I love Maui Brewing’s CoCoNut Porter. One of the best beers of all time (especially the Black Pearl version) but I needed to try something new and so I have…
Tony’s Darts Away
Another beer bar is hitting the LA scene! And this time in Burbank.
Here are some of the highlights from their press release: There’s a new “Tony” in charge – Tony Yanow – who announced today plans to gently revamp the bar and restaurant, greatly enhance the beer selection and ramp up the menu. With beer, wine, and soft drinks on tap, this will be the city’s first “bottle-less” bar. The new and improved Tony’s Darts Away will be unveiled in mid-April 2010.
A dedicated beer enthusiast, and first-time restaurateur, Yanow will offer over 30 California craft beers in addition to California red and white wine and sodas – all on tap. He has designed the food and beverage component of the restaurant to create as close to a “no waste bar” as he can get. Meaning no bottled beer, no bottled soft drinks, and no bottled wine. Sticking to his motto, “Bringing the fine beers of California to the fine people of Los Angeles,” Yanow has tramped across California – from the Oregon border to the Mexico border – to source the best craft beers the state has to offer. About half the beers on the list will be fixed while a selection of seasonal and limited edition beers will rotate on the other taps. To encourage trial, Yanow will offer flights of beer, plus friendly and knowledgeable bartenders will guide customers to find their new favorite brew. Served in specialty glassware to maximize the experience, an “Honest Pint” will be priced at $4.50 for most brews.
Why only beer (and wine) from California? “Three reasons,” explains Yanow, “First, the quality and freshness of local beer can’t be beat. By offering only California beer, we’re able to serve beer the way the brewer wants it served – not something that was shipped across the country and passed through many hands. Second, I think it’s important for California businesses to support each other; we’re all in this economy together and it’s never been more important to support the small guy and buy local to help employ people in our community. Finally, the environmental impact – or carbon footprint – of shipping beer, nationally and internationally. I’m working hard to keep our ‘beer miles’ as low as can be.”
To eat, there will be a selection of locally sourced artisan sausages which are made with California meats plus four vegan sausages and a variety of toppings. The sausages will be served on a bun from a local bakery or a bed of organic lettuce. There will also be fried foods to snack on in addition to a selection of California cheeses. A few composed salads round-out the straightforward menu that is designed to complement beer, of course.
The space, which has remained largely untouched since the restaurant first opened in the 1960s will keep its divey feel and be refreshed with minimal cosmetic upgrades – most of the changes will happen behind the bar with the installation of the integrated beer tap system. There will be a “beer library” featuring books on the subject from Yanow’s own collection. Locals who have been regulars for decades will have a wall of homage featuring their photos, (plus a personal locked-in beer price). True to its name, Tony’s Darts Away will have dart boards for friendly games.
Tony’s Darts Away is located at 1710 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506. The bar will be open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 2am and Sunday from 9am to 1am. Phone, 818-253-1710.
P.S. I interviewed Tony Yanow and I will post information from that talk as we get closer to their grand opening.
Odonata Saison
I am hoping this makes it’s way south from the state capital to LA. Because if it tastes 1/2 as good as this description then I will want alot…
“The beer has a decent amount of wheat in the grist, which lends a fantastic lemony tartness that is incredibly refreshing. We’ve also tweaked our recipe a bit from our pilot batches to be sure the body is full, but not heavy, with notable texture and depth. The color is a shade darker than you might expect; a tawny-golden hue. The kicker? The yeast if friggin’ amazing! The aromas that you’ll find in this beer are wild and fruity, with a hint of peppery spice and a subtle earthy note. The beer doesn’t shy away from the traditional Belgian yeast, it’s in your face and proud of its heritage. We’re certain you’ll appreciate this; Saison is not your run-of-the-mill beer.”
Beer VS Wine
Let’s throw some numbers at you. (3) courses, (1) cheese from the wine camp and one from the beer, (1) main course from each faction and then (1) dessert offering from each group.
The crowd looked wine friendly but the breakdown was only slightly tilted to the vino crowd with many more having no preference. So I was expecting a wine win but hoping for a tie.
I was blown away by the results. Wine received the most votes on the first cheese and then beer won the next (5) rounds. And not nail biters either. These were double digit wins.
The best pairing of the night for me was Tomme de Savoie cheese with toasted rye cracker and apricot chutney with Saison Rue from The Bruery. I have not had Saison Rue in a long time but it really pairs well with food.
I have to say that this was a well organized event. I know some of the people involved, so I am a little biased, but the food and drink was served at proper intervals and was well done. The voting system was easy to use and their was plenty of staff to help. The only thing I can see improving is the sound system because after a few rounds the noise level markedly increased.
50 from 50 – Washington
Mother Earth Brewing
Last year there was a bit of a kerfuffle over an online “who is the best beer city” poll that grew out of proportion. It was Beervana Portland vs. newcomer Asheville.
What was good about it was the attention that got focused on what was important. Bringing attention to a brewing hotspot.
I have now purchased beer from Bruisin’ Ales and that led me onto their newsletter which led me to this new brewery…
About the brewery: “Take the goodness of garden-grown products, the warmth of small town life, the earthy ethic of rock ‘n roll, a deep respect for a time-honored craft…and you have the ingredients of Mother Earth Brewing. Born in the summer of 2008, Mother Earth is the dream-child of Stephen Hill and Trent Mooring, two guys from Kinston, North Carolina, a sweet southern town in the heart of the old tobacco belt.”
Here are the description of a couple beers that caught my eye:
Endless River Kölsch
“A clean, crisp beer, Kolsch offers a very slight fruity flavor and aroma. It is light gold in color, with a delicate head. This light-bodied beer appeals to nearly everyone who samples it. Expect to enjoy a slight tang in the finish.”
Weeping Willow Wit
“This beer style is over 400 years old, and continues to enjoy overwhelming popularity. Offering low hop bitterness, it is easy to enjoy. It pours very hazy, with a light gold color… we say it’s like summertime in a glass. Bitter orange peel and fresh coriander add zest and depth to this refreshing beer.”
Review – Chatoe Dirtoir
Tule Duck
The latest canned offering from Buckbean of Reno, Nevada is a red ale. Here is a short description…”This deep red robust ale combines a silky smooth rich body with a fruity caramel malt flavor and a soft herbal dry hopped finish. A full flavored classic beer that pairs well with hearty foods of all types.”
Now I would like to see an IPA or brown ale added to their can-line.
Beer Temple
Not to be confused with the Church of beer. This is a beer bar in Amsterdam that specializes in craft American beer. If you are in the area and you want a taste of home, this looks the place to be. Beer Temple has Anchor, Flying Dog, Great Divide, Uncommon Brewers, Left Hand and Southern Tier ON TAP!
Put it on the list of beer spots to hit before you can’t!
Session # 38 REMINDER
Just a reminder that the next first Friday Session is coming up the day after the April Foolishness.
To refresh your memory, here is the topic:
With Kate the Great Day a recent memory and the day of the Dark Lord fast approaching, I started thinking about what beer or beers that I would get up at 4:00 in the morning, drive across state lines, stand in a long unmoving line in the cold and rain for the chance to taste with a crowd the size of Woodstock.
So here is my question to you (with a couple addendums).
What beer have you tasted recently (say, the last six months or so) that is worthy of their own day in the media sun?
And to add a little extra to it, how does “great” expectations affect your beer drinking enjoyment?
AND If you have attended one of these release parties, stories and anecdotes of your experience will be welcomed too.
To join in:
1) Publish your blog post by Friday, April 2, 2010.
2) Leave a link to your blog in the comment section of this post or put your response in the comment section or email me your link to beersearchparty@gmail.com.
3)On Monday, I will post a round-up with comments and links to all entries.
Thanks to Stan and Jay for starting this fun communication and for giving me the opportunity to host.