a large plastic container filled with Rice Crispy Treats made with pumpkin-flavored marshmallows which she suggested to Brian he open for those in attendance. Brian was a little hesitant to do so immediately since he believed the treats may overshadow the flavor of the Maple and Caramel Pumpkin Spiced Ale. We tried to hold off, we really did – but we finally gave in to the temptation. The treats were fabulous!

Companion was hungry, so we shared a Pulled Pork Sandwich from Vernon of Jolly Mon Catering, the in-house grill master of Bold City. Complete with side dishes of beans and homemade coleslaw, at $6.00, you really would be hard pressed to find a better deal.

Following our special cask pints, companion and I ordered the new Pumpkin Ale and a pint of:

Ed Stansel, writer for Jacksonville Times
Union & Amber Waves
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.
After visiting a couple of tables and milling around a bit, we had settled in at a table with Keith and Allison. We learned that later that evening, these two would be performing at Open Mic Night at a local watering hole. They also invited us to come share a roast they had been cooking all day in a Crock Pot – of course, we jumped at the chance!

Whole Wheat Bread's Will Frazier
As I was finishing off my Pumpkin Ale, I watched the family, Will and the rest of the team who own and manage Bold City Brewery as they took care of customers and joked around lovingly with each other . I realized I was beholding an organization founded and run on passion – passion for their craft – passion for their team – and passion for their customers.How fortunate we are here in Jacksonville to have the Millers, their extended family and loyal staff – all dedicated so earnestly to our community.

Be sure and make plans to come to Bold City Brewery's Fourth Anniversary Party on October 20, 2012 from 1:00 to 11:00 pm. Let's all turn out to show them how much the Greater Jacksonville craft beer community appreciates their commitment to each of us.

Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance
http://marthagraham.org/

Bold City Brewery

Jolly Mon Catering
Companion and I were then blessed with the opportunity of sharing a couple of quiet hours with Keith and Allison at their home while we shared great fellowship, Uncle Ed's Belgian IPA (I had filled a growler earlier that evening at Bold City), some white wine, cheese from Grassroots Natural Market and an outstanding pot roast!  … we also got to meet their “babies” - Marley and Dottie (lovable canines) and Kipper, the Cat!

The watering hole they were headed to in order to take advantage of Open Mic Night was Yesterday's Social Club (3638 Park Street – 904.387.0502). As time approached for their performance, companion and I excused ourselves while they packed and we agreed to meet them there.

Located next to Orsay, there is some parking on the street in front and a large unpaved parking area in the rear.

The place is huge and consists two sections – one with a bar, pool tables, darts, etc. and the other dedicated to performances with a large stage, another large wrap-around bar and large seating area / dance floor. Yes, a good scrubbing might be in order, but nothing just a little attention couldn't handle.

Although smoking is allowed, it was not overpowering to us. The bar is cash-only but an ATM is available.

I was impressed that there was Bold City Brewery Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale and Killer Whale Cream Ale available on tap along with two different options brewed by the SweetWater Brewing Company. Yesterday's Social Club also offers Intuition Ale Works People's Pale Ale in cans.

On Thursday evenings, you can get a great deal at this establishment! … not only can you be entertained by some highly talented musicians who call Jacksonville their home but it is also Ladies Night where ladies drink free from 9:00 to 11:00 pm.

Keith & Allison at Yesterday's Social Club
Companion was going to order a pint of Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale but our friendly and helpful bartender Nick suggested we opt for a pitcher since the pitcher is only $10! ... Great suggestion and I decided to split the pitcher with companion in lieu of choosing free beer from their mass-produced inventory. Now, we all know free beer is always good – but I didn't want to stray from craft brews this evening.

Keith and Allison would be taking the stage following the passionate and inspired performances of three other musicians / duets. All the performers that evening were impressive and entertaining. When Keith and Allison started their set, it was obvious this couple has a passion for music – both are capable of playing more than one instrument and the small late-night crowd there was obviously enjoying this couple as they displayed their musical talent.

As I mentioned before, Keith and Allison are also part of a larger band, Firewater Tent Revival, who had appeared at the recent Beaches Summer Fest 2012, benefiting the MDA. You can also catch them at various places around the town, so check their Facebook page!

This couple are meant for the stage – and strive to better themselves with frequently scheduled practice sessions and Open Mic Nights to hone their musical craft. You can see it in their faces – and hear it in their music.

Firewater Tent Revival's, Keith & Allison
As the evening drew to a close, I was thinking about Martha Graham  - and inner passion – and how it had played out before me that night – earlier at Bold City Brewery and here with all the performers at Yesterday's Social Club.

We are so blessed as humans to not be like cows – bovine creatures who wake up in a new world every five minutes. As humans, we have the ability to become motivated by an inner passion. My hope is that all the purveyors of brews and chews in the Greater Jacksonville area will become motivated in this way and not lose the focus of their efforts.

It is unfortunate some never “hear the music”. My wish is that they will though, one day – my prayer is that we ALL do – and when we “hear the music”, that we NOT back even one small step away from the stage.

Let's all just get up and dance.

My sincere appreciation to Nick for his insightful suggestion and to Keith and Allison for opening their home – and Crock Pot – and passion - to us, making this, our first visit to Yesterday's Social Club, a perfect last note on this evening's Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

To view more photos from this evening, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.361089987309950.86870.181100418642242&type=3

Yesterday's Social Club

Firewater Tent Revival
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Firewater-Tent-Revival/153768074696400?fref=ts

Whole Wheat Bread
https://www.facebook.com/wholewheatbread?fref=ts
http://wholewheatbreadmusic.com/

Amber Waves Jax
https://www.facebook.com/AmberWavesJax?fref=ts

The JamMin Movement (Jamie and Mindy Gillis)

Beaches Summer Fest

Saturday, April 7, 2012

CoRK's poppin', JDRF & Carmine's Pie House ...

The JBB, Jackson DeVille & Megan 

Having a family history of adolescent diabetes, I was thrilled to be able to work with JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation – North Florida Chapter) during the JDRF “The Greatest Walk on Earth” at the Jacksonville Fairgrounds on Saturday, March 24.

The JDRF Walk for the Cure had perfect weather all morning – no rain and very comfortable temperatures. Many groups and individuals showed up to show their support, raise money and share in all the food and beverages generously donated by many companies, including the Jacksonville Suns, Winn-Dixie, Merrill Lunch, Firehouse Subs, Chik-Fil-A and Coca Cola. I have added a link below that list all the sponsors for this giving event.

Working hard
 with Mechelle


To view more photos visit the link below ...

The previous two evenings had been rather low-key for me – Thursday evening, running by Intuition Ale Works to meet Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom's family, in from out of town.

CoRK Arts District
Friday evening, there was an opening reception at CoRK Arts District, featuring the impressive talent of various artists, self-guided tours of various studios with food  provided by Sweet Pete's Catering and beer provided by Bold City Brewery.

What's happening at CoRK is exciting – exhilarating – heady stuff.

CoRK - IS - what the artists are creating.

CoRK - WILL BE - what we Jacksonvillians and the artists make it together.

George & Bobby of BeatinUpJax
and artist, Patch Whiskey
So, GO! ... mingle at their events – behold their creations - you'll feel the vibrant pulse -  you'll hear the thundering heartbeat – of the dedicated and enthusiastic artists working together to add yet another distinct fabric to the rich patchwork we're blessed to have here in Jacksonville.



To view more photos from CoRK's Grand Reception, visit the link below ...


I had a meeting Saturday evening with George and Bobby (ReelFLA – BeatinUpJax) at CoRK Arts District, so after the JDRF Walk, I headed home for a quick power nap. A good snooze later, I awoke, got gussied up and companion and I made our way once again over to the Corner of Rosselle and King hence, the name CoRK Art District.

Carmine's Pie House
After the meeting with George and Bobby, companion and I were starving and being in the area, we visited Carmine's Pie House ( 2677 Forbes Street at King Street) for the first time. John, formerly of Kickback’s Gastropub and my beer Sensei, is now over at Carmine's and it was great seeing him again!

Of course, the brew offerings are not as extensive as Kickback’s but there is an impressive selection available there at Carmine's Pie House.

Bold City's Dukes Cold Nose
and Lagunitas IPA
Companion and I shared drafts of Bold City Brewery's Irish Red and Lagunitas Brewing Company's IPA. Both half liters for $5!

Looking over the food menu, companion and I were both amazed at all the possibilities.

So, what did we want? … something to “Whack-a-Mole-slam” those hunger pains back into submission while mixing well with the beer making its way to our table. Executive Decision time – I think I even heard a drum roll – and we then made our move:

The Barbarosa - “Named after a Tuff Chick Carmine dated in Philly. Grilled PHILLY Steak, sauteed onions, green peppers, Mushrooms, loaded with mozzarella and cheddar, Coated with Garlic Butter and Parm - $7.97”

Purple Haze Pizza - “Eggplant, Fresh Mushrooms, Garlic, Sausage, Over our Traditional Italian Pizza Sauce. When it comes out the oven, we add Bursts of Homemade Ricotta ...”

My Beer Sensei, John
We were soon patting ourselves on the back for good choices. Of course, my guess is that any selection you make at Carmine's Pie House will be a great choice. Food was wicked-good, the ambiance appropriate and our server John was, as expected, spectacular!

The Lagunitas website includes the following description of their IPA: “This is our unique version of an ancient style. A style as old as the ocean trade routes of the last centuries Great Ships. Not as old as the equator they had to cross twice enroute, nor as old as the 10,000 or so miles of Di-Hydrogen Oxide and Sodium upon which they sailed, but older than the Circulithium-4 Lentloid that binds the Lupulin Quartnate onto your taste buds. Weird. Think about it. Now stop. OK, go again, now stop. Think again, and stop. But we digress. Made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts, this redolent ale will likely float your boat, whatever planet you're on.”

Bold City Brewery's Irish Red was met by enthusiasm by companion since he was out of town over the St. Patrick's Day weekend. Malty and delicious, it went well with our meals.

A great experience – and a place now on my list of regular haunts during future Prowls! … My appreciation to John and Carmine's Pie House for delivering a great first impression!



To view more photos, visit the link below ...


Will working hard at
Bold City Brewery
The gang was willing to meet up with us at Bold City Brewery after our meal, so companion manhandled the Jeep past Kickback’s Gastropub and soon arrived at Bold City. Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale and the Mad Manatee IPA were on our docket for the evening and we enjoyed these brews during our fellowship with our friends. We also met Danny, a beer enthusiast who gave me ideas for future Prowls.

Bold City describes their very popular Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale: “ This is a mild brown ale which is easily drinkable. A Slight nuttiness and sweetness are present.”

Of their tasty Mad Manatee IPA: “The American IPA is a different soul from the reincarnated IPA style. More flavorful than the withering English IPA, color can range from very pale golden to reddish amber. Hops are typically American with a big herbal and / or citric character, bitterness is high as well. Moderate to medium bodied with a balancing malt backbone.”

Thanks to Bold City Brewery for providing a comfortable venue to end a short but enjoyable Jax Brew Bitch evening!