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.”

Stewarding Flights with CASK, Feestdag Waffles, Bottle Sharing and Sushi

EGADS! … starting a fully beer-filled day at 10:00 am in the morning? … sounds wonderful … prachtig ...merveilleux …wunderbar... but how could I pull it off?

Homebrew entries for CASK 5th Annul First Coast Cup

Thus began my Saturday morning (July 21) thoughts after a late-evening Prowl the night before. Arriving home a little before midnight, poor companion had to be up three hours later to take his coworker to the airport and have him there no later than 4:30 am. When he returned from his limo-duty in The Beast, he fell back into bed, only to awaken a little after 7:00 am, knowing he would need to rouse me by 8:30 am.

Ed Stansel has been ever-so-helpful and gracious in inviting me to learn to be a Steward for the upcoming First Coast Cup Homebrew Competition being held next Friday and Saturday at the Sheraton on Baymeadows Drive. Due to conflicting schedules and previous commitments, I had been unable to attend previous Cowford Ale Sharing Klub (CASK) Steward training classes, so I was determined to make this one, schedule to begin at 10:00 am!

Companion prepared eggs and toast for me while I got myself presentable and he offered to drop me off and then tend to gathering the supplies needed for the Belgian-themed Bottle Sharing at Green Room Brewing beginning at 2:00 pm. I felt so bad for him since he had not had much restful sleep and I knew he would be worn out before the day ended.

We arrived at CASK member Shaun's apartment on time and soon all those to be in attendance arrived.

CASK prejudging for FCC

I soon learned that being a Steward is no easy matter! … a particular way to taste and savor beer – how to judge it … how to score it … mannerisms … protocol … policies - like not wearing cologne or perfume – all play a part in being acceptable as a Steward.

WOW! … a lot of information was provided to me in a relatively short time in that training session! … although members of the group had offered to buy lunch, I needed to have companion pick me up so that we could get to the Bottle Sharing meeting at Green Room on time.

I bid farewell to Ed Stansel, Prescott Scaffe, Marshall and Sherri Crews, David Poquette, Shaun Newman, Lukasz Kluz, Mike Lentz, Steve Campbell and the rest of those from CASK and thanked them for the education they provided. My sincere appreciation to Ed Stansel for inviting me and suggesting I learn how to be a Steward. I look forward to the First Coast Cup Homebrew Competition next weekend.

To view photos from CASK, visit the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.335464586539157.79029.181100418642242&type=3

Cowford Ale Sharing Klub (CASK)

http://www.thecask.org/

https://www.facebook.com/CASKjax

"Oh, Snap" Brown Ale & the Island Girl DIPA

Companion arrived around 1:30 pm with the cooler of beer we would be sharing and the other necessary items – the Belgian Waffle maker, the waffle batter he had blended that morning, butter, syrup, strawberries and Cool Whip. Our destination was Green Room Brewing (228 3rd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.201-9283) where the Bottle Sharing group was scheduled to meet at 2:00 pm.

The reason for the inclusion of the Belgian Waffle maker was that the theme of the Bottle Sharing was Belgian – to commemorate Feestdag, Belgian Independence Day, the day celebrated honoring the country's independence from The Netherlands.

Kathy Corbin had suggested this theme and I decided that we should have Belgian Waffles to accompany the Belgian-style beers many would be bringing to the gathering.

This would be the first Bottle Sharing at Green Room that I would be “heading up” so to speak after originators Mark and Kathy Corbin has asked me to step in for them for awhile. “Heading up” is too heady a phrase, though – it just involves notifying those on the mailing list of upcoming times and confirmations of dates – providing suggestions for any particular themes – and then making sure the tables are set up before and rearranged and cleaned when we leave. I felt honored to be asked by the Corbins and I want to do a good job for them and the group.

It is customary for Bottle Sharing group attendees to purchase a pint of the available drafts at Green Room, so companion and I ordered and split the following two delicious brews:

Green Room Brewing Island Girl DIPA – their Double Overhead aged on Spanish Cedar from cigar boxes! 

Green Room Brewing “Oh, Snap!” - fresh candied ginger in a brown ale!

Both were certainly enjoyable on the palate – and I practiced a little of what I learned at CASK. Trish Scott saw me and got me tickled and I almost blew some of the “Oh, Snap!” out my nose. Noticing my coughing and trouble in swallowing (thanks to Trish and David!), companion commented he would keep drinking beer “the old-fashioned way”, noting the new way I had learned was obviously a little dangerous.

In attendance that day were Trish and David Scott, Mike, companion and myself and later, Nora, Mark and Kathy Corbin and our “adopted son” Jonathan Faulkner.

During the get-together, Green Room co-owner Mark Stillman came by and eventually joined us in some of the tastings. With each bottle opening, one of us would run up to the bar so that Jason and/or Molly, both tending to  bar duties that day, could try a sip and we made sure they had a hot Belgian Waffle to share. Mark was gracious enough to spend some time with me discussing Green Room and how much we all miss the presence of Diamond, a truly integral part of the history of the brewery, She was a beloved and revered canine princess and she will always be remembered.

Beers, too numerous to mention, were all shared and all were very tasty and appreciated by the group. Companion did a fine job in preparing the waffles – serving them up hot for all those wishing to have a slice – and making sure there was no leftover mess. The aroma apparently filled the tap room as several patrons came over to find out just what was creating the hunger-inspiring smell.

Kathy, Mark and baby Mad Max

Jason and Molly were efficiently handling the duties behind the bar and they kept a watchful eye on both our group and the other patrons to make sure each person's experience inside Green Room was pleasant and memorable.

As we were finishing off the shared bottles of interesting and tasty beers, the band, Lonesome Bert & The Skinny Lizards starting doing their sound-checks and setting up as the evening's entertainment. We decided it was time to free up the tables, clean up and head out to our next adventure.

My heartfelt appreciation to Jason and Molly for being such gracious hosts and to Mark, Eric and the rest of the team there at Green Room for indulging us this special Bottle Sharing event and for maintaining a warm, inviting atmosphere for my continuing visits during many Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.

To view more photos from the Bottle Sharing meeting at Green Room Brewing, visit the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.338420386243577.79979.181100418642242&type=1

Green Room Brewing

http://www.greenroombrewing.com/

http://www.facebook.com/GreenRoomBrewing

Lost Coast Brewery Indica IPA &
Anchor Brewing Steam California Common

It had been awhile since we had visited The Brix Taphouse (300 2nd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.241.4668) and since we were in the area, I decided this might be a good time to stop in, hopefully say hello to Grady and enjoy a beer.

We were able to find a parking spot right across the street from Brix and were soon seated at the huge bar in the center of the establishment. I was pleased to see Day Manager Grady was indeed serving as co-bartender and after discussing our options with him, made the following selections (descriptions per breweries' websites):

Lost Coast Brewery Indica IPA

Indica is a hoppy, full-bodied ale. It has a higher than average alcohol content balanced by radical bittering from Columbus hops, then dry hopped with generous amounts of Willamette and Centennial hop flowers. - Note: 6.5% ABV

Anchor Brewing Steam California Common

Anchor Steam® Beer owes its deep amber color, thick, creamy head, and rich, distinctive flavor to a brewing process like none other.

It is a process that combines deep respect for brewing tradition with many decades of evolution to arrive at a unique approach: a blend of pale and caramel malts, fermentation with lager yeast at warmer ale temperatures in shallow open-air fermenters, and gentle carbonation in our cellars through an all-natural process called kräusening.

Anchor Steam® Beer derives its unusual name from the 19th century when “steam” was a nickname for beer brewed on the West Coast of America under primitive conditions and without ice. While the origin of the name remains shrouded in mystery, it likely relates to the original practice of fermenting the beer on San Francisco’s rooftops in a cool climate. In lieu of ice, the foggy night air naturally cooled the fermenting beer, creating steam off the warm open pans. Once a nickname for any West Coast beer brewed under these conditions, today the name “steam” is a trademark of Anchor Brewing and applies only to the singular process and taste of our flagship brand - San Francisco’s original Anchor Steam® Beer. The classic of American brewing tradition since 1896. - Note: 4.9% ABV

The Brix Taphouse also sells Growlers to Go!

Grady was kind enough to discuss upcoming draft beer selections and specials – stay tuned!

Currently The Brix Taphouse already has outrageous Happy Hours and specials! .,... Everyday from 3 to 8 pm, $3 pints including their craft brews!

It was time to eat, so we thanked Grady for his friendly customer service and focused ourselves on deciding where to find some good chews on our way home.

Thank you to Grady for taking the time to speak with me and to the ownership of The Brix Taphouse for providing another enjoyable stop on this day's significant Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

The Brix Taphouse (300 2nd Street North – Jax Beach – 904.241.4668)

http://brixtaphouse.com/

https://www.facebook.com/brix.house

Lost Coast Brewery

http://www.lostcoast.com/

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lost-Coast-Brewery/18938996622

Anchor Brewing

http://www.anchorbrewing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/anchorbrewing

Engine 15's own Old Battle Ax IPA & Rye of the Tiger IPA

The Beast was naturally headed westward, so I was able to quickly consider and choose Engine 15 Brewing Company (1500 Beach Boulevard – Jax Beach – 904.249.2337) since we had not visited there in past few weeks and I knew they have some righteous grub!

The crowd was notable but there were still some seats available, so companion selected a table by the front entrance while I placed our following beer order with Mall, one of my favorite beer-temptresses there at Engine 15: Also serving behind the bar was Caleb, a dedicated and friendly member of the Engine 15 team.

Engine 15 brewing Company Rye of the Tiger IPA – (description per brewerydb.com)

“This amber colored rye beer combines the citrus and floral character of a classic American IPA with the spicy earthy notes of a Rye ale. Hoppy but not too bitter and just enough spice to give you a little “how’s your father?”

Old Battle Axe IPA – (description per brewerydb.com)

“The Summit hops lend a pronounced pineapple and citrus character to this American IPA, late additions of Northern Brewer, Glacier and more Summit round out the hop profile in this delicious nectar.”

Engine 15's Pigs in Blankets $6

A friend had mentioned how good Engine 15's “Pigs in Blankets” (only $6) were, so we ordered a plate of those, Served with a special sauce, these hot little piglets fit perfectly with the beer we were enjoying!

Still a little hungry, we then ordered Engine 15's popular and value-priced appetizer, the Chips and Queso Blanco (only $5) – a healthy helping of fresh salty chips and a bowl of warm white cheese queso. Surprisingly, I was a little disappointed in this selection. Some of the chips seemed to be the “bottom of the bag” and the queso had a aftertaste of it having been frozen and then heated up.

Engine 15's Chips & Queso Blanco $5

I was able to speak with co-owner Luch and congratulated him and his lovely wife Kara on the birth of their daughter.  Luch makes each of our visits so pleasant – his hands-on approach to management and engaging personality have helped build the solid top-rated reputation now enjoyed by Engine 15 Brewing Company,

We still had a significant drive home to make, so we bid farewell to Mall and Caleb and were soon continuing our voyage home on Beach Boulevard.

My sincere appreciation to Mall and Caleb for their friendly customer service; to Luch for taking the time to speak with me and to him and the rest of the staff at Engine 15 for maintaining everything they do in making Engine 15 Brewing Company a consistent top-quality stop on many Jax Brew Bitch Prowls.

Engine 15 Brewing Company

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

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

I was thinking the evening was done and I thought it would be best to get companion home since he had lost some sleep the night before but as we approached the corner of Beach Boulevard and St. Johns Bluff Road South, companion and I looked at each other with knowing smiles. Yes, we were somewhat full – but forget Jello! … there's always room for late-night sushi!

We pulled into the Winn-Dixie Shopping Center located at the southwest corner of that intersection for Matsuya Sushi and Grill and parked right in front of the restaurant, not too surprising since it was 9:30 pm.

Entering, we saw owner Jackie Chen, his lovely wife and new baby daughter inside along with the sushi chef and a very pleasant waitress. We were alone inside Matsuya but felt very comfortable as we could tell the entire staff appreciates each and every customer. As I have noted before in earlier posts, ownership at Matsuya are very willing to serve you – even if you arrive a few minutes before the posted closing time.

I quickly grabbed the sushi menu and made the following selections:

Dynamite Roll ($6.20) – Fresh salmon, krab meat & asparagus – deep fried with mayo, hot sauce and eel sauce on top.

Philadelphia Roll ($4.00) – Cream cheese and krab meat

Spicy Tuna ($5.20) – self explanatory

Crunch Spicy Salmon ($5.20) – self- explanatory – MY FAV! - I even ordered one of these to go!

We always prefer “water & lime” with our sushi – unless I am suffering from ESD (Extreme Sake Deficiency). Oh, by the way, that reminds me! … check with Matsuya about their all-you-can drink Sake special! …

Also, by reserving a spot and pre-paying, you can attend the regularly scheduled “Make-Your-Own-Sushi” class where for $29 per head ($10 more if you want the all-you-drink-sake combined with the class) you can learn how to make sushi and eat all you make! ,.,, I am SO going to do this – the class is typically held on certain Sundays, so check with Matsuya about their next available class!

My sincere appreciation to Jackie and his wife, the sushi chef and waitress for their spectacular service and food – and for providing the perfect experience to end this extended and very memorable Jax Brew Bitch Prowl.

Matsuya Sushi and Grill

http://www.matsuyajax.com/

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

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matsuya-Japanese-Restaurant/131513676906978

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Matsuya-Japanese-Restaurant/131513676906978?sk=info

The remaining portion of the drive home seemed to go quickly, as I reflected upon the day's events. I am blessed with a supportive companion, great beer-centric friends and those of you who take the time out of your day to read and follow my Prowls. You are each such a treasure to me – you truly make being the Jax Brew Bitch “wonderful” – or as they say in the three native languages of Belgium -  prachtig ...merveilleux …wunderbar.

Thank you all!