Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Cool spots to watch March Madness! Part 2


 Try this awesome dog at Big Tex in Decatur!

Want some more choices to go with my Part One selections to see the nerve-racking, bracket-tearing, yet exciting March Madness games in the ATL? Here are more for ya, including The Albert, Big Tex, Bone Lick, Cypress Street, Diesel, and D.B.A. Told you I still would show Atlanta love on my site and Twitter while out of town! 
Cheers!
Ale


Big Tex Decatur
Everything really is bigger in Texas, including the March Madness tournament. Make Big Tex Decatur your home for all things basketball. We’ll have all the major conference games on our seven big screens March 15-17.  Hone your team knowledge (or best looking uniform prowess) to complete your Big Tex bracket by 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 19 for a chance to win a $100 gift card to Big Tex Decatur. We’ll have food and drink specials and every NCAA tournament game on leading to the final championship on Monday, April 8th. 
Visit www.bigtexdecatur.com for more info.


March Madness is in the air and this year there is much more to do than just watch the game at Diesel Filling Station. Basketball fans will have the opportunity to test their skills in a head-to-head competition for the chance to win $100 house cash. For every Budweiser or Bud Light purchased during any March Madness game throughout the month, Diesel will provide one raffle ticket. In exchange for a ticket, basketball enthusiasts will have the chance to become one of 16 finalists that will compete in a classic basketball shoot-out during the Final Four playoffs on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Start practicing those free throws, because the competition is guaranteed to be fierce. Conveniently located at 870 North Highland Avenue in the heart of Virginia-Highland, Diesel is in close proximity to Poncey Highlands, Inman Park and Midtown. For more information and a full menu and list of events visit http:// www.dieselatlanta.com/ or call 404-815-1820. Stay connected on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/DieselFillingStation and on Twitter and Instagram

Virginia Highland’s favorite neighborhood barbecue joint, D.B.A. Barbecue, is pulling out all the stops for the NCAA Final Four tournament on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Fans are invited to enjoy BBQ, buffalo and lemon pepper smoked wings as they cheer their teams to victory. With 11 flat-screen TVs and not a bad view in the house (including the patio) it’s no wonder D.B.A. has become a favorite destination to watch sports all year long. With expansive and affordable food, beer, cocktail and catering menus, D.B.A. will also have $3 Whynatte shooters and $5 frozen (booze-infused) slushies specials throughout the month. D.B.A. Barbecue is located at 1190 N. Highland Avenue NE Suite B Atlanta, Georgia 30306.
For more information, please visit www.dbabarbecue.com or call 404-249-5000. Stay connected with D.B.A. Barbecue on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/dbabarbecue and on Twitter at @dbabarbecue


Known for hosting weekly Beer Geek Tuesday events, Cypress Street Pint and Plate is no stranger to a good time. On Saturday, April 6, 2013, catch all the NCAA Final Four action on one of Cypress’ flat-screens located throughout the restaurant, while enjoying $5 pints of Red Brick Brewery’s Hoplanta. Between games, fans are encouraged to take advantage of spring on Cypress’ large outdoor patio, while enjoying a frosty brew from their impressive craft beer menu. Cypress Street Pint and Plate is located on the corner of 6th Street and Cypress Street at 817 West Peachtree, Suite E-125, Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information, please visit www.cypressbar.com or call 404-815-9243. Follow Cypress Street on Twitter at @CypressStreet and Facebook at Facebook.com/CypressStreet

With flat-screens located strategically throughout The Albert, Inman Park’s favorite neighborhood haunt is an ideal place to catch all the action During the NCAA Final Four tournament on Saturday, April 6, 2013. As fans cheer their favorite team to victory on one of 9 flat-screens airing the game with sound, they are invited to enjoy $4 Samuel Adams drafts. In addition, fans will also be able to enjoy a variety of draft beers from the Albert’s expansive bar menu that features a large selection of domestic, craft, and imported beer. The Albert is located at 918 Austin Avenue in Inman Park.
For more information, visit www.thealbertatlanta.com. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheAlbertATL and on Twitter @TheAlbertATL


The Westside’s favorite Bar-B-Cade, Bone Lick BBQ, is the place to catch all the NCAA Final Four action on Saturday, April 6, 2013. In addition to their regular menu, Bone Lick will offer half price wings throughout the game, along with beer bucket specials filled with ice-cold brews. In between games, basketball fans are encouraged to test their skills on one of Bone Lick’s many arcade games. After all, win or lose, it’s all about how you play the game. Bone Lick BBQ is located at 1133 Huff Road at Apex West Midtown in Atlanta, Georgia.
For more information visit them online at www.bonelickbarbecue.com. Stay connected on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/BoneLickBBQ and on Twitter at @BoneLickBBQ

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Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Let's kick it at the Craft Brewers Conference!

Breweries Unite!!!
Craft beer is taking over the Nation's capital!
Whaddup fellow craft beer lovers?!
Man, I am in Washington D.C., for the Craft Brewers Conference (March 26th through the 29th), which is arguably the U.S.'s largest beer trade show, and I can't wait for this thing to officially set off! Tonight is the Welcome Reception at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum where crazy brews and delectable grub will be served to reps from the majority of gangster craft breweries around the country, along with suppliers, packaging companies, and experts from around the world. Yes!
Last year's conference was in San Diego and I couldn't roll, but this year, it's on and poppin'! In fact, I already saw some of my Atlanta homies in the airport (What up Jason from Square Pub and chemical genius Brian Campbell!) and plan to meet a ton more beer comrades from around Atlanta, the U.S., and abroad in an hour or so. We're talking about 5,000 folks or so throughout the week who will be in seminars, networking, giving each other killer deals to expand their empires, and simply getting their sip on! 
Since my new contributor and photographer to this Cruisin' For A Brewsin' site, Tashir aka T-Double, lives in D.C., we are going to be providing dope pictures, interviews, the brews we've had, and a load of other things worthy of posting for you to enjoy! Plus, I am looking forward to linking up with my peoples from breweries like Sierra Nevada, Half Acre, Goose Island, Epic, Oskar Blues...man there are too many to name, but I am looking forward to seeing them all this week. There is so much to cover (peep the schedule here), but we will do our best. A quick trip to B-More could be in the works too! You know how I did it last time here, right?
But don't trip, I still have some cool local posts to keep Atlanta in tune to some killer events going on in town while I'm ghost, plus some other cool sh*t in store, so stay tuned. 
You know I've got your back as we keep Cruisin' For A Brewsin'!
Deuces!
Ale
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Monday, March 25, 2013

In case you are in New Zealand, do MarchFest!


As many of you know, I love to travel and will be heading to both Washington, D.C. for the Craft Brewers Conference that ends on Friday, and then it's on and poppin' in New York to check out some of their awesome beer bars and breweries (got any suggestions?). However, a group of beer lovers let me know that they will be in New Zealand for a couple of weeks and I wanted to let them know that an awesome beer festival called MarchFest is going down on April 6th. I also have some super cool folks who live there not too far from Nelson where it is held, so hey, I try to keep it international and want to return the love for them following my blog and Twitter! So if you are lucky enough to be in the incredible island country, sip one of many for me and let me know how it goes! The official info is below. 
Cheers!
Ale

New Zealand's sixth annual MarchFest is coming April 6th!
With the start of spring, Oktoberfest still seems painfully far away; however, beer lovers do not need to wait as it's actually autumn in New Zealand! To celebrate the hop harvest, the sixth annual MarchFest, taking place this April 6, 2013, welcomes hops connoisseurs to drink local craft beers and have fun in Nelson, New Zealand's sole hop growing region. 
A one-of-a-kind event and recent winner of the People’s Choice Category for ‘Best Beer Event’ by readers of Australia’s Beer and Brewer Magazine, MarchFest showcases craft beers, regional cuisine and eclectic music held at Founders Heritage Park in Nelson, New Zealand.  Nelson is known to be the craft beer capital of New Zealand with more craft breweries per head than anywhere else in the country.
15 regional craft breweries will create new pint blends for the occasion.  Some of the specialties include, but are not limited to, the following:
·  Sprig & Fern’s ‘Oceana Ale’;
·  Totara’s ‘Gold Rush’ lager;
·  ‘Mint Lager’ from Lighthouse;
·  Mussel Inn’s porter ‘Love Mussel’;
·  Golden Bear’s ‘Crowd Pleaser’ lager;
·  First-time MarchFest participation, Dales Brewing Co.’s ‘Extra Special Bitter’ ale;
·  8Wired, making a return to MarchFest, with ‘Rastafari Stout.’
A beer and food matching lunch kicks off the afternoon gearing guests up for the day.  With local, national and international music, craft beers, wine, fare and activities for the whole family, the sixth annual MarchFest is an ideal event for all. For additional information and tickets, visit www.marchfest.com
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Friday, March 22, 2013

Cool spots to watch March Madness!

Beer. Grub. HD TVs. Let's Go!
What's up craft brew sippers and sports nuts?!
This is arguably the best time of the year for sports, and I asked around to see who is doing something cool to embrace the March Madness. So besides some of my favorite bars with awesome beer selections, grub and HD televisions like Taco Mac's Prado and Metropolis locations, Midway Pub, STATS, Cypress Street Pint & Plate, Ormsby's, and my new fave, Red Pepper Taquiera (their food is AWESOME!), here are few more who are willing to make you and your brackets feel right at home all the way up to the climax right here in ATL's Georgia Dome! Good luck with your picks! 
Happy sippin'!
Ale


The Family Dog
College basketball is heating up this spring and The Family Dog is your 2013 game day destination. From March 19 to April 8, TFD will be showing all scheduled games on the 122" HD projection screen and four additional TVs with audio. Sports fans can enjoy drink specials throughout the tournament like $3 pints of Red Hare's "Rabbit Reserve" Chocolate Porter on Thursday March 21 after 5 p.m. to kick off the big day. Guests can also try their hand at filling out a bracket on March 19 for only $10! TFD will be OPEN on Monday, April 8 for the tournament championship game. The Family Dog can be reached at 404-249-0180, online at www.thefamilydogatlanta.com, and on Twitter at @thefamilydogatl. There is adjacent lot parking, as well as parking on the street.

Googie Burger
Eat like a champion during the Final Four Tournament at Googie Burger with new, exciting menu items! Don’t miss out on a round of sliders made especially for The Big Dance. The delicious sliders that will be offered include Ground Beef, Short Rib and Brisket Sliders with Cheesy Googie Sauce and Cilantro Slaw. Googie Burger will be open for the Final Four on Friday, April 5 from 10 a.m. - 11p.m., Saturday, April 6 from 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Saturday, April7 from 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. and Monday, April 8 from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. For more information, visit googieburger.com or call 404-223-GOOG (4664). Also, stay connected on Twitter and Facebook!

BLT Steak Atlanta
From Friday, April 5 until Monday, April 8, BLT Steak Atlanta is the place for basketball enthusiasts and fans! Guests who bring in any Final Four ticket stub will receive 10 percent off food and 20 percent off drinks. Don’t miss out on this special offer and eat like a champion during The Big Dance! BLT Steak is located at the W Atlanta-Downtown Hotel & Residences in Allen Plaza at 45 Ivan Allen Jr. Blvd. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week. Breakfast is served from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For reservations, please call 404-577-7601 or visit bltsteak.com. Connect on Facebook.com/BLTSteakATLand Twitter @BLTSteakATL.

Big Kahuna
Big Kahuna is a great downtown spot to catch the games. They have an 80-inch flat screen along with tons of 55-inch flat screens to watch the games. Additionally, they will be offering $2 Tijuana chicken tacos, $3 Bud Lights and $6 Sailor Jerry Coconut Mojitos. 
www.bigkahunaatl.com

Village Tavern
Several flat screen televisions line the bar at the Alpharetta mainstay of 13 years. Guests can select from small plates at the bar to snack on such as pulled pork nachos, crab cake sliders or pizzettes. Hand-crafted cocktails, beer and an extensive Wine Spectator award-winning wine list is also available.
www.villagetavern.com

Southern Art
Bourbon Bar at Southern Art will show the games on several large televisions along the bar. Featuring Four Roses Bourbon, the bar is equipped to handcraft any cocktail imaginable, including the popular “smoke and heat” or “Kentucky sunset.” If guests want to create their own drink, head mixologist Clay Livingston is always there to help make suggestions.
www.southernart.com


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Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Mississippi passes bill to legalize homebrewing


Homebrewers fight the Power! 
Another state gets hip!

I just received news directly from the American Homebrewers Association (AHA) that Mississippi has become the 49th state to legalize homebrewing. Below is their official press release. (Thanks, Nick!). Trust me, this is a big deal because it only increases the numbers of fine, aspiring brewmasters out there and helps Mississippi residents particularly further explore the seemingly countless flavors ales and lagers can bless their palates with by homebrewing experimentation. A special shout out goes to Gary Glass, the director of the AHA, the entire organization, and everyone else who made it possible.
There are a lot more laws we need to fight nationwide, but Mississippi's progress demonstrates that beer lovers and freedom fighters overall are making some serious progress!
Cheers,
Ale
 ---------

Mississippi Passes Bill to Legalize Homebrewing
The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) is pleased to announce that Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant has signed a bill that will effectively legalize homebrewing throughout the state. Mississippi is now the 49th state to permit homebrewing. A Senate version of the bill passed in early February and it was then voted on by the State House of Representatives in March.
“From our founding fathers to our current President, this country has a long and storied tradition of homebrewing,” said Gary Glass, director of the American Homebrewers Association. “We appreciate the support of all of the homebrewers, the dedicated grassroots efforts of Raise Your Pints and the legislators who have worked so diligently to make homebrewing a reality in Mississippi. We are grateful to Senator John Horhn who introduced this bill and to Governor Bryant for his quick action and support.”
The 21st Amendment predominantly leaves regulation of alcohol to the states. Therefore, even though homebrewing is federally legal, it is still up to individual states to legalize homebrewing in state codes. Prior to today’s announcement, Mississippi and Alabama were the only two states that did not allow homebrewing. The AHA will continue working with homebrewers in Alabama to legalize homebrewing.
The hobby of homebrewing has seen exponential growth in recent years. The AHA estimates that more than 1 million Americans brew beer or make wine at home at least once a year. Mississippi is home to an estimated 2,200 homebrewers who may now enjoy brewing without the restrictions of a state-wide ban.

From left to right: Gary Glass, Director of American Homebrewers Association; Senator John Hohrn;Craig Hendry, President of Raise Your Pints

About the American Homebrewers Association (AHA)
The American Homebrewers Association has worked on behalf of the homebrewing community since 1978 and celebrates a membership of more than 36,000 homebrewers. The American Homebrewers Association (AHA) organizes events including the National Homebrewers Conference and National Homebrew Competition. The AHA also publishes Zymurgy magazine. The AHA is part of the Brewers Association, whose Brewers Publications division is the largest publisher of contemporary and relevant brewing literature for today's craft brewers and homebrewers.

Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com. Follow the AHA on Twitter, and join us on Facebook.

 Let's keep it up!!!
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Monday, March 18, 2013

Dogfish Head and Cypress Street Beer Dinner Tomorrow!



Hey y'all! 
How the hell was your weekend celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Well I hope you drank a lot of water and popped some aspirin before hitting the sack last night to do a little hangover prevention. 
Anyway, I will make this one shot and sweet. There is an awesome beer dinner with Dogfish Head Brewery and Cypress Street Pint and Plate tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7. There are only a few tickets left so try and go if you can! Above is the flyer for it with all the info so click on it and you are set to make reservations. And as many of you know, I always have a ball at Cypress! (Did you see this video for proof?) 
Hopefully I will see you there!
Cheers!
Ale


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Friday, March 15, 2013

Oskar Blues wins 'Craft Brewer of the Year'!!!



Oskar Blues is crushin' 'em!

What's good fellow craft brew sippers?
I have to give a shout out to one of my favorite breweries, Oskar Blues, out of Lyons, Colorado. My homies just won the prestigious honor as the 2012 "Craft Brewer of the Year" by Beverage World Magazine. Trust me, at 52 percent growth in 2012 plus a new brewery popping up in Brevard, North Carolina, that's a big deal! These guys can do it all and continue to serve as one of the world's best examples of how good ass beer can come out of those metal containers that used to get a bad rap. 
Oskar's liquids are all kickass, but my faves are the door-kickin' Deviant Dale's IPA, gangster Gubna Imperial IPA and silky smooth Ten Fidy Imperial Stout
If a representative of your company gets a tat like this, he is down like four flat tires! Respect due! I took this at the Decatur Beer Fest two years ago. Dopeness!
I also praise their fearless promotion including last year's holiday card that starts with "Weed like to wish you..." Well hey, the green is legal now in Colorado  right? And that spot on the bottom of the can isn't there to give a shout out to old school rapper Kwamé. Look below to see what I mean. Evidently, their cans are not there solely to allow you to bring craft brew on the beach! 
Oskar Blues also has dope schawg (I'm wearing the blue Dale's firebird edition right now, actually), and their employees are overall cool cats. (Whaddup, Dave, Chad & Co.!)
Click here for the full Beverage Mag article online. As you can see, they have Founder Dale Katechis on the cover rocking his bike since he loves to ride. Congrats, my dudes.

More brew news is on the way, so stay tuned. Let the March Madness begin!

Cheers!
Ale
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Tuesday, March 12, 2013

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Atlanta: Part 1!



Where are you kickin' it for St. Patty's Day?

Guinness, green beer, Harp, Smithwick’s, live music, plus the customary meat and potatoes with all the fixings are going to be served up leading up to one of everyone’s favorite holidays, St. Patrick's Day. Here are some of the many restaurants, bars and even bakers throwing down in celebration for the day of green. I will have more on deck but let’s get the ball rolling! As usual, I do my best to let you know what’s going on throughout Atlanta and even outside the perimeter, so here’s what I stirred up so far on what’s going on. From food specials to cupcakes made with SweetWater's Exodus Porter, and drinks sold for a few gold coins, wear your green and party with some leprechauns all freakin’ long!


Smallcakes' "Porter Me Up" Cupcake
Green beer's got nothing on Smallcakes' "Porter Me Up" cupcake - a St. Patrick's Day collaboration between the The Cupcakery and SweetWater Brewing Company. Cupcake lovers and beer aficionados will both enjoy this delicious combination of Smallcakes' signature Chocolate Cake and Butter Cream Frosting infused with SweetWater's Exodus Porter.  The "Porter Me Up" cupcake is available for a limited time for just $3 at Smallcakes stores in Buckhead, Marietta, Valdosta and Woodstock through THIS Sunday, March 17. Pretty sweet, huh?

 
Fadó Irish Pub
Fadó Irish Pub in Buckhead is also ready to help celebrate St. Patty’s Day to the fullest with different activities, food and drink specials leading up to the big day.
·         Tuesday, March 12: Whiskey Tasting with Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits – Irish whiskey or Uisce Beathea is known as the “water of life.” Fadó Irish Pub is teaming up with Bushmills and Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits to dedicate an evening to the “water of life” starting at 7 p.m. For $39.95 per person, guests will enjoy a selection of Bushmills whiskeys accompanied by small bites and appetizers. Some of the pairings include cheese puffs with Bushmills Original, slow roasted pork belly with Bushmills 16 year and bleu cheese lamb sliders with Bushmills Blackbush. The evening will be hosted by master of whisky, Kevin Mulcahy. Seating is limited for this event and tickets can be purchased here.
·         Wednesday, March 13: St. Patrick’s Irish Pub Quiz – Hosted by popular Quizmaster Rob, the St. Patrick’s Irish Pub Quiz starts at 8 p.m. Teams can compete for prizes, including passes to St. Patrick’s Day, while enjoying a menu of authentic Irish food and beverages including corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips, a traditional boxty entree along with pints of Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s.
·         Thursday, March 14: “Lucky Pint” Night – The Guinness will be flowing on Thursday night from 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. when guests have a chance of ordering a “lucky pint” of the iconic Irish dry stout. Patrons who find a sticker on the bottom of their pint glass will receive free tickets to the St. Patrick’s Day party on Sunday.
·         Friday, March 15: 12th Annual St. Baldrick’s Event – From 2:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., Fadó is hosting the family-friendly charity event to raise money for childhood cancer research. The restaurant sets up barber chairs and encourages “shavees” to commit having their heads shaved there on Friday, March 15. These “shavees” get family and friends to sponsor their head shave with monetary donations in order to raise funds for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. St. Baldrick’s is a volunteer-driven charity committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and giving survivors a chance long and healthy lives. As a company, Fadó has helped generate $700,000 in donations since 2004 and this year the Atlanta pub hopes to raise another $125,000.
·         Saturday, March 16: “St. Practice Day” – Day one of the two-day festival begins at 10:30 a.m. for the exciting final round of the RBS 6 Nations Rugby tournament.  Featuring a full day of matchups including Italy vs. Ireland, the pub grants rugby fans access to a reserved viewing area for all three of the day’s matches. Starting at 6 p.m., the outdoor festival features traditional Irish rock music from Paddy & Marty, U2 cover band Desire and entertainment provided by Irish dancers. A DJ will spin tunes beginning at 10 p.m. Pre-sale tickets are available now online for $5 and $10 at the door.
·         Sunday, March 17: St. Patrick’s Day – The weeklong activities come to a festive finale on Sunday with the biggest celebration in Atlanta. Doors open at 7 a.m. so guests can show their Irish spirit all day long. The party moves outside at noon for a street festival featuring live music, traditional Irish dancers and bagpipers performing for the crowds. Desire, Andy BirdsallSecret Sauce, and Astral Freaks (Van Morrison cover band) are all set to perform outside for eager partygoers. Pre-sale tickets, which sold out quickly last year, are available now online for $10 and tickets will also be sold for $15 at the door.
·         Guests can also purchase a two-day pass for Saturday and Sunday for $15 online. Fadó is also offering guests who sign up for thenewsletter a chance to win a four day, three night trip for two to Dublin, Ireland. The prize package includes airfare, hotel stay and a VIP tour of the Guinness Brewery at St. James Gate. The drawing will take place on Wednesday, March 20 and participants must be 21 and over to enter.
Fadó Irish Pub is located at 273 Buckhead Avenue in Atlanta. For more information about any of these events or how to purchase tickets, call(404) 841-0066 or visit fadoirishpub.com.

The Wrecking Bar
Even if you're not Irish you'll be dancing a jig if you join us Sunday, March 17. We'll be serving the following specials:
·         Potato, cabbage and vegetable soup, with Irish soda bread
·         Pork cheek stuffed cabbage rolls
·         Corn Beef and Cabbage with cabbage, turnips, baby carrots, new potato and toasted fennel jus
·         Sheppard's Pie with White Oak Pastures ground lamb
·         Pot De Crème with Irish cream
Plus we'll have Irish Coffee, Irish Car Bombs made with Irishman Single Malt Whiskey, Irishman Cream and Jemmy Stout and plenty of beer (not the green kind) to wash it down.
The Wrecking Bar is located on 292 Moreland Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307. For more information, call 404-221-2600; wreckingbarbrewpub.com

Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery
Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery continues its 15th anniversary celebration through Tuesday, March 19, with special retro-inspired lunch and dinner menus all week. Enjoy 1998 beer prices during Retro All Day Happy Hour THIS Friday, March 15; Irish menu specials and casks of the award-winning IMOS-Imperial Mocha Oatmeal Stout and half-priced Georgia Craft bottles THIS Saturday, March 16; and Beer Judging 101 along with dinner specials and beer pairings on Monday, March 18. For more information CLICK HERE or call 404.525.4400.


10th & Piedmont, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and Gilbert's Cafe & Bar
St. Patrick’s Day is also going on in Midtown with Irish-themed specialties. 10th & Piedmont, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and Gilbert's Cafe & Bar are all serving green Miller Lite beer for $3, Lucky Leprechaun cocktails for $6 and corned beef brisket with mashed potatoes, braised cabbage and Pommery mustard for $13.95. All three restaurants will have the special as well as their regular menus. For more information, visit communitashospitality.com.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Smyrna is partying all weekend long for the holiday with Smyrna’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival. On Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17, leprechauns and guests alike can join the restaurant as Mayor Max Bacon dyes the fountain green and live music plays. A redhead contest, carnival rides and plenty of delicious food will be offered at the Irish fest. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 or at the door for $10.
On the other side of town at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland, Irish favorites will be offered. Guinness and Magners Irish Cider will be served as well as bites of traditional Irish fare.
For more information, call 770-435-1887 for the Smyrna location and 404-876-7249 for the Virginia-Highland location, or visit atkinspark.com.

Look for Part 2 coming soon!

Cheers!
Ale
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Monday, March 11, 2013

A ridiculous weekend including Secret Stash Bash!

Chillin' with 5 Seasons Mastermind Kevin McNerney and Green Flash!
Draft Filling Station, Secret Stash Bash, multiple beer bars, and New Belgium Beer dinner coming up = 'Cray'!

Ohhhhh man, what a weekend! I needed all day Sunday to shut my body down and recover! On Friday, I hit up a new growler spot called Draft Filling Station that boasts about 41 taps, schwag, an amazing staff, and get this: tastings! (Look for a feature on them soon and the Ale Sharpton Monthly Draft Pick featured there! First up: Wild Heaven's Ode To Mercy Winter edition.) 
Draft Filling Station showing off my 32 ounces of freshly poured
Green Flash Le Freak Ale Sharpton-style! Owwwww!
After that, I did some beer consulting for a new restaurant (the official announcement's coming soon), and then it was spades all night along with a bottle share at my spot (Goose Island's Bourbon County Stout, Sierra Nevada's new Ovila with Plums, and SweetWater's new Red Wheat Wine were on the menu). 

And then there was Saturday.

Sarah with Wild Heaven, New Holland's Tyler (left), local artist Matt Albert,
and hundreds of others were in the house!
The Secret Stash Bash on Saturday afternoon hosted by 5 Seasons-Sandy Springs and Taco Mac's Prado location, was was bananas! Breweries from all over the nation flexed their muscles and flaunted some of their limited edition beers you can't buy at any bottle shop. Pouring from casks, kegs and bottles, hundreds of us got our sip on in perfect weather! There are couple of photos here and a lot more coming up in a follow-up post!

J-Smooth with Boulevard kicked it with me at the Fred
and a gang of other ridiculous spots on Saturday!
After that, I took my new homey, Kansas City's Boulevard Brewer Jeremy Danner, for a night on the town visiting some of Atlanta's prized beer slingers in this order: The FredWrecking Bar, the Porter, Brick Store, Leon's, and the new hot spot in East Atlanta, Argosy. I proceeded on to the Octopus Bar to meet up with some friends from the AllWays Open Creative crew, the super cool Fox Brothers, and a few others. (Jeremy smartly took it home after Argosy so that he could wake up for his morning flight. That had to be murder but I hope it was totally worth it!) I left my camera with my trusty brother Lamont who shot most of these flicks (thank  Mont!) after the Stash Bash because I was scared it would come up missing by the end of the night, but pics still surfaced on my Twitter. Overall, that night was crazy! 

Me and Chip with New Belgium showing off their gangster schwag! 
Oh, and a shout out to New Belgium! So many people tried to but my Rampant Imperial IPA hat off of me but it wasn't happenin'! I love trucker caps and this one is fire! And speaking of which, they have a beer dinner with ATL's new seafood god, The Optimist, tomorrow (Tuesday, 3/11) and there might be a few seats left! Here is the info (shout outs to my boy Chip and Craig with New Belgium; Optimist's Owner and Chef Ford Fry; and Kraig & Co. with Hop City!):

The Optimist/New Belgium Beer Dinner
Tuesday, March 12th - 6:00 pm!

Join Hop City at The Optimist (914 Howell Mill Rd), one of Atlanta's hottest restaurants as we eat delicious food paired with New Belgium beers. We will be tasting Shift, Ranger, Dig, Transatlantic Kriek, and two brand-new beers (including the Rampant)! It'll be $50 plus tax and tip. Call 404-350-9998 or email Mina at Hop City here for reservations: minaholliday@hopcitybeer.com for reservations.

Look for tons of more things to report including my coverage of the upcoming Atlanta Auto Show. As usual, Atlanta and the entire microbrew industry's off the chain!

Cheers!
Ale


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Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Two historic Atlanta beer slingers celebrate their birthdays!

Yep! This is Atkins Park waaaaay back in the day like 90 years ago! 
Atlanta’s oldest brewery restaurant Max Lager’s turns 15 and Atkins Park is 91!

It’s true that Atlanta has a legion of bars and pubs throughout the city, but starting tonight and tomorrow, two special locations are celebrating a combined 106 years of providing this great city with awesome brew and delectable grub! 
Me and John from Max Lager's getting our sip on.
Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery (320 Peachtree Street) is partying for 15 days straight starting Tuesday, March 5th with killer draft specials, live music by Jango Monkey, casks of goodies like their award-winning IMOS-Imperial Mocha Oatmeal Stout, beer dinners, and Happy Hour specials to name a few.  Congrats J.R. & Co.!


Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland (794 N. Highland Avenue Northeast) proves they can still keep count of the millions of brews they have poured during an astounding 91 years by boasting “12,981,696 beers sold and still drinking.” Crazy, right?! Owner Sandra Spoon says, “With over 12 million beers sold, our guests know they can always enjoy a brew of their choice in a relaxed, yet fun atmosphere.” We can dig it! They will get things started on March 6 with oysters galore, special brewskies, and more. 

Below are the specifics sent directly from both thirst-quenching locations. ‘Nuf resect to you Atkins Park and Max Lager’s! Atlanta obviously loves you guys!


Max Lager’s says…

Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery celebrates 15 years in Atlanta with 15 days of revelry, featuring food and drink prices from 1998, retro menu items, beer specials and more beginning Tuesday, March 5. Max Lager’s fans are also invited to a special 15th Year Beer Bash on Saturday, March 9 with live music by Jango Monkey, cask specials, a tapping of 3X5 Gran Cru, complimentary appetizers and birthday cupcakes, and a special beer dinner menu.
 “We want to celebrate and thank our loyal customers who have made the last 15 years in Atlanta so great,” says Brewed to Serve Restaurant Group, Inc. owner Cindy LeBlanc. “Max Lager’s is proud to be the city’s oldest independently-owned brewery restaurant.  R has brewed an awesome 3x5 Anniversary Gran Cru, some of which will be served on cask during the party on March 9th.”

Each day of the 15 day celebration will feature different promotions and specials, including:

Tuesday, March 5
1998 beer prices ($3.50 draft) and birthday cupcakes

Weekdays starting Tuesday, March 5 –Friday, March 15
Special Retro Lunch and Dinner Menu

Saturday, March 9
15th Year Beer Bash

Sunday, March 10 and Sunday, March 17
Dinner specials with beer pairings

Friday, March 15
1998 beer prices ($3.50 draft) Retro All day Happy Hour $7 Max Hard Lemonades

Saturday, March 16
Irish menu specials and casks of the award winning IMOS-Imperial Mocha Oatmeal Stout and Half-priced Georgia craft bottles

Monday, March 18
Beer Judging 101 and Dinner specials with beer pairings

For more information, please visit www.maxlagers.com or call 404.525.4400. For regular updates, follow Max Lager’s on Facebook and Twitter.  

Atkins Park says…


To celebrate the 91st anniversary on Wednesday, March 6, Atkins Park is offering specials on oysters and SweetWater 420. Executive Chef Andrew Smith will roast oysters on the patio on the Big Green Egg and charcoal grill. Guests can sample a variety of oysters from 5:30 to 11 p.m., including:

·         Smoked oysters with tomato jam (6 for $10)
·         Roasted oysters with melted Vidalia onions and Pecorino Romano (6 for $10)
·         Bacon wrapped BBQ oysters (6 for $10)
·         Fried oyster sliders with kimchee (2 for $8)

From 6 to 7 p.m., help add to the restaurant’s beer tally by enjoying a drink with some complimentary signature bites. Guests will leave the party in style with a limited edition 91st anniversary t-shirt, available while supplies last.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is located at 794 N. Highland Avenue Northeast. For more information, call 404-876-7249 or visit www.atkinspark.com.

Cheers!!!
Ale

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