Brace yourself ... Oktoberfest cometh

Question of the Day:

What do Parotid, Submandibular, and Sublingal have to do with each other and Oktoberfest?

Are they beers? … no

Are they German dances? … no

Types of strudel? … ah Ludwig, please!

During this time of year, beer enthusiasts everywhere begin yet another season of advanced drooling brought about thoughts of the myriad of beer – both those locally available and those requiring intercontinental travel in order to procure. This onslaught of drool is produced by sets of these three particular glands. As the beer starts flowing to celebrate the Oktoberfest season, so does the saliva of beer lovers around the world.

Food, dancing and fun are also involved in the many local festivities being promoted to commemorate the sixteen-day mega-festival officially known as Oktoberfest in Munich. Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria kicked off the first and most famous festival known as Oktoberfest to celebrate his marriage to Therese Charlotte Luise of Saxony-Hildburghausen (say THAT five times) on October 12, 1810.

In the Greater Jacksonville area, many establishments are celebrating Oktoberfest with events, specials and fun! … check out this list and mark your calendars to make the most of this Oktoberfest season!

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

Bold City Brewery 4th Anniversary Party is set to happen on October 20^th, starting at 1 pm to 11 pm. They will be tapping some special brews for that day including the Barrel Aged Duke’s Brown Ale. Bold City Bandits will be performing at 5pm and 9pm.

Jolly Mon Menu (All day till 10pm) Wings, Pulled Pork, Brats, Black Bean Burgers, Seafood Gumbo

$2 Pints ALL DAY including a special Duke's Bourbon Barrel Aged Ale

Raffles- $1 per ticket (Cash Only) Drawing @ 8pm

1 year of Free Growlers Fills (limit 2 fills per visit) 2 winners &

1 year of Free Pints (limit 2 pints per visit) 2 winners

This season, the talented team at Bold City Brewery will be brewing an Oktoberfest Beer and a Pumpkin Beer.

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

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bold-City-Brewery/54391921191

Intuition Ale Works (720 King Street – 904.683.7720)

Intuition Ale Works Oktoberfest tickets are on sale!

Celebrate Oktoberfest with them on Saturday, October 13th from 1pm to 9pm!

Tickets are $35 each and can be purchased in the tap room Tues - Fri (3 - 11 pm) and Sat. (1 - 11 pm)

You can also purchase tickets online at

http://intuitionaleoktoberfest2012.eventbrite.com/

According to the folks at Intuition Ale Works:

“We’ll be turning our courtyard and brewery bar into a German beer hall with a special tapping of our German brews, live oompah music from The Swinging Bavarians, all-you-can-eat German food and traditional beer competitions and games.”

Last year the event sold out weeks in advance so make sure to secure your tickets soon!

Check out photos from last year's event.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150302794931453.337611.96717426452&type=3

http://www.intuitionaleworks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/IntuitionAle

Kickbacks Gastropub (910 King Street – 904.388.9551)

What will “Beer Central” of Jacksonville be doing for Oktoberfest? … according to owner Steve Flores, they will be tapping both Oktoberfest Biers and pumpkin beers including:

Ayinger Octoberfest

Spaten Octoberfest

Warsteiner Octoberfest

Tucher Fest

Southern Tier Pumking

Smuttynose Pumpkin

Weyerbacher Imperial Pumpkin

Dogfish Head Punkin'

Woodchuck Pumpkin

Brooklyn Post Road Pumpkin

Cigar City Good Gourd

Shipyard Pumkinhead

Shipyard Smashed Pumpkin

Terrapin Pumpkinfest

http://www.facebook.com/kickbacksgastropub

Brewer's Pizza / Pinglehead Brewing Company (14B Blanding Blvd – Orange Park – 904.276.5159)

Fun Beer facts : Oktoberfest originates from when Bavarian Crown Prince Louis (Ludwig), later King Louis I of Bavaria, married Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen on October 12th 1810. The Bavarian royalty invited the citizens of Munich to attend the festivities held on the fields in front of the city gates.

Horse races in the presence of the Royal Family marked the close of the event. The decision to repeat the festivities and the horse races in the subsequent year gave rise to the tradition of the annual Oktoberfest, which now begins in late September and lasts until the first Sunday in October. -More than 1 million gallons of beer are consumed during Oktoberfest every year. This years Oktoberfest in Germany Begins September 22nd and ends on October 7th.

At Brewer's we will celebrate on Tuesday October 2nd, We will tap your favorite Fall Seasonal and Oktoberfest styles from some of the great American Craft Breweries ..and maybe even some surprise's from Chef Zach and the Kitchen crew as well. Stay posted! Cheers!!

http://www.brewerspizza.com/home/

https://www.facebook.com/BrewersPizza

http://www.pinglehead.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Pinglehead

Check out our Bottle Sharing meeting every Sunday, starting at 2pm. Bring your favorite craft brew or homebrew to share! For more information email regina@jaxbrewbitch.com

European Street Cafe (992 Beach Blvd – Jax Beach – 904.249.3001) & (2752 Park St. - 904.384.9999)

Dates: October 6th at Jax Beach, and October 20th at Park Street in Riverside.

TIME to DANCE the CHICKEN at Oktoberfest 2012

The European Street Cafe Family presents Oktoberfest 2012 TWICE this fall. Join us on October 6th at in Jacksonville Beach and on October 20th at 2752 Park Street in Riverside. The festival is free, starts at 11 am, and all ages are welcome.

The first one hundred folks (over 21 years old) will receive a commemorative, glass beer boot to drink their beer of choice from while everyone enjoys the sounds of the authentic German Oompapa band playing all of your favorite Oktoberfest beer drinking songs. Be sure to sign up for the Corn Hole tournament and costume contest in order to win valuable gift cards. Oktoberfest at E Street is a guaranteed good time, you won't want to miss the fun!

http://europeanstreet.com/

https://www.facebook.com/estreetcafe

Engine 15 Brewing Co, (1500 Beach Boulevard – Jax Beach – 904.249.2337)

Saturday, October 6th for the 3rd Annual Engine 15 Oktoberfest.

It's just two weeks away and we are ready to get all the delicious beer on tap and start those chickens slow cookin' on the rotisserie.

The festivities will start at 11am and go all day - family friendly, as always.  They will be selling 1 liter Hofbrau, Tucher or Spaten + the mass for $20.  Refills are $8 all month long.  E15  will have hendl (chicken), spaetzle (mac-n-cheese with bacon), brats and pretzels, in addition to their regular menu.  Get those arms in shape for Feasts of Strength and other games.  And of course there will be an Umpa band!

Get your rest, drinks lots of water and see you Saturday, Oktober 6th.  As always, we appreciate your business and E15 supports your drinking habit at Engine 15! PROST!!

http://www.engine15.com/home/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Engine-15-Brewing-Company/428033335437

J.P. Henleys Beers & Wines of the World (10 Marine Street – St. Augustine – 904.829.3337)

Dates: September 28 at 11:00am until October 14 at 1:00am

15 German Beers

Das Boots

Litre Mugs

German Food Specials

EVERYDAY!

COMING SOON! 1st Annual Pumpkin Fest = October 26th!

http://www.jphenleys.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/JP-Henleys/101107913269677

link to event

https://www.facebook.com/events/100590606763058/

Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery (9735 Gate Parkway North – 904.997.1999)

Join us for a Seven Bridges Oktoberfest Brewer's Dinner!

Tuesday, September 25th from 6p.m. - 10p.m.

COCKTAIL HOUR

Potato Kroketten- Deep fried, bread crumb crusted potato fingers, served with sweet and spicy beer mustard. 

Beer: Ale Fest 

FIRST COURSE

Rahm Schnitzel- breaded boneless chicken breast, with fresh lemon garnish, drizzled with a pepper cream sauce, and served with sauerkraut mashed potatoes. 

Beer: Hefe Weizen

SOUP COURSE

Sauerkraut Bier Suppe mit Wurstchen- Sauerkraut Beer Soup with Bratwursts 

Beer: Sweet Magnolia Brown Ale

SEAFOOD COURSE

Pan Seared Salmon, served with Dilled Hash Browns, and topped with Dry “Hopped” Béarnaise

Beer: Southside Pilsner

MAIN COURSE

Kassler Rippchen- German smoked pork loin braised in salt brine and served with braised red cabbage. 

Beer: Oktoberfest

DESSERT COURSE

German Dark Chocolate Fudge Brownies with a Black Cherry Preserve

Beer: Vanilla Stout

Each guest will receive a commemorative Oktoberfest stein. Tickets are $50 plus a 7% tax and a 20% service charge.

http://www.7bridgesgrille.com/

https://www.facebook.com/7BridgesGrille

Grassroots Natural Market (2007 Park Street – 904.384.4474)

Although not having a particular event, Grassroots Natural Market will have a number of special brews available. These include Octoberfest Beers, Pumpkin Beers and various other Fall Seasonal Beers from a wide variety of foreign and domestic breweries.

http://www.thegrassrootsmarket.com/

https://www.facebook.com/Grassroots5Pts

Beer: 30 (1271 King Street – 904.388.0033)

Come by and check out all our German, Pumpkin and Fall Seasonal beers! … all available for bottle purchase!

Hacker Pschorr Oktoberfest

Paulaner Oktoberfest

Blue Point Oktoberfest

Left Hand Oktoberfest

Sam Adams Oktoberfest

Shiner Oktoberfest

http://www.beer30jax.com/

http://www.facebook.com/Beer30jax

BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse (4907 Gate Parkway – 904.998.0460)

Cotober 1, 2012 - Beer Tasting and Dinner at BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse! ...Tickets are $30 each.

The 5-course BJ's Dinner will be paired with a selection of Bavarian-style beers!

http://www.bjsrestaurants.com/locations/fl/jacksonville

https://www.facebook.com/BJsRestaurants

Whole Foods Market (10601 San Jose Blvd – 904.288.1100)

Date: October 5 (6 to 8 pm) $10 a person

First Friday Event

German beers on sale!

Pouring German beers and wines!

German Oktoberfest foods will be featured!

Our new bar will be open - 10 seats - locally brewed beers will be on tap!

Oktoberfest isn't over yet! … Celebrate the 202-year tradition with a lively celebration on the patio.

Enjoy casual conversations and live music over quintessential Oktoberfest beer selections paired with authentic, festival-style foods certain to make your mouth water! … Registration is required ... Register now!

http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/jacksonville/

https://www.facebook.com/WholeFoodsMarketJacksonville

Brew at the Zoo Event – Jacksonville Zoo

Friday – October 5, 2012 – from 7:00 to 10:00 pm

Jacksonville’s most talked about food and drink festival!

• Featuring live music by Who Rescued Who (formally The John Earle Band) and Billy Buchanan and Free Avenue
• A beer garden of local breweries
• Plus your favorite restaurants, animal encounters, train rides and prizes

• Silent auction sponsored by The Rotary Club of North Jacksonville• And much more at The Wild Things annual signature fundraising event!

VIP Early Admission - 6:30 p.m., $10 upgrade
 • $50 General Admission
 • $40 Wild Things Members
 • Block party - buy 5 get 1 Free (online only)
 • $75 All tickets after Oct. 3 at the door

Online tickets will be sold until 5pm, Wednesday October 3, 2012. Proceeds from the event benefit Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens. Must be 21 or older to attend. No exceptions.

*****************************************************

Okay – your Parotid, Submandibular, and Sublingal glands are now going to be kicked into overdrive for a few weeks – so, wipe the slobber from your mouth and start making plans - right now!

You can always attend more than one event! ... so I say this year, try to make them all and enjoy Oktoberfest Season 2012 to the fullest!

Getting Gas, Killing Kegs & a Double Feature at Mile Marker Brewing

Gas Full Service Restaurant

Carol Lowrey Graham of Brown Distributing told me about a restaurant in St. Augustine with a rather distinctive name – Gas Full Service Restaurant. I was intrigued by the nom de guerre, of course – all types of connotations were bouncing around in my head – but her description of the place is what motivated me to pre-plan our Prowl for Thursday evening (April 5) to center in and around the Nation's Oldest City.

Since my agenda for the evening included at least three destinations, we headed south early. To get to Gas Full Service Restaurant, we exited at the Outlet Malls (Exit 318 – S.R. 16) , turned left and stayed on S.R. 16 until it dead-ended on San Marco Avenue and turned right and drove into town. After turning left and crossing the Bridge of Lions, the establishment was just ahead on the right.

The restaurant occupies a building originally constructed as a gas station, later (reportedly) home to a florist business.  After dining there, I certainly believe the current endeavor represents its highest and best use!

Entering the place, I was instantly pleased with the décor! … fresh, clean and inviting, I was impressed with the owners' follow-through in maintenance and cleaning. You know, all restaurants open up initially extremely clean – but after awhile, you notice the occasional dead waterbug in a corner, stained baseboards, mildewed tile grout, grimy soap dispensers, etc. Not here! … it was immaculate – so refreshing!

Our server, Sami

A cute energetic girl approached, introduced herself as Sami and seated us at a table near the door. Sami is obviously happy to work there and her excitement was indeed infectious. She was attentive, efficient and never lost her smile!

A menu board noted their dinner specials and … available beer! … another plus already!

We quickly selected (descriptions per breweries' websites):

Red Brick Brewery
Brown Ale

Red Brick Brewery Brown Ale - “Dark copper color with bronze rims. Very thick foam, persistent. Nice and elegant toffee aromas with spices and roasted almonds, very persistent and evolving on brewed coffee.

Very franc in the mouth. Black fruits, plum with more intense spicy notes of canella and cloves. The texture is very delicate. The beer seems to have all characters for a beer with personality but is kind of dissociated having intense flavors at first, then some emptiness in the middle of the mouth and finishing with a bitter finish.” - Note: 6.0% ABV

Narragansett Lager
"Jaws" Beer!

Narragansett Lager - “5.0% Alcohol by Volume and 12 IBUs. A classic American lager and the workhorse of the Gansett stable. Available all year long in bottle, can and on tap! ...We brew our lager with six row malt, seedless hops, corn from Iowa, our lager strain (the same one the brewery has depended on since just after Prohibition), and the purest water from Lakes Ontario and Hemlock … This beer is brewed just right for drinking—crisp and refreshing. It’s got more flavor than other premium lagers, yet it’s one of the most drinkable beers in the world.

Chillin' with Narragansett

Narragansett has the highest rating of all domestic premium lagers on BeerAdvocate.com, and received the bronze medal for American Lagers at the 2008 World Beer Cup. 2010 Gold Medal winner in the lager category at the 14th annual Great International Beer & Cider Competition in Providence, RI. Winner of bronze medal in the 2010 World Beer Championship and the silver medal in the 2011 World Beer Championship.

The Lager is old reliable. It was the first beer brewed by “The Original Six” back in 1890, the bestselling beer in New England from the 1930s to the 1970s, and the official beer of the Boston Red Sox from 1944-1975.”

JBB note – Narragansett is also the beer Captain Sam Quint in the movie “Jaws” drinks and then crushes the can in his hand.

The Jalapeno Popper Burger

Having taken care of the brews, it was time to handle the chews! … Carol had described the Jalapeño Popper Burger in such a way my mouth watered upon hearing about it. The menu includes the drool-inspiring details: “Two 4oz. Cartwheel Ranch Beef Patties stuffed with Cream Cheese, Cheddar Cheese & Fresh Sliced Jalapenos … Grilled then Panko Breaded and Deep Fried – Served with Lettuce, Tomato, Onion and Ranch ($12.50)”  - yep, that was for me! …

Companion ordered the Black and Blue Chicken Hot Brown Sandwich described on their menu: “Open Faced Sandwich with Blackened Chicken, Blue Cheese Bechamel, Fried Green Tomatoes & Applewood Smoked Bacon ($9.50).

Black & Blue Chicken Hot Brown

The discussion I was having with companion abruptly stopped when the food arrived … I think the world stood   still for a moment, actually … as we beheld the masterpiece – an inspired creation from a talented Gastro-Maestro - the  Jalapeño Popper Burger.  The height of this … this … this sandwich (too impotent a word)  … is unbelievable! ...Owner Lindy Loose dropped by to say hello and observe our amazement. I asked how in the world one could begin consuming this marvel and she mentioned something about unhinging my jaw – much like a python. Amy Vanderbilt suggests one covering one's mouth with a pillow case when attempting this, I believe ...

Unhinging jaw ...

I would have sought the advice of companion but he was way too busy lavishing lustful attention to his Black and Blue Chicken Hot Brown Sandwich – complete with bacon and fried green tomatoes on top! … he was such a happy fellow!

The homemade potato chips we both had selected as our side are wafer-thin, crisp and have the waffle pattern body which you can see through. Very unique and delicious!

Somehow, I managed to dig into my “Mount Bovine on a Plate” and the flavor was fantastic. Don't worry about the Jalapeño influence – it is not overpowering – in fact, it is mild but noticeable – a wonderful tastebud-pleasing effect. I was able to devour half of this monster before requesting a to-go box.

I took a bite of companion's Black and Blue Chicken Sandwich – the combo of the bacon, blue cheese and fried green tomatoes with the blackened chicken was scrumptious! … hungry, he was able to empty his plate. He winked and said he was still a “growin' boy” ...

Both entrees were excellent – companion called them “grand slams” – ones we'll definitely order again!

Sea Salt & Caramel Brownie

Sami, our food temptress, casually mentioned their impressive dessert selections. Carol had already suggested the Sea Salt and Caramel Brownie  – served with homemade vanilla ice cream, I might add – so, we could NOT  leave without trying that particular delicacy. Once it arrived, we realized Gas Full Service Restaurant had once again delivered an insurmountable summit of splendor – let's call it “Sugarload Mountain”. Decadent … evil … awe-inspiring mixture of the sweet caramel, the distinctively unique salty-brine of the sea salt and down-home Mamaw-type chocolate brownie atop homemade vanilla ice cream make this dessert a benchmark for the Jax Brew Bitch. All others will be judged against this one, believe-you-me!

Sami & owner, of Gas Full Service
Restaurant, Lindy Loose

Owner Lindy dropped by our table once again and she graciously answered some questions I had about the restaurant, its history and her and her husband's (Ben) plans for the establishment's menu in the future.

Dedicated to wholesome and quality ingredients, Lindy and Ben purchase only from local suppliers offering the very best. What goes into their finished products is all fresh, clean and natural. You can certainly taste the difference and that it is important and notable in an industry where the choice between “cheap but tasteless” vs. “higher quality & cost”  is too often made by rationalizing while quoting business-school axioms about bottom-line considerations. Hogwash! … Quality In makes for Quality Out … and Gas Full Service Restaurant embraces this quality concept – and then goes the extra mile.

On the way out, I noticed above the door as you leave, there is a message on the wall thanking patrons for “Not Passing Gas” - which, of course, is targeted for others than myself for we all know that Southern girls are never plagued with that – we just get “the puffs” … however, it IS a cute play on their name and indicative of the fun atmosphere they have created and maintain.

I can tell you the Jax Brew Bitch will be returning to Gas Full Service Restaurant – and soon! … it is one of those places you can feel comfortable in recommending to your friends and family … rest assured Lindy, Ben and Sami will make your visit there memorable and first-rate!

Jacksonvillians, if you have not tried this eatery, you are truly missing out on something spectacular. Treat yourself! … get on down there, cross the Bridge of Lions and make your night-out-on-the-town or weekend getaway a very special experience by getting filled up at the Gas Full Service Restaurant!

My heartfelt appreciation to Lindy, Ben and Sami for making their place a new and exciting regular stop on Jax Brew Bitch St. Augustine Prowls!


To view more photos from Gas Full Service Restaurant, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276389362446680.66864.181100418642242&type=3

http://www.redbrickbrewing.com/

http://www.narragansettbeer.com/

http://www.facebook.com/gasfullservice

J.P. Henley's in
St. Augustine, FL

Excited with having tried a new place, I was ready to invade J.P. Henley's (10 Marine St. - St. Augustine – 904.829.3337), one of our favorite haunts in St. Augustine. That evening, they were having a Kill-the-Keg night featuring Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales Namaste and El Presidente Cervesa. I was there for the Dogfish Head, of course!

Dogfish Head's Namaste

The Namaste is described on Dogfish Head's website: “A witbier bursting with good karma. Made with dried organic orange slices, fresh-cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander, this Belgian-style white beer is a great thirst quencher. Namaste was originally... A witbier bursting with good karma. Made with dried organic orange slices, fresh-cut lemongrass and a bit of coriander, this Belgian-style white beer is a great thirst quencher.

Namaste was originally brewed at our pub in Rehoboth Beach with our Italian friend Leo from Birra del Borgo. It was a tribute to our friends at 3 Fonteinen brewery in Belgium, who had devastating production loss (1/3 of their annual production) in 2009.”

JP Henley's Roasted
Chicken Salad

Peggy had ordered their Roasted Chicken Salad ($12.95) and it looked delicious! … J.P. Henley's describes it: “Herbed Garlic Chicken, grape tomatoes & savory roasted red pepper corn relish on a bed of spring greens” - I'll get this next time!

Companion and I apparently “killed the keg” of the Namaste after only one small glass each – but there were other motivated Dogfish Head fans there before we arrived!

Thanks to J.P. Henley's for being a solid beer venue in the St. Augustine area!

http://www.dogfish.com/

http://www.presidente.com.do/

http://www.jphenleys.com/

My third main objective for this evening was to attend the Double Feature Movie Event at Mile Marker Brewing! … Movies at the Brewery? … COUNT ME IN! ...  we were Gone With the Wind from J.P. Henley's and hightailing it over to 3420 Agricultural Center Drive  - St. Augustine.

This unique beer-cinema event was starting at 8:00 pm and the movies being shown were:

“Beerfest” (2006) and “Strange Brew” (1983)

Perfect seat in the house!

Arriving just in time, I was “ready for my close-up” with some of the delicious Mile Marker brews, so companion and I grabbed a Pecan Brown Ale and a Coconut Porter, respectively, and seated ourselves on one of the comfy sofas situated in front of the large screen TV. Neither of us had seen Beerfest, so we were looking forward to enjoying this brew-centered entertainment!

Peggy joined us there and she secured her own seat on one of the other sofas near the TV. This was her first visit to Mile Marker and she loved it – she stayed out a lot longer than she had planned because of the good beer she enjoyed and the great folks she met during the evening.

Mile Marker Brewing's
Coconut Porter

During the movie, there were occasional “official” pauses to answer Beer Trivia in order to win swag and pints of beer. They were also raffling swag after providing raffle tickets to each patron. Although I need to bone up on my beer trivia, I DID win a free beer by answering one of the trivia questions! … WooHoo!  - “Hats and Horns” ! ….by the way, I'm now searching for all obscure beer facts – feel free to share ...

A little over halfway through Beerfest, Tap Room Manager Ben Stamps offered to introduce me to one of the owners, Mike Fierro, head brewer Dennis Grune and Mile Marker's “Man with the Golden Pen”, Steve and his lovely wife, Dorothy. Dorothy introduced us to Liz, who is so funny and friendly – and she and Peggy hit off, as well.

Steve, the JBB and Mike

Steve and Dorothy invested financially and emotionally in the brewery right before it opened last year, after in-depth interviews with ownership, management and staff.  They own and operate a successful business in New Jersey and their business acumen will undoubtedly benefit Mile Marker Brewery substantially in the future.

Mike Fierro's background is, in a word, amazing. His previous business successes include Vitamin Water and Honest Tea – a well-seasoned professional in the beverage industry, he is now focused on Mile Marker Brewery and its consistency of quality.

Investor Steve said that during interviews, all those involved with the brewery were very impressive – they are living, breathing examples of motivated believers – those who not only talk a good game but show their dedicated spirit in how much and how hard they each work. You hear phrases like “sweat equity” a lot in business, but Steve said this level of personal ownership in the success of Mile Marker went beyond the financial realm. It is their “baby”, he said – a  wonderful labor of love – each is firmly committed, knowing there will be growing immense satisfaction for all involved as their “baby” grows up. Notably, Steve mentioned owner Mike Fierro was “all in”, which meant a great deal to him. In fact, he said that perception was one of the deciding factors influencing his decision to invest with his pocketbook – and heart.

I also had the chance to say hello to owner Vance Joy making his way around the brewery and tap room during the evening. Of course, Houston was there, spreading the canine love to all who ventured in. As Official Ambassador for Mile Marker Brewery, Houston holds sway over the establishment.

Matt Hopcraft, one of the brewers at Mile Marker was there and I was able to speak with him and his lovely wife Amanda (with a last name like that, these two were born to be in the brewery business!). Amanda is an amazingly talented make-up artist and is soon opening her own spa in St. Augustine, providing hair styling, manicures, pedicures, facials and many other spa treatments.

Luke, Caleb & Ben

We were having such a wonderful time speaking with Vance, Dennis, Steve, Dorothy, Liz, Amanda and Matt, we missed the end of Beerfest and all of Strange Brew. - didn't bother us in the least. The discussions being had and the friendships made were all vastly more important. Ben had excused himself to pick his brother up, just in from serving our country in the Middle East – companion and I appreciate his service to our Nation!

Sweet new additions to the
Mile Marker family.

Mile Marker continues to excite me. Their enthusiasm and earnest dedication to quality is something at which to marvel. I was overjoyed when the “family” there at Mile Marker formally invited me to come and “brew for a day” with them – to have the opportunity of learning firsthand more about the brewing process. They warned I would get hot and dirty – but hey, I get the same over a pile of freshly boiled crawfish! … I can't wait to do this! … words cannot express how grateful I am to be given the privilege of this unique experience!

Time flew by and way too soon it seemed, it was closing time. Bidding farewell to Houston and the gang at Mile Marker Brewery, we buckled ourselves into the Jeep and headed North by Northwest. I knew I would soon sleep soundly, having enjoyed such a wonderful evening - one so satisfying, it was the perfect Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

It is said “if you don't know where you're going, any road will do” - I can tell you without a doubt that Mile Mark Brewery knows where THEY are going and the road they are traveling is headed toward a place called “Success”.

Jacksonvillians, exciting adventures await just a short trip south … I urge you to climb aboard the Mile Marker Brewery Express ... hold on to your pints ... and enjoy the ride!

A meaningful Jax Brew Bitch “thank you” to Ben, Vance, Dennis, Mike, Steve, Dorothy, Matt, Amanda and all at Mile Marker Brewing for delivering yet another delightful and unique event, for providing our friend Peggy with an outstanding first-time experience – and for making me and companion feel so very welcome!


To view more photos from Mile Marker Brewing, visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.276402435778706.66867.181100418642242&type=3

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0486551/

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086373/

http://www.milemarkerbrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/MileMarkerBrewing

Rising Sun and Newest Brews in the Oldest City

I was so excited Friday evening (Dec 9) that my companion, our friend Tina and I were going to meet Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom in St. Augustine for my first visit to Mile Marker Brewing Company which just opened on October 12, 2011!

Although we got a little turned around, I quickly got us going in the right direction by lowering my window and catching the heavenly scent of the brew-making process (I call this my “BPS” - Brewer Positioning System). Tina later told me her dog also leans way out of the car like I did when she takes him for a drive – but he doesn't drool near as much ...

As we approached the entrance, I noticed some gentlemen engaged in the brewing process and quickly scanned the doors and walls for announcements of openings in their Tasting Research Department. Sadly, none were posted. Upon entering the Tap Room, I was pleased to see the nice décor and room to prowl. This makes for a much better Jax Brew Bitch evening!

Our friends, Teresa and Marco were also able to join us, also their first visit to Mile Marker.

Companion and I shared the Mile Marker 1565 Red Ale and the Mile Marker 82 Islamorada IPA. I was also able to sample the Mile Marker 0 Key West Kolsch-Style Ale. My favorite was the Islamorada IPA, though all three were good.

Marc introduced me to Vance, owner of the brewery. Vance informed me that although they only had three beers available that evening, within a couple of weeks, they were going to be adding more, including a Pecan Brown Ale and a Coconut Porter!!!

It was early in the evening, so the Tap Room was not crowded – which made it easier to carry on our conversations. I found out that Vance had lived in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and that started a whole new dialogue between us. Companion and I lived in the Virgin Islands for a number of years, so we shared that common bond with Vance. (by the way, if you haven't tried Cruzan Rum, do so!)

Companion took some photos of me and Vance by the brewery's equipment, along with his dog Houston. Vance also allowed me to taste the wort, straight out of the vessel. It tasted amazing like strong oatmeal – almost like the feed I used to feed my horse Mia and cow (steered bull) Maverick in the islands … yes, haven't you ever tasted horse feed? ...

The Jax Brew Bitch urges all beer-enthusiasts in and around Jacksonville to visit and support the entrepreneurs behind Mile Marker Brewing providing us with yet another venue for brews in proximity to our great area! … get a group of friends and make a night of it – or better yet, a weekend day trip to St. Augustine topped off with some fine brews from Vance and his staff at Mile Marker Brewing Company!

Thank you to Springfield Brew Crew Marc Wisdom for introducing me to Vance and to Vance for taking the time to talk to me and for the very informative tour of Mile Marker Brewing!

http://www.milemarkerbrewing.com/

The wort which Vance let me taste obviously awakened my voracious proclivities and I considered pulling up a chair to make a meal of it. However, the rest of the group persuaded me to go into downtown St. Augustine and eat (and drink!) at J.P. Henley's. Such a “thoughty idea”!

WOW! … St. Augustine was BUSY  that night … we DID have a small hike from the parking we found to J.P. Henley's and were not surprised with the crowded atmosphere inside. Excusing myself to “powder”, when I returned companion excited me by telling me a very sweet waitress (Adina) had taken upon herself to make sure our group of six got the next table – which she did indeed do. Thank you, Adina!

If you've never been to J.P. Henley's, it is a must for beer enthusiasts! … 56 beers on tap now – growing to 70 in January … I knew 2012 was going to be a GREAT year!

We've had J.P. Henley's delicious appetizers at the bar during our previous visits, but I wanted to try something else. I opted for their Rising Sun Sandwich and companion ordered the Mantanzas Sandwich. The Rising Sun is grilled ahi tuna, marinated tomatoes, and wasabi cream dressing dressed in spring greens between slices of herb foccacia.  It was outstanding! ... substantial enough as a meal but not gargantuan in size, just perfect. Companion shared a few bites of the Mantanzas with the andouille sausage and it was amazing – I'll probably get my own the next time we go in.

Beer? … OMG … should have written them all down, some served on tap and some in the bottle … but I DO remember Corsendonk Christmas Ale, Cigar City Jose Marti India Porter and Brooklyn Brewery's Black Chocolate Stout, among others being shared at the table.

Finally, companion ordered a Southern Tier Crème Brulee Imperial Milk Stout and shared some sips of it with Tina, Teresa and Marco. I think they like! … I know I do!

Thanks again to Adina for the friendly and attentive service she provided on a most hectic evening. Our appreciation to J.P. Henley's for providing the atmosphere (and the brews and chews) for a perfect Jax Brew Bitch evening!

Holding a firm position in the Greater Jax / NE Florida Brews and Chews scene, J.P. Henley's should be a definite destination when you get on the prowl in the St. Augustine area.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/JP-Henleys/101107913269677

http://www.southerntierbrewing.com/index1.html

http://www.cordendonk.com

www.cigarcitybrewing.com

http://southerntierbrewing.com/index1.html

http://brooklynbrewery.com/verify