A blog about beer, food, cooking and good times...

"I love hoppy things... I love things with hops in them... Like little bags and towels... Hops rule foreva."

Saturday, July 30, 2011

"it's gettin hot in here"

Let's get  saucy!
Owner and chef Kelly Jo Deitz and I sit down and dig in!

Tuesday was a day of profound creation. I was able to use the kitchen at Black & Blue to develop some seriously delicious wing sauces. The owner Kelly Jo and I sat down to sample some of my tantalizing wing creations. Among the top of the list were a Hot and honey sauce made with Southampton Double White and a seriously hot Ghost chili inspired number. Notable mentions where a dry spiced Memphis BBQ (I really liked this one),  a Red Curry and Lime Sauce and an IPA number made from Lagunitas's Hop Stoopid.  Look for B&B to be featuring some of these amazing sauces on a monthly basis.
"In all their glory!"
"Crispy deliciousness!"
Loaded with a couple of bags of ingredients and a ton of excitement I headed to Black & Blue to see what I could do. I should mention that the kitchen is ungodly hot yet impressively big. Cooking there was a pleasure and I am looking forward to many more creative excursions into their humble abode.  To the left: the wings are crispy fried and ready for sauce. My mouth is watering profusely at this point and I can hardly contain myself. Once I introduce the wings to the five new concoctions it's almost to much to bear.

TERRIBLE SONG, BUT FITTING! -SHORTY

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Let the Wings Begin....

Today I'm heading to Black & Blue in Easton  PA to work with owner Kelly Jo to concoct some serious wings sauces! Wing heads watch out... more to come... pics etc.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Abita Jockamo IPA

I picked up this IPA the other day.... I have had some stuff from Abita before, Turbodog and Purple Haze at the request of a friend from Louisiana and I have never been terribly impressed. I guess because I am a IPA guy at heart. So I was happy to find hoppy gem the other day. This beer boasts the citrus flavors you want in a IPA but is mild enough to be very drinkable. An ABV of 6.5% makes this a decent session or everyday brew but it does not rate high on our over all list. If your just getting into  hoppy libations this is a good way to ease yourself in. Enjoy! -Shorty
 
http://www.abita.com/brews/jockamo.php

It's never to hot for hot wings....

Top Secret! SHHHH!
IPA WINGS! Delicioso!
Even though we have been experiencing 100 plus degree temps here in the northeast, I have been hard at work in the lab (kitchen) formulating some delicious wing sauces for the newly opened Black & Blue Bar/Restaurant in Easton PA. Not sure which ones will make the bill yet but you can believe they are going to be good. Here is a sneak peak at an IPA inspired sauce I  made with our beloved Lagunitas Hop Stoopid. I'm also working on something insanely hot utilizing some Habanero and the mystical Bhut Jolokia (Ghost Chili) powders I recently purchased from a great website. http://www.myspicesage.com/ Check them out. I'll have some beer reviews up soon plus a peek at the 6th annual TUBE -A- PALOOZA that took place yesterday on the Delaware river?

Friday, July 22, 2011

Black & Blue

Just home from Black & Blue... Founders IPA and Double Simcoe on tap.... Awesome... and KJ decided to make it Bikini night for the staff in honor or this ridiculous weather we have been experiencing. This place is good. You should go there! -Shorty

Good Places to eat and drink while on vaca....

Recently some of the guys have been out and about... sampling some brews and eats on the eastern shore. Here is a very short list of some good places to eat and drink on your summer vacation...

Jersey Shore
Long Beach Island: The Hudson House (The Hud)
I have been to this place a number of times... it's a great local spot in Beach Haven. Decent beer and a great shuffle board table. It's a very "locals" spot watch out they'll hustle you for drinks playing shuffleboard. 19 E 13th Street Beach Haven, NJ 08008  609.492.9616




Seaside Park South: Surf Taco 
I absolutely love this place. Quick and easy, it's a nice place to grab a taco or burrito just off the beach. They also "The Tsunami" Challenge if your really hungry. http://www.surftaco.com/






Outer Banks North Carolina  
Corolla: The Bad Bean Taqueria
According to Alfie this place has produced the best burrito he has ever consumed. I'm not sure it's the best but it sure is good. You can also order 24oz Modelo cans while you eat. Awesome! http://www.badbeanobx.com/





Kitty Hawk: John's Drive-in
Oh man! if your in OBX you have to make your way over to this place. The sign says they have the best milkshakes on the island but for my money it's the Dolphin Boat. This place is a blast from the past with all of the attitude you would expect. Get there early as the lines get long with people flee from the beach and locals on there lunch breaks. 3716 Virginia Dare Trl N Kitty Hawk, NC 27949
252.261.6227

Kill Devil Hills: Mama Kwans Tiki Bar 
Yet another good spot on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. You gotta have the Fish tacos! Nuff Said... go and check them out. http://www.mamakwans.com/






Kitty Hawk: The Pelican
One of the best places in OBX to eat or just have a drink. Famous for their wood fired pizzas and southern hospitality. Dishes to explore: Blacked Tuna Bites, Chesapeake Bay Pizza, and the Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers (they are not your typical popper! get ready for some heat!)
http://www.blackpelican.com/res/index.html

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Which Brew has reopened!

The once great drinking emporium in Easton, PA has now reopened under the name Black and Blue. Belly up and sample one of the 13 draft brews or their extensive bottle list. I'm sure they'll have something to tickle your fancy. Check them out.... Black & Blue is located at 683 Walnut St.  Easton, PA Regular hours are set for: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 to 11 p.m., Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight and Saturday, noon to midnight. Call before you go.... 610- 438-3604 as they are currently working under restricted hours.    -Shorty

"It's been a long time, I shouldn't have left you" -Rakim

We have been on hiatus for over a year now but we are back on the trial of the Grail, reviewing beers, food and the establishments where we consume them. Hope all has been we'll see you on the trail.  -Shorty

The 80's were epic!