Friday, October 31, 2014

What's poppin' in ATL Halloween Weekend! Part Two

This weekend is going to be nuts!

Brew...err...Boo!

Besides all of the other things I have posted that are going down this weekend in Part One, here are even more events popping off. These joints involve grub and libations throughout Atlanta from Halloween night through Sunday, November 2nd straight from the source. Evidently, ATL is going to be off the chain!

Enjoy and be safe!

Atlanta Lobster Festival is clawing through the city and coming to Candler Park on Sunday, November 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The inaugural foodie fest is proud to announce a preview of participating restaurants highlighting the ultimate in seafood delicacies. Presented by BDI Live, the inaugural outdoor festival will include an afternoon of live music, arts and crafts, light bites from a selection of the city’s top restaurants, as well as a variety of craft beer and wine options. Signature crustacean-inspired dishes from the city’s delicious eateries will include a selection of unique creations such as Lobster Bahn Mi, Mini Lobster Tacos, Lobster Mac-and Cheese, Lobster Rolls, Lobster Cantonese and more!
This year, attendees can expect to taste delicious dishes from the following Atlanta restaurants:
Atlanta Fish Market
The Big Ketch
The Bishop
Cypress Street Pint & Plate
Makan
Rosebud
Saltyard
Shucks Oyster and Wine Bar
Steamhouse Lounge
Villians Wicked Heroes
…and more!
All ages are welcome, as tickets range from general admission to VIP featuring exclusive tastings, complimentary craft beer, wine, specialty cocktails and more. Proceeds from the culinary event will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to making kids better today and healthier tomorrow through specialized care programs. Tickets can be purchased online at www.atlantalobsterfestival.com.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland
On Halloween night, Friday, October 31, dress to impress for Atkins Park’s annual Halloween costume contest. No trick, more than $500 in cash and prizes leave with the guests in the best individual and group costumes. DJ Lion mashes monstrous amounts of music beginning at 10 p.m. Look for Jack Daniel’s drink specials each night.

Parma’s Halloween Party
Fly your stick to the Mall of Georgia neighborhood in Buford for Parma’s Halloween party and costume contest on Thursday, October 30. Sexiest costume wins $50 house cash, and best costume scores $25 in house cash. Dance a spell while the DJ spins tunes until 2 a.m. Dry bones? Liquid goodies include $5 Fireball shots and $7 Angry Balls shots. The Fireball Girls give away freebie treats from 11 p.m.-1 a.m.

Georgia “A-Scary-Um” at the Georgia Aquarium
A frightfully fun Halloween weekend spans family friendly Georgia “A-Scary-Um” at the Georgia Aquarium plus fast-paced game action and scary-good eats at Game-X (an “A-Scary-Um” sponsor) on Friday and Saturday, October 31 and November 1. Scuba Doo Crew, longfin “bat” fish, crafts, spooky storytelling and photo stations fill the day, and there’s trick-or-treating from 2-7 p.m. on Halloween and 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Free aquarium entrance for kids under 12 in costume with a paying adult or pass holder. Keep one eye on the traffic to zombie-walk across the street where neighbor Game-X casts its spell of games, fast-casual food and devilishly good potions (a.k.a. cocktails, beer, wine, sodas, etc.). Try your hand at howl-iday perfect games such as Fear Fright, Operation Ghost and Dark Escape 4D. Open from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. After 9 p.m., Game-X is reserved for ages 21 and up.

10th & Piedmont’s Halloween Weekend
Mummies, don’t let your babies dress up to be cowboys for all three nights of 10th & Piedmont’s happening Halloween weekend. Midtown’s Halloween party headquarters is the stylin’ place to be for costume contests and entertainment, October 31-November 2. Each night, costume contest winners are treated to $300 cash for first place, $150 cash for second place and $50 cash for third place. Midnight strikes the witching hour for costume contest winners on Friday and Saturday; Sunday moves crowning time to 9 p.m. Friday is Swank Ladies Night hosted by DJ Audioprism. Spincycle cranks on Saturday from 10 p.m. until close with DJ Dave Chait running the dance party and Princess Charles calling the costume contest. Sunday unleashes the Sex Kitten Cabaret from 8 p.m. until close with hostess Angelica D’Paige and DJ Shane Vaughn. Double, double, it’s no trouble to sip away on Terrapin Pumpkinfest beer for $6.50, $8 zombie punch, Chatoe Rogue Pumpkin Patch ale (2/$19) and $4 well drinks.  

Hey ghoul friend, all three Communitas Hospitality restaurants bubble over with Halloween w”eek”end drink specials and a spooktacular entrée. HOBNOBG’s Midtown and 10th & Piedmont are pouring $8 zombie punch, pulling Terrapin Pumpkinfest drafts for $6.50 each and rousting up bottles of Chatoe Rogue Pumpkin Patch ale, two for $19. Yum’s the word for the special Halloween weekend entrée: sliced sirloin with bloody Bordeaux reduction, mashed pumpkin purée and sautéed Brussels sprouts with cranberries ($22.95).

When sushi and sashimi roll cravings haunt you, bat-wing it over to RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown where Boo Bash promises a menu of Boo Bites and Potent Potions, wicked Halloween décor and mood-setting, haunting music beginning at 11 a.m. Sweet RA Sushi gift certificate prizes entice guests to doll up for the costume contest -- prizes will be awarded hourly from 8 p.m. until close. Eye of newt has nothing on the spicy salmon Zombie roll ($8) topped with avocado and Sriracha, the Black Widow ($10) with soft-shell crab and kani kama crab mix or Wicked Shrimp ($8.99) resting on a bed of mixed greens with a creamy ginger-teriyaki dipping sauce. As for potions, favor a Witches Brew (single $9/double $18) with its bubbling blend of Southern Comfort, Disaronno amaretto, cold sake, liqueurs and tropical juices; the spine-tingling Frozen Black Lagoon ($7) mix of sparkling white wines, Bacardi rum, yuzu and peach and strawberry purées; or Geisha’s Spell ($7), an enticing concoction of cold lemonade, Skyy Raspberry vodka, Chambord, fresh lemon sour and a splash of soda.

Boo-ritos anyone? Escort your little ghost or goblin to the nearest Willy’s Mexicana Grill
Friday, October 31 through Sunday, November 2 and they’ll receive a free Kid Combo meal when you buy an adult entrée. Elsa or Anna from “Frozen,” super heroes, princesses, Darth Vader and the likes count as well. Freebie rules are simple: children must be 12 and under and in costume to qualify; one Kid Combo with fountain drink per adult entrée purchase. By the way, if you’re anticipating friends howling for food at your house on Halloween or any other event, turn to Willy’s Mexicana Grill. They’ll cater for any size crowd of Burrito Heads.

Cheers!
Ale







SHARE:

Thursday, October 30, 2014

Starr Hill is set to launch their Shakedown Imperial Chocolate Cherry Stout!

This Charlottesville, Virginia-based brewery flexes in ATL during November!

Whaddup!

So Starr Hill Brewery, who entered the Atlanta beer market not too long ago, has certainly made their presence known. Representing Charlottesville, Virginia, I am always looking to see what they have next on deck. Well, after talking with their reps (Cheers to Kayla and Matt!), they are going hard in the paint throughout November.
For starters, I am looking forward to Starr’s sixth and final installment of their 2014 limited releases, the Shakedown Imperial Chocolate Cherry Stout (pictured above), which is scheduled to pour at their brewery’s revamped Tap Room on Halloween night and during International Stout Day, which is Thursday, November 6th, 2014. They described it here:
“Shakedown is a full-bodied imperial stout with cherries and dark chocolate blended into the beer during fermentation. Aromas of bittersweet chocolate and fruit delight the senses. Tartness from the cherries balances the smooth cocoa sweetness. Malty, chocolate and dark fruit flavors create a rich and complex beer that is meant to be savored slowly.”
Sounds good, doesn’t it? It will be 8 percent ABV and 45 IBUs. Gimmie! Gimmie! Gimmie! 
In ATL, it will only be on draft starting next week (dammit) especially during its launch party at King + Duke on the 6th. (See below.) Here is a list of events they have popping off throughout the month here:


  • On November 5th, there is a Starr Hill Beer Dinner at the always hip No. 246. It will be 5 courses, 5 brews, at $55 per person. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm and reservations are made through Hop City! (Try 404.350.9998 or email minaholliday@hopcitybeer.com.)


  • On November 6th, Starr Hill will host the Launch Party aka Shakedown Street at Buckhead’s posh King + Duke. (It will be appetizers and beer, not a formal sit down event.) Call and RSVP with receptionist at (404) 477-3500.

  • On November 21st, it’s The Chapter Room formerly known as The Fred Bar’s 5th Anniversary Party (The rumor has it there will be a Starr Hill/Terrapin Cask-Conditioned Woodford Reserve Barrel-Aged GAVA!)
Stay tuned for more beer news soon.

Holla!
Ale
SHARE:

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

What’s poppin’ in ATL during Halloween Weekend: Part One


Boos, brews, and grub galore starting 
October 31st through the weekend!

Brew...err...Boo!

In ATL, restaurants, breweries, and pubs take Halloween very seriously, so from Wild Heaven, to Red Brick, TAP, an 80s Zombie Prom at Cypress, and even the introduction of the world’s first “black tequila” made by Moda on Sunday, here is Part One of what’s poppin’ straight from the sources! Oh, and of course, you have to hit up Netherworld, one of the world's best haunted houses, before they shut down for next season...

Be safe out there!
Ale

TAP and Red Brick Team Up for special cask in Midtown, 
October 31st, 5 to 8 p.m.
TAP and Red Brick are teaming up this Halloween to offer you a witchin’ good time! Red Brick's lead brewer, Steve Anderson, will be on hand this Friday, October 31 from 5-8pm. He will be bringing in a specialty cask of pumpkin imperial stout, and 2 additional kegs of coffee/chocolate porter, as well as Laughing Skull with Werther’s originals candy.
Chef McCormick’s will also be dishing out some scary good Halloween treats:
·         Candied Gala Apples - brown butter & rum caramel, chopped peanuts
·         Frog Legs & Slime - crispy frog legs with cilantro chili & vinaigrette
·         Pork "Brains" - pork dumplings tossed in a sweet chili soy and scallion
·         These items can be ordered a la carte or as a pairing at your table. Flights of each cask will also be available for $12.00.
While you’re there, take a guess at how many candy corns we have in our jar. The winner will receive a $50 TAP gift certificate!
For more information, visit tapat1180.com or call 404.347.2220.
TAP is located at 1180 Peachtree Street | Atlanta, GA 30309

Cypress Street Pint & Plate – 80s Zombie Prom - October 31st, 8 p.m.
(See flyer above)
On Friday, October 31st, walkers from across the city will gather at Cypress Street Pint and Plate in their finest for an evening of thrills during the inaugural Cypress 80s Zombie Prom. Beginning at 8 p.m., makeup artists will provide guests with zombie “make-unders” to help transform Midtown’s favorite neighborhood haunt into a retro 80s style prom scene.  Sponsored by Lonerider Brewing Company, VIP guests can indulge in unlimited Lonerider brews as they dance the night away to the decade’s best hits courtesy of DJ Pat O’Brien. In the spirit of tradition, Cypress will award the evening’s best-dressed pair the coveted titles of Zombie Prom King and Queen, as guests capture the evening’s best moments in an undead photo booth, complete with a backdrop to set the theme. Additionally, in an effort to give back to the community, Cypress will donate a portion of VIP ticket sales to The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance to Atlanta restaurant industry members in need. General admission is free and VIP tickets are available for $25 at www.cypressbar.com. Cypress is located at 817 West Peachtree, Suite E-125 in Midtown Atlanta.  For more information, visit www.cypressbar.com or call 404.815.9243. Follow Cypress Street on Twitter and Instagram at @CypressStreet and Facebook at Facebook.com/CypressStreet.   

Wild Heaven throws down on Halloween day from 5:30, on!


Coldbrews Oyster Bar and Grill – Halloween Costume Contest
October 31st, 8 p.m. 
On Friday, October 31st, guests are encouraged to dress up and dine out with Coldbrews Oyster Bar and Grill in Roswell for Halloween. The Georgia Red Clay band will provide live music beginning at 9 p.m. while guests compete for the best costume. First place winners will take home $100, second place will be awarded $50 and third place $25. Costumes are not just for the contest; however, all dressed up guests will receive 20 percent off their bill for the night. Dance the night away with great music, friends, $2 Fireball and Jager shots and more ghoulish drink specials. Coldbrews Oyster Bar and Grill is located at 880 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell. For more information, please visit www.coldbrewsoysterbar.com at call (678) 639-7297. Stay connected at www.facebook.com/ColdbrewsSportsBarRoswell and on Twitter and Instagram @coldbrewsgrill.

Winter Wren – Trick-o-Treat Halloween Celebration
October 31st, 6 p.m. 
Join Winter Wren for a spooktacular celebration this Halloween. Beginning at 6 p.m. on October 31st, all ages and pups are encouraged to get into the Halloween spirit at the stylish boutique with trick-or-treating, spooky cupcake decorating, a costume contest and more.  All guests in costumes (or if guests are simply escorting their favorite little monsters or furry costumed friends) will receive 20% off all purchases that evening. Winter Wren is located at the corner of 1004 N. Highland Avenue NE in the heart of Virginia Highland.  For more information visit www.facebook.com/WinterWrenATL or call (404) 888-9736.  Join the fashionable conversation on Instagram and Twitter at @winterwrenatl. 

Red Pepper Taqueria – Day of the Dead Celebration
November 1st, 5 p.m.
Head to Red Pepper Taqueria on Saturday, November 1st as they celebrate Day of the Dead at both the Briarcliff and Buckhead locations. With live music, traditional decorations, specialty cocktails, $3 Harpoon UFO Pumpkin drafts, and cuisine created by chef and owner Mimmo Alboumeh, all ages are welcome to experience an unforgettable day that also includes complimentary face painting from 5 to 7 p.m. at Briarcliff and 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Buckhead.  Lynnette Della Luce will be preforming at 7 PM at the Briarcliff location while Upang will be preforming at the Buckhead location at 7 PM. Kids are also invited to create their own masks, while specially designed masks from the Red Pepper team will be available for purchase and 100% of proceeds will be donated to their co-worker and popular bartender Jonathan “Spanky” Billick to help cover medical expenses in his fight against stage III melanoma cancer. Red Pepper is located in Decatur at 2149 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 and in Buckhead at 3135 Piedmont Road Atlanta, GA 30305.  For more information, visit www.eatredpepper.com. Stay connected on Twitter and Instagram at @redpepperatl and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/redpepperatlanta

Mezcalito’s Cocina & Tequila Bar in Grant Park: Dia de los Muertos with Moda Tequila November 2nd 6 to 8 p.m.
Celebrate the Dia de los Muertos at Mezcalito’s Cocina & Tequila Bar in Grant Park with a black tequila tasting featuring Moda!
Moda Tequila, the world’s first black tequila, and Mezcalito’s invite you to come by for a taste of the dark side, as they celebrate the Day of the Dead with an event that’s sure to respect the dead.
An owner of Moda Tequila will be on hand to educate and explain the process of making his liquid refreshment and there will be giveaways and wonderful food made by Mezcalito’s to enhance the smoky flavor of this high quality liquor.
Date: Sunday, November 2nd
Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Place: Mezcalito’s Cocina & Tequila Bar
            304 Oakland Avenue
            Atlanta, GA  30312
Price: $25 – gets you three tequila tastes and three appetizer dishes, plus giveaways and chances to win other prizes.

For tickets, reserve your spots at: mezcalitoscocina@gmail.com or call: 678-705-7008
SHARE:

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Beer Dinner Alert! Meehan’s celebrates the Walking Dead this Thursday!

You gotta love the originality of this one!

Whaddup!

With my extra fond love for beer dinners, I want to make sure y’all see why. Here is one that gets a ten for originality on Thursday, October 30, at Meehan’s in Sandy Springs (227 Sandy Springs Place, #416, Atlanta, GA 30328) celebrating the hit show created right here in Georgia, Walking Dead. There is even a “pregame” from 5 – 7:00 p.m.! And don’t worry, serving human flesh is illegal so Meehan’s thankfully didn’t stay too true to the zombie theme. Instead, below is the kickass menu and ale pairings courtesy of Athens, Georgia’s Terrapin Beer Company.  
Holla!

Ale
SHARE:

Monday, October 27, 2014

Anderson Valley is throwing down at The Porter right now!

AVBC Brewmaster Fal Allen is showing off his mastery in 
Lil' Five Points, ya heard?

Yo! 
So I just got in town from Cleveland and Pittsburgh and a wave of gangster brew has already hit me upon arrival to the ATL! This time around, it's Boonville, California's Anderson Valley Brewing Company and their revered Brewmaster Fal Allen throwing down at one of the best beer bars in the world, The Porter, right now for one night only! Here is what they are pouring so get it in while the gettin's good! This is some once-in-a-lifetime sh*t right here! 
Brother Fal chillin'. (Photo from AVBC)

  • Winter Solstice
  • Wild Turkey Bourbon Barrel Stout
  • Mendo Mello
  • Rye Helles
  • The Kimmie, The Yink, & The Holy Gose
  • Thribble Currant
  • Brother David’s Double
  • Brother David’s Triple
  • Boont Amber
  • Hop Ottin’ IPA
  • Heelch O’Hops Double IPA
  • El Steinber Dark Lager
  • Blood Orange Gose
  • Mowkeef Saison
  • Horse Tongue Wheat

Cheers!
Ale
SHARE:

Thursday, October 23, 2014

Update! New Holland, Prairie Ales and GA Craft Beer Fest are coming!

It's on in Georgia!

Whaddup!

Although I will be heading to Pittsburgh and Cleveland to do some more Cruisin’ For A Brewsin’ (stay tuned for that coverage), I wanted to continue making sure all of my homies know about what else is cracking for Atlanta Beer Week.
Besides the stellar tap takeovers at top-of-the-class bars including The Porter, Brick Store, and Argosy, there is the Georgia Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, October 25th from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Candler Park, featuring arts, live entertainment, grub from the city’s top food trucks, and more than 100 craft beers to sample from all over the great state of Georgia! Indulge safely.
Here’s more info: www.georgiacraftbeerfestival.com
Oh! And New Holland is pouring some gangster tonight and I want to give a formal "Whaddup!" to the debut of Kregs, Oklahoma’s Prairie Artisan Ales at the Argosy tomorrow (Friday) with both starting at 5. We will certainly welcome you with open arms!
See y’all soon!

Cheers!

Ale
SHARE:

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Argosy goes gangster for Atlanta Beer Week!

Atlanta Beer Week starts on October 18th through the 25th and East Atlanta's Argosy is set to show off!

Whaddup!

I just celebrated my birthday at the Argosy due to a lot of homies working there (thanks for the love Armando, Donald and staff), a lot of fellow brew nuts living close by, and hell, it's one of my top 5 spots to get the best beer available in ATL. 
Well, to show how dedicated the Argosy is, here is what they have brewing for Atlanta Beer Week starting on October 18th through the 25th. Bell's, the Georgia debut of Krebs, Oklahoma's Prairie, Evil Twin, Westbrook, New Holland and the Beer Camp roster will be featured and I am loving it! 
Ultimately, the whole week will be nuts. I mean come on, I stick by my claim of Atlanta being one of the sickest beer cities in the nation (a good sick I mean). This special week will help solidify my word is legit.
Below is what the official website is saying to keep us in suspense. They also have a Facebook page and Twitter. Of course, I've got your back too when it comes to updates so be ready!

Cheers!
Ale
ABW-Landing-Page
SHARE:

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Terrapin's 5th Annual Hop Harvest Fest is poppin' off today!


What's up Hop Heads!

If you are in Athens, Georgia, you don't want to miss the 5th annual Hop Harvest Fest from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.Sent from one of the awesome reps of this beloved Georgia brewery, numerous highlights will include...
  • Eight hopped-up firkins! Sample a great selection of different hop varieties.
  • Barrel-aged and rare beer! Some of these beers are only available at the brewery for special events.
  • Ceremonious cutting of the hops.
  • Live music, local vendors, and a wide selection of Terrapin favorites.
  • An Artisan Market with locally crafted trinkets and treasures.
  • And the official release of this year's wet-hopped So Fresh and So Green!
Go here for all of the details. 

I have too much family in town for my birthday to make the jump over there, so it is going to be a hard one to miss, but I want to make sure y'all knew about it. Save a sip for me!

Cheers!

Ale




SHARE:

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Wine vs. Beer: It’s Infographic Time!

Check out these fun facts comparing brew with vino! Guess what I’m rootin’ for?!

Whaddup!!!

Every once in a while, I make it a point to post an infographic on this site because they are fun, entertaining, informative, and easy to get due to great illustrations and extensive research by numerous credible sources. This one below compares what I consider to be the greatest beverage in the world, beer, with the liquid grapes. Learn things like…
  • Which competitor is healthier?
  • Which one is better to cook with?
  • What was here first, a brewery or a winery?
  • What beverage is the U.S. drinking more of, wine or beer?
  • What is the most expensive bottle of beer and wine ever sold?
  • Which country is drinking the most beer and wine worldwide?

Special thanks to CompareCamp.com for the dope graphic below. Clock on it, enjoy it, and get schooled!

 Infographic on AleSharpon.com

Cheers!

Ale
SHARE:

ALE MAX Returns to Fuse Craft Beer & Sneaker Cultures!

Yup! It's that time again! Ale Max Day , the event put on by my boy Craig and I, will be in its second year, and it's going to be an...

© Cruisin' For A Brewsin'
Blog Design by pipdig