Jax Brew Bitch: Grassroots Natural Market

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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Beer Sharing, Good Eats and Bold Toe-Tapping Tunes

Saturday gathering at Green Room Brewing. Open to all

If “craft beer” is a focal point for you – regardless of the amount of craft beer you have tasted, you are invited to participate in the Bottle Sharing get-togethers at Green Room Brewing on Saturdays – usually at 2:00 pm.

There is no cost for attending.

We DO ask you:

a) bring a bomber or two smaller bottles of craft beer

b) bring your favorite tasting glass (if you forget, we'll have cups for you);

c) be willing to buy a pint of something from Green Room, the owners of which are kind enough to provide the space for all of us to enjoy good beer and fellowship.

For those of you who have never attended a Bottle Sharing get-together:

The craft beer you bring does NOT have to be expensive – just something you like or want to try and share with the group. If you are uncertain as to what to bring, just ask the helpful and knowledgeable at Broudy's Liquors, Beer:30, Grassroots Natural Market, Total Wine, ABC Liquors or any other establishment which sells bottles (or cans) of craft beer.

We only request you not bring the mass-produced national brands like Bud, Miller, Coors, etc. Nothing particularly wrong with those – we just focus on tasty creations from the myriad of microbreweries springing up all over the country.

Feel free to bring something to eat – or you can have food delivered at Green Room Brewery.

Offerings to the Beer Gods

I maintain a database of e-mail addresses of those wishing to be kept informed of the next Bottle Sharing get-together since some days we may decide not to hold the Sharing or alter the time. If you are interested, please send me a note with your e-mail address to regina@jaxbrewbitch.com and you'll be “in the know'!

The Bottle Sharing of Saturday, January 12 was well-attended at Green Room and there was a LOAD of beer there!

Companion and I ordered the following from Green Room's tantalizing brew menu to start the afternoon:

Count Shakula Chocolate Oatmeal Stout – yummers! … tastes like a bowl of the you-know-what cereal – except with a kick!

White Devil IPA - The White Devil I.P.A. is 6.66% ABV and 66.6 IBU's. A collaboration with Green Room Brewing and Cigar City Brewing. Brewed with Lactose, Wheat, Rye, Florida Orange & Grapefruit peels, grains of paradise, coriander and orange blossom honey. Fermented with a Belgian yeast strain.

Homebrewer & Craft Beer Lover, Chris Kozak

This laid down our “base” for the beer which we would be tasting well into the evening … here is what I brought to share (please keep in mind I bring too much – again, a good amount to bring is one bomber or two smaller bottles)

Butternut's Brewery Moo Thunder Stout (you gotta see this brewery's website!)

This stout beer pays tribute to the Butternuts Brewery's former life as a dairy farm. It's a more drinkable version of the Stout breed than its heavy, boorish and smelly European sisters. We use lactose sugar for body and mouthfeel; not too strong, not too viscous at 4.9% abv. Unlike a true bovine it has a malty, roasty aroma and a dry finish but no tail or teats, and leaves no unsightly cow pies laying around the yard for you to step in.

Long Trail Brewing Company Imperial Porter

Long Trail Imperial Porter features a complex, darkly roasted malt flavor complemented by a thin, creamy head. The abundance of malt is balanced with a variety of hops, creating a clean finish. The recipe has been a homebrew secret that was developed by one of our own brewers. We are proud to present Long Trail Imperial Porter...ENJOY! … Note: 8.3% ABV & 56 IBUs

Malts: 2-Row, Cara Munich, Caramel 80L, Wheat, Roasted Barley, and Chocolate
Hops: Nugget, Centennial, Simcoe, and Amarillo

Uinta Brewing Company Crooked Line Detour Double IPA

Detour blazes the trail for fresh and bold Double IPAs. Four varieties of hops combine to step up the flavor profile. A hoppy adventure that finishes dry. Big in alcohol and character. Venture to pair with other spirited flavors such as those found in spicy ethnic foods. Note: 9.5% ABV & 74 IBUs

http://www.crookedlinebeers.com/Detour.html

St. Arnold Brewing Company Christmas Ale

This was the first seasonal we made. There has long been a tradition amongst brewers for making a special beer for the holidays. We decided on an old ale. The definition of this style has changed over the years. When we use the term, we use the old definition which describes big, malty, rich beers as they brewed in the olden days (as in a couple of hundred years ago--those olden days). Thus the name. (Today this name often implies a big beer that has been aged.)

We use five different types of malted barley in the Christmas Ale, no other grains or cereals such as corn or rice. The large quantity of malts is responsible for the sweetness and high alcohol content. Also, we use two different Pacific Northwest hop varieties in the Christmas Ale. The resulting hop character is a spicy bitterness and a flowery hop bouquet. Note: 7.0& ABV & 35 IBUs

Lonerider – Ales for Outlaws – Shotgun Betty Hefeweizen

Shotgun Betty is a sexy, tough cowgirl who is always armed and dangerous. Don’t be fooled by her good looks, she will have you for an appetizer! That’s why we picked her to represent our Hefeweizen. Shotgun Betty is a wheat beer with rich, banana-clove nose and refreshing dry finish. Sound good? Try one. But beware, once Betty gets a hold of you there is no escape. Note: 8% ABV

Big Boss Brewing Company Hell's Belle Belgian Pale Ale

Hell's Belle is a subtle but complex ale that is meant to be a showcase for our favorite Belgian yeast and beautiful Belgian malts. These elements produce a clean, spicy citrus finish. Hell's Belle remains light and refreshing but still packs a 7% finish. Enjoy with creamy pasta dishes, spicy foods like Indian & Thai dishes. Note: 7.0% ABV & 30 IBUs

Natty Greene Red Nose Winter Ale

Our 4th quarter seasonal. Full-bodied winter warmer with a rich, dark malt body spiced with cinnamon, ginger and orange peel for festive flavor. Munich 2, Pale Wheat, Cara Munich 3, CaraHell, Chocolate and Melanoidin – Magnum hops. Note: 6.8% & 21 IBUs

I was pleased to see Robin Bennett who is typically at the Bottle Sharing at Brewer's Pizza on Sunday join us! … friend, beer lover and talented homebrewer Jackson had dropped him off at Green Room in hopes we could give Robin a ride back to Brewer's Pizza later in the day … no problem!

Please refer to the photos to see the awesome beer shared by others at this Bottle Sharing get-together!

Come on – why don't YOU join us at an upcoming Green Room Brewing Bottle Sharing get-together in the very near future!

Butternuts Brewery

http://www.butternutsbeerandale.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ButternutsBeerandAle

Long Trail Brewing Company

http://www.longtrail.com/Verify.aspx?returnUrl=%2f

https://www.facebook.com/longtrailbrewingco?fref=ts

Uinta Brewing Company

http://www.uintabrewing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Uinta-Brewing/136640885735?fref=ts

St. Arnold Brewing Company

http://www.saintarnold.com/

https://www.facebook.com/saintarnold

Lonerider – Ales for Outlaws

http://www.loneriderbeer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/loneriderbeer?fref=ts

Big Boss Brewing Company

http://bigbossbrewing.com/age-verification.aspx?returnTo=%2f

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Big-Boss-Brewery/177203328692?fref=ts

Natty Greene's Brewing Company

http://www.nattygreenes.com/

https://www.facebook.com/NattyGreenesGreensboro

https://www.facebook.com/NattyGreenesRaleigh

As we did last Saturday, we ventured over to Sierra Grille (331 Marsh Landing Parkway – Jacksonville Beach – 904.296.0214) across the parking lot from Broudy's Liquors. Ian Albahae and Robin both accompanied us there, their first visit to this restaurant.

Companion looked over the significant menu and decided he would have:

Sierra Chicken Platter - Sierra Grille

Sierra Chicken Platter – served with rice, beans, salad and salsa bar - $8.25 – an amazing value!

and once again, I selected:

Surf & Turf Grilled Burrito - steak and shrimp blended cheese, lettuce, tomato, ranch - $7.95 – delicious!

The salsa bar is quite impressive – there are a significant number of salsas to choose from including a pineapple salsa with cilantro. On top of that, they have cherry peppers … I love cherry peppers!

Surf & Turf Grilled Burrito - Sierra Grille

My sincere thanks to the staff at Sierra Grille for providing some stellar food and a unique alternative – the perfect combo for inclusion into future Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.

Sierra Grille

http://www.sierragrillesouth.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SierraGrilleJaxBeach

We bid farewell to Ian and headed back toward Brewer's Pizza with Robin. Once we dropped him off, companion and I made tracks over to Bold City Brewery (2670 Rosselle St - 904.379-6551) for the release party of their delectable Smoky Porter!

The Bold City parking lot was packed when we arrived but companion dropped me off near the door and finally found a spot in the rear.

We had to try the Smoky Porter, of course – described on the brewery's website:

Bold City Brewery Smoky Porter

Bold City's winter seasonal. Very bold, robust porter with a nice hint of smokiness.

Bold City's Smokey Porter with a little
Firewater Tent Revival

Firewater Tent Revival was providing live music that evening, so companion and I selected two seats in front of the band. What a talented group! … be sure to follow them on their Facebook page and catch them for one of the their performances in the near future! … also, check them out on YouTube when you can!

The whole day went so quickly and since I had been up early that day, we said goodbye to the wonderful team and family at Bold City Brewery – who I thank wholeheartedly for providing a perfect venue to end this special Saturday-Bottle-Sharing Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

Bold City Brewery (2670 Rosselle St - 904.379-6551)

http://www.boldcitybrewery.com/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bold-City-Brewery/54391921191?ref=ts

Firewater Tent Revival

https://www.facebook.com/thefirewatertentrevival

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

http://www.boldcitybrewery.com/index.php

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bold-City-Brewery/54391921191?ref=ts

Jolly Mon Catering

http://www.jollymoncatering.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jolly-Mon-Catering-Inc/125077294172277

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

http://www.iwantabuzz.com/jacksonville-fl/profile/yesterdays_79582

http://www.reverbnation.com/venue/23459

http://events.jacksonville.com/jacksonville_fl/venues/show/279616-yesterdays-social-club

Firewater Tent Revival