The Brew Lounge: Stone Brewing

Showing posts with label Stone Brewing. Show all posts

Friday, August 03, 2018

Stone Brewing taking it one continent at a time

(Shanghai VIP Grand Opening - photo courtesy of Stone Brewing)
It's hard to keep up with these guys. I've been to Stone Brewing HQ in Escondido. Working on getting to Berlin. Napa? I should be able to in a few weeks. But, Shanghai's gonna take another level of effort. Fun to watch these guys grow and introduce their beer to the world. Here's the latest press release.

Stone Brewing Completes Famed Napa / Berlin / Shanghai Trifecta with Opening of Stone Brewing Tap Room – Shanghai
Three new locations on three continents in just three months fuels a global craft beer phenomenon

ESCONDIDO, CA (July 26, 2018) – With winds in its sails, a whole lot of grit and z-e-r-o Big Beer investment, Stone Brewing marks an expansion milestone for U.S. craft beer this week. America’s 8th largest craft brewery opened three first-class craft beer destinations on three continents over three consecutive months. This trifecta of expansion around the globe celebrates the continued rise and appreciation for craft beer in far-flung markets. With pints held high, Stone Brewing proudly announces the opening of Stone Brewing Tap Room – Shanghai, preceded by Stone Brewing – Napa and the Berlin city center Stone Brewing Tap Room – Prenzlauer Berg.

“The promise of expansion seems to be an all-too-familiar excuse for selling out in craft beer, but we prefer to be the embodiment of the alternative,” explained Stone Brewing CEO Dominic Engels. “Our independence is what guarantees authentic experiences for our fans. It allows us to be nimble, creative and bold. By pioneering new geographies we’re leading the charge for independent craft beer and the sheer act of doing so is fueling our creativity and passion. We’re thoughtful in our growth, we’re focused in our execution, and you definitely haven’t seen the last of us.”

Stone Brewing Tap Room – Shanghai
The auspicious opening of Stone Brewing Tap Room - Shanghai this week marks the first tap room by an independent American craft brewery in China, and unabashedly raises the bar for craft beer in Asia.

To deliver a world-class beer experience Stone Brewing painstakingly designed the first uninterrupted cold chain delivery of US craft beer to China last year, and continues its tally of ‘firsts’ with the installation of a ‘flux capacitor tap system’ at the newly opened tap room. A first in Asia, this special manifold system is a principal example of elevating the craft beer experience, and allows for custom calibration of carbon dioxide and nitrogen mixes for each and every of the restaurant’s 30 beers on tap.

Stone’s meticulous approach to each beer’s delivery is indisputably matched by the environment surrounding it. Stone’s 3,200 square-foot bar and restaurant offers seating for 90 indoors and 28 in the additional 1,000 square-foot gardens. Floor to ceiling custom roll-up doors open the tap room to the outdoors on two sides. The interior incorporates reclaimed wood, concrete, steel and vintage furnishing, a main bar and an oversized fireplace lounge. The Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens food philosophy translates to Stone’s first Asia project, incorporating artisanal products with a focus on environmental responsibility and high-quality ingredients.

“Stone Brewing Tap Room – Shanghai is everything we set out to achieve, as it has the craft beer heart and soul we intended,” expressed Stone Brewing Executive Chairman & co-founder Greg Koch. “We’ve curated a selection of craft beers rivaled by none and designed an impeccable experience for enjoying them. This isn’t just about Stone beers either. It’s about global craft beer. These are destinations for those interested in craft to explore new things and experience the world’s very best just as they were intended to be enjoyed. We hope to inspire a more profound understanding of craft beer, raise the bar in appreciation for America’s craft brewers and, at the very least, brings our fans together over a pint of the good stuff.”

Stone Brewing – Napa
Last month Stone Brewing – Napa brought its renovated 1877 downtown Napa building to life in the heart of California’s wine country. The 9,500 square-foot restaurant and 10-barrel brewery offers locally-brewed beers, a dining experience, growler fills and merchandise. The Napa brewing program is led by Steve Gonzalez, Stone’s six-year veteran Small Batch Senior Manager of Brewing & Innovation. Fortuitously, Steve also had a former career as a winemaker, making him uniquely qualified to bring together the two industries in distinct and special ways. This will manifest itself in brewing techniques that include wine-barrel aging, beer recipes that include wine grapes, as well as interesting botanicals from the region’s diverse ecology.

Stone Brewing Tap Room – Prenzlauer Berg
In mid-May, Stone Brewing Tap Room – Prenzlauer Berg opened in the Berlin city center, 53 minutes by bike from the brewery and Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Berlin. The 1,000 square-foot outpost offers popular bistro menu items alongside international street foods. The destination takes inspiration from the expansive Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Berlin, with a more intimate approach in a bustling and vibrant neighborhood known for its outdoor Mauerpark Market. In usual Stone fashion, multiple taps are dedicated to international guest beers, making it another authentic destination for the craft beer adventurer.

With the addition of these three new locations, Stone’s unique venues now total 11 in number. Like-minded in approach, each exists to elevate the craft beer experience while creating an environment that fosters togetherness and affinity for the art of craft. The spirit and philosophy of Stone guides every project, but each is exclusive to its own surroundings, building’s character and local community.

And speaking of that spirit and philosophy of Stone, did we mention we did it all without the help of Big Beer? Founders Steve Wagner and Greg Koch retain full Board control of the company to this day, ensuring that the company stays true to its ethos and ideals of the past 22 years!

QUICK FACTS
Stone Brewing Tap Room — Shanghai

Address: Number 1107 Yu Yuan Road, Changning District, Shanghai China

Opening Date: July 26, 2018

Website: Stonebrewing.com/shanghai

Social Media: WeChat: StoneBrewing

Stone Brewing – Napa

Address: 930 3rd St. Napa, CA 94559

Opening Date: June 6, 2018

Website: Stonebrewing.com/napa

Social Media: @StoneNapa

Stone Brewing Tap Room – Prenzlauer Berg

Address: Oderberger Straße 15, 10435 Berlin

Opening Date: May 15, 2018

Website: stonebrewing.eu/visit/outposts/prenzlauerberg

Social Media: @StoneBerlin

© Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge, 2018. All content is owned and uniquely created by Bryan J. Kolesar. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from Kolesar is strictly prohibited. Excerpts, images, and links may be used with advance permission granted and only provided that full and clear credit is given to Bryan J. Kolesar and The Brew Lounge with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Contact Kolesar at TheBrewLounge@gmail.com

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Look out Wine Country, Stone's bringing more great beer to Napa County making it harder to ignore as a beer destination

In keeping with my promise to pass more beer news and press releases along to you, here's one I recently received and is a significant one from California - specifically the southern Calif.-based Stone Brewing (though, can we say that with a brewery in Richmond, Va. and Berlin, Germany?) has infiltrated the north with an opening of a relatively small (10-bbl) brewpub in downtown Napa. Wine country? Let's say, wine & beer country.

Stone Brewing – Napa Opens in California’s Wine Country
Bold craft beer now brewing in the historic 1877 downtown Napa Borreo building

ESCONDIDO, CA (May 7, 2018) – The beer is brewing and the doors are officially open to the new Stone Brewing – Napa, a 9,500 square-foot restaurant and 10 barrel brewery in an iconic 1877 stone building. Stone brings its flavorful craft beer to the region well-known for its amazing wine and cuisine, offering visitors locally-brewed beers, a dining experience, growler fills and Stone merchandise.

“Restoring this historic building has been a complex process which we have been careful to steward with the utmost respect,” stated Greg Koch, Stone Brewing executive chairman & co-founder. “So it is with much pride, and no shortage of relief, that we finally open the doors knowing that we took the time to do it right. Seven years after I first stepped foot in the Borreo building, this place is just what I dreamed of – a top-notch destination devoted to celebrating craft beer.”

Stone’s 10-barrel brewing system will enable the company’s brewers to continue the longstanding tradition of innovation and creativity. The brewing program will be led by Steve Gonzalez, Stone’s six-year veteran Small Batch Senior Manager of Brewing & Innovation. Fortuitously, Steve also had a former career as a winemaker, making him uniquely qualified to bring together the two industries in unique and special ways. This will manifest itself in brewing techniques that include wine-barrel aging, beer recipes that include wine grapes, as well as interesting botanicals from the region’s diverse ecology.

Stone Brewing - Napa will fill growlers and serve Stone’s year-round beers as well as special releases brewed onsite. Guest beers from fellow craft brewers will be featured in a future rotation among 24 taps of beer. Wine by the bottle, glass and on tap will also be available alongside locally-roasted coffee and all-natural craft sodas.

The Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens food philosophy will carry over to the new Napa location with a dining experience that incorporates artisanal products, a focus on environmental responsibility and high-quality ingredients. Stone will purchase local and small-farm organic produce from the Napa region to support its eclectic menu of world-inspired cuisine. The casual yet distinctive menu items include Spent Grain Soft Pretzels, Choripán Argentinian Sausage Sandwich, a Poke Fire Bowl, and The Stone Brewing Impossible Burger. Chef Chris Kurth will manage the Stone Brewing - Napa kitchen. Kurth is a San Diego native who has graced the esteemed kitchens of The US Grant, L’Auberge Del Mar and The Lodge at Torrey Pines.

The brewery and restaurant features two stories including an upstairs seated bar and downstairs tasting/growler fill bar, a fireplace lounge and outdoor seating overlooking the Napa River. Glass walls offer views into the brewery and expansive doors and windows create an indoor/outdoor feel overlooking Downtown Napa. The interior incorporates stone, steel and glass and embraces the imperfections of the historic building. The Borreo building, named for the family that formerly owned the stone structure, is an Italianate Renaissance design made from native-cut stone. It was completed in 1877 and has been vacant since 2001.

Stone’s new outpost is located on 3rd and Soscol Avenue serving lunch and dinner daily. Parking is available across Soscol Ave., less than two blocks away on 3rd street. Its May 6 opening is a preview of the full offering, with menu items and draft beer selections expanding over the following month. Admittedly, putting a brewery and kitchen inside a 141-year-old building posed unexpected delays and the team is ramping up service with a full experience expected in early June.

Stone’s Napa project is the first of three upcoming destinations on a mission to fight the good fight for independent craft beer. Just one week prior to the opening of Stone Brewing – Napa, the Stone Brewing Tap Room – Prenzlauer Berg opened in the Berlin city center, 53 minutes by bike from the brewery and Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Berlin. Also underway, Stone Brewing Tap Room – Shanghai is scheduled to open in China this June.

QUICK FACTS
Address: 3rd and Soscol Avenue, Napa
Phone: 707-252-2337
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday: 11am – 11pm
Friday – Saturday: 11am – 12pm
Reservations: By phone and via OpenTable.com beginning in June
Chef: Chris Kurth
Lead Brewer: Steve Gonzalez

ABOUT STONE BREWING
Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, the groundbreaking San Diego-based Stone Brewing is the 8th largest craft brewer in the United States. Recognized as an award-winning industry leader, Stone has been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list 12 times and has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. The multifaceted company was the first American craft brewer to build, own and operate its own brewery in Europe (Berlin, Germany), and also opened a production brewery in Richmond, Virginia in 2016. Known for its bold, flavorful and largely hop-centric beers, Stone has earned a reputation for brewing outstanding, unique beers while maintaining an unwavering commitment to sustainability, business ethics, philanthropy and the art of brewing… and pledging never, ever, sell out to the man. For more information on Stone Brewing, please visit stonebrewing.com or the company’s social media sites: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Friday, October 07, 2016

October 2016: News update, part 1

Let's go with this quick and easy format for a twice-monthly news update so that I can look like I'm staying on top of things around here.

~ Harrisburg has a new brewery. Hoping to stop by there later this month. Jeff Musselman, formerly of Tröegs, is involved. [Link to Millworks]

~ Selling out? I prefer to simply call it selling. A well-reasoned approach to the never-ending debate. [Link to Modern Times]

~ Can't say I saw this one coming. Roy Pitz from south-central PA (Chambersburg, to be exact, in Franklin County) opening up an outpost in Philly. [Link to Philly.com]

~ Stone is finally up and running in Berlin. Pretty cool stuff. [Link to Stone on YouTube]

Monday, January 30, 2012

Weekly Brew Bits Update: 1/30/12

Again, quite a bit to share with you, so let's get right to it.

PHILADELPHIA
~ I took the easy way out with my most recent article at The Washington Times. Eight brewery and importer reps that you're used to hearing from at the bars weighed in with their thoughts of the 2012 beer season. Definitely worth the read, once again, if no other reason than to let 'em know at TWT that you like reading about good beer. Thanks, as usual, for the support.

~ Dock Street has a seasonal collaboration with and on display at The Four Seasons hotel off Logan Circle. Many of you may not recall that 18th Street was the original home of the brewpub way back in the late 80s and have come together with their old neighbors to showcase a very delicious (read my thoughts via this link) Truffled Old Ale.

~ Special of the Week, just gonna quote verbatim: "Come to Manayunk First Friday (6-9pm) and enjoy deals all down Main Street, anywhere you see the red flag! Here at Manayunk Brewery enjoy a free pizza buffet, and 1/2 off two of our favorite Sushi Rolls: Manayunk Roll and Main Street Roll.

~ Here's an interesting idea about bar closing times and city revenue in Philly. I wouldn't exactly say the streets are "clean" at 2 a.m. Plus, I'd love to see someone try to measure the marginal drunkenness. I need to hear more, but can't believe the going from a 2 a.m. close time to 3 a.m. will wreak that much more havoc in the bars and on the streets. And, don't tell me the after hours clubs are open. They're all private (right?) plus not usually the "scene" that most are comfortable in.

~ File along with a grain of salt, for sure. Thanks to Jack Curtin for slogging through the lists at RateBeer.com to discover which the raters deem worthwhile around our great beer-drinking region. Check it out, discuss, try not to argue about it.

EASTERN PA, NJ, DE, AND OTHER NEARBY PARTS OF MID-ATLANTIC
~ If you follow @TroegsBeer on Twitter, you'll see that Nugget Nectar is wrapping up production in Hershey and getting ready to hit the streets. Nicely spaced from the Bell's HopSlam release this year, beer geeks should have just recovered from their excessive slobbering in time for the February release of this hoppy treat.

~ Our own world-renowned, Lew Bryson, has reinvigorated his blogging ways. He obviously has sensed a void since I slowed things down around here. Either that, or he figured if he's making a show chronicling the American Beer Blogger, that he should do as he says. :-D That, for us all, will be a very good thing. He's out in Pittsburgh for a couple of days, but this posting here about Victory's Dark Lager is a good reason you should be reading along over at his blog. Here's another link for his notes on the new Delaware spot, Ernest and Scott, and a bit from London Grill.

~ Speaking of Delaware, our old friend, Ben Potts played the role of Silent Bob in this video (I kid, you know) where Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione discusses the highly-anticipated Noble Rot. Look for it on shelves soon. Thanks, as usual, to BeerNews.org for the link and the perpetual flow of, uh, beer news.

~ There have been some new happenings at General Sutter Inn. Did you know that the Sutter has a bit of a very cool new look in Lititz, Pa.? Now, when you've partied like a rock star at a cask festival or at the Bulls Head Public House next door, you can sleep it off like a rock star.

~ The inimitable, inevitable, and unavoidable Richard Ruch has struck again. This time with a fun and informative video (approx. 10 minutes) that he passed along. It shows the trip he took with Victory (Bill, Ron, and others) back in '07 to Germany and the Czech Republic. Has me looking even more forward to this week's Tettnang dinner at the pub.

~ Thanks to Ken who dropped a note to remind of the under-the-radar development up in Doylestown. The other end of the R-5 train line gets so much attention. Here in Doylestown, they're readying operations at Doylestown Brewing Company and even have an appropriately-named R-5 Lager. An IPA and a Light are also in the works for a February opening. Check 'em out and congratulations to the northern 'burbs on an ever-improving beer scene.

THE REST OF PLANET EARTH
~ After meeting "Chipper Dave" a few years back at GABF (and touring around Colorado), I've had his well-maintained Fermentedly Challenged on my blog reading list to stay abreast of beer news around his home state. Here, in this Bull & Bush article, I found the tableside dry-hopping unique enough to share with you.

~ I don't know why I seemingly continue to find this stuff interesting. Sure, binge drinking can be a problem. But, the wild definitions and the excessive hand-wringing, I'm not so sure. Anyway, here's a rebuttal to some material that I've linked to the in the past. If you're not up-to-date, don't worry. Main message: binge drinking is very, very bad and based on the definition, most of us do it…and, more frequently than you might imagine.

~ And, then. Oh yes, and then. Perhaps the biggest beer news story of the week centered around the craft segment pioneer, Sierra Nevada. The Chico, Calif.-based giant (and I mean that in the most craft-loving way) announced that they settled on North Carolina for its future eastern operations. So much has been written about this that I'll merely link to Sierra Nevada's press release posted on its website. And here is one video from Fox Carolina that nicely wraps up the announcement.

The next question on many's minds is: What of New Belgium's and Stone's plans to do something similar? Lew Bryson has also written of potential plans for New Belgium in Philly. In my own pea brain, the jury is still out on the hows and whys of this being a smart move.

In the meantime, have I mentioned that I've already got Sierra Nevada's Ruthless Rye IPA in my Top 10 beers of 2012?

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Philly Beer Week 2010: Day 9 Wrap-Up

Link to Day 9 Pictures

Link back to Day 8 ----- Link forward to Day 10

Yup, Day 9 already. As long as June 4th took to finally get here, ten days of frothy frivolity are almost in the books. Some events from last weekend feel like a year ago, though.

Here on Day 9 yesterday, my plans were to really take it easy and make sure that the final preparations were all in place for my Amazing Philly Beer Race set to take place today and conclude at Dock Street, just as the live music and cookout are kicking off.

Of course, taking it easy is all relative. For starters, I busted butt in the yard, garden, and on the roof (gutters) getting caught up on things that have been, oh shall we say, neglected over the past several days?!

Then a few quick errands and dinner was in order. Of course, very close to home for me is a right fine establishment that happens to serve up some good vittles and also just so happened to have a wonderful little Philly Beer Week event going on.

Oh, yes...it was TJs in Paoli. And, with that we made our second PBW '10 visit to TJs.

Now, given the type of event, taking it easy was just about out the window when less than 60 seconds into introductions, James Watt, "Head of Stuff" at BrewDog offered up a sample of Sink the Bismarck, his latest entry into the world's strongest beer wars....yes, my friends, this reported 41% ABV beer slid down my gullet into my stomach warming and clearing everything in its path. Thing was, it was also a smooth and, yes, tasty beverage. But, maybe something that I should chase with some food straight away! (Settle down all you law enforcement types....this was a gift from the brewery and not an official part of the event. Don't go trying to start any trouble around here.)

A BrewDog Dogma here, a Stone Collaboration Saison du Buff there, and a Stone Citra Dry-Hopped Bastard (yup, this one's on the official "State List" as well!) in between to keep me happy during my "taking-it-easy-Saturday-Night"! :)

After a lot of socializing and good times (and a disappearing Jack act...reportedly wanted to eat somewhere else), we finally headed out.

Then it was home where neighbors Scott and Kathleen, undercover beer hunters and gatherers, came back from McKenzie Brew House with a growler of 3 Threads (an interesting barrel-aged blended beer (didn't get the full notes on this) and dry-hopped with Simcoe). As a good neighbor, I helped uphold the consumption end of things. This is a beer I want to learn more about.

Like that, nine days are history and there's one more today to conduct my Amazing Beer Race that concludes at Dock Street. If we have a few bits of energy remaining, we may stop in at Local 44 to see what remains from its Russian River blowout...the Registration Ale sounds worthy of seeking out.

Hang in there kids, we're almost back to Philly Beer Normal.

Saturday, March 06, 2010

A couple of videos in case you find yourself looking for a few minutes to kill this weekend...then, get offline and go enjoy the outdoors

I keep things like this on hand for times when I may not visit with you for a couple of days. Depending how the rest of this weekend goes---from my Beer Run at Dock Street and the Cask Event at TJs today, to a still-unplanned tomorrow---you may not hear from me again until Monday.

So, until then, check out these couple of videos that have been around for a little while that you may not have happened across yet. The first features Sam Calagione at a Google event (part of a series, apparently, that I still really haven't checked out) and the second shows Lew Bryson and Greg Koch (Stone) road-trippin' through California on their way to a Home Brewers' Fest.

Hope you all enjoy what looks like a weekend just about anywhere east of the Mississippi.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Three Great-looking Upcoming Beer Dinner Menus

Here are a few upcoming beer dinners and their anticipated menus/pairings. Starting with tonight, we've got a Tröegs Dinner at the General Sutter Inn in Lititz, PA...a Stone Dinner at The Drafting Room in Exton, PA next month...and, in March, a Stoudt's Dinner at High Street Caffe in West Chester, PA. Tröegs Beer Dinner at General Sutter Inn Wednesday, January 28th @ 6:30pm 5 courses, 6 beers for $55 - does not include tax & gratuity Call 717-626-2115 Reservations required Social Time Tröegs Pale Ale First Course Tröegs Rugged Trail Ale paired with Thai Halibut with Coconut Curry Broth Second Course Tröegs Hop Back Amber Ale paired with Endive Spears, Stilton Cheese, Toasted Pecans and Sautéed Pears Third Course Tröegs Tröegenator Double Bock paired with Aged Filet of Beef Carpaccio Charred Tomato Oil Fourth Course Tröegs Nugget Nectar paired with Grilled Hanger Steak, Maytag Bleu Demi Glace Fifth Course Tröegs DreamWeaver Wheat Ale paired with Grilled Banana with Mexican Chocolate and Cherries

Stone Beer Dinner at The Drafting Room/Exton Tuesday, February 10th @ 6:45pm $59.00 per Person (Tax & Gratuity Not Included) Call 610-363-0521 Reservations Required The Food Tasso Wrapped Shrimp, Blackberry Cider Drizzle, Corn Shoots Double Smoked Duck Breast, Pine Nut & Tillamook Ravioli, Mushroom Confit & Cherry Balsamic Syrup House made Buffalo Pastrami, Dijon Chive Reduction, Bacon, Onion & Brussel Sprouts, Shingled Potatoes & Herbs, Micro-Greens Steeped Mocha Torte, Salted Macadamia Crust, Winter Orange Crème, Raspberry Drizzle The Beer (all on Tap) Stone Pale Ale Double Bastard Ale (2006) Double Bastard (2008) Stone IPA Stone Imperial Russian Stout (2007) Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine (2007)

Stoudt's Beer Dinner at High Street Caffe Wednesday, March 18th Call 610-696-7435 Reservations required Cost is $45 per person - does not include tax & gratuity Reception - Stoudt's Pils First Course - Stoudt's American Pale Ale paired with Crawfish & Andouille Bread Pudding Second Course - Stoudt's Mai Bock paired with Crab Nachos with Avocado Coulis Third Course - Stoudt's Belgian Triple paired with Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potato & Tasso Hash Fourth Course - Stoudt's Fat Dog Stout paired with Duo of Chocolate (Chocolate Flourless Torte & Chocolate Mousse)

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Villa Capri in Doylestown, PA

Villa Capri was originally a pizza place and later, in 1983, expanded to a restaurant. The restaurant has been in the Mannino family for 41 years and Matt Mannino has been operating it for the past 18 years. Ten years ago, the bar was added. Recently, better beer has been popping up at the bar and in the cooler.

I caught their second attempt at introducing well-crafted beer to its customers earlier in January. They'd hosted Oskar Blues the first time around and are looking to have them back again, along with Dogfish Head and "something organic" over the next few months. The plan will be to do a craft beer night on the second Thursday of each month.

Our trip to Doylestown was a breeze considering the event began at 9pm. No traffic, no fuss...just a quick trip 35-40 minute trip from home to Villa Capri.

Lee Marren, late of Spinnerstown and Legacy Brewing, was on hand as Stone's (California) Mid-Atlantic sales rep. He was pouring Pale Ale, Smoked Porter, and Arrogant Bastard paired with slices of Villa Capri's Chicken Alfredo, Proscuitto & Artichoke, and Taco pizza. At $10, the price was just right. On top of the 5 or 6 (?) ounce tastings and the pizza, there was a bomber bottle of Stone given as a nice little takeaway as well.

I got a kick out of, in lieu of a missing case of Stone IPA, Peroni was instead substituted. This was just after I picked up a sticker from Lee's table of marketing schwag that reads: "Fizzy Yellow Beer is For Wussies." Not that Peroni is terrible, just in no where near the league of any of Stone's offerings.

Around 15 people were there to sample food and beer pairings. I figured for an establishment just beginning to do this sort of thing...and at 9pm on a Thursday night...that this was a respectable showing and bodes well for future tastings at Villa Capri.

They were the first pizza place in Doylestown serving Italian food. The ambiance is nice, too, for kicking back with some good beers and Italian food. They offer patio dining in the nicer weather and cozy fireside dining in the winter months. The ski chalet-like hearth keeps the fire burning to create a comfy dining environment.

They also cater and have a full service bar looking to expand to more craft beers. (In the cooler on the night of my visit was Flying Fish, Stone, Oskar Blues, and Sierra Nevada). Not to be left out, a wine tasting with Sand Castle will be conducted in February. Another reason to check out Villa Capri is the Live Piano taking place during First Fridays in Doylestown.

I have very little experience in Doylestown; this is one place I'd be comfortable in recommending.

Thursday, January 08, 2009

Resolve to Eat and Drink well...Tonight in Doylestown at Villa Capri

I rarely do New Year's Resolutions (make them, that is...forget about keeping them). I instead prefer the approach of picking any time of the year to change a way, a habit, a goal in the spirit of making a 'better me.' But, this year, one thusfar unspoken and unwritten resolution (regarding the pursuit of all good that beer has to offer) has been/will be to search out the smaller and, shall we say, off-the-beaten-path events on the calendar. They may turn out to be less expensive too, but that's not really the motivation. The motivation is to support not just the high-end, high profile beer dinners (e.g. Monk's), beer festivals (e.g. Ommegang), and the like. Granted, these things must and will still be on my calendar. But, take tonight for example. We're going to check out Lee Marren, who recently left Spinnerstown Hotel (and previously Legacy Brewing in Reading, PA) to be the Mid-Atlantic spokesman for Stone Brewing from southern California. Tonight Lee's hosting a simple (I say that with all affection) tasting of four Stone beers paired with pizza and other small bites at Villa Capri in Doylestown, PA. I wouldn't be surprised if most of you missed it on the beer calendar of events. Sure, same beer time, same beer date...Tria with Tom Baker...looks interesting but it's sold out so you can't go anyways. My goal is to help bring attention to any event occurring that aims to promote the consumption of better beer, especially when it's paired with food. The city version of supporting lower profile events tonight would be at The Khyber where they'll be helping to debut Philadelphia Brewing's new Joe Espresso Porter with $2 glassfuls from 5pm-7pm. If you're in the City and want to head out to Doylestown after happy hour for some pizza and Stone beer, it's an easy ride on SEPTA's R5 to the Doylestown stop (actually, the end of the line so you can't miss it!), then just a couple of block walk.