Friday, December 6, 2013
"90 Second Cocktails" - New York Sour
Here's a twist on an old favorite, the whiskey sour. Strangely enough, the "New York Sour" originated in Chicago around the 1880's, but it became popular in New York during prohibition. Bartenders would dress up their sours using wine, lemon and sugar, because they were easy camouflages for the outlawed whiskey and bourbon of the time. Check out the link below for a tutorial on how to make this notorious drink:
Sunday, December 1, 2013
"90 Second Cocktails" - Hot Toddy
Looking for that perfect winter cocktail to warm up with after hitting the slopes this winter? Or maybe just on a cold night? Listen to this week's Podcast on how to make a Hot Toddy. It's just the right thing for the holiday season.
Burger: A Santa Cruz Beer Destination
Ah ... Santa Cruz. My hometown.
If you ask most people, they'll tell you that Santa Cruz is part of the Bay Area. I argue, no, it's part of the Monterey Bay area. For me, that drive through mountains puts enough distance between myself and the rat race that is the Bay to make it feel like it's 500 miles away. A distinct feeling washes over me once I pass Las Gatos and find myself driving through redwood forests. Growing up in Santa Cruz County gave me a certain appreciation for my hometown that I have every time I visit. Hiking through Nisene Marks, surfing in Pleasure Point, or just driving along the coast, I feel more at peace there than I feel anywhere else. Home is indeed where the heart is. And when I do make trips back, I make sure to visit some of my favorite establishments, one such being Burger in Aptos.
And yes... they do have some pretty good burgers there as well. One funky little part of their charm is that they name their burgers after celebrities or famous characters from movies. For example, a Chuck Norris is a burger with jalepenos and jack cheese, the Dude features guacamole, bacon and jack cheese, and a Hank Williams has onion rings, cheddar, bacon and barbeque sauce. You get the idea. And instead of table markers with numbers, they give you mugshots of celebrities to identify your order. Instead of hearing "52" you'll hear something more along the lines of "Lindsay Lohan"or "Mel Gibson".
Overall, it's a great place to grab a bite during the evening, watch the 49ers play, or just have a great beer inside near the fireplace or outside on the patio. Every time I come here I know I'm home.
Cigar Bar & Grill: Cool Latin Music & Vibes
The bar itself is located just off of Montgomery Street if you’re heading up the hill towards North Beach in Jackson Square (it’s right by the corner of Montgomery and Pacific). While the Cigar Bar has a traditional indoor bar and dining area, it also features an outside patio and garden, creating a vibe that’s both relaxing and enticing. While you can order just about anything from their bar, it’s their wine selection that guests are especially fond of, including their list of reds from Spain, France, and Argentina. Also, among favorites are their Mojitos and house-made Sangria. And if you’re feeling particularly fancy, nobody’s going to stop you from taking your pick from a comprehensive list of premium single malt scotch, cognac, and rum. If you’re feeling like doing more than just wetting your whistle, Cigar Bar has some solid appetizers for groups like quesadillas or chips and guacamole, or great entrees for someone just looking for a meal.
And of course, what would a Cigar Bar be without cigars? Now, I’m not a smoker, but like many, on a rare occasion or celebration (or too many drinks) a fine cigar is in order. These guys don’t mess around with quality either, they have a good range for a top to your evening and something that can match your wallet. Just the fact that these guys have Arturo Fuentes and Montecristos is all you need to know. Just grab a cigar from the list, and head out to the courtyard to light up and relax.
One of the other features of this place which makes it a good spot to go with a group is their live music. Three nights a week you can find a great Salsa or Latin Jazz band playing some serious grooves and asses on the dance floor to match them. In fact many of the acts that come through are leading Bay Area musicians.
So if you’re looking for a hideaway to come drink, eat, relax, dance … and yes, have a smoke, the Cigar Bar & Grill is a great little nook with a small and vibrant but small easygoing crowd.
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Sugar Cafe: A Tale of Two Venues
To listen to the Podcast:
SugarCafe.m4a - 3 MB
SugarCafe.m4a - 3 MB
San Francisco for me is almost two cities. By day, it's the setting of a rat race for thousands of people working hard for the weekend. But by night, it's a different town. The street lights emit a warm, inviting glow, calling people to come out and play. While most venues in town are closing up or getting ready for the evening, one place on Sutter Street smoothly transitions from a cafe to a lounge.
By day, Sugar Cafe on 670 Sutter Street operates as a warm contemporary coffee house. But as the sun sets on the city, sugar cafe puts away its coffee mugs for martini and pint glasses. everyone from artists to businessmen flock here at 5 for a cocktail, glass of wine, or beer. With a laid back vibe, Sugar Cafe is a great place to enjoy a drink with friends around the fireplace, or catch the Giants game.
Whether it's morning, noon, or night, the Sugar lounge is a great respite from the monotony.
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Russian River Brewing Company: Redwood Empire Brewing Capital
In my view, part of what makes life worth living is the variety of experience. Being able to get out and find new things and go to different places gives you more than just something to talk about, it gives you inspiration, a frame of reference, culture, and much more. I've been fortunate enough to be somewhat well-traveled and to have lived in different places where I've been able to take something away from that experience. A few years ago I had to move to Sonoma County for my job, and while I enjoyed my time there because, well, it's a nice place to live, I also was able to explore the beer scene. Now, the North Coast area, or Redwood Empire as its often referred to, is renown for its craft brewing scene, and it's just a hop, skip, and a jump north above the Bay Area (about an hour drive). One of the best known breweries in the area is the Russian River Brewing Company located in Santa Rosa, California.
The brewery bears its name from the iconic Russian River that flows through both Mendocino and Sonoma counties, famous for a number of wineries. It was here along the river in the town of Guerneville where Korbel Champagne Cellars had a vineyard and also began to grow hops for brewing during the late 90s. But in 2003, Korbel decided to get out of the beer business and offered their rights to their brewmaster at the time, Vinnie Cilurzo who proceeded to open Russian River Brewing Company in downtown Santa Rosa the following year. Ever since then, it has become one of the best known breweries in California with a cult following due to their strong India Pale Ales and sour beers, most notably their flagship ale "Pliny the Elder".
Now, RRBC sells their beer in stores, but their distribution isn't incredibly wide. That's why making a trip to their brew pub in downtown Santa Rosa is worth the trip. The pub is a pretty large building with patio seating outside, but it is ALWAYS packed and for good reason. In fact, getting seating indoors requires putting your name in with the host (they also serve food, but that is clearly not the focus). The inside has a long row of barstools packed to the brim with crowds around them and barmen constantly trying to keep up with orders and requests, pouring round after round. On the wall above is a list of about 20 different beers, some year round, but some seasonal. If you're not a beer aficiando or snob, you won't understand, but every beer on that board has a different taste, smell, and unique feature to it, some more than others. But then again, it's all the more reason to try it. I wouldn't leave that place without trying three (over time) or a flight of beers which allows you to sample a wider variety in smaller portions, kind of like shot glasses. If you're new to the place, I'd recommend Pliny the Elder, Row 2 Hill 56, and maybe Hop2It. If you're back for another round, you may want to try one of their heavier, experimental barrel-aged concoctions like Consecration, which has an ABV of 10% but is oh so flavorful. Or if you're lucky enough to be there when they release it, try the infamous Pliny the Younger, which has a seasonal and extremely limited release (people form a line around the block to try it as early as 7AM when the announce its ready).
Russian River Brewing Company is great if you're a local as it's a happening spot every night (and day) of the week, but it's also a destination brewery. In fact, I've made a couple of road trips myself through there since I left, and I'm always sure to hit it up with my friends and family.
The brewery bears its name from the iconic Russian River that flows through both Mendocino and Sonoma counties, famous for a number of wineries. It was here along the river in the town of Guerneville where Korbel Champagne Cellars had a vineyard and also began to grow hops for brewing during the late 90s. But in 2003, Korbel decided to get out of the beer business and offered their rights to their brewmaster at the time, Vinnie Cilurzo who proceeded to open Russian River Brewing Company in downtown Santa Rosa the following year. Ever since then, it has become one of the best known breweries in California with a cult following due to their strong India Pale Ales and sour beers, most notably their flagship ale "Pliny the Elder".
Now, RRBC sells their beer in stores, but their distribution isn't incredibly wide. That's why making a trip to their brew pub in downtown Santa Rosa is worth the trip. The pub is a pretty large building with patio seating outside, but it is ALWAYS packed and for good reason. In fact, getting seating indoors requires putting your name in with the host (they also serve food, but that is clearly not the focus). The inside has a long row of barstools packed to the brim with crowds around them and barmen constantly trying to keep up with orders and requests, pouring round after round. On the wall above is a list of about 20 different beers, some year round, but some seasonal. If you're not a beer aficiando or snob, you won't understand, but every beer on that board has a different taste, smell, and unique feature to it, some more than others. But then again, it's all the more reason to try it. I wouldn't leave that place without trying three (over time) or a flight of beers which allows you to sample a wider variety in smaller portions, kind of like shot glasses. If you're new to the place, I'd recommend Pliny the Elder, Row 2 Hill 56, and maybe Hop2It. If you're back for another round, you may want to try one of their heavier, experimental barrel-aged concoctions like Consecration, which has an ABV of 10% but is oh so flavorful. Or if you're lucky enough to be there when they release it, try the infamous Pliny the Younger, which has a seasonal and extremely limited release (people form a line around the block to try it as early as 7AM when the announce its ready).
Russian River Brewing Company is great if you're a local as it's a happening spot every night (and day) of the week, but it's also a destination brewery. In fact, I've made a couple of road trips myself through there since I left, and I'm always sure to hit it up with my friends and family.
Kate O'Brien's: Afternoon Pit-Stop
As fall marches on and the days get shorter, I often find myself searching for cozier places to gather my thoughts and recuperate. It's my usual reprieve between work and class during the week. Typically, I'll find a place outside, like a park bench with a view of a garden or someplace outside that's more serene. But as night starts to fall earlier, and the wind blowing off the Bay picks up, I tend to move indoors toward a warm tavern. One of my favorite places to do so is Kate O'Brien's Irish Bar & Grill.
Kate's is located on Howard Street between 1st and 2nd Street. It's convenient for myself because it's right around the corner from school, and you can hit it up on your way to and from the Moscone Center or Yerba Buena Gardens, as well as the BART station on Montgomery Street. You can't miss the place, as it's highlighted by a large vertical sign that bears it's name and glows brightly green from the street at night. As you walk in, there are three distinct things you'll notice right away: the dimly lit interior, the row of draft beer taps around the bar, and the LCD displays on the walls featuring the most important game at the moment (i.e. Warriors, 49ers, Giants, A's and so forth).
Now, there are a couple of things I think that Kate's has going for it as it stands. First of all, the service there is pretty good. If you go with a group of people, you'll almost never have to worry about getting a refill of your pint glass or a fresh cocktail (the same goes if you're rolling solo as well). The staff is pretty friendly as well, so that's always a plus. Second, the place will definitely get crowded with the business and financial crowd at night, especially if the Warriors are playing, but you will without doubt find a table and seating for yourself and your friends. Third, the U.S. may not have the pub scene down to a T, but there are many that do it right, and Kate's is one of them. Their selection of domestic craft and european imported beers cover all of the right bases. Here you can grab a pretty solid Guinness, a nice crisp Carlsberg, a Speakeasy Ale, and if you are so inclined they have a few wheat beers on tap (no, thanks). And they serve them all in their proper glassware.
Food-wise here it varies. They serve all of the traditional pub grub, sandwiches, burgers, buffalo wings, fries, but they also do some traditional Irish food like Shepherd's Pie, Bangers and Mash, and yes, fish and chips. I wouldn't say it's the greatest food in the world, but the portions are on the larger side and it beats the price of anything you'll pay for a meal in SOMA. I do have to say, my friend is a big fan of their Irish nachos. Overall, I think it's a decent spot to kick back a few in the late afternoon while you unwind or relax with the company of a few friends.
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Lefty O'Doul's: Old San Francisco
In response to one of my requests via Facebook, I thought I would review a bar in San Francisco that can pretty much be defined as a cultural institution: Lefty O'Doul's.
For those of you who have never been to a bar in San Francisco or you're from out of town and you're trying to get a taste of the city, I would highly recommend making Lefty's one of you're first stops. If not for the sole reason that it's located in Union Square (one of most popular areas of the city and a Mecca for shopping) it's a reminder of what the look and feel of Old San Francisco used to be. The interior features a collection of sports memorabilia from the bygone era of DiMaggio, with a bar on the left and a hofrbrau on the right. Here, you can order just about any drink you can think of, along with a wide assortment of draft beers from salty bar tenders who may as well have been there since the place opened in 1958, and get a great fresh carved sandwich to go with it! Personally, I'm partial to their Black & Tans.
In addition to the old theme is their piano bar. You can go in there on just about any night of the week and listen to one of the many regular players they have perform a great cover of a Billy Joel, Elton Jon or other great popular piano song. The funny thing about Lefty's also is the crowd it draws. It's not unusual to see a guy who's completely hamsauced on a barstool sitting next to a couple of cops who are just there to grab a bite for lunch or dinner. It also grabs the sports fans, the older crowd, doormen, and workers from around Union Square. Think of the bar in the sitcom "Cheers", and Lefty's is actually a pretty close equivalent.
Lefty's is on Geary Street, right in Union Square, right in the heart of the city, so it's right by all the major public transportation. It's great for anytime of the day, even breakfast, but I like it as a late night spot, perfect after a day of work or play. Just be careful when trying to get to the restroom there after having a few drinks. That may sound strange, but the hall to the restroom is actually along a long, steep flight of stairs. Many people have eaten it hard while tripping on the way there. The upside is, it'll be just another story to tell.
In addition to the old theme is their piano bar. You can go in there on just about any night of the week and listen to one of the many regular players they have perform a great cover of a Billy Joel, Elton Jon or other great popular piano song. The funny thing about Lefty's also is the crowd it draws. It's not unusual to see a guy who's completely hamsauced on a barstool sitting next to a couple of cops who are just there to grab a bite for lunch or dinner. It also grabs the sports fans, the older crowd, doormen, and workers from around Union Square. Think of the bar in the sitcom "Cheers", and Lefty's is actually a pretty close equivalent.
Lefty's is on Geary Street, right in Union Square, right in the heart of the city, so it's right by all the major public transportation. It's great for anytime of the day, even breakfast, but I like it as a late night spot, perfect after a day of work or play. Just be careful when trying to get to the restroom there after having a few drinks. That may sound strange, but the hall to the restroom is actually along a long, steep flight of stairs. Many people have eaten it hard while tripping on the way there. The upside is, it'll be just another story to tell.
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
House of Shields: Because I had to...
As I've mentioned in earlier posts, San Francisco is a commuter's city. Thousands of people, including myself, live (and die) by the transit schedule. In fact, right now the entire city is on edge as it prepares for yet another BART employee strike which will cripple it. I've never visited the 5th level of Hell, but I've always imagined it being something close to Bay Area traffic during commute hours in the middle of a BART strike (it happened about 3 months ago, trust me, my analogy is accurate). And if you're a frequent passenger, you're familiar with delays and the long gaps between trains. Fortunately for myself I've found a solution - it's a drinking establishment that's older than the street it's on, and it's right across market street next to the nearest BART and MUNI station: "The House of Shields".
One of the things I really like about this place, apart from it's convenient location, is the whole look and feel. Because the bar has been around since 1908, it still maintains the unique look and feel from that era. I'm talking about brass lighting sculptures, elaborate wood interior, small intimate booths, and a nice loft area with rattan furniture to lounge and hangout with friends. Even the bartenders there wear the old school barman uniforms - white dress shirt with a black tie and apron. And they're pretty sharp too. Not only are they quick to take your drink order and make it fast, but they don't mind a little bit of conversation or back-and-forth. There's a cozy intimate vibe here with the music at just the right level so you can actually be social, not have crappy pop music blasting in your ears. And people wonder why there's nostalgia for traditional American bars? I think not.
Another little charm of this place is their menu. It's pretty narrow when it comes to cocktails, but just a bartender what you want and they'll pour a damn good (and strong) one. They have a pretty knowledgeable staff when it comes to classic old-school cocktails. The beer list is also minimal, but it gets the job done; they have a sweet porter on tap as well as some hoppy selections. But if you come here for the first time, I would highly recommend you try their "Moscow Mule" as they're famous for it. It's a sweet little vodka and ginger beer concoction that they serve in a copper mug. I guarantee if you go anytime during peak hours on a Thursday or Friday night, you'll find at least a few people drinking them - they allegedly serve the best ones on the city.
Because of it's location, House attracts an eclectic mix of people. On any given night it attracts the business crowd from the financial district to hipsters, the 'Twitter-ati', or others. But the crowd is usually pretty mellow, apart from the occasional jackass who's crying to a bartender about his Manhattan not being perfect. And because of its size, it also can get pretty packed, especially during the holidays. As it gets closer to Christmas, there's often a private party during the evenings for a group of office workers or the like. But just be patient, for many people it's just a stop in their extensive night of pub crawling. I've spent many late nights here waiting for the next BART train and I imagine I'll spend more. Here there's no clock on the wall for a reason, I feel like the train is waiting for me.
One of the things I really like about this place, apart from it's convenient location, is the whole look and feel. Because the bar has been around since 1908, it still maintains the unique look and feel from that era. I'm talking about brass lighting sculptures, elaborate wood interior, small intimate booths, and a nice loft area with rattan furniture to lounge and hangout with friends. Even the bartenders there wear the old school barman uniforms - white dress shirt with a black tie and apron. And they're pretty sharp too. Not only are they quick to take your drink order and make it fast, but they don't mind a little bit of conversation or back-and-forth. There's a cozy intimate vibe here with the music at just the right level so you can actually be social, not have crappy pop music blasting in your ears. And people wonder why there's nostalgia for traditional American bars? I think not.
Another little charm of this place is their menu. It's pretty narrow when it comes to cocktails, but just a bartender what you want and they'll pour a damn good (and strong) one. They have a pretty knowledgeable staff when it comes to classic old-school cocktails. The beer list is also minimal, but it gets the job done; they have a sweet porter on tap as well as some hoppy selections. But if you come here for the first time, I would highly recommend you try their "Moscow Mule" as they're famous for it. It's a sweet little vodka and ginger beer concoction that they serve in a copper mug. I guarantee if you go anytime during peak hours on a Thursday or Friday night, you'll find at least a few people drinking them - they allegedly serve the best ones on the city.
Monday, October 14, 2013
The Thirsty Bear: Tapas & Beer
Part of the most exciting about about being young student in a big city like San Fran, is diverse range of people you meet and come into contact with - especially in grad school. I've had the pleasure of making friends with individuals who've come from all over the world, each with their own unique background and story to tell. And what's even better is getting to know them over a few drinks. That's how I became acquainted with the "Thirsty Bear" on Howard Street.
Last year, I was out with some friends after working on a rather larger project. After successfully completing it, we figured a night cap would end things on the right note. Now one of my friends (I won't name her), spent a good deal of time living abroad in Spain. If you talk to her about her experience, she'll go on endlessly. I mean that in a good way, she's really passionate about it, especially Basque culture. We were trying to figure out a good place nearby that we could go to grab a few celebratory drinks and something light to eat. Needless to say, she recommended the "Bear", so we went ahead.
I gotta say, she knocked it out of the park with the recommendation. The "Thirsty Bear" not only has a full bar with cocktails, wines, Sangria (Ugh!), but they brew their own beer as well. And they've got a decent palate range, too. I'd recommend the Grizzly Bear Red Ale and the Howard Street IPA. They're both definitely enough to keep you running, but they've also got a Pilslner, Wheat Beer, and a number of seasonal beers. The Meyer Extra Special Bitter is definitely a must as well.
But what's great about the "The Thirsty Bear" is that they do a really great job of pairing drinks with food. But not just any food - tapas. Tapas are a wide variety of snacks and appetizers in Spanish cuisine; they're awesome. To give you an idea, they can be dates stuffed with goat cheese, olives with herbs and garlic, calamari, empanadas, or one of my favorites, roasted peppers stuffed with cheese and spinach. They're great because you ca enjoy them as a light snack, or if you go with a group, you can all order one and share so you try a little of everything. The "Bear" also has a menu that features larger portions with burgers, sandwiches and other bar food. But hey, why not try a specialty? And if you're so enchanted by the experience, they have a wide selection of Spanish wines to enjoy (but some of the higher end ones require a full bottle purchase around $55).
My only knock on this place (and it's not really a knock) is that it is crowded! I definitely would not try to get a table here during a good Warriors or 49ers game, you'll be sitting far away from the screens if you're lucky enough to find anything. I would recommend this place as a nice little after-work, or late afternoon spot. Just the right time of day to relax, like they would in Spain.
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Jon Taffer: A Real American Hero
For this latest post, I thought I'd take a departure and introduce you to someone who accepts nothing less than perfection when it comes to bars. For any of you who have been living under a rock for the last 2 years, there is a force on network television that rivals nature. His name: Jon Taffer.
Taffer is the host of the reality series Bar Rescue on Spike TV, which attempts to turn failing bars around back to profitability. The show emphasizes his experience and credentials, pitching him as "one of the best bar consultants in the world". And a little research on the web confirms this as he is the owner of Taffer Dynamics, Inc., the president of the Nightclub and Bar Media Group, 'inventor' of the NFL Sunday Ticket concept, and has been responsible for managing over 800 successful establishments. That's all well and good - he's definitely a guy who knows his stuff, but any attempt to describe or explain this man's style or personality in how he goes about doing this, is merely futile.
Wikipedia attempts to describe Taffer as follows:
So sub-par bar owners beware. Taffer will call you out on your inadequacies. If he finds out you don't have a working POS system, he'll tell you "Friday's does it." If your excuse for not turning a profit is the economy, he won't sympathize, he'll just tell you "that's bulls*&t, you should know better" with a look on his face that will shame you in front of all of your employees. And if you're cross contaminating your kitchen by handling raw food and cooked food at the same time... well, you know.
Send this man to Washington D.C.! He'd have that whole place turned around in no time. Forget the Republican or Democrat nominee in 2016, write in "Jon Taffer" on your ballot.
To watch more of this genius work his magic (shame the unsuspected but deserving, shut down bars and bend an owner's staff at his will) Bar Rescue airs on Sundays at 9PM.
Taffer is the host of the reality series Bar Rescue on Spike TV, which attempts to turn failing bars around back to profitability. The show emphasizes his experience and credentials, pitching him as "one of the best bar consultants in the world". And a little research on the web confirms this as he is the owner of Taffer Dynamics, Inc., the president of the Nightclub and Bar Media Group, 'inventor' of the NFL Sunday Ticket concept, and has been responsible for managing over 800 successful establishments. That's all well and good - he's definitely a guy who knows his stuff, but any attempt to describe or explain this man's style or personality in how he goes about doing this, is merely futile.
Wikipedia attempts to describe Taffer as follows:
"Taffer exhibits a boisterous, no-nonsense, and confrontational approach intended to shock and push the owners/workers into making drastic changes—not excuses—immediately. As people are naturally resistant to change, at different points along the way, members of the ownership and/or staff resist Taffer's new ideas, strategies, and tactics—which he presents on "my way, or, the highway"–type terms (even though the owners do not have to keep any of the changes the production company brings to their business, after filming ends)."
Again, this explanation doesn't do justice to the power of Jon Taffer, he must be experienced. Just check out how he responds to the poor cook when he finds out that she picked up raw meat before handling cooked food without washing her hands. It's a short snippet, but you'll get the idea:
So sub-par bar owners beware. Taffer will call you out on your inadequacies. If he finds out you don't have a working POS system, he'll tell you "Friday's does it." If your excuse for not turning a profit is the economy, he won't sympathize, he'll just tell you "that's bulls*&t, you should know better" with a look on his face that will shame you in front of all of your employees. And if you're cross contaminating your kitchen by handling raw food and cooked food at the same time... well, you know.
Send this man to Washington D.C.! He'd have that whole place turned around in no time. Forget the Republican or Democrat nominee in 2016, write in "Jon Taffer" on your ballot.
To watch more of this genius work his magic (shame the unsuspected but deserving, shut down bars and bend an owner's staff at his will) Bar Rescue airs on Sundays at 9PM.
Friday, September 27, 2013
Fiddler's Green: A Pub-Goer's Delight
The toughest things about being a beer lover is that once you've developed a good palate and refined your tastes, it's very tough to go back to anything below your current standards. To give it an analogy, it's like the Seinfeld episode where Jerry takes the first class seat over Elaine at the ticket counter claiming that once you've flown first class, you can't go back to coach, otherwise you know what you'll missing out on. I've found the same to be true with Guinness.
I had the opportunity to go abroad to Ireland when I was in college, and during my time there I fell in love with the 'black stuff', as well as the natural beauty of the country. The only problem is, it's very hard to come across a pint that tastes just as good as it does on the Emerald Island. Guinness is tricky and very fickle, it's a lot like wine. It has to served on a nitrogen tap, at a specific temperature, and the pour is crucial. Not many places in the states do it right. Fortunately, the Bay Area has enough of an old Irish immigrant population that there are some pockets that keep the pub tradition from the old country alive. One of my favorite places for scoring a proper pint is Fiddler's Green.
There are actually two locations for this pub. One is off of Columbus Avenue near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, but usually go to the one in Millbrae off of El Camino Real as it's closer to where I live. What I love about this place, is not only do they pour a mean Guinness, but they've always got the 49ers or Giants games going during season, as well as the European Football matches and Rugby. Did I mention Rugby's big in Ireland? It definitely fits the traditional description of a Public House (also known as 'Pub'), a casual spot where you can catch the game with friends over beers and get a bite to eat as well. In fact, they're so serious about sports here that you can go in sometimes as early as 5:30AM to watch a game that's happening in Europe and get a solid traditional Irish breakfast to go with it. They also serve your typical pub style food that goes great with watching any sporting event: nachos, garlic fries, hoagies and griders. Or if you are so inclined to feel like you're back in the Republic, they serve some mean traditional food like Shepard's Pie, Irish Stew, and other classics.
The interior is similar to any pub you might find in Ireland: a woodwork interior, dim but cozy lighting, a small stage for live music, plenty of Irish whiskey, scotch, and other spirits to accompany the beers on tap, and warm service from the bartenders to the servers. Being in Millbrae, it's just across the street from the BART station, and a hop, skip and a jump from the Airport, so if you need to kill a few hours, this would be the ideal spot to do it.
I had the opportunity to go abroad to Ireland when I was in college, and during my time there I fell in love with the 'black stuff', as well as the natural beauty of the country. The only problem is, it's very hard to come across a pint that tastes just as good as it does on the Emerald Island. Guinness is tricky and very fickle, it's a lot like wine. It has to served on a nitrogen tap, at a specific temperature, and the pour is crucial. Not many places in the states do it right. Fortunately, the Bay Area has enough of an old Irish immigrant population that there are some pockets that keep the pub tradition from the old country alive. One of my favorite places for scoring a proper pint is Fiddler's Green.
There are actually two locations for this pub. One is off of Columbus Avenue near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco, but usually go to the one in Millbrae off of El Camino Real as it's closer to where I live. What I love about this place, is not only do they pour a mean Guinness, but they've always got the 49ers or Giants games going during season, as well as the European Football matches and Rugby. Did I mention Rugby's big in Ireland? It definitely fits the traditional description of a Public House (also known as 'Pub'), a casual spot where you can catch the game with friends over beers and get a bite to eat as well. In fact, they're so serious about sports here that you can go in sometimes as early as 5:30AM to watch a game that's happening in Europe and get a solid traditional Irish breakfast to go with it. They also serve your typical pub style food that goes great with watching any sporting event: nachos, garlic fries, hoagies and griders. Or if you are so inclined to feel like you're back in the Republic, they serve some mean traditional food like Shepard's Pie, Irish Stew, and other classics.
The interior is similar to any pub you might find in Ireland: a woodwork interior, dim but cozy lighting, a small stage for live music, plenty of Irish whiskey, scotch, and other spirits to accompany the beers on tap, and warm service from the bartenders to the servers. Being in Millbrae, it's just across the street from the BART station, and a hop, skip and a jump from the Airport, so if you need to kill a few hours, this would be the ideal spot to do it.
Refuge: Belgian Beer, Heavy Food
Most people my age who live in the Bay Area think San Francisco is the ideal place to live and play, and rightly so. There's never a shortage of things to do or places to try. Don't get me wrong, San Francisco will always have a special place in my heart, but I don't think I'll ever make it my residence. I currently live down the peninsula, not too far, but enough to enjoy a 30 minute commute to the city. You're close by, but it feels far enough away from the busyness. It's a buffer zone, if you will. There aren't nearly as many watering holes per city block, but enough quaint ones to try out and enjoy a moment of seclusion. I recently met an old friend of mine at a place he recommended known as "The Refuge".
Upon finding it, I could see why it got its name. The beer pub is located on a small side street near downtown San Carlos that I don't think you could find unless you were looking for it. Focusing mainly on Belgian Ales, The Refuge offers a selection of over 100 different artisan ales as well as meads, ciders, and wines. Now, I'll be honest: I'm not a big Belgian beer fan. I'm not into wheat beers or blonde ales, they just don't do a lot for me and have a funny taste to them. Those of you who drink and enjoy Blue Moon ... God bless you. However, there are a few gems among Belgian beers that Refuge serves, like the Grimbergen Dubbel, a malty but slightly bitter ale with a rich head, or the La Chouffre. And even if you're not into Belgians, there's a host of other options to choose from. My recommendation is to order a flight of 6 six beers to sample from, you'll get a healthy scope of what they offer and at the same time enjoy a bit of the more familiar.
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A lot of craft and specialty beers are heavier and have a higher alcohol content, so it's always good to get some food in your stomach to fend of the alcohol. Here it's kind of a double-edged sword, as it you'll keep the tank full, but you may want to take a nap after you've filled up on beer and food. The Refuge serves great pub food and they're actually renown for their pastrami. They promote it like crazy, as it was even on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with that tool Guy Fieri, but it lives up to the hype; it's not fatty or greasy at all, just about perfect. You know what goes great with a Pastrami sandwich? Garlic fries, and these guys do about as good a job as any on that front, certainly as good as PacBell Park.
Overall, it's got great service, great food, great beers (if you're really into Belgian beer), but it can be a little on the pricey side when you go for a full course meal with drinks. It's located on Laurel Street in San Carlos, but there's another location in Menlo Park off of Crane Street. The best way to get there from 101 is to take the Holly Street exit and then a left at Laurel. Ideally, it's best to have designated driver if you're going. Like I said, a stomach full of Belgian beer and pastrami and garlic fries will put you right to sleep... in a good way.
Upon finding it, I could see why it got its name. The beer pub is located on a small side street near downtown San Carlos that I don't think you could find unless you were looking for it. Focusing mainly on Belgian Ales, The Refuge offers a selection of over 100 different artisan ales as well as meads, ciders, and wines. Now, I'll be honest: I'm not a big Belgian beer fan. I'm not into wheat beers or blonde ales, they just don't do a lot for me and have a funny taste to them. Those of you who drink and enjoy Blue Moon ... God bless you. However, there are a few gems among Belgian beers that Refuge serves, like the Grimbergen Dubbel, a malty but slightly bitter ale with a rich head, or the La Chouffre. And even if you're not into Belgians, there's a host of other options to choose from. My recommendation is to order a flight of 6 six beers to sample from, you'll get a healthy scope of what they offer and at the same time enjoy a bit of the more familiar.
A lot of craft and specialty beers are heavier and have a higher alcohol content, so it's always good to get some food in your stomach to fend of the alcohol. Here it's kind of a double-edged sword, as it you'll keep the tank full, but you may want to take a nap after you've filled up on beer and food. The Refuge serves great pub food and they're actually renown for their pastrami. They promote it like crazy, as it was even on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives with that tool Guy Fieri, but it lives up to the hype; it's not fatty or greasy at all, just about perfect. You know what goes great with a Pastrami sandwich? Garlic fries, and these guys do about as good a job as any on that front, certainly as good as PacBell Park.
Overall, it's got great service, great food, great beers (if you're really into Belgian beer), but it can be a little on the pricey side when you go for a full course meal with drinks. It's located on Laurel Street in San Carlos, but there's another location in Menlo Park off of Crane Street. The best way to get there from 101 is to take the Holly Street exit and then a left at Laurel. Ideally, it's best to have designated driver if you're going. Like I said, a stomach full of Belgian beer and pastrami and garlic fries will put you right to sleep... in a good way.
Saturday, September 21, 2013
Churchill: What You See Is What You Get
After a long day of work, meeting up with friends for cocktails is almost natural. My guideline is to do it (at least) once a week. Social drinking isn't just an excuse to have a good time, it's also a skill. Seriously, anyone who watches "Mad Men" understands the benefit of networking and talking shop over cocktails. If you can handle your drinking well, be casual, and at the same time eloquent and insightful, there's no telling who you might make a good impression on given the circumstance. Speaking of "Mad Men", one of my recent stops makes an Old Fashioned that even Don Draper himself would approve of. Hell, I did, and I would know something about them as it's my family's drink (they have their own recipe, I kid you not).
Taking their cues, and their name, from the late great statesman (Winston Churchill, duh!), Churchill on the corner of Church and 14th Street is reminiscent of an old World War II era bar, with a modern day twist. Their motto might as well be 'straightforward cocktails for straightforward people', like Churchill himself. One of my favorite things about this place was the quality in their simplicity; cocktails that weren't over-elaborate, just well-made. This concept is right up my alley, if you're going to do something, do it well, do it right. Take a look at their whiskey and bourbon list and you'll know what I mean. There are plenty of classic and bourbon or whiskey-based cocktails that would make a purist happy. Not to mention a plethora of craft beers on tap...served in mason jars. And when I say craft, I don't just mean Anchor Steam, but Bear Republic Brewing Company, Lagunitas, and Green Flash Brewing Company.
Taking their cues, and their name, from the late great statesman (Winston Churchill, duh!), Churchill on the corner of Church and 14th Street is reminiscent of an old World War II era bar, with a modern day twist. Their motto might as well be 'straightforward cocktails for straightforward people', like Churchill himself. One of my favorite things about this place was the quality in their simplicity; cocktails that weren't over-elaborate, just well-made. This concept is right up my alley, if you're going to do something, do it well, do it right. Take a look at their whiskey and bourbon list and you'll know what I mean. There are plenty of classic and bourbon or whiskey-based cocktails that would make a purist happy. Not to mention a plethora of craft beers on tap...served in mason jars. And when I say craft, I don't just mean Anchor Steam, but Bear Republic Brewing Company, Lagunitas, and Green Flash Brewing Company.
Of course, apart from good drinks, the vibe of the bar is also very important. This place really nails the atmosphere it aims for. Along with the mason jars and whiskey bar, the interior also sets the laid back mood, consisting of wood paneling, rope and dimly lit lanterns. If it wasn't for the LCD screens in with the current game and the leather couched VIP area (as well as the local art scene hipsters, no disrespect intended), any salty sailor from the WWII or Korean War era, would think they were at the officer's canteen on base. A pool table in the back and a jukebox makes one game turn into three, and strangely enough the crowd is decent even if you're a mediocre pool player.
Churchill is probably one of the most accessible bars to get to if you're using public transportation as most people are in San Francisco. Due to the fact that Market Street runs right through the intersection of Church and 14th, there are a number of MUNI stops you could get off at and walk, the closest being Church St. The closest BART station is the 16th and Mission Street stop. It's not a bad walk, but it's not through the nicest parts of town (trust me, that was my route). Drink prices here are relatively cheap also, about $4 for a craft beer, around $8 for a cocktail, but they do have a great happy hour. The only thing is, if you haven't been there before, you might walk on by without knowing as there is no marking outside of the building. Given the fact that they've only been around for 2 years, I'll let it slide, I kind of like the mystique anyhow. For an after-work hangout with friends, Churchill is just the right pace, not too janky, not too swanky. Just in the groove, man.
Madrone: Art, Funk, Music, and a Solid Late Night Spot.
Any typical Tuesday night bar crawl would result in one of my usual waterholes; a familiar setting with familiar concoctions, and of course familiar bartenders. However, when the night is young (9:30PM), sometimes you can't help but succumb to the zeitgeist and be adventurous. That's certainly how I found myself at Madrone.
What looks like a typical San Francisco Victorian-esque house on the corner of Divisadero and Fell Street in the lower Haight is actually a pretty awesome little hangout that blends a mix of specialty cocktails, rotating art exhibitions, and great live music. Frequently changing their decor inside, Madrone features exhibitions from various Bay Area artists for two months at a time before showcasing another. Upon my last visit, they were showcasing a beautiful collection of work from a black and white surf photographer known as Fred Windisch, as well as looping his 8mm surf films on the projector in the back of the room, and the screen above the bar. As a surfer and someone who grew up idealizing the work of Bruce Brown, I was pretty much in heaven, also due to the fact that my experience was accompanied by a pint of Speakeasy Prohibition Ale and the funk music coming from the sweet band playing in the front. And if you're one of those people who can't help but dance at the temptation of live music (clearly, I don't fall into this category), there's enough floor space for a number of people to hit the floor.
It may not be the easiest bar to get to, especially if you're a commuter like me who lives and dies by the BART train (damn the 12AM curfew). Your safest bet may be to get a taxi or get a hold of a Lyft cab on your smartphone. The drink prices aren't the cheapest, you'll be paying around $9 to $10 for a high end cocktail, but the craft beers on tap are the average $5, about the same you'll be paying anywhere else in the city. Very good first experience though, I will make it a point to go back. Bohemian-chic bar? Sure, why not?
What looks like a typical San Francisco Victorian-esque house on the corner of Divisadero and Fell Street in the lower Haight is actually a pretty awesome little hangout that blends a mix of specialty cocktails, rotating art exhibitions, and great live music. Frequently changing their decor inside, Madrone features exhibitions from various Bay Area artists for two months at a time before showcasing another. Upon my last visit, they were showcasing a beautiful collection of work from a black and white surf photographer known as Fred Windisch, as well as looping his 8mm surf films on the projector in the back of the room, and the screen above the bar. As a surfer and someone who grew up idealizing the work of Bruce Brown, I was pretty much in heaven, also due to the fact that my experience was accompanied by a pint of Speakeasy Prohibition Ale and the funk music coming from the sweet band playing in the front. And if you're one of those people who can't help but dance at the temptation of live music (clearly, I don't fall into this category), there's enough floor space for a number of people to hit the floor.
It may not be the easiest bar to get to, especially if you're a commuter like me who lives and dies by the BART train (damn the 12AM curfew). Your safest bet may be to get a taxi or get a hold of a Lyft cab on your smartphone. The drink prices aren't the cheapest, you'll be paying around $9 to $10 for a high end cocktail, but the craft beers on tap are the average $5, about the same you'll be paying anywhere else in the city. Very good first experience though, I will make it a point to go back. Bohemian-chic bar? Sure, why not?
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