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Goose Island Beer Tasting in Troy

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When the first Goose Island Brewpub opened its doors in 1988, domestic, mass-produced beer was deeply ingrained in Midwestern culture. The craft beer industry was still in its infancy, with only a handful of brewpubs in existence in the Midwest. In his travels across Europe, beer-lover John Hall had enjoyed a distinctive local brew in each region he visited. Hall was convinced that Midwesterners could produce beers as good or better than those he’d tasted in his travels. Living on the shore of the largest system of fresh water on the planet Earth, in a city with rapidly evolving tastes – John decided that his hometown, Chicago, would be the ideal place to do just that.  On Wed, Aug 11th starting at 7pm  you’ll have the chance to check out half a dozen of their latest craft brews at The Caroline, on the square in downtown Troy.

Goose Island’s Lindsey Shafer, will be the hostess and The Caroline  will pair the beers with some really nice cheese and chocolates.   The following beers (with the below notes from Brewmaster Greg Hall) are scheduled for the tasting:

Goose Island 312- Densely populated with flavor, 312’s spicy aroma of Cascade hops is followed by a crisp, fruity ale flavor delivered in a smooth, creamy body. This gives 312 a balance of flavor and refreshment that never fills you up and won’t let you down.

Sofie-Fermented with wild yeasts and aged in wine barrels with orange peel, Sofie is a tart, dry, sparkling ale. A subtle, spicy white pepper note, a hint of citrus from the orange peel and a creamy vanilla finish make Sofie an intriguing choice for Champagne drinkers and beer drinkers who are fond of Belgian Saisons.

Fleur-A Belgian style pale ale blended with hibiscus and kombucha tea, Fleur is a beautiful, rose-colored ale with an aroma of strawberries and hibiscus flowers. Her flavor balance starts with a hint of sweet, ripe berry and finishes tart.

Demolition-Brewed to honor the brave souls who kept our brewpub open in the early 90’s while wrecking balls tore down the mall around us. Dry and smooth, with a grassy, citrus aroma and honey malt middle.

Matilda-Wild in character, with a slightly fruity aroma and a spicy yeast flavor that is as unique as it is satisfying – Matilda is an intriguing choice for beer and wine lovers alike. Dry and quenching, it’s the perfect accompaniment at the dining table or for casually socializing at the bar.

Pere Jacques-Brewed with loads of malt and Belgian yeast, Pere Jacques is a wonderfully fruity, malty ale. Pere Jacques’ complex flavors stand shoulder to shoulder with the Belgian Dubbels enjoyed in the world’s finest beer bars. At the dining table it’s the perfect alternative to a glass of vintage port.

The cost is attend is $17.50 per person and reservations are requested.   Tasting are set up family style, with appetizers passed in a casual, relaxed atmosphere.  Call Steve or Carly at 552-7676 to hold your spot.

Belly up to the bar at The Caroline


The Caroline
5 South Market Street
Troy, OH 45373

13 Beer Facts Worth Knowing…

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Just got this email from our friends at Spinoza’s, and it seemed like useful info to share with you all, especially since I’m on vacation and to lazy to write anything original 🙂

  1. You should always store bottled beer upright, not on its side. This minimizes oxidation and contamination from the cap.
  2. Bottled beer is pasteurized. Keg beer is not. That’s why it’s critical for kegs to stay cold (38°F). As the temperature rises, CO2 expands (causing foamy beer) and dormant bacteria may become active and ruin the keg
  3. The type of water used for brewing makes a difference. The best ales are produced with hard water (with more natural salts like calcium) while soft water is better for lagers.
  4. Before the 1400s ales were flavored with herbs like rosemary and thyme. Hops were first introduced to preserve beer but are now a desirable flavor.
  5. Dogfish Head’s Midas Touch Golden Elixir is made from a 2,700-year-old beer recipe that was found in a royal tomb in Turkey. The tomb is believed to be the burial place of the legendary King Midas.
  6. In 1814 a brewery tank containing 3,500 barrels of beer ruptured in London causing a beer tidal wave that flooded the streets, demolished two houses and claimed the lives of 9 people.
  7. Pabst Brewery produced the first six-pack of beer in the 1940s. The brewery conducted numerous studies, which found six cans were the ideal weight for the average housewife to carry home from the store.
  8. Anheuser-Busch uses rice in its formula and the company alone consumes about 15% of the entire U.S. rice crop.
  9. Belgium wins the “country with the most individual beer brands” award with more than 400 brands and counting.
  10. The familiar Bass symbol, a red triangle, was registered in 1876 and is the world’s oldest trademark.
  11. Hops contain an herbal form of estrogen that is rumored to make men chesty (a syndrome known as “Brewer’s Droop”) and lead to erectile dysfunction.
  12. The ’33’ on Rolling Rock bottles was originally a printer’s error. It refers to the 33 words in the original slogan. It has generated enough mystery over the years that the company decided to keep it.
  13. Guinness sells an average of 7 million glasses a day.

source: Kegworks.com

New On-Tap This Week at Spinoza’s:

Avery Brewing “Maharaja”
Boulder, CO      Style: American Double/Imperial IPA        10.30% ABV
Maharaja is derived from the sanskrit words mahat, – “great” and rajan – “king”. Much like its namesake, this imperial IPA is regal, intense and mighty.

21st Amendment Brewing  Co.  “Hell or High Watermelon Wheat”
San Fransico, CA      Style: Fruit Beer     5.5% ABV
Unfiltered, American-style wheat beer. Brewed with 400 pounds of fresh watermelons.

…plus 10 other craft brews on tap!

Chappy’s Hosts 3rd Annual Cask AleFest

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This Sat from 1-5pm 200 beer lovers will have the chance to experience the largest selection of cask ales ever assembled in Ohio!  Cask conditioned ale is beer that is brewed from traditional ingredients and matured in the cask from which it is served. This means that it is fresh and unfiltered and therefore has a unique flavour.  Cask ale is naturally conditioned as a by-product of the secondary fermentation that takes place inside the cask, It is then served directly, without the use of extraneous carbon dioxide or chemical treatments of any sort.

What you’ll taste  is a live product, full of flavour and character: beer in its natural state.

Casks expected to be tapped include:

Bell’s Kalamazoo Stout & Porter
Founders Centennial IPA
Goose Island Dry Hopped Citra IPA & TBA
Great Lakes Dry Hopped Commodore Perry IPA
Greene King English IPA
Morland Old Speckled Hen English Pale Ale
Heavy Seas/Clipper City Below Decks Barleywine,
Little DIPA-2nd Runnings Double IPA, & Tripel
Left Hand 400 lb. Monkey English IPA
Thirsty Dog Belgian IPA
Tröegs Javahead Stout

Chappys Tap Room & Grille
2733 West Alex-Bell Road, Dayton, OH

Available for $40 & limited to 200 beer fans at Chappys.
Call (937) 299-RIBS (7427).

Another Spinoza’s Beer & Pizza Dinner

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Glen Brailey’s pizza parlor a the Mall of Fairfield Commons  is building a reputation for hosting phenominal beer dinners.  Spinoza’s will be doing it again Tuesday, May 25th  at 7:00 pm.  Lindsey Shafer from Goose Island Brewing Company, a craft  brewer located in Chicago,  will be on hand to talk about the unique Goose Island beers featured at this special event. For just $24.95 per person plus tax & gratuity, you’ll enjoy a five course dinner complimented with six brews from Goose Island.  Seating is by reservation only. Previous beer dinners have sold out quickly so you’ll want to call 937-426-7799 for reservations quickly to reserve your seats.
Goose Island Event Menu:
“Summertime” German-Syle Kolsch paired with House-made Soft Pretzel and Roasted Garlic Aioli

“312” Urban Wheat Ale paired with Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Roasted Yellow Pepper-Cilantro Pesto
“Sofie” Belgian Style Farmhouse Ale paired with a salad of Mache Lettuce, Chilled Wild-Caught Sea Scallops, Honey Roasted Pecans, and Lemon Caper Vinaigrette

“Matilda” Belgian Style Pale Ale paired with Hearth Baked Pizza with Pesto, Lump Crab, Pine Nuts, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Chilies

“Pere Jacues” Belgian Style Abbey Ale paired with Strawberry Cheesecake with Belgian Chocolate Sauce
“Night Stalker” Imperial Stout- A heavily-hopped imperial stout, Night Stalker is a heavyweight of a beer. It delivers a formidable punch of hops and rich roasted malt notes to the nose in a silky body that’s as dark as night.

Chappy’s First Annual Belgian Beer Fest

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beersStarting Friday, April 2nd, this Moraine Tap Room will be dedicating six taps to some veryunique Belgian brewed beers. Sample sizes will be offered so you can taste them all!! As soon as we kill a keg we will be tapping the next one. The plan is to keep going as long as it takes to run through the aprroximately 24 kegs!!

Check Chappy’s website for current offerings, but some of the confirmed beers include:

Triple Karm and Kwak from Brewery Bosteels
St Fueillien Saison
La Chouffe and Houblon Chouffe
La Rulles Triple
Kerst
Ichtegems
De Dolle Dulle Teve “Mad Bitch”
Oidineke
Jan de Lichte
Canaster
Gouden Carolous Noel
Delirium Noel
De Ranke Guldenberg and Noir

Chappys Tap Room and Grille
2733 West Alex-Bell Road, Moraine, OH 45459
937 299-RIBS (7427)
Mon-Thr  4:00pm – 1:00am
Fri – Sat 11:00am – 2:00am
Sun 11:00am – 1:00am

Introducing The Growler Co-Op!

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growlerBlind Bobʼs, South Park Tavern, Thai 9 and the Trolley Stop have joined forces to offer to-go growlers. All four locations are known as places to get great draft beers, now you can take home some of these draft beers.

How It Works:
Purchase an empty 1/2 gallon growler from any of the four locations for $10. Have it filled with draft beer at any of the four locations. Price for filling growlers will vary depending on the price of the beer itself. The cost will be anywhere from $12 to $30.  While youʼre there enjoy a pint or two of great beer. Take home the full growler, enjoy and repeat. Bring your empty growler back in for a refill at any of the four establishments.

The four members of the co-op try to not have the same beers pouring at the same time so you can get the best variety. All together there are 38 drafts in the co-op. Some beers will not be offered for carry-out because they are limited releases. As an example, Thai 9 has one of four 1/6 barrels of New Holland Brewingʼs Envious in the state, this will be sold at the restaurant only. Each member of the co-op has the choice of what is available for carry-out.

AleFeast – A Meca For Beer Lovers

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PHOTO_alefeast2

500 Beer Lovers at AleFeast 2009

Over 50 craft beers, paired with good eats from about a dozen eateries, sounds like a great recipe for the perfect Saturday afternoon.  At least Joe Waizman, founder of Dayton’s AleFeast, thinks so.  This will be the 2nd year for what  started as Winter Ale Fest.  The name change , according to Waizman, “was to better describe the event.”  Last year’s inaugural event was well attended and plans for this year have been refned to make the event even better.  The concept matches beer with food, so that you can experience the pairings and how food brings out the nuances in the beer, or vice versa.

Not a cheap event at $55 for advance purchae, $60 at the door, if this year turns out anything like last year, you’ll walk away more than satisfied you got your $’s worth! The event takes place upstairs and downstairs at Dayton Masonic Center, this Sat, March 6th from 1 – 4pm. Tickets can be purchased at Arrow Wine, Chappy’s, Dorothy Lane Markets, Thai 9, 5th Street Wine and Deli or online.

Breweries Participating:

d843d599-04fc-4db8-a609-56dec259c03cGoose Island, Great Lakes, Avery, Bell’s, Boston Beer Co., Brooklyn, Chimay Trappist, Bear Republic, Flying Dog, Founders, Franziskaner, New Holland, Troëgs, Dark Horse, Weyerbacher, Southern Tier, Lagunitas, Van Steenburge, Brewkettle, McAuslan, Redhook, Widmer, Mortgaat/Duvel,
Ommegang, Victory, Erdinger, Lindemans, Stone, Unibroue, Dogfish Head, Hoppin’ Frog, Thirsty Dog

On the Menu for AleFeast Dayton:

Chefs David Glynn and Mike Wilhelm: Jambalaya and seaweed salad with scallops

Bellyfire Catering: Italian sausage with caramelized peppers and onions.

Chappys Tap Room & Grille: Pulled pork sandwiches and homemade chips.

Culinary Company: Smoked beef brisket, Culinary Company Signature Cole Slaw, baked beans and cheesecake.

Dayton Nut Company: Fancy whole cashews.

Dorothy Lane Market: Chipotle chicken mac & cheese and an assortment of artisan cheeses.

Foremost Seafood: Blackened Tilapia fish tacos with roasted potatoes

Friesinger’s Fine Chocolates: Light and dark locally made gourmet chocolates.

Thai 9: Shrimp Blanket and Shrimp Salad

The Pub: Yankee Pot Roast

Rare Dead Guy Ale To Be Tapped at Chappy’s

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images-90Rogue Ales is an craft brewery in Oregon known for fun, full flavored beers.  The brewmaster at Rogue believes “variety is the spice of life,” so they brew over 60 different ales from all natural ingredients.  This special keg release part at Chappy’s Tap Room and Grille in Moraine on Wed, March 3rd at 6pm is for a very special Rogue Dead Guy Ale-in the style of a German Maibock, using Rogue’s proprietary Pacman ale yeast. Deep honey in color with a malty aroma and a rich hearty flavor.

From the Rogue site:

“In a collaboration of crafts, Rogue Brewmaster John Maier and Rogue Spirits Master Distiller John Couchot have joined forces to create a distinct, innovative series of brews called John John Ales. The series will take Rogue Ales legends and age them in Rogue Spirits barrels. A 3,100 gallon batch of John John Ale produces 1357 cases of beer. The first of the John John series is John John Dead Guy Ale, Rogue’s award winning Dead Guy Ale matured in Rogue’s award winning Dead Guy Whiskey barrels.”

Having never tried beer aged in a whiskey barrel I looked for advice from the net and here’s what I found out from my friend Michelle at Drink of the Week:

“Since Dead Guy Ale is brewed in the German Maibock-style–a lighter version of traditional bock–the beer flavor does not overpower the whiskey notes, they just go together like beans and rice. The whiskey is definitely present with its warm smoke, but the ale offers a nice brightness that makes this pairing very smooth and drinkable.”

I say let’s go check it out oursevles, so see you at Chappy’s!


Spinoza’s hosts Sierra Nevada Beer Dinner

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spinoza'sThis gourmet pizza parlor may be located in a mall, but don’t let that stop you from checking it out. Proprietor Glen Brailey is creating a suburban mecca for fans of California style pizza’s,  artisan salads, live music and craft beers.  With 120 seats, additional patio seating (eventually spring will be here and you’ll appreciate this), and an outside entrance so you don’t have to go into the mall, it’s the kinda place that could easily become a great date destination. Checkout the upcoming live music schedule.

ddn061209godineSpinoza’s next beer dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at 7:00 pm. Beer expert Lee Hill from Sierra Nevada Brewery (Chico, California) will be on hand to talk about craft brewing and the unique Sierra Nevada beers featured that evening. This is a reservation-only event. Their first beer dinner last month sold out quickly so reserve early if you want to go! Call 937-426-7799 or email reservations. Cost is $24.95 per person plus tax & gratuity. Four-course dinner and six (6) different Sierra Nevada beers are included. Vegetarian options will be available.

Follow this link to REGISTER ON LINE

MENU:
Welcome Beer
Sierra Nevada Kellerweis Hefeweizen
Served with fresh, house-made Soft Pretzel and
Mustard/Garlic Aioli Dip

Appetizer
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (draft)
Cheddar Cheese & Pale Ale Soup with Romano Croutons

Salad
Sierra Nevada Glissade (draft)
Organic, locally grown Arugula Lettuce, Cluster Tomatoes, Toasted Nevada Pine Nuts, and Parmesan/Asiago Shavings

Intermezzo
25th Year Bigfoot Barleywine Ale

Entreé
Sierra Nevada Torpedo IPA
Spinoza’s Hearth-baked Italian Meat & Cheese or Roasted Veggie Stromboli with Creamy Italian Gorgonzola Sauce

Dessert
Sierra Nevada Porter
Italian Tiramisu Parfait

Spinoza’s is located  at the corner of North Fairfield Rd and Pentagon Parkway- at The Mall at Fairfield Commons.  Head to entrance B near Sears.

Hours Of Operation:
Mon – Thurs: 11:30 am – 9 pm
Fri – Sat: 11:30 am – 10 pm
Sun: Noon – 7 pm


Dogfish Beer Tasting

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ncoastbrewingOakwood’s Dorothy Lane Market will host their monthly tasting on Wed, Nov 18 from 5:30 to 8:30pm with special guest John Bisson of North Coast Brewing Company. This California brewer is a pioneer in the craft beer movement, started in 1988 as a local brewpub in the historic town of Fort Bragg, located on California’s Mendocino Coast.

Featured beers will include Old #38 Stout, Blue Star Wheat, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout, Old Stock, PranQster Belgian Style Ale, Red Seal Ale, and Scrimshaw Pilsner.

No reservations necessary, a nominal tasting fee will be charged.

Beer Tastings This Week

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images-27UNIBROUE BEER TASTING @ The Caroline @ 7pm
5 south market street  .  troy, ohio 45373
$15 includes tasting & light appetizers
advance reservations call 552-7676 OR email  STEVE

Known for their Belgian sytled beers, Unibroue is a very unusual beer company.  First of all, they are not located in Belgium, but instead in the very French influenced city of Montreal. This brewery has been making Belgian style beers for nearly two decades, and they are most famous for their exceptional Belgian strong pale ale,  brewed using an old fashioned in-bottle refermentation.  Unibroue beers keep all their protein and part of the yeast, producing a genuine upscale beer. This method gives a very particular taste to the beer and provides a natural source of vitamin B. Given that the beers contain no chemical additives or preservatives, they require strict quality control. This all-natural brewing process also makes Unibroue beers  higher in alcohol content and can provide a rich flavour without the bitter aftertaste of conventional beers. Due to this process Unibroue beers are slightly more expensive than industrially produced beers in order to cover the cost of production

car-carolineOn the Tasting Menu at The Caroline:

RAFTMAN-Pouring a bright amber in color with a creamy white head, the nose of this beer teems with bright fruit and smoke. That smoke, from the whisky malt, becomes more pronounced upon tasting, complemented by some caramel.

Wed’s tasting will include:
LA FIN DU MONDE – a brilliant golden color with vigorously effervescent foam. It is midly yeasty with a complex palate of malt, fruit and spice notes followed by a smooth, dry finish.

TERRIBLE – pours a dark, nearly black color, with an effervescent head that tests your patience as it settles. As it hits your tongue, you can taste a little anise, a bit of caramel, and some fig like notes.

MAUDITE-a deep amber-red color with a rocky foam head and an appealing aroma of wild spices and floral hop notes.
It is spicy, vinous, and deliciously complex with a crisp hop finish.

EMPHEMERE – Éphémère apple has an alluring pale golden color, effervescent foam, and a mouth-watering bouquet of Granny Smith apples and spices. It is slightly sweet, slightly tart and refreshingly thirst-quenching.

BLANCHE DE CHAMBLY – has an alluring pale golden color, effervescent foam, and a subtle bouquet of spice and citrus notes. It’s mildly malty, slighty sweet and refreshingly thirst quenching.

If you’ve never been to The Caroline, this is a great excuse to go!  Their beer tastings are set up around a big table, appetizers are served family style and the
last tasting I attended, the crowd was very friendly and welcoming.

Unable to make Wed’s tasting in Troy?  Jungle Jim’s will host a Unibroue tasting on Fri, Nov 6th from 7-9pm for $25

jay'sJay’s Seafood hosts a Beer Dinner featuring Bell’s Brewery Beers 225 E 6th Street in the Oregon District
call for reservations: 222-2892

Bell’s Brewery,  located in Michigan,  stands as the oldest
craft-brewer east of Boulder, Colorado and currently distributes in just 15 states.

7 pm $55 including tax and tip
The four course menu will be:

Roasted Sesame Scallops with Red Coulis
Best Brown Ale and Winter White Ale

Blood Orange Salad with Feta
Third Coast Ale and Two Hearted Ale

Port Pomegranate Short Ribs with Fresh Vegetables
Bell’s Porter and Amber Ale

Double Dark Chocolate Flourless Cake topped with Cherry Stout Sauce
Double Cream Stout and Cherry Stout

trolleystopThe Trolley Stop hosts their first Wednesday of the month tasting party

from 7 – 8:45pm
520 E. Fifth Street in the Oregon District.
Call 461-1101 for more info

Hosted by Mike Schwartz from Belmont Party Supply.  $20 in advance gets you 9 decent samples, tasty snacks and beer knowhow (priceless- according to their website)

Here’s A Club I’d Join – Chappys Beer Club

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Many of you know my favorite beer joint is Chappys. I love the beer flights they have- sample four beers for just $6 and they change all the time. And the food- some of the best comfort food I’d had anywhere. And now they’d added a beer club!

It’s $10 to join, and you’ll get a free appetizer when you sign up. The goal is to sip your way through 100 beers! At the 25 mark-you get a Chappys Glass, at 50 the Chappys Baseball hat and at 75 a Chappys T-shirt. They also promise other specials just for beer club members! The big reward comes when you make it through all 100 beers- you’ll receive lifetime happy hour prices ($1 off draughts and $2 off most appetizers) anytime you visit Chappy’s along with your name added to the Chappys Beer Club Wall of Fame!

The 100 beers is a mix of draughts, bottles and your choice of their rotating selections.

For more info- ask the bartender over a beer at Chappys!

Oktoberfest Celebrations around Town

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images-23Oktoberfest triggers thoughts of steins of beer and feasts of sausages, hot potato salad, sauerkraut, sweet and sour cabbage and black forest cake. Many of you probably enjoyed some of these last weekend at the DAI’s festival. But for those of you who missed out or just couldn’t get enough- our great independent restaurateurs are making it possible for you to enjoy your own Oktoberfeast:

amberroseAmber Rose
1400 Valley Street, Dayton 228-2511
Featuring .10 beer special all month long your first draft is only ten cents. Choice of Beck’s Octoberfest, Amber Bock or Bud Light.

All pints are $2.00 till 7p.m. all month. Includes Hoegaarden, Hofbrau, Bud Light, Amber Bock and Beck’s Octoberfest.

German Specials each week including our everyday selections of German fare.

Look for Coupons in the Reach mag and DDN Go Section.

web_cocosCoco’s Bistro
515 Wayne Ave, Dayton 228-COCO
Salad with a Gewurzstraminer vinaigrette, Wiener Schnitzel with a roasted garlic and herb spaetzle and braised red cabbage, housemade apple strudel, paired with a Sam Adams Oktober Ale or glass of Gewurzstraminer for $20.09! Spread the word! For non-drinkers, you should ask for our special house made ginger ale, it’s divine.

ruedumainelogoRue Dumaine
1061 Miamisburg Centerville Rd, Washington Township 610-1061

Oktoberfest menu: Thursday, Oct 1st

Rinderrouladen served with potato puree and braised red cabbage – beef stuffed with a pickle spear, carrot stick, slice of ham and a smear of German mustard. It is seared then slow braised in beef stock. Served with Yukon potato puree and braised red cabbage seasoned with bacon, onion, red wine vinegar and sugar.

Steckerlfisch- grilled salmon broquette with a pickle-onion relish, served with Schupfnudeln (potato dumplings)

Gemischtes Würstchenteller (sausages) served over kraut (with juniper, caraway, apples, onions, bacon and beer), spaetzle and German mustard
–
Potato cake with applesauce
Obatzda –cheese-butter spread, served with handmade soft pretzels
Hot slaw
German potato salad
–
Apple strudel- phyllo wrapped, with raisins, walnuts, sugar and spice
Apple spice cake
Old German honey cookies
Plum tart

German Beer Tasting on Thurs, Oct 1st
ERDINGER HEFEWEISEN, AYINGER OKTOBER FEST-MÄRZEN
& ERDINGER DUNKEL WEIS $12

Early Bird specials for Sept 29th, 30th and Oct 1st 5-6pm:

Sauerkraut balls over German mustard crème
Hot slaw with apples and bacon
—
Pork schnitzel sandwich with pickles and potato wedges
Pan-seared cod with celery sauce and warm potato salad
—
Petite Black Forest cake
Apple cider sorbet with honey cookie

$22 for three courses, please select 1 item from each section

Finally a Food, Wine & Beer Festival north of town

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corks&forkslogoCelebrating  Fine Wines, Cool Brews & Tantalizing Tastes in a casual environment to benefit local charities, Corks & Forks will  debut Sunday, Sept 20th from 1-4pm. With over 100 wines being poured, a Belgium Beer Cafe, Chef Demonstrations and tastes from local restaurants, this first time festival is shaping up quickly.

Confirmed restaurants include The Buckhorn Tavern,
The Caroline, Chin’s Ginger Grill, Michael Anthony’s at the Inn at Versailles, Sopranos, Thai 9, TJ Chumps and Tony’s Italiain Kitchen, with more to come.  Miami Valley Grown, a new local foods initiative, will be showcasing farm fresh foods with local chefs presenting recipes that highlight the flavors of garden fresh products.

To help raise funds for the Blake LaForce and Wahid Abdullah Fund’s as well as Miami Valley Grown, a silent auction will also take place.  Some of the early highlights of the auction include a weekend use of a BMW convertible with picnic basket, UD basketball tickets with $100 to dine at The Pine Club, and gift certificates to local restaurants, shops and shows.

Tickets are just $45 in advance and can be bought online or at Cork & Vine Wine Market and Lounge.  Tables of 10 can also be reserved for just $500.  Day of event tickets will run $55, if still available.  Ticket include beer, food and wine samples as well as souvenir glassware for all guests.

Versailles FareFest-Food, Beer & Wine Festival

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farefestBilled as the First Annual Versailles FareFest, West Main Street in V-town will be blocked off for an event the likes of which have probably never before been witnessed in their quaint little village.  as they play host to an invasion of oenophiles from all over the Upper Miami Valley on Saturday, August 29th.

Now don’t be scared.  Oenophiles are not something found on cable television’s SyFy.  Nor are they are related to the dreaded Emerald Ash Borer.  And shame on you for thinking they might be seen on Dateline NBC!  Believe it or not, we have plenty of oenophiles in our very midst, and they are not scary at all.

To the uninitiated, an “oenophile” is a lover of fine wines.  These aficionados don’t just dwell in places like LA, NYC, or CHI-town.  Yes, they live in Darke County, too.  And they have been waiting patiently for this opportunity.  From 2:00-5:00 in the afternoon, the area around Fountain Square in beautiful downtown Versailles will come alive with activity.  There will be cool music, great wines, cold beers, and scrumptious food available for three of the best hours any late-summer afternoon could offer.  Want some details?  OK.

The price of admission for this prestigious happening is a mere $35 presale ($40 at the door).  Events such as this one customarily cost twice that amount and are wildly popular in such faraway realms as Lima and Dayton.  For that ONE LOW PRICE, FareFesters can sample wines from dozens of different vendors, hosted by our very own Winery at Versailles.  Up to 300 different wines will be available–all right there under the tents on West Main Street.  Wineries committed thus far are: Trinchero, Menage A Trois, Don Sebastiani, Wente Family, Foster Wine Estates, Penfolds, Rosemount, Louis Latour, E&J Gallo (premium), Louis Martini, Alamos, Easley Winery, Kenwood, Valley of The Moon, Lake Sonoma, Korbel, Specialty Wines (Italy), Banfi, Napa Ridge, Columbia Winery, Georges Dueouf, Volteo, XYZin. Just wander through the various booths and ask the pourers to fill your very own souvenir wine glass with a sparkling potable.  There is no limit.  Sample to your heart’s content!

Maybe wine is not your particular favorite beverage.  Beer, you say, is what you drink at any celebration such as this one.  Well, the FareFest will gladly take care of your request.  Whether you prefer an easy-drinking smooth brew or a glass of something a bit heartier, it will most likely be available from one of the many beer distributors on site.  Goose Island, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegarrden, Becks, Samuel Adams, and the ever-popular Wooden Shoe will be there, along with a plethora of pilsners from all four points of the compass.

Of course, one must have something in his or her stomach in order to comfortably consume wine and beer for three hours.  Never fear.  The  Inn at Versailles will be the host restaurant for a profusion of top-notch chefs from all over.  A partial listing of restaurants that plan to be present with their own specialties includes:  Coldwater Café (Tipp City), The Main Street Bistro (Lima), Coco’s (Dayton), Ghyslain’s (Union City/Richmond/Indy), The Montage (Greenville), The Bistro (Greenville), Bake House Bread Company (Troy), Caroline’s (Troy), Davis Meat Co. (Sidney–doing BBQ), Toone P. Wiggins (Sidney) and obviously Michael Anthony’s at the Inn (Versailles).

If you still want more, here it is.  Higgins-Madewell, a very popular duo  will be performing on Fountain Square all afternoon.  Their folksy/bluesy style has been a big favorite at all sorts of venues from West Milton to New York City.  Just perfect for a brand new festival desiring to be just a bit edgy in terms of food, wine, beer, and music!  Maybe it’s time for you to broaden your horizons just a little.  Unlimited food, beer, wine, and music for only $35.  Wow!

The Versailles FareFest is sponsored by the Versailles High School Alumni Association, with proceeds going toward college scholarships.  Tickets can be obtained by visiting The Inn at Versailles or by calling (937) 526-3020 or by going online to www.innatversailles.com

Beer Drinkers Unite!

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alefestblog1This Saturday, Aug 29th, over 3000 HopHeads and Beer Geeks will head to Carillon Park for the 11th edition of AleFest Dayton.  Joe Waizman founded this festival “to share my love of beer with others.”  He hopes folks  “will discover that AleFest and craft beers are an enjoyable & educational culture.”

With over 100 beers to choose from, having a strategy on how to experience AleFest is best. I asked local beer expert, Aaron Spoores (who sells beer for Cavalier Distributing and hosts beer tastings across the Valley) for his suggestions:

TIPS FROM AN EXPERT:

  1. Upon entering make your first beer be the one closest to you.
  2. Find a place to sit and examine the tasting guide, highlighting beers you want to taste and map out a plan.
  3. Taste from light to dark.
  4. Drink lots of water, in between beers and take a break to grab some food, too.  There’s plenty of beer, so enjoy and remember to take care of yourself.

Waizman adds, “Talk to the knowledgeable pourers & let them know your beer, wine, &/or food tastes so they can make recommendations. This is an excellent opportunity to sample beers  & styles you’ve not previously experienced, so step outside your list of favorites.”

TIPS FROM A CASUAL BEER DRINKER- My suggestions from attending the fest in the past:

  1. If there’s a huge line, there’s probably something special being tasted- check it out.
  2. Create your own rating system and take notes on your tasting guide.  (Things you remember  may not help the next time you go to order-Wild Blue sticks out in my head- but it was because I hated it…too fruity!)
  3. Bribe a teenager to pick you up when the event is over- you won’t want to drive home.
  4. Don’t make plans for going out that night- you’ll probably want a nap and a mellow night on the couch.

Look for an expanded offering of draught beers this year – about 30 will be available including Great Lakes Oktoberfest, Grassroots Saison, Eliot Ness Amber Lager, & Admiral Perry IPA, Chimay Trappist White, Goose Island Matilda, Pere Jacques, & 312 Urban Wheat.

Special  LIMITED Goose Island EDITION DRAUGHTS:

  • 2:30-Night Stalker Imperial Stout
  • 3:30-Demolition Belgian Strong Pale Ale
  • 4:30 Fleur Belgian Sour Ale With Hibiscus

TO GO: Sat, Aug 29th 2-6pm (they often let folks in at 1:30 so arrive early)
$30 in advance-they can be picked up at 30 bars & wine stores around town or  buy online, $35 day of event.
Admission includes 20 samples of craft beer, tasting glass and guide & live entertainment. Designated driver/non-drinker $10.00 – purchase at the gate. Admission includes a bottle of water and an AleFest sampling glass as you exit. Must be 21 years of age to attend.