Grape and Gourmet's monthly open house for beer and wine tasting. I love this event. It's homey, friendly and I always find something I like on the tables. In addition to the pouring they have a spread for cheese, crackers and dips. We dropped off some of Sloane's Smoked Gouda Dip from The Creative Wedge. I bumped into Barbara earlier that day at the Old Beach Farmer's Market, she asked if I would take one with me to share. I love that stuff, they're lucky it even made to a table.
Happy Father's Day to the dads out there. The blog at my daughter's workplace, Need Supply Co., collected photos and quotes to celebrate the day.
Here's a shot of me and my father:
July 1972, Tacoma, WA
The new O'Connor Brewing Company facility is huge, especially compared to the old building the next street over. Standing on top of the roof you can see for miles over the low rooftops of the industrial area, past the neighborhoods and beyond. Taking in everything around the building, getting a bead on the location. What caught my interest was the old coffee roasting plant a couple blocks away. It used to house First Colony Coffee & Tea, the 109-year-old business closed it's doors in 2011. I asked brewer Skylar Sickles what he thought about the new place.
“I love it.” he said.
I stopped by O'Connor Brewing Co. to check out the new spot before the huge grand opening dubbed “O'Connoroo.” I was greeted by their marketing director, Hannah Serrano, who gave me a quick tour around the warehouse. She then handed me off to the brewers, James Moriarty, Brian Mandeville, and Skylar Sickles who were there getting the new tanks hooked-up. The 211 W. 24th Street location started out as a food processing plant, then furniture warehouse before being converted into a brewery. The wide, open space allowed O'Connor to triple the annual output to 15,000 barrels. The building houses a cooler and docking area too; this will allow them to produce and hold more beer in addition to convenient shipping. This all equals higher product output.
The extra space will allow the brewers to experiment with small batches. They've done this in the past, but they'll have more to share and they can test out barrel aging. Barrels are going to be brought in from distilleries in the surrounding area. The brewers said they're going to love the extra space and the large windows that line the brewery's walls can be opened to let air in. I remember spending a couple hours with the brewers in the old location a few years ago. It was summer and it was hot, damp—the new space will be a lot more comfortable. The old spot on 25th Street has been shuttered up and the tanks there will be going to Midnight Brewery outside of Richmond, another craft brewery that started in 2011.
Kevin O'Connor, said, “I just love the way the place looked, architecturally, and how the place felt.” I can understand the feeling. The space allows the brewery to add a lot more the O'Connor experience. There is a mezzanine “VIP” area above the taproom bar. The bar is housed in what was formerly a refrigeration area—you can still see the large doors that was used to access the units. Twenty-one taps will be behind the warmly lit, wood-worked and corked lined walls. For the curious, the cork walls are original to the building, insulation for refrigeration units. As I was leaving I couldn't wait see how this place would be put together in a week for O'Connoroo!
The weather was perfect. We showed up to O'Connoroo around 3:30 PM, this was the official grand opening of the new location. We missed the 2:00 PM kick-off—pipers, ribbon cutting and the small crowds. The place was packed already with lines for beer tickets winding out of the gate! The docking courtyard was lined with food trucks and pop-up restaurants. The trucks included Karnage Asada, CXB BBQ and Eats, Granby Street Hot Dogs; the pop-ups were from Waffletina, Belmont House of Smoke (the brisket was very good!), Cogan's Pizza, 80/20 Burger Bar and Colley Cantina. In the center were spots to hang out and play cornhole. Speaking of games, if you go inside, there is a gameroom. They still have their oversized Jenga from the old joint and there is a shuffleboard court to boot. More games will be added in the future.
A proper stage has been built in the brewery to host their weekly performers. The O'Connoroo had four bands to check-out: The Framers, DJP and MrT, The Dahus, Big Virginia Sky. Between the stage and taproom are long tables and a bar with stools that runs the length of the lined-up tanks. The seating allows patrons to check out the brewing area and equipment in addition to anyone on stage. We moved around the facility a bit and made our way up to the mezzanine. A smaller bar was up stairs to cater the VIP area. A good number of people from the area's craft beer scene were there to help celebrate O'Connor's big day.
DJP & MrT
Approximately there were 5,000-6,000 people who walked through the gates to attend O'Connoroo. This made for long lines for beer and the brewery posted an apology and promised to make good in futures events. They will definitely honor any beer tickets people held onto. So if you have some, don't throw them away! All the tickets O'Connor had available were sold by 8:15 PM that night. 42.5 barrels of beer was consumed, which roughly translates to over 10,500 pints poured! So much beer was pulled that the tasting room will only be open Friday and Saturday the week after O'Connoroo to allow them to refill the kegs.
Even though there were lines for drinks, everyone took it in stride. It was great seeing the community come out and support the area's spearhead unit into the craft beer scene. They've come a long way since opening in March 2010. Here's a little traditional Irish toast to close:
May you always have walls for the winds,
a roof for the rain, beer beside the fire,
laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
and all your heart might desire.
I changed that a little bit, hope you don't mind. See all the photos from the event here.
(Special thanks to Michael Palfrey Jr., OBC Tasting Room Mgr., who let me ping him for information.)
I get the day off on Memorial Day, like most people. First thing I thought of when I woke up was my Grandfather. He was a veteran if the Second World War in Patton's army. He's no longer with us but he has been a big influence in my life. The time I spent with my grand parents was great. I miss them both.
Marleigh came down for the long weekend to relax and it was nice to spend time her. He saw the new X-Men movie, cooked-out and watched Mad Men! Today we're at the beach. The Ft. Story beach is low-key and relaxing. The weather is great and there is a nice breeze.
After we left, I stopped by the local grocery and picked-up some snow crab legs that were on sale. We picked them for dinner then Marleigh left for her place. Very nice day.
Makes me wish I would have put in my 20 and retired from the Army. Spend the Spring/Summer with days like today.
After doing a little running around one day the other week I ended up stopping by Tubby's Tavern in Virginia Beach. They had a new beer on tap from Magic Hat called Dream Machine IPL, a mix of an IPA and amber lager. I love lagers (yeah, I admit it), this sounded interesting. Hops are good, but sometimes I feel like there are so much in a glass that it burns out the palate.
Amanda manning the Dream Machine
Once I got into Tubby's I said "Hi" guys and gals working there and ordered a beer. The Dream Machine was pretty good. With the weather changing, I wouldn't mind having one of these after doing some yard work, winding down. R.W. told me a couple of reps from Magic Hat were going to be showing up. That's great! I love meeting the guys who represent companies or the regional folks who are interested in how their product is doing.
A little bit later a spiffy looking van pulled up manned by Amanda and Dan of Magic Hat. You could probably guess what the van was named--Dream Machine! The Dream Machine was equipped with a large screen display, photo booth, taps...everything! I actually got to take a quick ride in the rig, helping them position it in a better location in front of Tubby's.
Dan told me they're driving around the country to promote the seasonal Dream Machine IPL and they had swag to give away too. They had a little plinko game I got to play, I won a high-five!
I won a High-Five with the Dream Machine Plinko!
The weather was great so we were outside hanging, R.W. brought out some pub fries for us to munch on too. Amanda and Dan filled a pitcher and gave us a couple rounds on them and after a while packed up to move to the next spot.
Dan, Amanda and R.W.
Look out for the Dream Machine, maybe you'll get lucky and win a high-five too.
Check out the rest of the photos here.
The past few weeks have been crazy--Chayce leaving for basic training was the big thing. In the area there was a lot happening too.
American Craft Beer week just passed with all the events associated with it. The big Virginia Craft Beer Festival happened and I went skeet shooting for the first time (I did that before I went to the beer fest.)
Putting some stuff together I've been neglecting and I'll have it up soon!
Oh! Visiting O'Connor Brewing Co.'s new spot this Friday too!
Stay tuned.
Happy Mother's Day Shelby!
I meant to get this out yesterday but we've been running around like crazy; didn't spent a lot of time online.
What we did do it take our son to the military processing center where he signed his contract with the Navy. He flies out today.
Kind of a bittersweet weekend, but we are proud of him.
The winning soup from Mannino's
Another She-Crab Soup Classic has come and gone with Mannino's Italian Bistro holding onto it's spot at the top. I'll admit I had them marked in first place too after tasting at each table--it's so delicious. Shelby and I pretty much voted the same way with Passion and Rockafeller's taking second and third respectively.
There were a bunch of good soups we sampled at the competition, making it hard to pick what we thought were the best at the event. I basically look for the lump crab, crab roe, a little Old Bay, and I like sherry in mine too.
Westminister's soup
Passion's She-Crab Soup entry
Here are the 2014 East Coast She-Crab Soup Winners:
CRITIC'S CHOICE:
1st Place - Mannino's Italian Bistro
2nd Place - Westminster Canterbury
3rd Place - Passion The Restaurant
Honorable Mentions:
Rockafeller's
Freemason Abbey
Steinhilber's
PEOPLE'S CHOICE:
1st Place - Mannino's Italian Bistro
2nd Place - 328 Tequila Lounge
3rd Place - Passion The Restaurant
Honorable Mentions:
Freemason Abbey
Rockafeller's
Steinhilber's
Check out the photos HERE!
I was putting together events on i-heart-food.com's new event calendar and saw the bottles and taps were going to be flowing this weekend. It's been a while since I posted a map to the local booze trail. Here's what's going on and make sure to check out my calendar for more details on the events:
1 May - Beer Tasting at Grape & Gourmet
- Weekly selection of new arrivals and favorites to try in the store.
1 May - ABSOLUT Artini at MOCA (Sold Out)
- 1920s themed Artini event at Virginia MOCA. Sadly it's sold out but there are rumors of getting tickets if you go to their page and poke around.
2 May - Wine Tasting at Farm Fresh (Great Neck)
- Farm Fresh always pours a couple of wines in the store if you're shopping. Good if the kids are getting on your nerves and you want to take the edge off.
2 May - Wine Tasting at Grape & Gourmet
- Weekly Friday night tasting with regulars. Good stuff!
2 May - Wine Tasting at Yiannis Wine Shop
- Yiannis always has something good on the table and if you're lucky maybe something special.
3 May - Big Brew Day at Homebrew USA
- Big Brew Day is a collection of beer enthusiasts who setup shop outside of Homebrew USA and show you how it's done at home. Last year there was a whole pig, hot dogs, hamburgers and much more. Free to the public. I don't think I need to mention there is going to be a lot of beer there right?
3 May - Town Center Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival
- Town Center will be cordoned off to keep merry makers in while they enjoy the area's finest craft brews. Food and entertainment will be there too.
3 May - Spring Town Point Park Wine Classic
- The 8th Annual Wine Classic returns to Town Point Park running both Saturday and Sunday. Lots of events and wine will be available.
3 May - Mariner's Museum Craft Beer Festival
- The Mariner's Museum will celebrate craft brews from the Southside and Peninsula in the museum. I haven't been to one yet, but they're supposed to be fun. The Hampton Roads Beard and Stache Society will be volunteering too.
Next time I get donuts, I'm asking this guy to help with the lines.
The 6th East Coast She-Crab Soup Classic is tomorrow at the 24th Street Park. Over 15 of the area's best restaurants will compete to be named the one with the best She-Crab soup in Hampton Roads. Last year Mannino's Italian Bistro won both the Critic's and People's Choice awards. Read my review from the last one here on AltDaily. There will be lines, but the soup makes up for it.
Here who is competing this year:
328 Tequila Lounge
C.P. Shuckers
Freemason Abbey
Keagan’s Restaurant
Lucky Oyster Seafood Grill
Lynnhaven Fish House
Mahi Mah's Seafood
Mannino’s Italian Bistro
McCormick & Schmick’s
Murphy’s Irish Pub
Passion the Restaurant
Rockafeller’s
Roger Brown's Restaurant and Sports Bar
Steinhilber's
Tradewinds
Westminster Canterbury
The gates open at noon and the event ends at 3:00 PM. When you enter the park you'll make your way around the tables and get a sample of she-crab soup. Use your score sheet to mark your favorites and turn it in when you're done. Votes will be tabulated the winners will be named at the end of the event! When you're done, go grab a beer at one of the local watering holes. You can even make the Back Bay Brewing Co. grand opening on Norfolk Ave. down the way!
Check out the photos from last year's event here.
See you there!
Back Bay Brewing Co. soft opening a few weeks back let everyone know—in a big way—they were setting up a permanent location in Virginia Beach. It was packed. There was a line out the door with people trickling in and out most of the night. Zeke's next door was open with a live art demonstration, good coffee and poke bowls, then there were several food trucks out back hooking up everyone with everything from fish tacos, BBQ, all the way to cupcakes.
I've been excited about the news coming from Back Bay ever since they chose Norfolk Ave. location for their operation and brought on local beer nerd Dan Yarnell as head brewer/COO. You can find Back Bay beer in the area restaurants and they have participated in both the Battle of the Beer events in Hampton Roads, but I realized I didn't know a whole lot about Back Bay Brewing Co. in general. I figured I'd send some questions to them, picking their brains for a little info.
I was answered by Josh Canada. He's a Beach local whose first job was at WRV back when it was on Norfolk Ave., right where Back Bay has settled-in. Only this was a few years back. He said building Back Bay in the same spot of where he first worked at 14 had historical significance. Not mentioning the location, sandwiched between a couple of popular eateries near the Beach. The popular Shadowlawn neighborhood will definitely have Back Bay on the radar as the local watering hole, they'll walk to the tasting room.
Back Bay Brewing Co. was founded in 2011 by a group of friends in Virginia Beach. Sitting in a duck blind, Josh Canada and Charlie Burroughs brainstormed ideas that might help them see their dreams of brewing beer a become a reality. They selected three more local friends—George Powell, Will Yearick, and Josh Malbon who all shared their love for the outdoors and beer. The five of them worked to put out their first beer, False Cape Ale.
In the early days they brewed where they could, eventually contracting with St. George Brewing Co. in Hampton. This is a common practice for small, start-up brewers; local, larger companies will share their facilities to help the little guy out. Back Bay's new facility will have their own tanks for brewing but the lagers will probably continue to be brewed in Hampton for now. Having the capability to brew on premises will allow them to experiment more with their recipes. They would like to poll Shadowlawn and the surrounding area to get a feel for the types of beers their neighbors would like to drink. Once they know what the people want, they plan to have it brewing within two weeks Josh said.
They want to keep things moving and be innovative with their product. Experimental brews like a Coffee Coconut Stout will be offered and most breweries offer seasonals that change with the weather. They currently offer their signature red ale, lager, pale ale, and a porter. Dan told me they're working on a German style beer that could be similar to a Helles. The facility has a gourmet beer permit which allows home brewers to brew small batches on-site. Back Bay can keg it for them too.
Back Bay Brewing Co.'s Grand Opening will be Saturday, April 26, 2014. The doors open at 1:00 and there will probably be a line to get into the tasting room. There is a 100 person capacity for the tasting room. From what I saw at the soft opening they'll have a good system in place to have the beer orders out of the tap and to the patron's hand in no time. Again, like the soft opening, there will be food trucks and even some live entertainment on site. There will be at least one new beer for everyone to try too. Don't miss it!
The Scout Guide for the Virginia Beach/Norfolk area wrote a post on I Heart Food yesterday. Shelby and I first seen a Scout Guide in Richmond and really liked the printed copy--glossy, great photography. The Scout Guide highlights people and shops in the area they cover, so it was nice to be featured in their blog.
Anne and Josh Hazard
It's funny how this all worked out. I was at Lynnhaven Pub to try the new batch of Bell's Hopslam for the year and while I was taking photos of my beer (you know I'm that guy who takes photos of his food) and the woman next to me asked what I was shooting for. I told her I had a local food blog and when I told her about I Heart Food she said she loved it and followed me in Instagram. Her name is Anne Hazard and she is the Editor of The Scout Guide for our area. She said she loved my work and wondered if I'd be interested in doing a Q&A.
Sure! Sounds like fun.
A little while later I was contacted by Cole Weaver, Social Media Director for TSG, who sent the questions you'll read in the blog post.
Check out the story here: We Heart George
Brandon is standing to the left on top of the car in front of Shelby. Bo is on the car to the right.
Friday night is wine tasting night for me. I'll usually hit the two local shops in the area to try out something new. I got a text from Yianni earlier saying I needed to be at the shop that night, they had a special treat.
Brandon Allen and Bo Silliman of SLO Down Wines who are on their Caddy Tour, were stopping by a couple spots in Virginia Beach including Yiannis Wine Shop. Gregg Zimpel of Z Wine Guy distributes SLO Down Wines in the area was in the shop with the guys. They had their Broken Dreams Chardonnay and Sexual Chocolate red blend available at the table.
Shelby and I met our friends Sarah and Scott at the shop and the first thing I notice when I parked was a huge Cadillac with paint and writing all over it. I didn't know about the Caddy Tour till I got inside Yiannis but I figured this had to part of the surprise that night.
Bo and Brandon hung around for a while to sign bottles, pour and talk about the wines and their operation. They had one more stop in town at Thirty 7 North and then they were driving up to DC. We took home a signed bottle of the Sexual Chocolate, we stored it at home and will definitely enjoy it in the future.
The weather has been crazy the past month or so but it looks like Spring is finally here. This past Friday was my off-day so I spent it running around taking care of a few things. Post office drop-off, a trip to the landfill and then an invite to lunch with Shelby and her co-workers. I'm kind of the of the lunch mascot for those guys, I always show up when they go out.
3-Meat Sampler!
Shelby, Maria, Crystal, and Ken
We went to Whitner's Barbeque in Virginia Beach, it's near Lynnhaven Mall. It's been there for a while now and I've actually had a BBQ sandwich from the shop once or twice before. Shelby and I ended up sharing a three meat sampler that had pulled pork, beef brisket, and "wet" ribs. We had a little mac 'n cheese and dirty rice too. Shelby really liked the brisket and I enjoyed the ribs, but all three BBQ meats were good. I didn't care a lot for the mac 'n cheese, it was a little bland, the dirty rice was tasty though.
After dropping off Shelby I made run to Norfolk to pick-up a stack of HR Growlers for my mother's barber shop Town Center Barber Shop near Pembroke. I made my way back to hit Back Bay Brewing, I was hoping to meet up with Josh Canada, one of the founders of the brewery to talk a little bit about their new tasting room.
Nick and Victoria
What's wrong Dan?
The weather was great down at the Oceanfront, people were out and a lot of the shops had their doors open to let the fresh air in. After I parked I walked around and saw Nick and Victoria hanging out in front of Zeke's Beans & Bowls. Nick is one the owners of Zeke's that specializes in poke bowls and coffee--you probably figured that out by the name. If you're at the Beach, it's a must try. I love the bowls there. After chatting with them a bit I walked into the Back Bay, which is right next door.
Dan (chief brewer at Back Bay) was in talking to Ariel from Hoffman Beverage at the bar. I chatted with them a bit and then asked about seeing Josh, I was told he was in a conference call and would be right out to see me afterwards. I hung out a bit and talked some more, I eventually had to leave though because I wanted to make sure I could pick up Shelby from work. It was Friday and I'm sure she was ready for the weekend.
Perry at Yiannis
David and Me
We stopped home and I ended up running out for wine tasting. Friday nights are wine tasting nights for me. I visited Yiannis Wine Shop and Grape and Gourmet. I bumped into an old friend at Grape and Gourmet, David Sorey. We grew up together in the same neighborhood and have known each other since elementary school.
My Friday routine usually ends with me picking up sushi next door. So, of course, I swung by Misako for a take-out and chatted with Mr. Teng and Tammy for a little bit. I've told you this before, but they have a roll named after me there! The George Roll--it's good, seriously.
I gathered the wine, sushi, and camera and headed home after Misako. Shelby and I enjoyed picking through the hot and sushi bar box I brought home and opened up a good tempranillo.
Misako sushi bar
Grape and Gourmet have a monthly tasting event the second Saturday of the every month. This month in addition to the regular beer/cider line-up, Young Veteran's Brewing Co. of Virginia Beach volunteered to serve great, local craft beer to those who attended. Tom and Neil were both there earlier in the day but Neil had to run back to the shop.
Tom, Me, and Gabe
I'll post more later, check out the photos from the event in the mean time.
12 April celebrates that sandwich everyone loves: Grilled Cheese! What's not to like? Toasty, buttery bread held together by melting, delicious cheese!
I guess if you don't like or can't eat cheese that makes a difference.
You're not just stuck with plain ole American "cheese" either. You can put whatever you like in them: cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella--whatever you like.
I like putting sauteed mushrooms in mine or maybe some deli meat that I tossed on the skillet to to get a little Maillard reaction going on. Then put the meat between the bread. Here's a mushroom grilled cheese I like to make:
Another method I've been using lately is involves the waffle iron. Basically the waffle iron becomes a panini press! Shelby was browsing through Pinterest and saw a bunch of people using their waffle irons to do all kinds of crazy stuff. This is what you get:
Here's how you make it:
That's it! You end up with a tasty, fancified grilled cheese.
Enjoy!
I don't know who thought it up, but yesterday was National Beer Day!
I celebrated with a couple of beers I had in the fridge:
Mikkeller Keeper and a Stillwater Artisanal Ale Classique
Both were easy to drink. The Classique was a saison with a little hop to it and the Keeper had the "arm pit" funk I get from hoppy beers. I know that probably sounds gross, but I swear that's what I get. I've learned to read it better these days and maybe I should call it something else (cat pee maybe?)
Hope you all enjoyed a nice beer yesterday. If not, you can do it today...or tomorrow...or the day after...
I saw that Karnage Asada was going to be at Young Veterans Brewing and I knew I needed some of more of those Kimchos they make.
Kimchos?
Nachos with Kimchi on them! Seriously, they're good.
Kapow Kimchos
After work, we hopped in the car and drove over. After taking a quick look at the menu we ordered the Kimchos--adding pork and anything else they'd put on them. We also ordered a "full rack" of tacos and some beans and rice. The full rack had one of each of their tacos and served in the shells fried right there in the truck. Donna in the truck told us that they have a little deal going on with the brewery, if you buy food you get a pint for $2! Perfect.
After ordering we went inside Young Veterans, it was Shelby's first time in the shop. She looked around a little and I took her to the bar. Kasey was working the taps and I introduced Shelby to her. I ordered a Pineapple Grenade, their weissen that always kicks quickly, and Shelby got a flight. This was perfect because she hasn't had too many of their beers yet.
Full Rack
After finding a place to sit our food was brought in by Donna. You get a ton of food with the large order of Kimchos. Loved the sauce they put over the whole thing in addition to the kimchi and cheese. Shelby liked her tacos but was full after two. I ate about half of what she had in her box and we took the rest home for lunch the next day. I probably could have eaten everything but I was already full and I was at the point of eating just for the sake of eating. It's hard to stop when you're eating something that tastes so good.
Swing by Young Veterans Brewing Co. and definitely catch Karnage Asada if you see them parked somewhere.
Kasey at Tap
