Tuesday satisfaction - Kick'ing'back Banh Mi style, tapping tunes and firkins

Salvador Dali and Babou

Salvador Dali has always fascinated me – his unusual life and amazing work have intrigued me since I was a young teenager. Some of his masterworks are displayed at the Salvador Dali Museum (One Dali Blvd – St. Petersburg – 727.823.3767) in St. Petersburg, Florida. If you've never been – you MUST set aside a weekend to go! … while you are in the area, you can also visit the Tampa-area microbreweries throughout that region of Florida!

Standing at my jewelry tower deciding upon fashion accessories for that evening's Prowl (Jan 8), I happened upon a watch whose design was inspired by Dali's painting, “The Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus” - both in wavy form and color. Companion had given me that years ago and I cherish it – but with the non-metallic wristband, I seldom wear it out of fear of ruining the rather unique wristband.

I felt a little odd spending so much time on accessorizing for an evening I felt like staying somewhat close to home for some reason.

River City Brewing -BLT Turkey Wrap

Earlier in the day, I had attended my first Editorial Meeting with EU Jacksonville (http://www.eujacksonville.com/) and following its conclusion, I met Captain Brooks of Jax Water Tours (http://www.jaxwatertours.com/)  at River City Brewing Company (http://www.rivercitybrew.com/) to discuss plans for his expansion and a schedule for 2013 Jax Brew Cruises – stay tuned! … while meeting with Captain Brooks, I had a very late lunch consisting of BLT Turkey Wrap - delicious! … I also met Bernard Santiago of River City Brewing and I learned some changes are afoot at River City – changes with a capital “C” - and that rhymes with “B” - and that stands for “Beer”!

I knew that although I was quite full, companion would be wanting to include some food during the Prowl that evening.

Dahlias Pour House - Andrea tapping DPH 1st firkin

First stop that night was Dahlia's Pour House (2695 Post Street – 904.738.7132) where owner Andrea was featuring a Firkin of Abita Brewing Company's English Mild Cask Ale. A Firkin is a small cask that is used for brewing cask-conditioned ale. The ale is served unfiltered with little carbonation direct from the Firkin which is tapped right before serving. One neat thing brewers do is add extra hops and/or spices to the beer before it is sealed to get those eye-poppin' flavors distributed throughout the brew.

Entering Dahlia's Pour House, I was happy to see Andrea behind the bar and Brendan from Champion Brands / TeamHopHeads sitting near the Firkin at the bar!

Companion and I both ordered the English Mild from the Firkin, of course … smooth flavor with moderate hop influence, I thought. Very tasty!

Abita's Imperial Oyster Stout

We noticed that Dahlia's also had Abita Brewing Company's Imperial Oyster Stout on tap! … WooHoo! … I believed this would be my first Imperial Oyster Stout, so I was excited to share it with companion! … I'm SO glad I did! … amazing flavor – the salty layer (as mentioned in the description below) was definitely there which added a nice variation to the stout.

Abita Brewing Company English Mild Cask Ale

Of course, being from Louisiana, Abita Brewing Company is near and dear to me. Considered by some to be middle-of-the-road as far as their year-round selections, their specialty programs have garnered a lot of publicity and loyal fans. Abita has now stepped it up again!

This English Style mild designed and brewed just for cask ale – made from a classic recipe for one of the most popular English beer styles - a traditional English Mild. Abita's English Mild is a light brown sessionable beer  created with English Ale yeast dry hopped with East Kent Golding hops. Note: 3.7% ABV

Abita Brewing Company Imperial Oyster Stout

Abita Imperial Oyster Stout is made with pale, caramel, roasted and chocolate malts. Oats are also added to give the beer a fuller and sweeter taste. The roasted malts give the beer its dark color as well as its intense flavor and aroma. The flavors of toffee and chocolate are prevalent but not overpowering. The beer is hopped with Willamette hops. Since the beer gets so much flavor from the malts there is not a lot of hop flavor. There is just enough bitterness to complement the sweetness of the malt. Finally, freshly shucked Louisiana oysters are added to the boil. The salt from the oysters gives the beer a more intense aroma and mouthfeel.

Andrea was kind enough to come over and speak with us and I can tell she is diggin' what's happenin' at Dahlia's!  … she has a lot planned for 2013, so stay tuned!

I had selected a spot next to Brendan and he graciously endured my questions about his holidays and the latest scoop on Champion Brands / TeamHopheads.

Other destinations were on my agenda tonight as well, so we reluctantly bid farewell to Andrea and Brendan and since it was such a beautiful evening, decided to clomp down to the Salty Fig. “Clomp” since companion was still wearing his black boot (aka RoboCop footwear) to protect his messed-up right ankle.

My thanks to Brendan for taking the time to speak with me and to Andrea, owner of Dahlia's Pour House for providing a great experience for this first stop on this evening's Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

Dahlia's Pour House

http://www.dahliaspourhouse.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dahlias-Pour-House/312695632089849

Abita Brewing Company

http://abita.com/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Abita-Brewery/155081241169804?ref=ts&fref=ts

It was a short clomp on down to The Salty Fig (901 King Street – 904.337.0146) – and this would be our second visit in five days. Companion had mentioned he would like to get something to eat while we were there – maybe something light – so that maybe I would be ready to eat later on in the evening.

We were greeted by a very friendly hostess – as we were the first time we visited – and we indicated we would prefer to sit at the bar – near to where a young minstrel was setting up his stage to perform.

Dustin was our attentive and professional bartender that evening. I was surprised to see that the Terrapin Beer Company's Wake-N-Bake we saw days earlier on tap was no longer available. Dustin explained they would be carrying Intuition Ale Works King Street Stout in its place in the future.

The Salty Fig - Gorgonzola Chips

We had made it in time for Happy Hour where all drafts are half-price! … WooHoo! … you know I like a Brew-Bargain! … another neat thing is that this (in-essence) 2-for-1 allows you to mix up your selections (like at European Street), so for the price of two drafts we were able to order and enjoy the following four:

Bold City Brewery 1901 Red Ale – awesome with the appetizers we ordered

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.

Bold City Brewery Duke's Cold Nose Brown Ale

This is a mild brown ale which is easily drinkable. A slight nuttiness and sweetness are present. Note: 7% ABV

Florida Beer Company Swamp Ape IPA – great with the appetizers we ordered

“Florida Beer Swamp Ape IPA is an Imperial India Pale Ale. The fresh and lively hop character is derived from using 5 distinct varieties of hops: Tettnang, Centennial, Chinook, Cascade and Amarillo

This beer has an intense hop bitterness, flavor and aroma balanced by complex alcohol flavors, moderate fruity esters and a medium malt character from the balance of 2-row, Europ and Cherry Wood Smoked.”

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

The Salty Fig - Endamame with smoked sea salt.

While we were enjoying the live music and brews, we enjoyed a couple of appetizers. The Gorgonzola Chips with bits of gorgonzola cheese and drizzled with balsamic vinegar and Endamame with smoked sea salt.

Back-to-back top rate experiences at The Salty Fig! … I'm comin' back again for that Oyster and Bacon sandwich!

My sincere thanks to Dustin for spectacular service and to the entire team at The Salty Fig for providing another exciting option within this beer-centric area of our great community!

The Salty Fig – a southern gastropub

https://www.facebook.com/TheSaltyFig

Bold City Brewery

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

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

Florida Beer Company

http://www.floridabeer.com/0_home.html

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Florida-Beer-Company/107825742578370

Green Room Brewing

http://www.greenroombrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/GreenRoomBrewing

It would have been easy to walk across King Street to Kickbacks Gastropub but I wanted to be a little hungrier before I went in there – 'cause I know I'll be eatin' sumpin' at Kickbacks.

So, we clomped back to the Jeep and told it to land us safely near Intuition Ale Works (720 King Street – 904.683.7720).

Lindsay and Hannah were behind the bar efficiently and professionally handling the crowd's demands for tasty brews! … Choosing seats at the bar, I was in the mood for a Scotch Ale – so, I asked that my bountiful Mug Club mug be filled with:

The Factor
A big ass, full-bodied Scotch ale. Lightly hopped, sweet and malty with a dry finish. Brewed with all English malts & hops and a Scottish ale yeast.

Companion decided to once again have:

Shotgun Shack Black Rye Ale
This black as night hoppy American ale hints of pine needles, roasty malt, and spicy green peppercorns. Brewed with 30% malted German rye, bittered with Magnum hops and American hops for flavor and aroma. At 5% alcohol it is a sessionable but full-bodied brew.

It was Taproom Tunesday at Intuition Ale Works – so named since live music is provided on Tuesdays. The music combined with the consistently subdued lighting ambiance made for another wonderful visit.

My sincere thanks to Hannah and Lindsay for always being so friendly and generous with their time and to the entire team at Intuition Ale Works for always providing a satisfying stop on Jax Brew Bitch Prowls!

Intuition Ale Works

http://www.intuitionaleworks.com/

https://www.facebook.com/IntuitionAle

Okay, it was NOW time for some food! ... "RELEASE THE JEEP!" ... since it has an innate homing sense to Kickbacks Gastropub (910 King Street – 904.388.9551), we settled in for a quick trip back to that establishment.

It was not too busy as we arrived and we were able to secure the high-top on the floor in front of the beer menu board. We USED to employ the use of that board religiously, but now the Kickbacks App for my iPhone is our current and reliable source of "What's on Tap" – that, or the knowledgeable and helpful staff of Kickbacks.

This evening, Eddie was our server and this guy does know beer. Companion had earlier noticed that Newcastle's Werewolf Irish Red Ale on tap and was interested in how this compared to the original Newcastle Brown Ale which he always ordered 10 years ago. The Caledonian Brewing Company (Newcastle) website provides this description:

Newcastle Werewolf Irish Red Ale

Legend has it that a beast roams the moors and plains of Newcastle Upon Tyne. It's part man – part beast – and more than a little wild – the perfect inspiration for a Limited Edition Ale. Newcastle Werewolf Ale comes at you with a dark, startling aroma, a roasty flavor, and a final taste of hops that leaves you howling for more.

Named for the mythical wolf-like creature said to roam the English countryside, Werewolf offers hopheads a beer that shares some characteristics of Newcastle Brown, but remains distinctive enough to stand up on its own. Note: 4.5% ABV & 23 IBUs

APPEARANCE: The highly carbonated liquid pours a bright sanguine color with a stark white head that retains its form through the life of the beer. Nice lacing as well.

AROMA: Strong malt and rye bread fragrance with a hint of berries and slight metal.

PALATE: Sweet malt flavor hits the front of the tongue with subtle berry, grass and wine notes joining in at the midpalate. The liquid momentarily clings to the insides of the mouth before surrendering to a crisp, pleasantly bitter finish.

JBB Notes – easily drinkable – definitely one I would keep in the fridge consistently for frequent enjoyment. Both companion and I felt it was not a special occasion beer – but something good to grab to watch a game or movie at home.

I went with Eddie's suggestion:

Cigar City Resonator German Style Doppelbock – I am gaining an appreciation for some Doppelbocks after our trip to Connecticut – this one was malty and sweet with what tasted to me like a raisin or fig influence. Note: 9% ABV

OH DEAR GOD, PLEASE BRING THIS BACK!
Kickbacks Gastropub - The Banh Mi Burger

Eddie dropped by to check on us and mentioned they had a special burger that evening which they had named “The Banh Mi Burger” … when Eddie described it, companion got that “Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' about” look on his face – and I knew one was coming our way.

Banh Mi is a term used in the US to describe a meat-filled sandwich available at Vietnamese bakeries and restaurants around the globe. However, in this case, the flavors of banh mi, which I love, were caressed in what appeared to me a mixture of shredded pickled carrots, cilantro and chili peppers. This mix was put atop a gargantuan burger patty which was itself nestled onto a bed of marinated pickled sliced jalapenos. This combination was … Off .. the … Trail (Ho Chi Minh, that is) … absolutely decadent – please, please, please make this a regular on your menu, Kickbacks!

My sincere thanks to Eddie for the great suggestions and customer service that evening and to owner Steve Flores, the kitchen crew and the rest of the team at Kickbacks Gastropub for always being consistent in providing the perfect place to end this and many other Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.

Kickbacks Gastropub  

http://www.facebook.com/kickbacksgastropub

Caledonian Brewing Company

http://www.caledonianbeer.com/validate

Newcastle Werewolf Irish Red Ale

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Newcastle-Werewolf-Ale/142973639124786

Dali was once quoted, “There are some days when I think I'm going to die from an overdose of satisfaction.”

Although I was unable to bring this quote to mind verbatim that evening, I WAS able to get the jist of it formulated enough to realize what Dali meant.

I also wondered if that overdose of satisfaction happened to me how my death could be covered in an episode of CSI: Jacksonville – or more appropriately, a vintage game of Clue -

"Was it Colonel Mustard in the Ballroom with a Candlestick?"

Nope – it was the Jax Brew Bitch in the Taproom with an Imperial Stout.

Il volto di Mae West by Salvador Dali

An evening with Terrapin Beer Co.'s John Cochran & Spike Buckowski

at Kickbacks Gastropub

Look up “serendipity” in your Funk & Wagnalls – you'll find one meaning is “pleasant surprise” …

Serendipity reared its beautiful head a couple of weeks ago when David Rigdon of Champion Brands and Team Hopheads invited me to be a part of a group to sit with Terrapin Beer Company's owners and co-founders Brian "Spike" Buckowski (Brewmaster) and John Cochran (President) last Friday (Oct 26). Spike and John were traveling into Jacksonville that day to attend the following day's Florida-Georgia game and had agreed to do a few promotional events Friday evening.

Let me explain my excitement. I have spoken often of my initial foray into craft beer about a year ago when John Woodcock (then, of Kickbacks Gastropub) shamed me into letting him select something for me after I grossed him out by ordering (and drinking) an Ultra or something similar in calories.

with Spike Buckowski FL/GA TapTakeover

As I took baby-steps into this new exciting world of delicious and creatively developed brews, I seldom took notice of the brewery – I was concentrating on the name of the beer itself – so I could remember it the next time. Brewery names were not significant to me until I started dedicating significant effort to my blog in March of this year.

One of my earliest taste-bud explosive experiences was with Wake-N-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Stout. I'm sure I was told Terrapin Beer Company brewed this magnificent nectar but I was too focused on remembering “Wake-N-Bake” for that factoid to lodge in my memory.

Although I am now very aware of Terrapin Beer Company and the array of selections they offer, Wake-N-Bake still holds a position as one of my most favorites – and companion's.

So, David's invitation to speak with the honchos of the brewery thrilled me, of course – and I wanted to make sure my questions for them would be pithy, current and pertinent – important enough to me to even type them out.

Steve Flores and Spike Buckowski  - Kickbacks Gastropub

The meeting took place at Kickbacks Gastropub where owner Steve Flores had prepared the area for this get-together. As you are probably aware, Steve has collaborated with Terrapin in the past – notably, on the Spiked Wake-N-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Stout.

As background, a minority stake in the ownership of Terrapin Beer Company has recently been acquired by Tenth & Blake, the craft beer arm of MillerCoors. There was enough concern about this that Terrapin's website devoted their FAQ page to the buy-in by Tenth & Blake.

http://terrapinbeer.com/brewery/faq/

The concerns raised by Tenth & Blake having a seat at the Athens, Georgia “toropean” brewer's table were conceived by the underlying perceptions taking the verbal form of two questions:

1)     Did Spike and John really sell-out? … to now sail aimlessly and wealthily through the Leeward Islands of the Caribbean  … or to develop a hop farm in Viana do Castilo; or,

2)     Was Terrapin in dire financial straits?

At the outset, let me say the answer to 2) above is a resounding NO – the financial picture at Terrapin was and is fine – good and healthy.

The answer to 1) was more problematic for me – was the coverage of the Tenth & Blake buy-in on Terrapin's FAQ page merely “corporate-speak”? … you know, that never fear – “everything-is-rosy-type” marketing hype?

Why is the answer so important? … realistically, with the MillerCoors understandable focus points on the Environment, Labor and Safety (aka EPA , Teamsters and OSHA), if push comes to shove, will MillerCoors direct a realignment down-ladder as far as policies which would alter how Terrapin conducts business? … what they can brew? … when they can release? … where they can distribute?

The good news, dear fellow Terrapin Beer lovers is that my perception is that the answers provided at this meeting and on the FAQ page are the same and indeed sincere. Terrapin survives as an independent organization to brew and distribute at will – and with the same savvy Spike Buckowski and John Cochran have always shown in the birth and nurturing of their fabulous Terrapin Beer Company – over 10 years ago.

I had other questions for the pair and during the nearly three-hour meeting, John and Spike patiently and generously endured the questions – well, John more so than Spike. Spike was giving me a hard time about my questions – in a good-natured way, though.

2010 Spike & Jerome's Cuvee Délirante 

The whole table was pleased to be offered samples of the Collaboration Ale created by the joint creative efforts of Terrapin Beer Company and BFM (Brasserie Des Franches-Montagnes – based in Switzerland) known as Jérôme &Spike’s 2011 Barley Ryne.  Jérôme is BFM brewmaster Jérôme Rebetez and he traveled to Terrapin's brewery in Athens, Georgia to concoct this brew with Spike.

To provide comparisons in real-time, we were also provided samples of the previous year's Collaboration Ale from these two breweries, Spike & Jérôme’s Cuvée Délirante (Collaboration Ale). For this initial endeavor between the two brewmasters, Spike flew to Switzerland for the pair to work together – tough duty, huh? … makes you wonder what Spike's high school career counselor suggested he consider for a career – probably not anything as fulfilling as traveling the world to create commercially successful beers!

I was reminded of my initial taste of the first Spike & Jérôme’s Collaboration from almost a year ago – my newby taste-buds at that time being shocked at how tart and sour it was to me. Even then though, I could appreciate the fact it was because I was still a rookie in the craft beer world and would probably develop a taste for that type of beer. I did.

After tasting it during the meeting, I was happy to realize I really did enjoy it – but I could never drink a whole tulip of it – so yeasty and sour. Well, heck – who knows? … this time next year I could be drinking a growler of it. We'll see …

The newest collaboration was much smoother with the essence of a woodsy Barley Wine but not quite as heavy as others I enjoy. Note – I could drink A LOT of this one! … surprisingly drinkable, it could sneak up on you.

Florida Georgia Tap Takeover at Northstar Substation

Time passed all too quickly and there were other events John and Spike had agreed to – including ones involving Northstar Substation and Mellow Mushroom – but more about those in a follow-up post.

My heartfelt appreciation to David Rigdon of Champion Brands and Team Hopheads for the invitation to be involved in this very special meeting, to Steve Flores for providing the perfect setting and to Spike Buckowski and John Cochran for their generous gift of the Collaboration Ale and for graciously indulging my list of questions – typed and all.

To view more photos from John and Spike's visit and FL/GA Tap Takeover, please visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.369333766485572.89070.181100418642242&type=3

Terrapin Beer Company

http://terrapinbeer.com/

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

John Cochran's Blog  – President of Terrapin Beer Company

http://johnatterrapin.wordpress.com/

BFM Website

http://www.brasseriebfm.ch/

Kickbacks Gastropub

http://www.facebook.com/kickbacksgastropub

Folio Weekly's Margarita Festival - Arriba! Oh, yeah and sushi, beer and a T-Rex

Margarita Festival? … me? … the Jax Brew Bitch? … years ago, upon hearing about such a thing, I would have been instantly donning my sombrero and doing my interpretation of the Jarabe Tapatio all the way to the Morocco Shrine Center ( 3800 St. John's Bluff Rd. - 904.642.5200 ) where this year's Folio Weekly Margarita Festival was being held.

However, since my focus has been on craft beer, I wondered if I was too far removed from the “Tequila Appreciation Studies” portion of my life to be able to enjoy anything being presented Friday (June 22) at the event.

Where's my sippy cup?

Being ever the adventurous sort, I accepted the gracious invitation extended to companion and me by Scott Russell of North Florida Sales. By the reflection in my laptop screen, I had the impression I saw Tinker Beer, the Brew Fairy faint and fall backward off my shoulder.

Scott would have several products on display that evening and I decided if nothing else, I would enjoy the food being provided by the various vendors (please forgive me for any I missed):

O' Brothers Irish Bar

Poe's Tavern

Fionn's MacCool's Irish Restaurant & Pub

Whisky River

Tijuana Flats

El Ranchito Restaurant

Applebee's Restaurant

Le Petite Cheri Cupcakery

Bahama Breeze

Nipper's Beach Bar & Grill

Libretto's Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

Barbie's Margarita Stemware 

I decided this would be a great venue to have our friends and associates, ReelFLA Productions attend and gather some video and photo footage for themselves and Jax Brew Bitch. George Deacon and Bobby Bergeron head up this avant-garde production company with headquarters at CoRK. Please check out their YouTube Channel, the link to which is included below. Their talent is very impressive and their dedication to the Great Jacksonville area is significant and real.

http://www.youtube.com/user/beatinupjax?feature=results_main

George and Bobby met us at the Morocco Shrine Center around 6:00 pm, the scheduled start of the event. Upon entering, we were cordially greeted and provided a small glass to use for tastings and a raffle ticket to use to vote for our favorite food vendor of the evening.

"Scotch Eggs" from O'Brother's Irish Pub

We headed straight for the food! ... the early crowd had surrounded the tables set up by Poe's Tavern and O'Brothers. Poe's Tavern was offering delicious fish tacos with a slice of lime and O'Brothers was presenting  scrumptious Scotch Eggs in quartered sections served atop a ladled portion of a tasty dipping sauce.

Starting in a clockwise rotation from there, I stopped at a table presented by 91.5 WAPE where I won, by spinning a wheel, my choice of movie tickets to see “Ted” or a water bottle. Opting for the water bottle, I noticed companion had deviated from our rotation to check out a chocolate flavored vodka at a table one level down. Joining him, I tried it and it was good – reminding somewhat of the chocolate wine I sometimes enjoy.

The rest of our time there was spent zig-zagging across the large auditorium visiting each food vendor, and approaching drinks vendors - sampling some, passing on others and deliberately avoiding at least one table with Jose Quervo because of the warnings of the “Ghost of Pass-Outs Past” - youthful memories – or lack thereof – of an earlier focus in my life.

Now, don't get me wrong – this was a FANTASTIC event for those whose tastes run along the lines of tequilas, margaritas and blends -  trust me, I even liked a blend presented of Patron Silver and a white apple liqueur. However, my palate – and motivation – has changed through the years, so I knew I would not stay until the scheduled end of the Festival (10:00 pm).

Margarita and Pina Colada Cup Cakes

All the food was marvelous – a sincere well-done to each vendor for creating such unique offerings for attendees. I noted that many of those providing the drink samples had some knowledge about what they were providing which certainly made trying something more interesting. A distant, nostalgic wave to the tequila and other liquor distributors, reps and vendors for their informative and friendly participation at the Festival – obviously on top of their game.

I was hoping to find someone offering bottled water (or selling beer!) but I didn't notice any. The crowd was getting significantly larger as the evening progressed and the talented DJ was getting the crowd moving and dancing on the dance floor.

Crowds of folks whose preferences are centered on tequila and margaritas have a different motivating force behind their drinking than I do. As I have stated before, I drink craft beer “for fellowship”, not “for effect”. I am in no way dissing the crowd at the event – all were very friendly and having a great time – but their excitement is for the feeling they get from imbibing the liquor and any resulting “activity” just “different” than mine, that's all.

I was excited to get some photos with Scott, his supervisor Gentry and his On-Premise supervisor Keith. Their tables encircled the dance floor and I believe I did try something from each of those tables.

It was halfway through the festival I decided it was high-time for a beer! … we thanked Scott for his generosity and Bobby and George for their fellowship and professional participation and left those two there at event so they could enjoy themselves without “Ma and Pa” !

The Three Muses Beauties

The Morocco Shrine Center is an amazing place and my feelings for it and the Shriners are still the same as I mentioned in my post about the Folio Weekly Beer and Music Festival.

My thanks to Scott for providing access for us and to the Morocco Shrine Center for providing the facility allowing a very different and memory-adjusting Jax Brew Bitch experience.

To view more photos from Folio Weekly's Margarita Festival, please visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.368132193272396.88769.181100418642242&type=3

Folio Weekly Margarita Fest 2012

http://www.folioweekly.com/margaritafest.php

O' Brothers Irish Pub

http://www.obrothersirishpub.com/

http://www.facebook.com/obrotherspub

Poe's Tavern

http://poestavern.com/atlantic-beach/

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Poes-Tavern-Atlantic-Beach/146204865459066

Fionn's MacCool's Irish Restaurant & Pub

http://macoolsjax.net/

http://www.facebook.com/fionnmaccool

Whisky River

http://thewhiskyriver.com/jacksonville/

http://www.facebook.com/WhiskyRiverJacksonville

Tijuana Flats

http://www.tijuanaflats.com/

http://www.facebook.com/tijuanaflats

El Ranchito Restaurant

http://www.facebook.com/elranchitojax

Applebee's Restaurant

http://www.applebees.com/

http://www.facebook.com/applebees

Le Petite Cheri Cupcakery

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Le-Petite-Cheri-Cupcakery/195301867258779

Bahama Breeze

http://www.bahamabreeze.com/

Nipper's Beach Bar & Grill

http://www.nippersbar.com/

Libretto's Pizzeria & Italian Kitchen

http://librettospizzeria.com/

http://www.facebook.com/LibrettosJax

Morocco Shrine Center

http://www.moroccoshrine.org/

Engine 15 Brewing Co. Ramming Speed

Okay, 8:15 pm and time for the Jax Brew Bitch to get “beer-centric” once again! … companion, please whisk me away to Engine 15 Brewing Company! (1500 Beach Boulevard – Jax Beach – 904.249.2337)

Entering Engine 15, it took a couple of minutes to realize it was indeed Kevin behind the bar! … he had shaved his significant mustache for charity a few weeks ago, raining over $600! … Kevin is always so personable, gracious and professional - he always helps make our visits to Engine 15 spectacular.

I couldn't precisely remember the name of what I wanted to try, so I made a feeble attempt to mention it, using a butchered combination of words. Kevin has known me long enough to be able to translate – or decipher – my cryptic guesses on obscure brew names that he was able to clarify that what I was ordering was actually the Engine 15 Brewing Company's Ramming Speed Black IPA. Oh yeah! … that's what I meant! … full-bodied dark and flavorful Black IPA – delicious!

Companion had selected ice water to cleanse his palate from the Margarita Festival but he did enjoy a few sips of my Ramming Speed.

We wanted to run by another place while on that side of town, so we bid farewell to Kevin and I thank him for exemplary customer service and Engine 15 for always being a consistent enjoyable stop on Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.

Engine 15 Brewing Company

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

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

The other place we wanted to visit was Green Room Brewing (228 3rd Street North – Jax Beach - 904.201-9283 ).

Green Room Brewing - Saint Somewhere Brewing
Company's Carolin Saison

There was a sizable crowd when we entered and were greeted warmly by our friends Mark and Kathy who were seated at a table with some of their friends. They introduced us and invited us to join them. Companion and I walked over to the bar and noticed that Molly, Christina and Jason were effecting serving patrons that evening. Another Terrific Trio! … Molly took our order of the Green Room Brewing Anniversary Secret Spot and Saint Somewhere Brewing Company's Caroline Saison.

The Secret Spot was aged at Green Room within Maker's Mark barrels and the Caroline has an amazing flavor brought about by its brewing with coffee beans!

Green Room Brewing - Secret Spot

We enjoyed some good fellowship with Mark, Kathy and their friends as we sipped our tasty brews … so good ... and I was relieved to be back in my beer-centered Happy Place! …

Jason, Molly and Christina were once again spectacular. I thank them for their wonderful service, provided so effectively even when Green Room is slammed.

Thank you to Mark and Kathy for their friendship and to Eric and the rest of the crew at Green Room Brewing for providing a safe, clean and inviting environment for this relaxing stop on that evening's Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

Green Room Brewing 

http://www.greenroombrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/GreenRoomBrewing

Taking on T-Rex ... 

Matsuya Sushi and Grill

Both Tinker Beer and the Freakin' Fried Fairy were waiting for me as I buckled in for our trip back home. The Freakin' Fried Fairy was consoling Tinker Beer and started chiding me about attending a non-beer related event earlier in the evening. I explained I had ventured “back to beer” later on and that we were now done for the night.

Or so I thought … on the way westward on Beach Boulevard, I remembered that Matsuya Sushi and Grill (11380 Beach Boulevard – 904.996.0008) was just up ahead at the Winn Dixie Shopping Center at the southwest corner of the intersection of St. Johns Bluff Road and Beach Boulevard

On a very early Jax Brew Bitch Prowl (Dec 2011), I had been excited to learn they offered late-night sushi on certain evenings and was impressed with their customer service and youthful, energetic and motivated management.

I asked companion to pull in so that I could find out if we could have a sushi roll or two. Immediately, the Freakin' Fried Fairy and Tinker Beer prepared to vanish, saying something like “We don't even KNOW you, right now” as they departed.

Just as we pulled into the parking lot, the “OPEN” sign was turned off and I was SO disappointed. However, I noticed a young man had exited the building and was speaking on his cell phone and sitting on a chair outside. I rolled down my window and inquired if they were still serving.

I was pleased and impressed the young man explained they were just closing but to please come in if we wanted sushi! … WooHoo! …

As we entered, we noticed they had completed some remodeling since our visit in December, 2011 and the alterations certainly improved the ambiance. I learned the young man seated outside inviting us in was the owner, Jacky Chen – and he made sure I knew his last name was spelled with an “e” and not an “a”! … Jacky is so friendly and has a great sense of humor!

I inquired if they still had the late-night sushi (like after midnight) as they did on certain Wednesdays back in December and he replied that they indeed did but not on a regularly scheduled basis. Beer-Pong events necessitate the late nights but he said if a large enough crowd approached him for such a late-hour dinner, he would certainly accommodate.

Jokingly inquiring if I would participate in karaoke, I told him, “I would have to be drinking” - that led to discussions of what I would be drinking - which led to me indicating I felt sake was an excellent drink for sushi dinners.

Sake and Quail Eggs Shooters

Jacky quickly disappeared into the back and returned carrying a tray with a sake carafe and three small sake cups. He said he sometimes likes to share sake with his customers and I noticed as he sat down at our table, there were three quail eggs on the tray, as well. Now, I have had quail eggs on top of seaweed-wrapped fish roe and this is like dessert for me – the quail egg is almost sweet in contrast to the salty brine of fish eggs.

But what was Jacky going to do with these quail eggs? ...he started cracking/peeling them and then broke them over each cup to allow the egg yoke to drop into the bottom of the cups … huh? … I was wondering what the combination of the quail egg and sake would produce. Jacky pointed out that the hot sake “cooks” the egg to some degree while we let the cups set for about 30 seconds. Then, we drank the sake – sake shooter style – and the quail egg yoke tasted like thick, almost sweet, cream at the end. Amazing and delicious – you MUST try this! …

We looked over the impressive sushi menu available at Matsuya and selected the following:

Dynamite Roll ($6.20) – fresh salmon, krab meat & asparagus deep fried - with mayo, hot sauce and eel sauce

Shrimp Tempura Roll ($4.75) – cucumber, fish eggs with eel sauce

Spicy Tuna Roll ($5.20) – self explanatory

Philadelphia Roll ($4.75) – cream cheese & krab meat

JB Roll ($4.75) – smoked salmon & cream cheese

The preparation and presentation by Sushi Chef Domingo was excellent! … I was able to speak with Domingo a little and learned he is from Guatemala and loves living in the United States. He is very talented – just look at the photos!

The sushi rolls were magnificent! … the items used as garnish are edible and delicious, too – so, at the end of the meal, the huge plate was empty.

Jacky introduced us his lovely wife Huan and the newest addition to their family, their daughter – they also have a son at home. Great family – great staff – Jacky is a lucky man, indeed!

Jacky also explained something they offer which blew my mind – Sushi Classes on certain Sundays from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Cost is $29 per person and it is all-you-can-make & eat sushi for those four hours. They only do pre-paid reservations and community seating is the order of the day. For instance, the booth at which companion and I were seated would accommodate four people, so during Sushi Classes, you and your significant other will be sharing that booth with two other people. Jackie instructs each student to use the name tags he provides for the class so that you will be motivated to mingle. Sell-outs are common, so allow time to arrange your visit.

Think of it – all-you-can-eat sushi for $29 per person PLUS you learn to make it yourself! … for an extra $10 per person, you can have all-you-can-drink sake! … I feel a S&S (sushi & sake) night coming soon! … the next classes are Sunday, July 15 & July 29, 2012.

Call Jacky NOW (904.996.0008 ) and get your pre-paid reservations!

My heartfelt appreciation to Jacky and Huan for being such gracious hosts and for sharing the sake! .. and to Domingo for a spectacular sushi dinner. Most significantly, my congratulations to Jacky and Huan for their close family relationship and for maintaining the same top-notch service and food quality we experienced over six months ago at Matsuya Sushi & Grill … a most memorable and exciting experience during this unusual Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!

Matsuya Sushi and Grill

http://www.matsuyajax.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matsuya-Japanese-Restaurant/201249206569767

Okay, so NOW we were through for the night, right? … Nope … not yet …

Our route home took us tantalizingly close to “Beer Central” for Jacksonville -  Kickbacks Gastropub! (910 King Street – 904.388.9551)

Not having any room available for even the smallest bite of food, it was companion's fault for letting me know Kickbacks had Highland Brewing Company's Kashmir IPA on tap! … no respectable Brew Bitch could pass this close to that delicious nectar without stopping for a pint, right? … and guess what? … even on a Friday night (Saturday morning), we found a parking spot right in front across the street!

As expected, Kickbacks was packed but we soon found seating at the bar. We met a wonderful and beautiful young woman. Rolanda, sitting at the bar awaiting food-to-go for her hospital-bound fiancee. She was such a sweetheart and surprised us with the gift of our round of beer which consisted of the aforementioned Highland Brewing Company's Kashmir IPA and out most favorite and treasured Terrapin Beer Company's Wake N Bake Coffee Oatmeal Stout.

Highland Brewing Company Kashmir IPA

A full-bodied India Pale Ale. This beer is golden in color with a moderate malty character with full hop flavor true to the classic ale that has traveled on sailing ships from England to India. Bold and brazen.

This is Highland’s version of the classic British beer which was designed to survive the long journeys from England to India on sailing ships. The higher alcohol content and much higher hop level provided the longevity necessary for the casks to arrive in India in a most drinkable condition. It is very often serious beer drinkers’ favorite style. Being “Just a wee bit different” we chose Kashmir, a controversial section of the Indian subcontinent in the north and matched it with a Madras inspired plaid from the south. Note: 6% ABV & 60 IBUs

Terrapin Beer Company Wake N Bake Coffee Oatmeal Stout

Black as night, this coffee stout is thick, rich and full of real coffee flavor. Brewed with the Terrapin Wake-n-Bake coffee blend created by Terrapin & Jittery Joe’s Coffee.

The high content alcohol of these beers make them perfect for cellaring…hide them away and pull one out for a special event 2-3 years later.

The Jitery Joe’s Wake-n-Bake coffee blend is available for sale in our gift shop online and at the brewery!

Note: 8.6% ABV & 50 IBUs

Jimmie of Kickbacks Gastropub

Jimmie and Will were our experienced, friendly and effective bartenders that evening, making this experience at Kickbacks very special. I was also able to see Cindy and my original Ale Angel Kat as they both stopped by to say hello.

My sincere thanks to Will and Jimmie for their excellent customer service and friendly demeanor and to Rolanda for the generous gift of our beer – the best of luck to you and your fiancee – we'll be lifting y'all up.

My heartfelt appreciation to Steve Flores and the rest of the gang at Kickbacks Gastropub for always being the place we can confidently refer to as our “home away from home” - and always rely upon to be the perfect spot to end any Jax Brew Bitch Prowl!

To view more photos from Matsuya Sushi and Grill and Kickbacks Gastropub, please visit the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.368155233270092.88771.181100418642242&type=3

Highland Brewing Co. 

http://www.highlandbrewing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/HighlandBrewingCompany?ref=ts

Terrapin Beer

http://terrapinbeer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/terrapinbeerco?ref=ts

Kickbacks Gastropub

http://www.facebook.com/kickbacksgastropub

Completely full … and completely content, I settled into The Beast for the balance of the ride home. Companion started the engine, looked over and asked if I happened to be seeing Tinker Beer or the Freakin' Fried Fairy at that particular moment.

Leaning back and closing my eyes as he started to drive, I responded, “No, not now … but it's all right – they'll both be BACK – because although it may not have looked like it tonight, so am I.”