(30th) Avenue (Mexi)Q

Hey folks! Artsy guy here reporting from a mere eight blocks from home... MexiQ on 30th Ave. in Astoria, Queens. This place has a sort of Tex-Mex fusion-ish vibe happenin' with the menu, and the results are mighty tasty.

But this craft beer fan rejoices most over some of the kegs they're getting. This trip found me with a coveted glass of Founders Kentucky Breakfast Stout. Also on the menu: Southern Tier Unearthly IPA, Dogfish Head 90 Minute, and much more. Their happy hour features their Mexican beers (Dos Equis and Modelo) if that's your bag.

This is a fantastic local hang. I do wish they updated their beer menu more often. (After three visits in the last month, I've observed that the number of depleted beers still on their menu is much higher than other bars with the same type of rotating selection... and better systems.) Still, it's a great destination for those with a hankerin' for tasty craft brews. And that's what's HOPpenin'!! Cheers, y'all!

Mets Game!

Hey Gs. Stat Guy here! Came out to the Mets game at Citi Field tonight... And it is hace frio!! Pretty cold out here, but luckily we have access to the Caesar's Club that is indoors, and has a full bar. So after five innings we came in to thaw out. And they have the Goose Island Honker's Ale on tap from Chicago. A little bitter for my taste, but what the hell, I'm at a Ballgame! Plus these days are quite different at the ballpark. You can even get sushi!!! Now we just need to score some runs against the damn Giants!!

 

Elmer T. Lee and the Great Mushroom Caper

 

Hey Philip Pfans! Loud Guy here. I just spent the last weekend in northern Michigan with two friends, a book of trumpet duets, a six pack of Founders' Red's Rye IPA, and a bottle of Elmer T. Lee bourbon. We were supposed to spend the weekend picking Morel mushrooms in the hardwood tree forests of MI, but the mushrooms don't seem to like snow and 25-degree weather.  So my Mr Skone, Mr Quint and I spent the weekend getting to know Elmer T. Lee a little better. And this is the start of a beautiful friendship!

Elmer T. has similar vanilla notes to Buffalo Trace wiskey (see THHG video), and is exceptionally smooth. Someone on the internets called it a "gateway whiskey", and I have to agree; no burn on the way down, and a nice linger of sweetness. We paired it with grilled steaks and cornish hens, both cooked over a camp fire. The maple was wet, and the smokiness really went well with Elmer. Before and after dinner, I poured it over ice: nice!

There's not much left of  my first bottle of Elmer T, so I'll be heading out to get another, and this time I'll grab some Buffalo Trace too, to do some side-by-side sampling.

Brew City: Comet Café!

Artsy guy here, once again dropping a line from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I meant to post this on Sunday night, but I thought it was apropos to sit a bit with the intense news that came from President Obama.  Then I was all about the travel day and some technical difficuties and, well, here 'tis...

The Comet Café on Farwell Avenue has been in the neighborhood for eons, but somewhat recently it's been reinvented on many fronts, and is currently recognized nationally as a destination for slow (local and lovingly hand-prepared) food and craft beer.

This craft beer fanatic was pleased with the great selection on their relatively limited tap rack (Three Floyds, Bell's, Lagunitas, etc.) and the Sunday night special that offered a free basket of bacon (yes, BACON!!) with a bar purchase.  Their bottle selection is out of this world. AND the first Tuesday of each month, they offer Beer School where, for $20, those new to craft beer can learn a thing or twelve.

Guy Fieri brought his show Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives to feature the café based on its amazing comfort food. Highlights include AJ's Compact Turkey Dinner (fried balls of turkey, taters, and stuffing served with brussels sprouts), bacon-wrapped meatloaf, a killer brunch, and (he says over a basket of bacon) some truly amazing vegetarian options. Visit their website to learn about all the delectability (and more).

This is at once a brilliant neighborhood haunt and destination for the discerning hungry and thirsty traveling through the MKE. If you find yourself in this neck of the woods, get thee hither! That's what's HOPpenin'!! Cheers y'all!

Studio Square, Astoria.

'Sup HHGs and Mr. McGlass! Stat Guy here, (reporting from the East Coast at the moment.) So after shooting with Jimmy and Mark at Sunswick out here in Astoria, I decided to stop in to Studio Square Beer Garden, around the corner, to finally check it out. I lived in Astoria for four years but this is my first time here! Fortunately at 6 on a Monday I don't have to fear the yuppies as much :)


Anyway, the place is streamlined. Open and modern. The draught line up is spotty, (Blue Point Toasted and Racer 5 aside) but something about beer-gardens always makes me think European, and I needed something light so I went with the Czech Lager, Staropramen. It is best in pitcher-form sharing among friends at a long picnic table in the sun.

 

Lukas the bartender is cool and helpful, but this place is really for quantity, and packing them in over the weekends. And I get that. But it's not a bad place to tip a few back and watch a game during the slow hours. Just steer clear once the Frat boys show up :) hope all's good. Stat Guy Out!