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.

Staid Main Line? not in Wayne, PA

I'd heard well-placed whispers for a few months now that there were longer-term changes in store ever since John Mims took the toque at The Freehouse. It looks like the changes are finally underway, big time. When living in Ardmore, we often enjoyed Carmine's in Havertown. I'll look forward to seeing his new operation and how it takes shape over the next few months. Opened yesterday, if I recollect correctly, at 3pm. Similarly, long-simmering changes have been on the table at White Dog in University City (Philly). As original and long-time owner (and leading community voice) Judy Wicks continues to take more of a supporting role at the restaurant, it looks as if part of the new plans include a Wayne location as well. If this plays out as planned, this could be another nice little beer-y addition to Wayne. A stop-in at White Dog in University City always brings at least a couple of good beers (especially of the local variety, in keeping with their mission statement) and bites at this Philly classic. Teresa's Next Door has a new website and their continuing stellar lineup of beer. A new outpost of Flanigan's Boathouse has opened...joining its sibling Conshohocken's and Malvern's locations. They have a decent looking beer list (with the competition in Wayne, they'd better), I just don't know how much they're actively promoting it. First hand investigation is required, I believe. Okay, so Beer Yard remains the same, yawn ;-) With all of this change to small, little-old Wayne, the question that will be answered throughout this new year and next: Will the town be able to support these new and changing businesses?