The Gahden...

One of my old haunts back in NH just got some ESPN love! When I lived back East we would go thrifting once a week and end the day with a sandwich (The Boggs!!) and a beer (Magic Hat #9) at Nashua Garden. I still make it a point to stop in everytime I'm back home and I'm getting hungry just thinking about it!!!

Eat, Drink & Be Merry...

Last night I ventured out to Eagle Rock for some beer & burgers courtesy of Eagle Rock Brewery and Grill 'Em All. Every Thursday, Friday & Saturday ERB invites the best of the best food trucks to serve their drunken patrons and help soak up all that microbrew. Last night, The Food Network's "The Great Food Truck Race" winner was in the parking lot serving up one of the best burgers in LA........

The Beer:
-Solidarity: English Dark Mild Ale | Pours Dark, Drinks Light, Coffee notes, Smoky...could go for another one as I'm typing this!
-Manifesto: Belgian Style Whitibear | Pours Golden, Citrus, Lemon Peel.....Great brew on a hot summer day!
-Revoulution: American Pale Ale (APA) | Pours light Amber, Clean, Crisp and Refreshing!
-Populist: American IPA | Pours Amber, Bitter, hints of pine needles reminded me of Christmas but 7.00% ABV will make you HOP till you drop!

The Food:
I went for the Hanna Montana + Bacon because Miley Cyrus is down with O.P.P. The Burger was HUGE, put it this way, the "Where's the Beef" lady wasn't gonna be showing up to this Party!! For a side I got the 'double dipped frites' which i think is just a fancy word for Fries......you fancy Huh!?!!?

The Verdict:
For $20 I got 4 mini beers, a not so mini burger with fries and a good time. I'll definitely go back again when another food truck I want to try is there (Lardon???) and I'll probably grab a growler of Solidarity next time too.....tell em Large Marge sent ya!!!

The Champagne of Beers...

This New Years I said adios Ace of Spades and hello Sam Adams Infiunum. I had heard about this collabo a few days before NYE and headed over to World Market at the Grove to snag a few bottles. At $20 each you'd think it would come with a blow up doll for the after party but nope, just Beerpagne (as I like to call it) in a fancy bottle. Watch the 3 videos above to get the back story and below is my review.....

Sam Adams Infinium Ale
Brewery : Boston Beer Company - Boston
ABV: 10.3%
Style: Ale
Packaging: 750ml

Look-Like a Champagne Supernova in the sky!!
Smell-Fruit, Spice and everything nice.
Taste-Dry like the like desert, sans the sands.
Feel-Bubbly like that David Spade 7up commercial.
Drink-Like a rich man's Malt Liquor

Synopsis:
Looks cool, tastes good, limited & would make a great gift for beer geeks. I bought a case, pretty much so my fridge would look like the Dre Day video or just to pop champagne like I won the championship ring. Final thought: I definitely say give it a try before it's completely sold out but I don't suggest stocking your fridge with it.....unless you want to be a BO$$!!!

CHEERS!

The air is gettin' hot, the BEER is gettin' flat...

I've been moving all weekend and finally get to sit down, relax and have an ice cold brewski. I went across the street and after countless minutes I decided on a Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel. I'm not a huge IPA fan but I think the bottle sold me more than the beer, that crazy little Elf looks like he's on a mission to get you drunk. When I picked it up and started walking to the counter the Elf started singing Wasted by Gucci Mane so I knew I was in for a good time. Without further ado here is my review...

Look: the GOLDEN girls x Mr Potato HEAD.
Smell: Hippity Hoppity, bippity bobbity!!
Taste: Good like Sunkist many wanna know who done this!!!
Feel: Like I've never felt before...& I deserve it, I think I deserve it!!
Drink: Crisp & Refreshing with a hidden 9% ABV that will sneak up on you like a ninja!!
Overall: Tasty & Potent just like I like my Women!!

Synopsis: You hear that???? Its Belgium telling me to come visit!!!! Looks like a Belgian beer, taste like a Belgian beer, smells like a Belgian beer, OMG its a Belgian beer!!! If you like Belgian beers than you'll love this like a fat kids loves cake! Say Houblon Chouffe Dobbelen IPA Tripel 5 times fast an Elf will appear behind you with a free beer (try it, I'll wait!) You know when you want more of something but know you shouldn't, that's how I feel right now!!

Rating: 3.8 like that Mustang I'm burnin rubber in tonight.....snitches!!!!!

I drink more Brewsters than Punky...

You know what I love about beer (besides it makes you all warm & fuzzy inside) there are so many different brews out there to try. I still had a couple duckets left on my BevMo card so I decided to try a new beer tonight. Every time I go to BevMo I see this bottle staring me in the face but never pay it any attention, until today. The bottle reminds me of Cream Soda which I love more than life itself so maybe that was the turning point this go round. Like Nelly I picked up 2 pairs or bottles in this case because I knew I was gonna drink my pain away after finding out this is the last season of The Hills!!! Enough nonsense, lets talk beer shall we.......

Beer: Hen's Tooth
Brewed by: Greene King/Morland Brewery
Location: United Kingdom (England)
Style: English Pale Ale
Serving type: Bottle
ABV: 6.5%

Look: Like 311 says, Amber is the color of your energy.
Smell: Think Caramelo minus the Chocolat (Peter Klaven, what!)
Taste: Like a Cornish Game Hen :-)
Feel: Muy Carbonated.....BURP!
Drink: Pete Rock and CL SMOOOOTH!!
Overall: A Fine English Ale, great for watching Futbol!

Synopsis: You know what they say, a Hen's Tooth is better than NO Tooth! Pretty cheap @ $3.59 a bottle and 6.5% ABV does a body good, how do you think I keep my 6pack in check! I might grab one every so often when I'm feeling British but probably wouldn't cry if it disappeared from the shelves.

Rating: 3.33 on the Richter scale

Victory is Mine...

Easter Sunday: Watching sports like Bill Simmons, eating like Kobayashi & drinking like Keith Moon. I actually tried this beer last week but it was so good that I just grabbed another one for the Sox game. First things first, Ballast Point Brewing Company is one of San Diego's Premier Breweries that started as a Home Brew Mart in 1992. In 1996 the brewery was installed by New World Brewing Systems in the space behind their retail store and production began in September. In May of 2005 they opened their second brewery in Scripps Ranch. Now for the beer....Hooray beer!!!

Victory At Sea:
Look: Pours blacker than a moonless night with a thin brown head (no homo). Think shot of espresso.
Smell: Like if I poured Porter into my morning Starbucks Iced Vanilla coffee
Taste: Has a bite to it, like Barq's Root Beer.
Feel: Like Making Love....after about 4 of 22oz bottles.
Drink: Like a smooth operator, operating correctly!
Overall: Good till the last drop!

Synopsis: One of the best Porters that has ever graced my palate. The coffee/vanilla notes are subtle but you know they're there, kinda like the stalker you have outside your window right now! 10.00% ABV makes your Mom look even better! Mr T. approved....I pity the fool who doesnt try it! I'm definitely gonna plan a day trip to visit the brewery in San Diego and get drunk with the The Swinging Friar!!!

Rating: 4.0 like my GPA in higschool....yeah I'm smart, what!

French-Vanilla, Boston Cream Pie, Chocolate-Deluxe...

.....even Caramel sundaes is gettin touched!!!!! Last night I went to ice cream heaven when I tried Ben & Jerry's new Boston Cream Pie. With Yellow Cake Pieces, Fudge Flakes & Swirls of Pastry Cream this is nothing short of a man made miracle. The BCP was originally created by French chef M. Sanzian at Boston's Parker House Hotel, opened in 1855. This pudding/cake combination comprises two layers of sponge cake filled with vanilla custard and is topped with a chocolate glaze. Now just imagine all that goodness jammed into a pint of ice cream and VUALA, there you have it!!! This might be in my top 5 flavors dead (Flavor Graveyard) or alive and I suggest picking up a pint.......or two!

On the Label:
We don't know what inspires us more: Boston's rich history or its dreamy cream pie - which we love so much we simply had to create this flavor, complete with yellow cake pieces & a pastry cream filling that's sure to stir up your next tea party (or any other revolutionary event).

Eat, Drink & Be Merry...

Living in LA now I'm always trying new food & drinks so I figured I'd start posting some of my Pub N Grub adventures for ya'll. Whether its a new restaurant, new beer or a new dessert spot I will let you know what I thought and if there's anything you should "try before you die", so to speak!

Yesterday at half time of the Kansas game (Northern Iowa, what!) I hit up the homie Bernanrdo and we rolled over to Soda Pops on La Cienega for lunch. We both had heard great reviews so it was our turn to see what the buzz, rather fizz is about!! We rolled up in our 64, found parking right in front (bonus!) and jumped out like Starsky and Hutch! The menu (both food & drink) is a little overwhelming (in a good way) but after a couple minutes I decided to go with the shaved Ribeye Steak Bomb.....they had me at Ribeye!! I choose the Pineapple soda from Waialua Soda Works to wash it down and all sandwich orders come with homemade chips (BBQ, Sea Salt & Dill or Salt & Pepper) to top it off. I haven't had a good Cheese Steak since I moved here but this was delicious and hit the spot. The chips were just like your Mom used to make, that is if your Mom ever made homemade chips. The drink was nothing out of this world, just a enjoyable pineapple soda on a hot LA day.

Synopsis:
Parking in the rear (that's what she said)!
So many Soda's, so little time!!!
Homemade Potato Chips....so crispy like Kia Shine!
Steak Bombs on ya moms F**K car alarms!
Speedy-Gonzales was our server.
In my best Terminator voice...I'll be back!!!

Soda Pops
349 N La Cienega
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(310) 967-0119
Mon-Sat 11-6

Distinguished Gentleman...

Monday Night.......JD's with the LandLord

Not'cho Cheese...

Beer Belly...

My girl picked me up a new beer to try the other day from BevMo (isnt she sweet). The beer is called the Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock and has been ranked among the best beers of the world and has won numerous platinum medallions! In Bavaria, the world’s most competitive beer market, Ayinger beers and their famous gasthaus hotel enjoy a special status even among the 750 other brewers. According to Randy Mosher, one of the World Beer Championship expert judges, "Ayinger has a long-standing reputation for excellence in beer and hospitality. Their beers are, you might say, homestyle, more lightly touched by the industrial revolution than some better known German breweries. Compared to the mainstream, their beers tend to be just a touch fuller, darker, more intense. All this without giving up the smoothness for which Bavarian beers are justly famous."

Beer: Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock
Brewery Location: Aying, Germany
Beer Style: Doppelbock
Serving Style: Bottle
ABV: 6.7%

Look-Peep the goat trinket hanging from the neck!
Smell-Still getting over my cold so I cant smell much.
Taste-Like a slice of heaven!
Feel-such a wonderful feeling.
Drink-I'll be BOCK....gotta go get some more!!

The Beergeek synopsis:
Deep chestnut color. An earthy, nutty-bordering-on-woody nose with sweet roasted malt accents. A rich, frothy entry leads to an off-dry, full-bodied palate with intense raisiny, dried fruit compote, roasted nuts, and mild molasses flavors. Finishes with an earthy mild hops and toasted dark nut bread fade with a lingering vinous note. A distinctive and delicious doppelbock that has an elegant balance of fruity malt and earthy, nutty flavors. A claret of a doppelbock!

My synopsis:
Like I've said before I'm really not into the while 5 step process of tasting beer, I kinda just drink them and then decide if I like them or not. I rate each beer on a scale of 1-5......1 being never buy again and 5 being stock the fridge mofo!!! This bad mother shut your mouth is delicious and nutritious (not really ful of nutrients but you get my point), not to mention the logo is cool which adds points in my book. Overall I give the Ayinger Celebrator a (drumroll please) 4.33333333 which means time to stock up!!!

CHEERS!!

Sweet Tooth...

You cant go wrong with the combination of Chocolate & Coconut and now you can enjoy you're favorite little bite sized candy's, M&M's for a limited time only. I have a stash at the house that I kill late night when the rest of the world is sleeping especially my dentist! Also check out this cool TOOTH candy holder I just came across......4 out of 5 dentists agree - you should always HIDE your candy, and remember to brush afterwards :-)

Got Beer...

My lovely girlfriend picked up a new beer for me to try today at Trader Joe's!! Every year TJ's puts out a Vintage Ale which is usually cheap & good which is the my kind of beer! The price is only $4.99 for a 750 ml bottle of pure bliss which might I add is 9% abv....I see a blurry road ahead!

Appearance: Poured dark brown almost black like a stout......but I was in a dark room developing photos.
Smell: Spice notes tickle my nose hairs like a Norelco nose trimmer.
Taste: Like Chicken, I mean Beer!
Mouthfeel: Like a party in my mouth with a bunch of Strippers dancing to T-Pain's "I'm in love with a stripper."
Drinkablitity: like those Bud Light commercials but waaaaay better!
Overall: Is Trader Joe's still open and do they deliver? This is a great beer for a great price do you really need anything else?? I suggest trying it for yourself because only YOU can prevent forest fires!!! For real though it reminded me of a classic Belgium beer like Chimay, with a dark pour, spicy aroma and smooth finish......delicious!! Brewed by Unibroue (Chambly, Quebec). Pic via Gary Allard

Pat O'Briens...

Not the Insider host who left those crazy voicemails, I'm taking about the World-famous French Quarter establishment! I've never been to New Orleans but when I do go for the first time I'm gonna hit up Pat Obrien's for a world-famous Hurricane or maybe two! We have more than just vintage sports apparel at the store and one of my favorite sections is the vintage beer/liquor tees. This bad boy is dated 1983, has the original Screen Stars sz Lrg tag still intact and could definitely be worn during Mardi Gras next year!

Cool Cans...

I just saw these cool colorless Coca Cola cans designed by Harc Lee. It looks like something that would happen to the can if T-1000 from Terminator 2 grabbed a hold of one. Naked can help to reduce air and water pollution occurred in its coloring process. It also reduces energy and effort to separate toxic color paint from aluminum in recycling process. Huge amount of energy and paint required to manufacture colored cans will be saved. Instead of toxic paint, manufacturers process aluminum with a pressing machine that indicates brand identity on surface. Source

Super Fry...

This was one of my favorite vintage non-sport tees that we had in stock. We sold it the other day and I was kinda sad but it went to a good home along with some vintage Beastie Boys & Run Dmc tee's. There was no tag or copyright date but judging by the t-shirt and print I'm thinking late 70's early 80s. This just reminded me that I still havent watched the movie Super Size Me!!

Ice Cream Man...

Holy moly talk about a blast from the past! I just saw this ad and I literally had flashbacks (not from hallucinogens either) of eating these when I was younger. This wasn't just any old ice cream bar rather an amazing concoction of goodness. It was a vanilla soft cookie wafer, imprinted with a WWF star, a thick layer of vanilla ice cream and a thin layer of chocolate underneath, all on a stick. I havent had one in over 10 years and at that point in time, each bar came with a WWF Superstars trading card! Sure, the wrestlers etched onto the cookie top have changed over the years, but there's always been that deicious treat underneath! I havent had one of these in about 10years and someone said they are still available, can anyone confirm that?? P.S. Take it from the "Mouth." Once you lick 'em, you're gonna love em,'!!!

Mmm Energy...

I think I'm about a year late with this but I just saw these Energy drinks and I NEEEEED to try them ASAP!! If anyone has tried either of them let me know how it taste!

Duff Energy:
Are you yellow? Have blue hair? Maybe your head is shaped like a box? Been the same age and stuck in 4th grade for the past 14 years? Then what you need is to get buff on Duff...Energy Drink! Coming right at you from Springfield, this is the energy drink of choice of the Simpsons and fellow Springfielders alike!

Flaming Moe's:
When the weight of the world had got you down and you want to end your life, bills to pay, a dead end job, and problems with the wife. Don't throw in the towel 'cause there's a place right down the block, where you can drink your misery away. At Flaming Moe's, where liquor in a mug, will warm you like a hug, and happiness is just a Flaming Moe away. Source

Oreo Big Stuff...

Why did they discontinue the Big Stuff Oreos, those were the best!!! They were pretty much a big whoopie pie and were several times the size of a normal Oreo. Introduced in 1985 the Big Stuff made it 6 years before being discontinued in 1991.

Animal Instinct...

We went to dinner at Animal Resturant this week while I was in LA. At first glance the menu might scare some people off but trust me (I'm a Doctor) on this one the food was AMAZING (insert Kanye chorus line). The menu changes daily but a lot of the popular dishes are always available which is good. The restaurnat was stared by two dudes, (literally) Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo and if they look familiar you might have seen them on their TV show a couple years back called Two Dudes Catering on the Food Network.

We ordered a bunch of plates to share which is what I recommend so everyone gets to taste something different. First we went with the barbeque pork belly sandwiches, slaw which were bite size sliders that were phenomonal (we actually ordered a 2nd round....pigs!). Next up we poutine, oxtail gravy, cheddar which was better than the poutine around where I live and its a predominet Fresh Canadian area!!! The next dish we ordered was the flat iron, potato, chanterelle, truffle parmesan fondue and the steak melted in your mouth as the seasoning kicked every sense into high gear.....it was like a explosion of deliciousness! For desert we had bacon chocolate crunch bar, s&p anglaise which was good but I wasnt crazy about it and we also got the tres leches, dulce de leche which was music to my tastebuds aka so good it should be illegal!

The restaurant is located on 435 N. Fairfax Ave. LA which is right next door to Supreme. Its a bit on the pricy side but its well worth it so check out their WEBSITE for more details and if you're in the area I highly recommend checking it out (make reservations if possible). Shout out to Bernardo for picking this spot!!