More about Fork and Barrel (not such a secret anymore)

There's a big reason why I'm not in the business of breaking news. Trying to figure out the facts from the rumors is way too much for me to bear. Plus, I primarily care about the end result and not all the hype and bloviating in between.

And on top of that, with all the various ways you have to get your news nowadays (the source, established industry voices, tweeters, forum chest-puffers, bloggers of various ilk, PR machines, etc etc), there's really not much motivation (financial or otherwise) for me to get in on the game of who said what first. (though, I suppose I took an inadvertent stab at that earlier this morning when I rolled out of bed and saw the "news".)

Here's what I've got at this time after a bazillion texts, emails, and whatnot this morning.

My anonymous contributor/tipster is close enough to the source to be solid in my eyes. This person reported Fork and Barrel closed as of last night, that's all.

Other rumors around the area claim that all locations except The Farmers' Cabinet have closed. Another claims the Bookstore is still open.

I'm going to wait until I hear from ownership or management either personally or via their PR channels to comment any further.

In preview of tomorrow's weekly Philly Beer Calendar

Right--I normally do these weekly calendar updates on Thursday morning. And, that's exactly what you'll see tomorrow morning. You're all good enough readers to pick up on what I'm about to point out.

Once again, the Philly area beer calendar is bursting at the seams and demonstrates how "in to" great beer the publicans are...the consumers are...the brewers are...the distributors are. We live Beer Week year-round 'round these parts.

Take for example Thursday February 17 and the 10 events that will be on my weekly calendar release tomorrow. Stand back and admire the tenacity of our beer region on an "average" Thursday night.

In the Lehigh Valley, Bethlehem Brew Works is doing a charity fundraiser with a special cask of beer to benefit the Muscular Dystropy Association.

In Philly, Jose Pistolas is throwing a party with Allagash's Rob Tod and in the suburbs, Capone's is throwing yet another Sierra 30th Anniversary Bash for one last taste of the special anniversary beers.

There'll be a cask of Yards Chocolate Love Stout at Khyber Pass Pub, a couple over at Kraftwork during its celebration of Victory's 15 years, and at least two at Fork & Barrel as they welcome BFM's Jerome Rebetez.

White Dog in University City is throwing a Happy Hour with Weyerbacher.

Devil's Den will be experimenting with beer and cheese in conjunction with DiBruno Bros., both always good moves.

Iron Hill has a sold-out five-course meal in Maple Shade with some pretty nice beers (call to check for cancellations).

And, finally, Sly Fox is continuing Boot Camp at its Royersford location as they march on toward St. Patrick's Day.

Happy Thursday. Not too shabby, eh? Get your rest.

Who's keeping track around here?

Anyone who can keep up with the beer news this past week is a much better, or just more obsessive, person than am I. Here's a quick rundown of just some of the beer headlines of the last week. Terry Hawbaker announced his departure from renowned Bullfrog Brewery in Williamsport, Pa. Within a day, the Fork and Barrel team announced their intention for a new multi-faceted concept in Center City Philadelphia called The Grainery....in-house brewer will be -- Terry Hawbaker Don Younger, legendary publican in Portland, Oregon, passed away Russian River released its Pliny the Younger and dedicated it to the memory and life work of Don Younger Gambrinus announced the discontinuation of the Pete's Wicked brand of beers. One of my original craft beers from the early 90s gone. (great video links at Jay's site as well) Mega-merger news: MolsonCoors buying Sharp's in the UK? Looks like it. News quickly followed by rumors of Anheuser-Busch InBev buying SABMiller? Maybe not so quick. On a much smaller scale, the beer geeks are all a-foam over the announced collaboration beer, aged over a year in wood, being released soon by Cigar City and The Bruery And on an even smaller scale, I put together a Super Bowl Guide to finding Great Beer in Dallas, Green Bay, Pittsburgh, and anywhere else you might be watching the game this year. Did I miss anything?

Dominique Friart of St. Feuillien has a full schedule in Philly

St. Feuillien visits Philadelphia and is making the most of its trip. The charming and engaging owner, Dominique Friart will be out 'n' about during the week after next. I'm likely missing a stop or two of hers, so if you know of more that haven't hit the "official" calendar, feel free to add it below in the comments section. I've met her once before and highly recommend trying to make it out to one of these events. You've got three different environments to choose from. A sit-down dinner event at a fabulous restaurant not necessarily known for its beer. A Monk's meet 'n' greet functioning as a pay-as-you-go event. And, a grand opening party at the new Fork & Barrel in East Falls where Friart will help to kick off this Euro-beer bar with style. Enjoy! Wed. 10/13: Beer Dinner at Parc Restaurant, 6:00pm-10:00pm; $75 Thu. 10/14: Meet Dominique Friart at Monk's Café. There will be kegs of Saison, Tripel, Brune, La Blanche, and Cuvee de Noel. 5:30pm. Cash bar. Fri. 10/15: Grand Opening Party at Fork & Barrel with special guest Dominique Friart, owner of St. Feuillien. They will be cracking a very special 9 Liter bottle of St. Feuillien Triple from 2005!