Mark and Jimmy (and Don, James and Becca) stop off at this Finger Lakes Region gem, a restaurant, brewery and B&B full of history and great stories. And also nowadays full of fresh local foods as well as the freshest beer possible! Will the locals honk if they love beer? Tune in and see. Cheers!
Mark, Jimmy and the whole crew make a stop to do some wine tasting at this gem in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate NY. Find out what they bet on, and how beautifully it's paying off. Cheers!
The Brooklyn Bridge.Howdy y'all! Artsy guy here, reelin' from a great day of wandering around the great city of NYC. I crossed a wee wish off the list today and walked across the Brooklyn Bridge. The sky was full of chunky white and grey clouds, but the sun was a-peekin' through, giving quite a show. As I ambled from the Brooklyn side (DUMBO) to Manhattan (Lower East Side), I was entranced by this iconic piece of architecture as well as that offered from the south end of Manhattan (including One World Trade Center as it climbs ever upward). A highly recommended jaunt!
And as I found my footing on the bedrock of Manhattan, I figured such a trek should be accompanied by refreshments at one of the island's oldest drinking and dining establishments, the Bridge Café. At the intersection of Dover St. (which runs along the southern base of the bridge) and Water St., you'll find an old storefront that poured its first wine and beer in 1794 when the East River licked at the back of the foundation and the bridge hadn't yet been built (and wouldn't be for 90 years). The years since have found it in different hands and offering varied services (an 1855 census lists six prostitutes as residents), but the rough and tumble history of this neighborhood has long been accompanied by the liquid encouragement of the shopkeepers at 279 Water Street. Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton argued sides of an insurance claim battle embroiled here. The book The Gangs of New York describes a despicable dive called "The Hole in the Wall" at this location. And in later years, as the place was polished, Mayor Ed Koch called this his favorite restaurant and held court here twice a week. So much history in these clapboard walls!
The Bridge Café in the shadow of the Brookly Bridge, and the bar.
Tuck in, y'all!On this visit, I found a charming restaurant with a talented chef and an incredibly well-stocked bar. Whisky lovers will find quite a selection... scotches, ryes, bourbons, etc. Craft beer lovers won't be disappointed (Hear hear!) with taps offering Kelso, Sixpoint, Lagunitas, Smuttynose, etc. and quite a bottle list. The chef didn't disappoint even this transient lunch-seeker. I absolutely loved my southwestern avocado soup with fire roasted corn and hominy... and a marinated mozzarella and cherry tomato salad on a bed of sliced beefsteak tomatoes, with croutons, basil, and amazing balsamic reduction. I need more. And there's plenty more to be had on the menu. I'll be back tomorrow.
Get thee to the Bridge Café, y'all! It's a perfectly charming fine dining establishment rising from the foundation of a whole lotta history. Good stuff! That's what's HOPpenin', y'all!
Author Christian DeBenedetti and Communicator Guy.
Howdy! Artsy Guy here. Uploading some shots from a book signing. We're fancy. Seriously, we're totally diggin' Christian DeBenedetti's new book, The Great American Ale Trail, aren't we, Jimmy the Communicator Guy(TM)?
Ahem! Communicator Guy here, reporting that Artsy Guy takes some great Hipstomatics, and that this event here at NYC's Blind Tiger (one of the Holy Grail beer bars of the entire Universe) is just damn lovely. I've already begun to dive into the book and I'm here to tell you it's awesome. A must-read. What say you, Artsy?
The Great American Ale Trail.
I say "YEA!" Here's a guy who has really suffered for his art, traveling the country to make note of the best places to procure the craft suds. Can you write off your treatments for "barfly elbow", Mr. Christian? I hope so. You deserve it. This is such a resource for the traveling craft beer lover. And Garrett Oliver (brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery and author of The Brewmaster's Table) seems to agree. Right, Communicator?
Communicator taking notes at The Blind Tiger.
He does indeed. And now Christian is speaking of his first days in NYC as a journalist (he arrived TWO DAYS before 9/11) and relating that were it not for great craft and great craft bars like the Blind Tiger, he would never have found his way as solidly as he has. Craft beer, everyone. It's not about the beer. IT'S ABOUT THE PEOPLE!
Yes! People like Artsy. (Me again.) And folks in communities all over the country: That film industry lawyer I chatted with at Tony's Darts Away in Burbank, CA. The college music professor in Pittsburgh, PA who gives me barleywine recommendations. The owners of Goebel's Liquor and Rob's World of Beers who are introducing Wichita, KS to a world of craft beer goodness. Communicator Guy?...
**wipes away a beautiful, cinematic tear**
Well said, Artsy. Well said. Check out this book, y'all. And, next time you have a chance, buy a great craft beverage for someone, whether it be a good friend, or a total stranger. Make this community, this worldwide group of Good People, even better than it already is. CHEERS!
P.S. That's what's HOPpenin'. (Artsy again.)
Artsy Guy here... again. In the spirit of finding nifty places to gather with friends, I'd like to offer a fantastic option my friend Lisa brought to my attention. Mona's in Alphabet City (Avenue B between 13th & 14th Streets) is a classic dive bar where you'll find punk rock on the juke box and a wildly diverse group of regulars. Various nights feature varied styles of live music. Mondays feature bluegrass. I believe Irish tunes are du rigueur. But the night that will keep me coming back is Tuesday night and the jazz jam (heavy on the 20s and 30s swing)...
The music really didn't get into full swing until after 10 and was still happenin' when I left around 2:30am. The full bar seemed to get a workout, but there are some options for craft beer folks (Brooklyn and Blue Point on draft, Dogfish Head in bottle). It's what's HOPpenin' folks! Cheers!
Get the scoop on NY CBW 2011 (Sept 16th - 25) with Mark and Jimmy. Great Craft, Amazing City!
Mark, Jimmy & Jeff make a stop in Long Island at one of the most award-winning breweries in the US, where the beer is next to the food... and IN the food! Enjoy.
