A Change of Place

Nearly 6 years ago (on March 24th to be exact), we launched a blog and social media to get the word out about the great things happening in the craft beer world around Delaware. That was the day Delaware Hop Scene was born. It seemed only appropriate to name it so specific to the state we lived in, as many of our adventures were around the state and around our love of craft beer. 

Living anywhere other than Delaware seemed unfathomable. Sometimes we threw around the idea of moving to a warmer climate, or maybe Philly, but we knew the furthest we’d probably move was North Wilmington. Delaware was home. 

Then sometimes an unexpected event leads to an even more unexpected change. Somewhere along the way, a surprise decision was made…we were moving. And we were moving back to New Jersey, a place I hadn’t lived in 18+ years. 

Family, tradition, and a giant tug on my heartstrings will make you do something so unexpected, and that’s what brought me back to the place I called home for nearly half my life. Thank goodness Eric was willing to come along for the ride. As we discussed the possibility of the move he couldn’t have put it any simpler when he said he couldn’t think of a reason not to make the move. 

Let me backtrack for a minute. 

As we were kicking of a weekend of celebrating the wedding of two dear friends, I found out that my grandmother, my Mimi, had passed away. 

Shortly after, as my family took the steps to clear out the home, I started thinking about the history of Mimi’s home. It wasn’t just the home that my father (and Aunt) grew up in, it was the home my great parents first moved into around 1900. It was a home where my grandfather and his siblings were born. And a home where my grandparents moved to when my father was a young boy. I realized with my Mimi’s passing, the nearly 120-year history of my family living in this home was about to come to an end. That’s when I knew that I had the opportunity to keep the home in my family. 

At first, I was still working in Delaware, spending at least 5 days out of the week in the place we called home for so many years. I thought the only thing that would change once we moved would be where we laid our head at night. That soon changed when an opportunity was soon presented to me and I started a new position in Conshohocken. At this point I quickly realized that it was becoming more and more difficult to give Delaware the focus we once had. 

Though we won’t be in Delaware quite as much, our love of craft beer, traveling, indulging in regional foods, and all the other things we’ve shared over the years, isn’t changing. You may notice a name change in the near future, but we’re still doing what we do, just with a slightly Jersey twist! 

We hope you’ll stick around to see where our newest adventure takes us. 

Cheers!
Lindsey and Eric
 

IPA Day 2017

Thursday, August 3rd is IPA Day 2017! Here's a look at what's going on around the state in celebration of the hoppiest day of the year: 

• IPA Day at the Dogfish Head Brewpub: In addition to the Continually Hopped Flights (60 Minute, 90 Minute, Cask 75 Minute, 90 Minute and 120 Minute), Dogfish is offering 50% off all glassware (this discount is also available at the brewery and online at shop.dogfish.com). 

• Two Stones Pub Wilmington IPA Day 2017 - they're pouring a ton of the hoppiest brews: 

- 2SP Haze Craze...Session IPA 4.2%    
- 2SP Bellcracker...DIPA 8.7%    
- 2SP Cali Coast...DIPA 9.0%    
- Big Oyster POW!...IPA 5.4%    
- Dogfish Head Lupu Luau...IPA 7.3%    
- Evolution Pinehople...IPA 6.8%    
- Founders All Day...IPA 4.7%    
- Otter Creek White...IPA 5.5%    
- Stone Mocha...DIPA 9.0%    
- Two Roads Two Juicy...DIPA 8.2% (unfiltered)    

• Argilla Brewing Co. at Pietro's Pizza A Jazzy Type of IPA Day: Argilla is pouring beers inspired by jazz-influenced music, "especially the poetry and artistic visoins of Gil Scott-Heron. 

• Tyler's is Celebrating IPA Day with a Firestone Walker Brewing Co. Tap Takeover. Here's what's they'll have on tap:

- Union Jack
- Easy Jack
- Leo v Ursus Adversus
- Luponic Distortion Revolution No. 006

• Vintage & Vinyl - National IPA Day at the Dogfish Head Brewery: Enjoy vinyl spinning and a few beers from the Vintage Stash. For IPA Day Dogfish is breaking out '07 120 Minute IPA, '09 Squall, '10 Burton Baton and '13 Hellhound On My Ale while DJ Gatz Brrrap Brrrap spins the vinyl.

• Two Stones Pub Newark IPA Day 2017
   
• Trolley Tap House is Celebrating IPA with a Summer of Sculpin Tap Takeover: They'll have these Ballast Point beers on tap: 
  - Sculpin
  - Grapefruit Sculpin
  - Pineapple Sculpin
  - Habanero Sculpin
  - Unfiltered Sculpin
   
• Old Banks Craft Bistro is celebrating IPA with a few favorites from Otter Creek Brewing.

We'll keep this updated as we find more IPA Day events posted and shared! 

Artists From Where? Beers From There Too. Firefly 2016 Artists and Beers From Their Home State (or Country!)

It’s here. The week of Firefly 2016 is here. This makes us giddy. You may have heard me say it before, as much as we love craft beer; we love music, especially live music. Being lucky enough to live about an hour from the grounds of Firefly Music Festival, kicking off this Thursday (June 16th) and running through Sunday (June 19th), is something we love taking full advantage of.

We have a hard time wrapping our heads around the acts that have passed through Delaware to perform at Firefly (Paul McCartney, the Foo Fighters, Tom Petty, Snoop Dogg…the list goes on and on). This year is falling right in line with more awesomeness coming through with acts like Kings of Leon (barring no insane storms this year), Trombone Shorty, Blink 182, Florence & The Machine, Mumford & Sons and Grouplove.

As Thursday nears we’ve started to think about what we’re packing for the weekend, including, of course, what beer we’re going to take along with us. That’s when I realized, how much fun would it be to find beers from the home states (or countries) of some of the artists we’re most looking forward to seeing? So I decided to put a list together for you to join in the fun.

Ludacris hails from the peach state, Georgia. It’s a bit tricky to find breweries from the state of Georgia in Delaware, so we thought, let’s put Luda with a peach beer, like Dogfish Head Festina Peche, which if it’s like years past, we’ll be able to grab from The Brewery byDogfish Head. 

Two Door Cinema Club hails from Bangor, Donaghadee, County Down, Northern Ireland.  We’re thinking a Two Door Cinema Club should be paired with Mispillion River Brewing Holy Crap!, an Imperial Red Ale that we are going to make it a honorary Irish Red Ale for the weekend.

Elysian Brewing Space Dust, Mens Room Original Red or Superfuzz Blood Orange are fun options when gearing up for Bellingham, Washington’s Death Cab for Cutie.

Coming from New England, we’d pair Boston’s Guster with a little Samuel Adams Rebel IPA. Rebel and rock and roll seems like a good match, right?!

Founded in Chicago in the 70’s, Earth, Wine & Fire should be enjoyed after sipping on Lagunitas Brewing Little Sumpin’ Sumpin’ Ale now that they’re brewing in the Windy City.

Knowing that Chvrches hails from Glasgow, Scotland, you have to go with something from BrewDog or Innis & Gunn (though you have to hop over to NJ or PA for I&G) I’m using Chvrches as an excuse to suggest two different beers: BrewDog Punk IPA, because something punk seemed appropriate when it comes to a music festival, or Innis & Gunn Original, simply because we just like it. A lot.

Finding a brew to pair with Nathaniel Rateliff was a little tricky since he’s from Herman, Missouri. My initial thought was something from Boulevard Brewing Co., like, the Ginger Lemon Radler, which you can find right over in NJ or MD (and soon enough, in Delaware).

As we get ready for Ellie Goulding, Florence & The Machine, and Mumford & Sons, this is a great time to break out 16 Mile English-style IPA, Inlet IPA or Tiller Brown, the brewery’s Southern English Brown Ale, English-influenced beers brewed right in Georgetown, DE.  

Elle King, Fitz & the Tantrums, GroupLove, Major Lazer, and Silverspun Pickups all come from the city of angles, Los Angeles, CA. Of course California is the home to some seriously awesome breweries, but LA is a little trickier to figure out, at least with what’s available here in Delaware. What I did figure out is the state colors are blue (which represents the sky) and gold (it symbolizes the color of the precious metal mined by the forty-niners) so this is a good time to go with Blue Earl Brewing Walking Blues IPA (or maybe some 16 Mile Blues Golden Ale).

Kings of Leon came to be in Nashville so I’m thinking, go big or go home with your favorite whiskey barrel aged brew. Or maybe you have one of 3rd Wave Brewing’s Big Barrel Beers (like the one we just picked up at the brewery a few weeks ago that was aged in Cruzan rum barrels for 6 months) or Dogfish Head Burton Baton, which is aged in oak barrels like Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey is.

There’s one artist on the Firefly line-up that we’ve seen in some pretty cool venues – in a loft space on Market Street in Wilmington, on the rooftop of the Shoprite on the Wilmington Riverfront and at a regional arts center in South Jersey – now getting to see Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue on the Backyard Stage on Sunday is something we’re really excited about (I mean, have you seen Shorty perform live?!) Shorty grew up in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans so it seems only appropriate to sip Abita Purple Haze or Turbo Dog and let it transport us on Bourbon Street or the Garden District of The Crescent City.

Tame Impala is another band that’s high on our list for Firefly. The band, who comes from down under, makes it kind of tricky to find a beer from their home country. But we know you can find one Australian beer here in Delaware, Coopers Brewing Sparkling Ale. Find that and you’re all set.

A band that reminds me of my high school and college years is Blink-182. Blink comes from Poway, California, a suburb of San Diego. Of course San Diego is synonymous with Stone Brewing Co., so I’m thinking grab an Enjoy By 7.4.16 or the newly released Mocha IPA or Citrusy Wit. And remember, ‘nobody likes you when you’re 23!’  

It’s pretty cool that you can find an Icelandic beer to gear up for Of Monsters and Men, who are from Reykjavik, Iceland. Einstok Icelandic White Ale or Pale Ale are exactly what you need while you listen to this band pre their Firefly Friday set.  

If we can make it to 12:45am on Saturday night, we are definitely checking out Toronto’s DeadMau5. Though Unibroe is from Quebec, we’re still thinking making it to 12:45am on day #3 of Firefly is going to call for La Fin Du Monde, or “the end of the world” because it may be the end of the world if we can pull this one off!

Build your Firefly beer packing list with some beers that will get you ready to see some seriously great artists as they roll through Delaware all Firefly weekend! It’s a fun excuse to grab some beers from local breweries and beyond to share with friends all weekend long. In the meantime, we’ll see you all there on Thursday! We have a feeling you’ll be able to find us at The Brewery by Dogfish Head not long after the gates open. Cheers to another awesome weekend of music in Dover!

"Light lager is for the birds. Hearty seafaring folks prefer flavor-ful ales and spirits." ~ The Opening of Dogfish Head's Chesapeake & Maine

When a “school night” invitation to Dogfish Head’s new restaurant venture, Chesapeake & Maine, landed in our inbox I immediately prayed that our 9-5 schedule was clear for the date and that some freak March snowstorm wouldn’t keep us from making that drive south. And thankfully, both of these things worked in our favor (though it did start to snow as we made our way back north).

Combining the summers Dogfish Head founder and president Sam Calagione spent in Maine, and the connection the brewery has to the Chesapeake region, the foundation and inspiration of the newly opened seafood restaurant, Chesapeake & Maine (located on Rehoboth Avenue, next to Dogfish’s existing brewpub) was formed.

We've been keeping an eye on the progress of Chesapeake & Maine during our off-season visits to the beach and through social medial, anxiously awaiting the updates of when and where this restaurant was going to open. The updates peaked our curiosity for far too long, and as we walked through the front doors for the first time, to say we were wowed is a crazy big understatement. It was also pretty cool that almost immediately after walking through the front door we got to visit with Sam and Mariah Calagione.

As you walk through the front door (and a palatial entrance, at that) a grand bar greets you on one side and a raw bar on the other. The bar was part of the structure during the previous ownership and has origins of Ireland, by way of Philly, before making its home in Rehoboth. It's now painted soft colors of the sea and adorned with mother of pearl tiles, tying perfectly to that raw bar area on the opposite side of the entry. The raw bar is airy and bright, accented with white subway tiles, pendant lights and some very cool artwork that Sam found in his travels in Austin, Texas. He added his own mark to the diorama, painting the quote, “Light lager is for the birds. Hearty seafaring folks prefer flavor-ful ales and spirits. Fish. Not fowl.”

Walking through the other rooms of the restaurant we are immediately struck by the gorgeous oyster shell chandelier hanging in the room with whimsical wall art created by California-based cartoonist, illustrator and author, Tony Millionaire. When you visit the restaurant you'll notice both real and fictional points along the Chesapeake and Maine coastlines on the map. It was fun trying to figure out which are real and which are made up.

Travis Louie, a New York-based artist, “brought Sam’s version of a Matriarch and her two sons – 19th century waterman who have the visible DNA of a Maine Lobster and a Chesapeake Blue Crab” to life. Sam’s vision for these characters were to connect them in “the unusual circumstances that shape who they were and how they lived.” Mariah told us that since Travis finished up this artwork for the restaurant he has since been hired by Disney to work on an animated film. My initial thought was, 'how cool would it be to somehow see these characters slipped into the design of the film he's working on?!'

The artwork of Jon Langford was one of my favorite details in the restaurant. You might not pick up on it - the six paintings, designed specifically for Chesapeake & Maine, include the six artists who anchor the restaurant's playlist: Billie Holiday, Chet Baker, John Coltrane, Elvis Presley, Miles Davis, and Patsy Cline. We love this. Such a cool idea. Even cooler, check out the ChesandMaine Spotify Playlist.

Paintings by Jon Langford, a reflection of the six artists who anchor the playlist at Chesapeake & Maine.

Now that we had time to explore some of the décor, because it was hard to talk about Chesapeake & Maine and not talk about how awesome it looks, it was time to enjoy the cocktail we were welcomed with and check out a sample of a few different menu items including Smoked Oysters (more on them in a sec), Lobster Sausage (LOBSTER SAUSAGE! Yes, it's was as good as it sounds.), Warm Maryland Crab Dip served with Toasted Bagel Chips (the bagel chips were genius!), Sweet & Spicy Hushpuppies (hushpuppies have a special spot in my world), and Lobster Rolls created with fresh Maine lobster, Lemon May, Fines Herb and served on a Buttered Toasted Roll. All lobster rolls in our future takes note, you have a lot to live up to now that I've had this lobster roll. I think we could have easily eaten the equivalent to a whole lobster roll without even thinking about it.

Now, a little spotlight on the fantastically refreshing Moscow Mule we were handed upon entering Chesapeake & Maine. The recipe for the keg conditioned Moscow Mule, which is served on tap right next to Dogfish Head beers, mixes Dogfish Distilling Co.’s Analog Vodka, Housemade Ginger Beer and Fresh-squeezed Lime Juice. The bite of the ginger and tartness of the lime juice is perfectly balanced with the Analog Vodka, all while making its home in a Dogfish Distilling Co. copper mug. It was also very cool to learn that the cocktails at Chesapeake & Maine were crafted by celebrity bartender, Mia Mastroianni, who just happens to be Sam’s cousin.

Keg Conditioned Moscow Mule

Dogfish Analog Vodka, housemade ginger beer, fresh-squeezed lime juice.

Keg Conditioned 60 Minute Gin & Tonic

Whole Leaf Gin, Housemade 60 Minute IPA Tonic

After finishing our last sip of the Moscow Mule we knew it was time to find out what was on tap. This is when the true beer geek in me popped out. The very patient server barely got the words “Squall IPA” out when I pretty much did a happy dance because I was so excited to not only have Squall again, but to have it on tap. Thankfully I let him finish the list as he told us about the Chesapeake & Maine exclusive brew, Sequenchale, an experimental brew combining the three traditional German styles of Kolsch, Berliner Weisse & Gose into ‘one unique, thirst quenching beer.’ Or as Sam described it, a beer margarita! Thank goodness Eric was with me so that we could try one of each of the beers.

Dogfish Head Squall IPA and the Chesapeake & Maine exclusive brew, Sequenchale.

What was really fun about the night was getting introduced to both the leadership team of the restaurant and the suppliers and farmers of various items, like the very unique, very Dogfish, oysters. One of our favorite stories of the night was how, by no surprise, Sam wanted to find a way to hop-infuse the oysters at Hooper’s Island Oyster Company. Turns out, oysters don’t like hops added to their water, but they do like culinary smoked salts. And with that, the oysters are “smoky but not too smoky – really unique, earthy and oceanic at the same time, keeping with Dogfish’s long history of wood-grilling and wood-aged beers.” Chesapeake & Maine are calling these oysters “Smoke in the Water.’ A raw oyster with a smoky taste about it? Wonderful!

Hooper’s Island Oyster Company "Smoke on the Water" Oysters
 

Throughout the rest of the evening we were treated to the Lobster Bisque (uniquely served on top of a white chocolate gellan and fine herbs), Seafood Pho (brimming with lobster, clams, mussels, shaved beef, rice noodle, bean sprouts, lobster dashi, and cured egg yolk), and Seared Jumbo Day Boat Scallop (served on and with Maine Bean-Hole Cassoulet, RAPA Scrapple, Lobster, Lobster Gravy and Fines Herbs). They said they wanted to make the focus the ingredient, in the most natural and beautiful way. Nailed it.

The Start of Lobster Bisque

White Chocolate Gellan and Fines Herb

Lobster Bisque

Seafood Pho

Lobster, Clams, Mussels, Shaved Beef, Rice Noodles, Bean Sprouts, Lobster Dashi, Cured Egg Yolk

Seared Jumbo Day Boat Scallops

Maine Bean-Hole Cassoulet, RAPA Scrapple, Lobster, Lobster Gravy, Fines Herb

We also were treated to a trio of dessert options: Cookies & Milk (chocolate Chicory Stout whoopie pies with peanut butter filling paired with malted milk), Mini Delmarva Strawberry Pretzel Salad (pretzel crust, mascarpone cheese cake, strawberry gele, fresh strawberries), and Mini White Chocolate Lobster Crème Brulee with Red Velvet Biscotti. Seriously. So. Good. We especially love their twist of the regional delight, pretzel salad. Such a fun thing to have on the menu.

Executive Chef Kevin Downing, who most recently was a chef at Walt Disney World for 8 years, is in his second year with Dogfish Head, having “reinvigorated the Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats menu” before bringing the Chesapeake & Maine menu to life. You can easily taste the passion that Chef Downing has in the dishes we sampled throughout the night.

Here are a few other interior shots:

The seafood, music and art of Chesapeake & Maine are woven together like the waves of the ocean. As you can expect the food and drink are outstanding, leaving us anxious for an excuse to make a return trip. As amazing as the food and drink were, the interior is hard to ignore. It's gorgeous, uniquely different, yet flowing and cohesive. The restaurant was likened to the interior of a lobster trap in its designed, and as Sam joked, much like a lobster pot once you come in, you can't get out. I think we may have to test that theory on our next trip to the beach. Cheers!

Snow fall as we left Chesapeake & Maine.

Chesapeake & Maine Info:

The restaurant is open from 4pm-7pm, 7 days a week, year round.

They're closed on the following days: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, the Tuesday after Labor Day, their annual Beer & Benevolence Day, and the evening of their annual holiday PARTAY.

Address:    316 Rehoboth Avenue

                     Rehoboth Beach, DE

Phone:        302-226-3600

A Quick Rundown of Holiday Hours Around The State

Here's a quick rundown of holiday hours around the state.

Blue Earl Brewing has extended holiday hours this week:

• December 22nd: 12pm - 9pm
• December 23rd: 12pm -
• December 24th: 12 pm - 9pm
• December 25th: CLOSED
• December 26th: 12pm - 9pm
• December 27th: 1pm - 6pm

Kennett Brewing Company will be opening at Noon on both December 22nd and December 23rd.

Dewey Beer Company‎ has updated holiday hours:

• December 22nd: open at 3pm
• December 23rd: open at 3pm
• December 24th: CLOSED
• December 25th: CLOSED
• December 26th: open at 11am
• December 27th: open at 12pm

The Pig + Fish will open at Noon on both December 22nd and December 23rd and closed on December 24th and December 25th.

The 16 Mile Brewing taproom will open early on December 24th. They'll be open from 10am-3pm.

Arena's Newark will close at 9pm on December 24th and will be closed on December 25th:

Fordham and Dominion Brewing will be closed on both December 24th and December 25th.

The Dogfish Head Brewery and Brewpub will be closed on both December 24th and December 25th.

Grain Craft Kitchen + Beer will closed at 5pm on December 24th and reopen on December 25th at 7pm.

MORE UPDATES:

Crooked Hammock Brewing  will be open on Christmas Eve.

Goat Kitchen & Bar will have the following hours:
- December 24th: closing at 3pm
- December 25th: Closed (they're closed on New Year's Day too)

Trolley Tap House is closing at 5pm on Christmas Eve.

Crust & Craft will be closed on both December 24th and December 25th.

2SP Brewing will be open from Noon until 3pm on December 24th and closed on December 25th.

The Pickled Pig Pub will be closed on December 24th and December 25th.

Atlantic Liquors will be open from 9am until 8pm on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

Xtreme Brewing will be open from 10am until 4pm on December 24th and closed on December 25th.

Two Stones Newark will be open from 11:30am until 4pm on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

Throwbacks Sports Lounge is closing at 7pm on December 24th and reopening at 7pm on December 25th.

Kelly's Logan House is open December 24th from 12pm - 8pm and will be opening at 4pm on December 25th.

Newark Bottle Shop is open until 10pm on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day.

Christmas (and Beer) Is The Reason For the Season - Last Minute Beer Gifts to Give This Holiday Season (Or To Get!)

Whether you're looking for a gift for the fellow craft beer lover in your life, or need to add a few more things to list for Santa, here are our suggestions of the coolest craft beer gifts from around the state (and slightly beyond).  We're all about shopping local, or at the very least, shopping small, so we're giving you a run down of what we'd love to give (or receive!) from the breweries around the state.

16 Mile has Love, Byrd. Soaps made with their Tiller Brown Ale and Old Court Ale. We're thinking pairing the soap with the appropriate shower beer is totally acceptable when you're giving this gift.

3rd Wave Brewing has not one Beanie options but two Beanie options to keep your craft beer lovers noggin warm this winter.

Make a quick stop into 2SP Brewing and pick up one of their pre-made gift baskets. Each basket has a $50 gift card, 2 pint glasses, stickers, lip balm, a bottle opener, and an (empty) growler. That's $100 worth of goodies for $75. Nice.

Give the gift of pizza and beer with a gift card from Argilla Brewing Co. Who doesn't love that combo? 

Big Oyster Brewery has new trucker hats for the dude or dude-ette that can rock a hat like a boss. 

A Blue Earl Brewing gift certificate paired with with a 6-pack of the brewery's newly released Walking Blues IPA is a darn good gift to give, if we do say so. 

Head into Crooked Hammock Brewery - or hop on their website - for everything from tickets to their New Year's Eve keg drop and gift cards to super cool merchandise. We're digging the Beer Mug ($22). 

Gift a Dewey Beer Company gift card for your craft beer loved one to use at one of their Monday Night Four Course Dinners or for Sunday $3 Beer Day.

Love the Dogfish Head Woolrich collaboration, Pennsylvania Tuxedo? Then you'll totally dig the Penn Tux merchandise available at the brewery or at dogfish.com. They have pint glasses, koozies, coasters and a hat in a great red and black Woolrich pattern. p.s. ordering from Dogfish.com? To ensure delivery in time for the 25th be sure to select Next-Day shipping when you check out. 

Down at the Dogfish Head Brewpub you can stop in and pick up one of their Holiday Variety Packs that includes 2 pint glasses, a keychain bottle opener, a tote and 1 bottle each of Namaste, Sixty-One, 90 Minute, Piercing Pils, 60 Minute and Indian Brown Ale. 

Get the Fordham and Dominion FoDo Hoodie for your gift getting buddy can rock it all winter long. Staying warm while looking cool? Definitely a good thing. 

Iron Hill Brewery Newark and Wilmington have several different gift ideas you can pick from like Bottled Reserve gift packages, growler gift packs, gift cards and King of the Hill memberships. Need a quick gift? The Iron Hill Growler Pack ($30) comes with an (empty) 64 oz. growler, two Iron Hill pint glasses and a $20 gift card.

Jessop's Tavern can put a little colonial spirit into you beer lovers Christmas with Grandville Hollow Pottery mugs, growlers and gift cards. 

A ticket to Kennett Winterfest, with at least 50 breweries attending, is always a good idea. Maybe it'll even feel like winter by the time the fest rolls around! 

Swing by Mispillion River Brewing to pick up a 6-pack, a growler (they just got them back in) or some Mispillion gear for your Christmas buddy to rock.

Buy a ticket for Stewart's Brewing Co.'s Beer Dinner with Painted Stave, a bottle of 20th Anniversary Ale or a gift certificate for a growler fill. 

Two Stones Pub Kennett is also offering Christmas Baskets. The Small Basket has 1 large format bottle, 2 brewery glasses, and a $50 Two Stones Gift card for $75. The Large Basket has 2 large format bottles, 2 brewery glasses and a $50 Two Stones gift card for $100. 

The Two Stones Pub Mug Club card ($35), good to use at both Two Stones Pub Newark and Two Stones Pub Wilmington, is a nice one size fits all kind of gift. 

For the literary craft beer drinking historian on your list, order a signed and personalized copy of John Medkeff's "Brewing in Delaware." Such an awesome book! 

Want to get the ball rolling on a trip on the Delaware Brew Bus? They're offering gift certificates in the amount of a Brew Tour ($55) on their website. 

2016 is year number 5 for Firefly Music Festival here in our great state. Want to really make the craft beer, music loving person on your gift givings list? Take advantage of the Early Bird pricing ($279 per ticket), or even better, take advantage of the EZPay Payment Plan they're offering this year. Six payments, no interest. Nice. 

What did Delaware? Her New Jersey? Nope, FreakerUSA says, 'I don't know, Alaska.' Good stuff. We're digging the Early Bird 1st State Freaker they have available.

Photo credit: www.freakerusa.com

So there's no need to panic that Christmas is less than a week away. These awesome last minute gifts will knock the socks off any craft beer lover in your life. But make note, any one of these gifts will set the bar (no pun intended) VERY high for next year's gift! In the meantime, have the Merriest Christmas and the Happiest New Year! 

In case you miss the link on where to purchase these items, we've got your covered:

16 Mile's Love, Byrd. Soaps: http://on.fb.me/1Uh86Pv

3rd Wave Brewing's Beanie Option #1: http://on.fb.me/1TW0Ac0 and Beanie Option #2: http://on.fb.me/1UNNRJL

2SP Gift Baskets: http://on.fb.me/1NZm8o7

Argilla Brewing Co. Gift Cards: http://bit.ly/139MDn3

Big Oyster Brewery Trucker Hats: http://on.fb.me/1NZoPWS

Blue Earl Gift Certificates: http://on.fb.me/1QAacLM or Walking Blues IPA: http://on.fb.me/1OCqZYH

Crooked Hammock Website: http://bit.ly/1YnRYl6  

Dewey Beer Company Gift Card: http://bit.ly/1wij9AH

Dogfish Penn Tux merch available: http://on.fb.me/1NMyrUx  - Check it out on their website too: http://bit.ly/1YaI7K3

Dogfish Head Brewpub Holiday Variety Pack: http://on.fb.me/1T8kjW3

Fordham and Dominion FoDo Hoodie: http://bit.ly/1k8CuP5

Iron Hill gift ideas: http://on.fb.me/1QkZetB and Iron Hill Growler Pack: http://on.fb.me/1RvyEhE

Jessop's Tavern goodies: http://on.fb.me/1J0C2hK

Kennett Winterfest tickets: http://bit.ly/1zevgwu

Mispillion River Brewing 6-pack, growler and gear: http://bit.ly/1xT4vyj

Stewart's Brewing Co. Beer Dinner with Painted Stave: http://on.fb.me/1YgY32N

Two Stones Kennett Christmas Basket: http://on.fb.me/1J0zlww

Two Stones Pub Mug Club: http://bit.ly/1hBvs49

Personalized and signed copy of Brewing in Delaware: http://on.fb.me/1FMskOK

Delaware Brew Bus Gift Certificates: http://bit.ly/1NizJGm

Firefly Music Festival Tickets: http://bit.ly/1Ikqtvj

Freakers USA Early Bird Sweater Koozie: http://bit.ly/1QaxhEW

Black Friday Shopping and Deals, Craft Beer Style

The madness of what's typically associated with Black Friday can easily be classified as insanity. Instead, bypass all the malls and big box stores and go directly to these awesome craft beer locations who are offering our kind of Black Friday specials, beer related specials.

Here's a look at who's offering what on Friday (and in some cases, slightly beyond):

• 16 Mile Brewing: Oyster Stout t-shirt and a 6-pack for $25 - BLACK FRIDAY ONLY
• 16 Mile Brewing: Buy $50 gift certificate, get a $10 gift certificate free  - BLACK FRIDAY ONLY
• 3rd Wave Brewing Co.: Purchase a bottle of their Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Quad and a snifter for $20 or one of their merchandise packages they've put together for $26
• Chelsea Tavern: Buy a gift card in any denomination, get one free - BLACK FRIDAY ONLY 
• Crooked Hammock Brewing: Buy 1 ticket for their NYE  Keg Drop, get on free - BLACK FRIDAY ONLY for the FIRST 50 tickets sold
• Crust and Craft: Buy a $100 gift card and get a $50 gift card free - BLACK FRIDAY ONLY, from 11am-4pm
• Doc Magrogan's Dover: 50% off Gift Cards - BLACK FRIDAY ONLY, from 7am-10am
• Dogfish Head: 2016 Mug Club Memberships go on sale at the Brewpub - only 300 are available
• Dogfish Head is offering free shipping on merch (not beer!) on orders of $50 or more on Dogfish.com November 27th through November 30th
• Ernest & Scott Taproom: Buy a gift in any denomination, get one free - BLACK FRIDAY ONLY
• Hakuna Hospitality (Santa Fe Wilmington, Santa Fe Newark, Del Pez, La Taqueria, La Bodega and Mi Ranchito): Buy a $75 gift card, get a $25 free
• Harry's Hospitality Group (Kid Shelleeen's, Harry's Seafood and Harry's Savoy): Buy a $100 gift card, geta $20 bonus gift card (up to $200 back) - Now thru November 30th, 2015
• Stewart's Brewing Company: Buy $50 a gift card, get a $50 gift card free or buy a $100 gift card, and receive a $10 bonus card - BLACK FRIDAY ONLY
• Ulysses American Gastropub: Buy a gift card and recieve 20% back on a gift card for yourself - ALL OF DECEMBER 
• Untappd: 15% off pint glasses when you use the code PINTBF - BLACK FRIDAY ONLY
• Washington Street Ale House: Buy a $100 Gift Card and get $20 gift card for yourself or buy a $50 gift card and get a $10 gift card for yourself

Last Minute Craft Brewery Gifts From Around the State #shoplocal

Christmas may be in a few days, no worries, there’s still plenty of time to get that craft beer lover in your life (or yourself!) something pretty darn awesome, and local, from one of the craft breweries around the state! Here are some of our favorite picks again this year (seems this is becoming an annual thing!) 

16 Mile Brewing has a few new items in stock including this camo logo hat. The brewery has newly redesigned growlers that you can fill with your holiday pal's favorite 16 Mile Brew. The brewery also has their summer t-shirts for $5 and all other t-shirts for $15. Can’t go wrong with a cool beer t-shirt!

Photo credit: 3rd Wave Facebook

3^rd Wave Brewing has a stainless steel growler available, plus tons of cool t-shirts, hats and signage for the craft beer lover you’re still shopping for. Not sure exactly what to get? There’s always a 3^rd Wave gift certificate or a growler full of the brewery's tasty beers!

Argilla Brewing is offering a gift card special through the end of the year (that's next week already, can you believe it?!) Buy a $50 gift card and receive a free $15 gift certificate. It's always a nice bonus when you get a little something extra for yourself! 

Photo credit: www.dogfish.com

Dogfish Head partnered with Woolrich earlier this year.  We are loving the Woolrich + DFH Blanket. It’s a great  gift for those on your holiday list that aren’t into craft beer too. We love anything with dual functionality, like this Dogfish Head Belt – a belt and bottle opener in one.

Photo credit: FoDo's website

Looking to decorate your man (or woman) cave? How about picking up one of each of the Bomber Girls posters from Fordham and Dominion Brewing? Need something for the kiddies? Shoot the brewery an email to place your order for Dominion Handcrafted Soda.  

Photo credit: ironhillbrewery.com

Iron Hill Brewing put together a whole Holiday Gift Menu for you to check out (http://bit.ly/1wCjITV) with picks like a King of the Hill Membership, gift card or the Bedotter Belgian- Style Tripel, now available in cans!

Photo credit: Mispillion's FB

Mispillion River Brewing has a cool sterling silver necklace for the craft beer loving lady in your life. (Check out the pur-ty lady modeling the necklace...hi, Lauren!) Stop by the brewery for t-shirts, growler fills or pick up a gift certificate for the hard to buy for folks on your list.  

Photo credit: PBE's Facebook

Visiting with a craft beer lover for the holidays? Stop by Pizza by Elizabeth's to pick up a growler of their Frozen Toes brews and a pizza to go for a great night in with your holiday pal. 

Stewart’s Brewing Co. has growlers and gift cards that

Photo credit: Stewart's FB page

make the perfect Christmas gift for the craft beer lovers in your life. Suggest using the gift card for Stewart’s New Year’s Day celebration – when they will have $1 Stumblin’ Monk Abbey Tripel (for the 1^st 150 servings) - and if you're lucky they'll take you along with them!

Photo credit: Twin Lakes' website

Growlers, bike jerseys, t-shirts and more, stop by the Twin Lakes Brewing Co. tasting room to pick up some goodies to check off a few more peeps off your list! 

Photo credit: Warlock's FB page

Warlock Brewing Company may not be open yet, how about giving someone an I.O.U. for an afternoon at the brewery with a tasting and a growler fill?

Want a little throwback Delaware beer gift? Take a look at the Blue Hen Beer t-shirts now available!

Now Open: Trolley Tap House!

Walking up to Trolley Tap House, it's hard to believe that just two months ago this spot was CR Hooligans. The yellow and blue exterior is gone, leading way to a toned down gray exterior (though you may notice the baseball bat door handles that once belonged to Hooligans are still there). 

As we stepped into the doors of the Tap House, we were welcomed into a warm and comfortable, super inviting area, filled with a collection of high and low top tables, a bar and the two signature garage doors leading to the outdoor seating. Deciding to take full advantage of such a gorgeous night last night, we opted to sit outside on the patio where our wonderful server, Joel, took care of us. Right off the bat it was tricky narrowing down what we wanted to try on our first visit to the Tap House. General Manager Patrick Jones did a fantastic job at creating a nice balance of options available on tap. It's not too heavy on one style, offering some nice options for the craft beer novice that might wander in off of Delaware Avenue. 

After mulling the menu over a few (dozen!) times, I landed on the Lagunitas Little Sumpin' Extra and Eric went with Evolution Lot #3. Our friends Sam and Jackie sipped on two local brews, 16 Mile Soulful Ginger and Twin Lakes Route 52 Pilsner. 

Once we settled in on the drinks, we needed to pick what was going to be our post-work day snack. The menu is extremely tempting, and it was pretty darn hard landing on what we went with! We ended up trying their Pub Fries, topped with Porter onions, grated sharp cheese, fresh herbs and a malt aioli. On Jackie's suggestion (who had already been to the Tap House on Tuesday night during their quiet soft opening) Sam went with the Fried Green Bean, which are served with a lemon herb aioli. Both were so, so tasty! 

For round two we opted to take advantage of the smaller, 6-ounce pours that Trolley Tap House offers. This time around I went with cask-conditioned Mispillion Double Chin and Eric went with Brooklyn Blast. By this time our friend Erika joined us for a drink. She picked a big one, Sierra Nevada Narwhal! 

To tell the bartenders what's on tap, the Tap House has hand written in what's pouring from each tap. We loved seeing that the glass type for each beer was written below each name as well. Such a great training tool! 

As Trolley Tap House is looking at day # 3 of service, we have a feeling this spot is going to make a great impact on the craft beer scene in the state. Before the doors even opened yesterday, there were a few people waiting for them to open for the evening. Patrick mentioned the crowds on Tuesday night were exciting and they were pretty full not long after opening the doors at 6:30pm. Last night they opened at 5:00pm for dinner and it's pretty easy to say that within the hour they had another full house. The enthusiasm and excitement behind the staff is easy to see. We're looking forward to another visit to Trolley Tap House - it's so great to have another strong craft beer location to throw into the mix in Delaware! 

Here are some more (beer!) shots from around Trolley Tap House!

  

Checking Out The Dogfish Inn

After making our way through four days of Firefly, we hopped in the car as soon as we saw Jack Johnson finish his set and, rather than head north on Route 1 towards home, we took it south to Lewes so we could wake up bright and early the next day to see Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione and his son Sammy off on their 10-day, 5-stop boat trip aboard the S.S. Dogfish. Each stop included a beer dinner raising $10,000 for The Nature Conservancy. 
Sam's goal for the journey was to not only raise awareness of the beauty of coastal Delaware (which we are already quite familiar with, right?!) but to tell folks about the important work of The Nature Conservancy. Along the way Sam also wanted to share how easy it is to get to the Dogfish Inn, the brewpub and the brewery. Boy are we thankful for how easy it is!

After seeing the S.S. Dogfish on its way we made our way back to for the ribbon cutting of the much anticipated Dogfish Inn, which officially opened over 4th of July weekend. 

Here's Dogfish Head's VP Mariah Calagione, Off-Centered Innkeeper Andrew Greeley and Dogfish Head's Chief Operator Officer Nick Benz doing the honors!

From the moment we step into the Inn it is quite apparent that Dogfish is taking on the hotel industry a little differently than most might be used to. The first introduction to the Inn is the simply and perfectly designed lobby. It's welcoming, fun and exactly what we would expect from Dogfish. We could totally see hanging on the couch in front of the fire with a book from the Inn's Vusuvio Library, an ode to what was once the Vesuvio Motel, stocked by City Lights Books.

While you're wandering around the lobby area, you can pick up some Dogfish goodies to take back to your friends, family, yourself (of course!) and even your fellow pooch, who you know will be awaiting your arrival back at the homestead! 

Don't forget about Fido! Pick up some Dog Bark! and a Frisbee!

Try the Chicory Coffee, a locally-roasted  blend of Colombian coffee, chicory and dark malted brewers barley.

Items from the Dogfish/Woolrich collaboration are  available in the lobby, along with Dogfish soap and shampoo (we use this and love it!), and the Dogfish Apolis Market Bags (which you'll also find in the rooms). 

Now let's head to the rooms! 

Upon entering we quickly notice several of the Inn's partners featured throughout each of the 16 rooms, which we love. Our eye is first drawn to the inclusion of the latest collaboration with Woolrich, who Dogfish originally worked with a few years back on the wallpaper when they redesigned the tasting room. Most recently Dogfish and the outdoor gear manufacturer collaborated on not only a line of womens, mens and home gear, they also worked together on Pennsylvania Tuxedo, a spruce-infused Pale Ale (did you get a chance to try it?! So good!) The Woolrich + DFH blanket is featured in all of the rooms, perfect to keep you toasty on cool nights down at the beach! 

Other partners you'll find include the rooms are One Man Gathers Studio who framed Steve Rogers' Lightship Overfalls paintings. The paintings are showcased in each room of the Inn, with frames made from wood salvaged from an 1840's barn in Warren County, NJ. You can see one of the pictures in the picture to right (hung above the table).

The detail of every room is simple, clean, yet extremely clever. The Douglas Collection desks are perfect for writing home about your latest adventures in Lewes!

This is our kind of Mini Bar - Duke's Jerky, Brooklyn Brine Dogfish Hop Pickles and Kettle Chips!

We totally dig this Jermaine Rogers Primus print in one of the rooms!

The Inn offers two room types: a room with two double beds and a room with a king size bed. Great options for a getaway with your honey or your fellow craft beer drinking cohorts! You're easily within walking distance of Lewes' restaurants, bars, pubs, liquor stores, galleries and so much more! 

As cool as the traditional rooms are, you have to see the SWEET! As soon as we walked in we pretty much wanted to call in sick and forget about heading back to our day jobs and just spend all day here!

Heading into the SWEET!

The sitting area is a great common room.

Digging the kitchen area of the Sweet!

We loved the simplicity of the bedrooms - there are two of them in the Sweet. Sweet!

You have to love the fun details in the loo! 

We love the randomness of the wood burning pieces by Brian Kolakowski in the stairway up to the SWEET! Which one is your favorite?

The firepit is the perfect spot to enjoy the brews you picked up at the Brewery or the Brewpub.

Spend the day at the beach? No worries? Rinse off in the outdoor shower before heading up to your room. Cause let's face it, one of the best parts of being at the beach is the outdoor shower! Just make sure you keep your skives on! 

Take Time Magazine's advice and add their top summer beer trend to your to-do list: stay at Delaware's own craft beer motel, The Dogfish Inn. The rooms are cozy, the folks are great and you won't be banished to your room. Unless you're drinking bad beer while listening to bad music! 

Our favorite time down at the beach is the off-season - I know, we're weird like that! We can't wait to book a weekend down at the Dogfish Inn exploring Lewes. With all the time we've spent at the Delaware beaches over the years, Lewes is one area we haven't had much of an opportunity to visit. We're excited for a pretty darn good excuse for that to change! 

Craft Beer + Chocolate + Your Sweetheart = Our Kind of Valentine's Day

Whether you celebrate this day of love or not, it's always good to know where to go (and we suppose where not to go!) to include a little craft beer into your Valentine's Day celebration. 

We're going to keep a running list of who's doing what on this day that Cupid tends to be quite busy! 

Abbott's Grill, Milford and Laurel is offering an a'la carte menu

Chelsea Tavern is offering a Sweetheart Package 4 Course Pre-Fixe Meal

Ernest & Scott  is doing a 3-course pre-fixe menu

The Pig & Fish has Southern Tier Chokolat on tap

Argilla Brewing is offering a Valentine's Day 4-course meal with a flight of small batch brews

3rd Wave is tapping Kohana Chocolate Cherry Stout

Two Stones Pub Newark will be accepting reservations for Valentine's Day

Two Stones Pub Naamans will be accepting call ahead seating for Valentine's Day

Two Stones Pub Kennett will be accepting a limited number of reservations for Valentine's Day

Stewart's Brewing Company is releasing Monkey Love, their Stumblin' Monk fermented with raspberries, and Chocolate and Vanilla Stout today 

Iron Hill Brewery Newark released Love Potion #9, their chocolate-coconut stout, yesterday. Hopefully they'll still have some on tap today!

The Pickled Pig Pub will be offering Valentine's Day Dinner Specials 

New Year's Eve Fun Around The State

Hard to believe another New Year's Eve is upon us! Not sure what you're doing yet? Here's a quick run down of who's offering what tomorrow night!

• Iron Hill Brewery Newark and Wilmington Celebration Menu from until 10pm
• New Year's Eve at Argilla Brewing with The Lower Case Blues, with their New Year's Eve menu starting at 5pm and the band's sets starting at 8pm
• Moo Year's Eve at the Dogfish Head Brewpub. There are two seatings, one at 6pm and one at 8pm. During the 6pm seating Dogfish Head's Sam Calagione will be playing DJ! Stick around for The Bullbuckers going on at 10pm! (We've done NYE at DFH the last two years and it has been a blast! The Bullbuckers will keep you going well past midnight - they're awesome!) They'll open back up at Noon on New Year's Day, business as usual.
• UPDATE: Both Moo Year's Eve seatings are sold out, but the downstairs will be available for seating for both lunch and dinner.
• Two Stones Pub Newark, Naamans and Kennett Square each have a 6pm and a 9pm seating for their four course dinner, with beer pairings. Call for availability at each location.
• Stewart's Brewing Co. is hosting a New Year's Eve Buffet Dinner, starting at 6pm, followed by the DJ Rich Countdown Party at 9pm. A little hungover New Year's Day? Stewart's is running their New Year's Day buffet from 11am until 3pm with $1 monks. 
• 33 West Ale House is hosting a Masquearde Beer Dinner with Fordham and Old Dominion Breweries, starting at 7pm. 
• UPDATE: They will be open until 3pm for lunch, then closed until 7pm to prepare for tonight's Beer Dinner. 
• Mispillion River Brewing is hosting their 2013 Fuzzy Ball at the brewery, with live music from The Fuzzy Snakefoot, food, beer and friends, all happening from 8pm until 1am. There is no cover they'll also be releasing two new brews, Australian Summer and their Hefeweizen, POPO. 
• 16 Mile Brewing will open at 12pm on New Year's Eve, and stay open until...? They're going to be open late tonight with beer specials, free food at 6pm (while it lasta) and the firepit will be all lit up. 
• World Cafe Live at The Queen is having a New Year's Eve Party with Delaware's own Spinto Band (we'll be there!) 
• Home Grown Cafe is hosting two local bands, Mad-Sweet Pangs and Mean Lady,  starting at 9pm. No cover. 
• The tasting room at Fordham Brewing and Old Dominion Brewing will be open from 11am until 4pm.
• Painted Stave will be open for bottles sales from 10am until 3pm
• Ulysses American Gastropub is hosting a New Year's Eve dinner featuring tradition dishes to promote wealth, prosperity and abundance in the New Year. They'll have a few rare brews on tap, a DJ Dance Party from 9pm til close and a champagne toast at midnight. Give them a call for reservations. 
• Arena's Milford will be open until 1am with various drink specials.
• Abbott's Grill is having a Black & White Party, with a champagne toast at midnight and DJ Petch in the pub. 
• The Pickled Pig Pub will have some great dinner specials going on from 5pm til 9pm tonight, with the last seating at 10pm. They'll also have limited reserve bottle and champagne specials (while they last)! Stop back for New Year's Day for The Hangover Cure with brunch style specials, Bloody Mary Randall, and mimosa and Bloody Mary Specials.  
• If you're planning on heading to check out the Dogfish Head Tasting Room today, keep in mind the last tour will be at 3pm. 
• Cromwell's Tavern has several New Year's Eve specials tonight as well. Check out the menu here: http://cromwellstavern.com/NewYearsMenu.pdf

We hope everyone has a wonderful, craft beer filled New Year's Eve. Be safe, have fun, and we'll see you in 2014! 

Keeping It Local for the Holiday Season

It's hard to believe the holidays are well upon us already! Are you stumped on what to buy the craft beer lover in your life? Or need to drop a few subtle hints on what you'd like to receive this holiday season? Well, keep it local folks, and look no further than one of our local breweries to help you finish up your holiday shopping! 

We decided to suggest a few of our favorite items from the breweries around the state again this year. Check them out!  

16 Mile Brewing Company

16 Mile Hoodie, $35, available at the brewery

16 Mile Taphouse Growlers

Whether you're visiting the Tavern at 16 Mile Brewing Company in Georgetown, or the 16 Mile Taphouse, located on Main Street in Newark, here are two ways you can show your love for 16 Mile: the 16 Mile Brewing Company hoodie, which you can purchase down in Georgetown, or a 16 Mile Taphouse growler that you can fill right there on Main Street!  16 Mile has you covered whether your in Northern or Southern Delaware! 

3rd Wave Brewing Company 

Surfboard Unisex T-Shirt, $16

Winter Beanie

3rd Wave has some pretty cool surf-inspired gear for that craft beer lover on your holiday shopping list. Check out their Surfboard Unisex T-shirt rocking their slogan, "Good Friends Good Waves Great Beer" across the surfboard. Want to keep your noggin warm this winter? We're digging the beanies the brewery just got in. Can't make it down to Delmar before the holiday? No worries, just hop on their website and place your order! (Side note: you may need to contact the brewery about the beanie if you're looking for that. When we were on there on 12/12/13 it hadn't been added quite yet).  

Argilla Brewing Company

You have to love when a holiday gift for someone else turns into a little holiday bonus gift for yourself! When you purchase a $50 (or more) gift card from Argilla between now and December 31st, you'll receive a free $15 gift card for yourself, to be used between January 1st, 2014 and March 1st, 2014. Happy Holidays to everyone in this equation! 

Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales

DFH4Life Hoodie, $55

2013 Tap Handle, $40

Thinking about hopping on the DFH site to do some holiday shopping? They're trying to make it as easy as possible for you by suggesting several "Holiday Items." They even went one step further and broke it down to "Under $20," "Under $50," and "Damn! That's Luv!" For under $20 you can't go wrong with a Randall Jr. ($19.99). They're a blast to experiment with. Go a little crazier in the under $50 range with the 2013 Tap Handle which will ring up at $40. If you're feeling even more generous this year, how about the DFH4Life Hoodie for $55? And like we mentioned, no worried if you can't make it down to the Tasting Room in Milton or the kiosk at the Brewpub in Rehoboth; you can order all of these items from DFH's website!                                                                 

Randall Jr., $19.99

  

Fordham Brewing Company/Old Dominion Brewing Company

2014 Pinup Calendar, $10

Save $5 and purchase both for $45

Are you a fan of Dominion's Bomber Girls? Then you might want to check out the 2014 Pinup Calendar, featuring winners from several Dominion-hosted Pinup contests throughout 2013!

Speaking of 2014...did you know that you can already purchase your tickets for R2Hop2 (April 26th, 2014) and Cheesetoberfest (October 4th, 2014)? This is a great gift for a friend...or for yourself! Throw yourself into super rock start status when you buy that craft beer loving gift recipient tickets to both events! Bonus: you'll save $5 when you buy them together! 

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant

King of the Hill, $25

Winter Wheat Wine Ale Gift Package, $35

Iron Hill Brewery is helping make your holiday shopping as simple as possible with their Holiday Gift Menu! If you know someone who visits Iron Hill pretty regularly, you should sign them up for the King of the Hill Rewards Club Program. The $25 annual fee is a loyalty program that earns points for purchases and visits. There are all sorts of perks like a handmade mug, free birthday gift and invitations to exclusive events. Is the craft beer lover on your list already a member of the King of the Hill Club? No worries, why not check out one of Iron Hill's Gift Packages, with prices ranging from $35 - $65. 

Mispillion River Brewing Company

The newest brewery in the state has a very unique gift to give this holiday season - a bit of an investment in the brewery by making a pledge in their indiegogo campaign! Pledge $25, and receive a Mispillion River Brewing t-shirt. Go for a $100 pledge, and you're getting a Mispillion River Brewing growler, t-shirt and hat! Have some really special on your list? A $500 pledge will get you a bar stool, always guaranteeing a spot at the bar. A $1,000 pledge? That will get one of the brewery fermenters dedicated to your gift recipient. Oh, and as if that isn't cool, the $1,000 pledge will also give them a chance to design and brew a beer recipe! Major cool points! 

Stewart's Brewing Company

You can't go wrong with purchasing the craft beer lover on your holiday list a Mug Club membership at Stewart's...unless of course you think they may already be one...then just pick them up a gift card and they can spend it on a night out at Stewart's, on a growler fill or two, and if they aren't already a member of the Mug Club, a great excuse to go ahead and finally join!  

Twin Lake's Brewing Company

Do you have a bike riding friend who loves great craft beer? Why not pick them up the Twin Lakes Cycling Jersey? After all, the whole point of riding those long distance rides is the reward of a craft beer at the end, isn't it?! Sometimes I personally like to put together a gift bag or basket and include several smaller similarly themed items. I could easily do that with the Twin Lakes' baseball hat and pint glass. I would throw in an IOU of either a tour of the brewery ($22 per person, held Wednesdays and Saturdays), a growler fill ($12 for a Greenville Pale Ale and $15 for their seasonal brews) - or better yet, BOTH! 

Know that you want to get the craft beer lover on your holiday list a craft beer related gift, just not sure what to get them? Many of the breweries in the state offer gift cards - you can't go wrong with that! Either way you're supporting one of our our fantastic local breweries and you're pretty much guaranteeing that you're going to be giving one of the coolest gift you friend, family member or significant other will get all holiday season long! Nice!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Kennett Brewfest: Who's Going to Be There & Who's Pouring What During the Connoisseur Session

I thought I'd take a quick minute to combine the the list of who's going to be there and who's pouring what the Connoisseur session. It's nothing fancy, but I thought it might make things a little easier for you tomorrow! 

You can also view the list here: 

As an Excel spreadsheet: 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6DbfIPDs3VKQkk0cm9fMnVsNEE/edit?usp=sharing

As a PDF: 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6DbfIPDs3VKT0RPSzBQT015c28/edit?usp=sharing

As two images: 

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6DbfIPDs3VKM3dLb2NmVTRDdms/edit?usp=sharing

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B6DbfIPDs3VKZ0ZodmZHNFZVMkk/edit?usp=sharing

Two Stones Pub Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Beer Dinner

Monday's are typically our least favorite day of the week, for obvious reasons...that is, until last Monday, when we had the Two Stones Pub Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Beer Dinner to look forward to!

As you can imagine, Stigz and Gumbo didn't just create a pairing menu, they created a pairing menu based on the children's characters featured in the movie! And if you're a fan of the movie, we think you'll totally get the references and the correlation between the characters and each course of the beer dinner!

I think Willy himself put it best...

"Little surprises around every corner, but nothing dangerous. So don't be alarmed. As soon as your outer vestments are at hand, we'll begin."

Course 1: Charlie Bucket

"Mm, this stuff is terrific."

Farmhouse cheddar, 5-year Gouda, crusty baguette, wild berry chutney, pickled cucumbers, paired with Victory Helios

What can we say? Vintage Gouda is a favorite of ours, and anytime it's anywhere, life is just good. Oh, and that berry chutney? Stigz couldn't tell a lie, it was good ol' lingonberries from IKEA! Can't beat it! Talk about a great start to the night!

Course 2: Veruca Salt
"Hey Daddy, I want an Oompa Loompa. I want you to get me an Ooompa Loompa right away!"

Grilled filet mignon medallions, elbow poached egg, Shropshire blue, foie gras-buttered brioche, and tarragon beer blanc, paired with Goose Island Pepe Nero.

I'm not sure what to say about this course other than, oh. my. goodness! It was decadent, amazing and I think we all could have easily eaten at least 6 more of these! And the pairing? I can't begin to tell you how well the flavors of Pepe Nero worked with the creaminess of the poached egg, the richness of the beer blanc and the tangy-ness of the Shropshire! (Can you tell we liked it?!) 

Course 3: Violet Beauregard
"It happens every time, they all become blueberries..."

Seared maple leaf duck breast, wilted elbow farm rainbow Swiss chard, blueberry maple gastrique, paired with Dogfish Head Black & Blue. 

Simply put, I would pour the blueberry maple gastrique on everything I possibly could. It was awesome, and paired amazingly with the duck, without overpowering it. I have to admit, Swiss Chard isn't something I would normally dive into, but of course 2SP prepared it in a way that I made it so good that I couldn't stop eating it...something tells me it wasn't a healthy preparation. But who cares, it was so good! 

(If we're lucky, we may see something very similar to this course on the new fall menu at 2SP!) 

Course 4: Augustus Gloop

"Let me in. I'm starving!"
Breaded pork cutlet, shaved brussel sprouts, bacon-horseradish boiled potatoes, lemon-herb brown butter paired with Troegs Troegenator. 

This German girls was loving 2SP's take on this traditional German dish. The pork was fork tender. And the bacon-horseradish boiled potatoes? They were pretty much saturated in bacon fat...for hours...so, as you can imagine, they were pretty much awesome. We don't know that there would have been a better pairing with this dish than Troegenator, Troegs' Double Bock. The spiciness and the deep, rich lager really stood up to the flavors in this dish.

Course 5: Mike Teeve

"It's a TV dinner!"

Veal & wild mushroom meatloaf, Oregon whipped Yukon gold potatoes, peas, carrots & cippolini onions, green peppercorn demi, paired with Sixpoint 3Beans

You have to LOVE the 2SP's quirky take on how they served this course. Just like Mike Teeve said in the movie, "it's a TV dinner," so this was 2SP's super fancy take on a TV dinner. To take it one step further, the talented and awesome Chef Blair served this course on sectioned plastic plates - and it so worked! If TV dinners were as creative and delicious as Chef Blair's creation, I would never cook!

Dessert: Willy Wonka
scrumdiddlyyumptious cake, paired with Samuel Smith Organic Chocolate Stout

How can you have a Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory Beer Dinner without some serious chocolate?! Well, this dessert was about as chocolately as you can get, and the Organic Chocolate it was paired with? Ditto. We have a serious sweet tooth between the two of us, and this couldn't have been any more delightful in ending the meal! The crispy rice in this cake gave a little texture to the creaminess of the chocolate, which couldn't have paired any more amazingly than it did with the beer. I think this may be one of the most perfect endings to a meal.






But wait, there's more!

What Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory Beer Dinner would be complete without a Golden Ticket? As if it wasn't an already awesome night, 2SP was giving away a bottle of each of the paired beers from dinner.

Guess who had the Golden Ticket for Charlie Bucket? Yup, that's right...me! So not only did we have 5 amazing courses, we were going home with a bottle of Helios to boot! 

So now that your mouth is watering, you'll probably be happy to know that Two Stones hosts a beer dinner every month - check out their Facebook page for updates on the themes for each one! 

Now signing off...

"A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest men..." ~Willy Wonka

Time to pop that movie in and relive a great childhood memories...

Testing Out The Dogfish Head Craft Brewing and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company Spiegelau IPA Glass

Last Tuesday Dogfish Head announced the new Spiegelau IPA Glass, created in collaboration with Sierra Nevada, was finally available for purchase. Well, thank goodness for their online store, because I hopped right on and ordered a set. The craziest part? The glasses were delivered to my doorstep the next afternoon!

Unfortunately we had a crazy week getting ready for (sniff, sniff) the now-postponed Extreme Beer Fest, so we didn't get a chance to try it out until after the Fest, and our trip, were postponed. Before heading out with friends on Saturday night we decided it was the perfect time to crack open DFH and Sierra Nevada's latest collaboration, Rhizing Bines, and test out these glasses.    

Let the "testing" begin!

We opened up our cabinets and pulled down each type of Dogfish Head glassware we own. Here's what we were using:
The Pint Glass

The Dogfish Head Signature Glass

Dogfish Head Shaped Pint Glass

And the new Spiegelau IPA Glass

We evenly split the bottle of Rhizing Bines between the each of the four glasses. The first thing we wanted to test among each glass was the aroma. Our goal was to see if we noticed anything significantly different between each of the four glasses. 

Using the pint glass, the large opening of the glass seemed to allow the aroma of hops dissipate   especially in comparison to the shaped pint glass, and similarly to the DFH signature glass. In both the shaped pint glass and the signature glass the aroma of the hops seems to be heightened quite a bit. Comparing this to the new IPA glass, the aroma of the hops seems a little more subtle than we expected, but not as subtle as they were in the pint glass.  

We then wanted to simply taste Rhizing Bines in each glass (cleansing our palette in between each taste). Again, the pint glass seemed to provide the least beneficial sip of this beer. It was good, don't get us wrong, but it wasn't nearly as flavorful as when tasting the beer in each of the other three glasses. 

The hops were the first thing that hits your nose in both the shaped pint glass and the signature glass, and we definitely got a much hoppier taste when sipping Rhizing Bines out of each of these glasses. We realized how much more we enjoyed drinking Rhizing Bines out of both of these glasses over the traditional pint glass.

Then we drank out of the IPA glass. Oh, the IPA glass. The first thing we noticed about the IPA glass, in addition to the design being very simple and very clean, was the thinness of the glass. The other glasses we were using seemed very heavy and bulky now that we had the IPA glass in our hand. Another thing that was very noticeable was the heady foam in the IPA glass stayed behind as the others faded away. Interesting. 

Now to sip. As we mentioned, the aroma of hops is more subtle in this glass, but it really seemed to encompass our nose as we started to drink. The drinking experience, as crazy as this might sound, was just easy with this glass. The beer nearly shot down our throats with barely an ounce of effort. It seemed to make the beer much smoother than when drinking from the other three glasses. It was a little hard to comprehend that something as simple as a glass could create such an effect. The taste of the beer was different, not a bad different, a very good, very clean different. It tasted a though we were getting to the root of the ingredients, really getting to experience what the beer was meant to taste like. 

Something else we found rather interesting was the carbonation that was noted in the IPA glass. This picture is a little up close and personal action with the pint glass. Not super clear, but we think it's pretty noticeable the difference in the carbonation between this glass and...

...the new Spiegelau USA IPA Glass. Crazy. 

Our overall verdict: this glass rocks. Neither of us read a thing about the glass before we used it to ensure that our opinion wasn't swayed or influenced in any way. As Eric quite simply put it, "I want to drink EVERYTHING out of this glass." He's wondering if we can take it with us to bars so that every IPA we drink is lucky enough to experience this phenomenal glass!

Coming Soon...Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food (+ Craft Beer + Spirits!) Festival

We remember hearing about last year's Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival and thought it sounded pretty cool. But as it primarily featured wine-focused events, we passed (as obviously beer is more our thing!) This year, they're switching it up a little bit. Wait, they're switching it up A LOT! 

Mark you calendars! Save the dates! Because this festival, benefiting the Mid-Atlantic Food and Wine Feast Charitable Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation, will be showcasing some of the area's best, not just in wine and food, but spirits and craft beer. If you're a supporter of the Christina Cultural Arts Center, Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Theatre Company, The Grand Opera House, Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Kent County Fund for the Arts, OperaDelaware, or the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, then here's one more great way to show your love! 

The 30+ page invitation!

The Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival will be 4-days of chefs, winemakers, brewers and distillers from not only our region, but around the world. Events will be hosted throughout the Brandywine Valley, Kent County and along Delaware's "Culinary Coast." 

The epicenter of the Festival will be The Festival Village, the 8,000-square-foot tent on Rodney Square. The tent will be the home to such events as "In the Mix: Mixologist and DJs," a "South African Braai," "The MasterChef Tasting Experience," other sampling events, and the Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival Bottle Shop, where you'll be able to purchase several of the wines, beers and other items featured throughout the festival. 

Here's a look at The Festival Village schedule:
Friday, March 8th
11:30am - 2:30pm
Cost: $25

3:30pm - 7pm
Cost: $30

Saturday, March 9th
9am - 1pm
Cost: $30
2pm - 5pm
Cost: $30

Sunday, March 10th
Noon - 3pm
Cost: $25

Admission into the Festival Village will include access to:

• Food Vendors
• Complimentary Wine, Beer and Spirits Samples
• Chef Demonstrations
• Music
• Visiting Winemakers

Want to purchase a weekend pass, which will cover all village times (except ticketed events)? You can purchase that for $100. 

Here's a run-down of the great Festival events that will feature a few of the things we love in life...

THURSDAY, MARCH 7th

The Craft of Beer

This event, being held at OperaDelaware, will celebrate the Mid-Atlantic's role in the craft beer revolution! So far they have Evolution Craft Brewing Company, 16 Mile Brewing Company, Dogfish Head, Eastern Shore Brewing, Fordham Brewing Company, Old Dominion Brewing Company, Heavy Seas Beer, Sly Fox Beer, Troegs Brewing Company, Twin Lakes Brewing Company, Weyerbacher Brewing Company and Yards Brewing Company lined up. More breweries may still be announced! We can't wait to attend this event - it's going to be a fantastic way to kick off a very awesome weekend in Wilmington!

Ticket price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=119

Bourbon & Bacon Tasting - Wilmington Edition -  SOLD OUT

Are you like us and have another favorite "B" word? As in Bourbon? Then the Bourbon & Bacon Tasting, hosted by Chelsea Tavern, is the event for you! 

Amazing small-batch bourbons will be paired with bacon-inspired culinary creations of the Columbus Inn!

Ticket price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=120

Scotch & Cigars - SOLD OUT

Join Bill Sullivan, the General Manager of the Courtyard by Marriott at the University of Delaware, to talk Scotch and Cigars. The event, being held at Oberod, one of the area's finest estates, is the perfect after-dinner event. 

Ticket price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=112

FRIDAY, MARCH 8th
Bourbon + Bacon South
Being held at Nage in Rehoboth, this event has been so popular the Festival decided to add on every county! You'll enjoy the perfect pairing of that thing we all love, paired with some of America's finest bourbons.

Ticket price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=140

He Said Beer, She Said Wine - SOLD OUT

This fun event, being held at The Grand Opera House, features Delaware's own, Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery and wine sommelier, Marnie Old, as the two discuss the book they co-authored, "He Said Beer, She Said Wine!" It's a debate over which is better, beer or wine. This multi-course dinner, prepared by Chelsea Tavern, will be served on the main stage of the Grand Opera House. 

Ticket price: $125 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=92
Side note: We went to a "He Said Beer, She Said Wine" dinner at World Cafe Live at The Queen a few years back and had a BLAST! Sam and Marnie both have so much knowledge about both beer and wine. Their fun, friendly competition and banter was great, it was hard not to have an awesome time. As two people that typically only dabble in wine, attending this event really opened our eyes back up to the similarities of wine and beer and how both could very equally pair with some of the same dishes. Having the wine lovers pitted against the beer lovers was a fun, light-hearted way to spend an evening learning so much more about both sides of the spectrum. Our advice: don't miss out on this event this time around!

SATURDAY, MARCH 9th
Scrapplegasm - SOLD OUT

Okay, so it might not exactly be a craft beer-related event, but, c'mon, it's SCRAPPLE! 

Hosted at the Green Room at the Hotel du Pont, you'll dine on pheasant scrapple, bison scrapple and who knows what else the Green Room's Executive Chef, Keith Miller, and University & Whist Club's Executive Chef, Robert Lhulier, will create for this crazy breakfast!

Price: $40 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=101

Wine + Chocolate Tasting
The Christina Cultural Arts Center will host this event, featuring artisanal chocolates paired with fine wines. 

Price: $50

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=107

Bacon + Bourbon: Kent County

Are you located in Kent County? No worries, Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival has you covered! The Bacon + Bourbon: Central Delaware event will be held at Triad Farm, and hosted by Mr. and Mrs. LD Shank. You'll enjoy small-batch bourbons poured and paired with bacon-centrics foods. Net proceeds from this particular event will benefit the Kent County Fund for the Arts! 

Price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=135


SUNDAY, MARCH 10th
Brunch + Bloody Mary Throwdown

Whether you like your Bloody Mary spicy or tame, you'll get to vote on what you think is the perfect Bloody Mary in both the amateur and the professional category at this event held at Noble's Pond in Dover. The winners from each category will then face off for the final challenge! Who will win?! Area restaurants will provide various brunch foods, plus you'll get a little Prosecco as well! Net proceeds for this event will benefit the Kent County Funds for the Arts.

Price: $50 per person

To purchase tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=137

The MasterChef Tasting Experience
Hosted by Delaware's own, and MasterChef Season 2 winner, Jennifer Behm will host The MasterChef Tasting Experience, held at the Festival Village. Seven contestants from all three season's of Chef Gordon Ramsey's "MasterChef" will be featured at this event: Christian Collions, Suzy Singh, Dave Miller, Tracy Kontos, Becky Reams, Derrick Prince, and Jennifer, who will all show off their culinary skills while sharing stories from the show! Keep in mind, only 200 tickets will be sold for this event! Photos and autograph opportunities will be available at the end of the event. 

Price: $75 per person

To purchase your tickets: http://www.midatlanticwineandfood.com/readmore_events.php?id=125

Looking for a hotel to stay at during the Festival? They have you covered. The Homewood Suites in Wilmington, Hotel du Pont, and the Sheraton Wilmington South are all offering special rates for those attending the Festival. 

Our region never ceases to amaze me. Going through the 30+ page invitation for the 2013 Mid-Atlantic Wine + Food Festival proves that over and over again! This is definitely something we are super excited about!

What Your Doing New Year's Eve?

As I sing 'What Are You Doing New Year's Eve,' in my head, I'm now wondering, what are you doing New Year's Eve?

You know there are so many awesome things going on around our state all night long New Years' Eve. Here's a quick run down of what we know of so far (and keep checking back for updates as we find them out!)

Dogfish Head will be hosting another fun New Year's Eve at the Brewpub in Rehoboth. This year they're switching it up a little and serving their regular menu along with some great food and drink specials. They are taking a limited number of no-charge, nonticketed reservation for seating upstairs (although I do believe they are already booked up). The downstairs dining room and bar will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. They're going to have the very cool, very rockin' Nate Meyers and the Aces jamming on the stage! If you're interested in trying to get a reservation, email matt@dogfish.com!

The Pickled Pig Pub will be open their regular hours for New Year's Eve. They're putting together pretty awesome dinner specials*:

• Lobster Mac-N-Cheese Appetizer

• Pear & Walnut Salad -arugula, frisee, radicchio, drunken pears, candied walnuts, goat cheese & honey vanilla dressing

• Surf & Turf - New York strip & sautéed shrimp with twice baked potato medley, chef’s vegetables & orange bourbon demi glace

• Broiled Crab Cake - herb roasted potatoes, garlic spinach & lemon-old bay aioli

• Pan Seared Halibut- baby bok choy, daikon, carrots, scallions, five spice & miso broth

And for brunch...

• Crab & Spinach Quiche

• Sausage & Egg Sandwich

• Scrapple Tacos (whoa!) 

• BBQ Shrimp & Grits

• Open Face Rueban

• and more Chef-inspired lunch specials

Plus they'll have Bottle and Draft Specials both days! 

Argilla's Brewing Company at Pietro's Pizza is keeping it low key on New Year's Eve. They are planning on doing a midnight toast with their new Belgian Quad and will have a few dinner specials that night. Once we find out what the specials are going to be, we'll update this post with them! 

Two Stones Pub will be offering a 4-course, prix fixe menu for $49.95 at both locations. They're going to have an option to add beer pairings for each course for an extra $10. Reservations are highly recommended. They're going to have two seatings for the 4-course meal, one at 6pm and one at 9pm. The cocktail areas of both locations will be open with the normal menu, as well as the menu items from the prix fix meal will be available a la carte. 

Here's what Newark will be serving:

1st Course (choice of one): 

• Drunken Arugula Salad with poached pears, red onions, toasted sunflower seeds and vanilla champagne vinaigrette, paired with Brooklyn Sorachi Ace

• Lobster Bisque with roasted sweet potatoes and poblano peppers, paired with Rodenbach Classic

2nd Course (choice of one): 

• Jumbo Lump Crab Salad with cornmeal-crusted fried green tomatoes, whole grain mustard vinaigrette, paired with Allagash White

• Duck Confit Arancinis with wild mushrooms, English peas, and truffled demi-glace, paired with Ommegang Rare Vos

• Fried Chicken Livers with brussel sprouts smoked bacon slaw and red beet ketchup, paired with Stone Levitation

3rd Course (choice of one):

• Pan-seared Chilean Sea Bass with butter poached fingerling potatoes, roasted red peppers, sauteed spinach, fennel onion soubise, paired with Saison DuPont

• Char-Grilled Filet Mignon with goat cheese-lobster mashed potatoes, braised broccolini, and port-shallot demi glace, paired with Brooklyn The Companion

• Smoke 1/2 Chicken with whipped sweet potatoes, wilted rainbow Swiss chard and black eyed peas salsa, paired with North Coast Brother Thelonious 

4th Course (choice of one): Any of the evening's featured desserts, paired with Evolution Rise Up


Two Stones Pub Wilmington will have the following on their prix fix menu:

• Lobster Bisque with lemon verbena creme fraiche, paired with Goose Island Sofie

• Heirloom Spinach Salad with golden beets, blue cheese crumbles, pine nuts and horseradish vinaigrette, paired with Rodenbach Classic

2nd Course (choice of one): 

• Mushroom Crostini with roasted chanterelle mushrooms, soft herb polenta and shaved parmigiano regiano, paired with Saison DuPont

• Nicoise Stack with yellowfin tuna, baby arugula, vine-ripened tomatoes, olives, eggs and an anchovy-garlic aioli, paired with Allagah White

3rd Course (choice of one):

• Smoked NY Strip with boursin mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and wild mushroom demi glace, paired with North Coast Brother Thelonious 

• Black Garlic Roasted Chicken with tri-color new potatoes, sauteed hericots verts, and baby fennel puree, paired with Green Flash Friendship

• Prosciutto Wrapped Salmon with sweet potato mash, broccoli rabe and toasted walnut oil, paired with Ommegang Rare Vos 

4th Course: Any of the evening's featured desserts, paired with Evolution Rise Up Stout

Ulysses American Gastro Pub has released what beers will be flowing on New Years's Eve. Check out this list!!!

• Dogfish Head Hellhound
• Dogfish Head Positive Contact
• Dogfish Head Bitches Brew
• Dogfish Head Johnny Cask
• Dogfish Head Faithfull 
• Troegs Mad Elf
• Stone Lucky Bastard
• Victory Moonglow
• Sierra Nevada Ovila
• Southern Tier Pumpking
• Allagash Interlude
• Brooklyn There Will Be Black
• North Coast PranQster
• Bear Republic Racer X
• Stone Vertical Epic 12.12.12
• Flying Fish Grand Cru Winter Ale
• Flying Dog Barrel-Aged Gonzo Porter
• Harpoon Leviathan
• Uinta Crooked Sea Legs
• Elysian Maelstrom
• Fordham Brewing Company/Old Dominion Brewing Company Mother Pucker
• Unibroue La Fin Du Monde
• Green Flash Friendship Brew

Looking for something to do in the Georgetown area for New Year's Eve? Then head to 16 Mile Brewing Company! May be you can call it 'Brew Year's Eve?' How about 'New Beers Eve?' Whatever 16 Mile calls it, they're planning quite a New Year's Eve celebration in their tavern! 

$25 will get you in the door where you'll enjoy food, live music and $3.00 beers all night long, including collaborations and infusions. Catcher's Catering will be providing the food, which sounds pretty awesome!

• Cheddar Harvest Ale Soup 
• Mini Maryland Crab Cakes
• Amber Battered Coconut Shrimp
• Blues Golden Fried Asparagus Spears
• Responders Mac & Cheese Squares
• Shaved Prime Rib in Puff Pastry with Torched Horseradish

Drink local with 16 Mile on New Year's Eve!

Chelsea Tavern is hosting the New Year's Eve Market Street Bash! They are offering three different packages...

The Chelsea Package

$75 per person, or $65 per person for groups of 6 or more. Reservations are required as they're going to have limited seating. The package will include:

• 4-Course Dinner
• Open bar from 8pm until 1am
• Cockatil hour with heavy hors d'Oeuvres
• Dance Party with DJ SuperDan
• Champagne toast at Midnight

The Tavern Package

$30 per person, or $25 per person for groups of 6 or more. This package includes:

• Open bar from 10pm until 1am
• Dance Party with DJ SuperDan
• Champagne toast at Midnight

The Everyday Package includes:

• Cash bar from 11:30am until 1am on New Year's Eve
• Ala Carte Menu all day and night
• Dance Party with DJ SuperDan

Going to Chelsea for New Year's Eve and want to stay in town, the Doubletree Hotel, a block away, has special discounted room rates. Just mention Chelsea Tavern when you make your reservation! 

Frank's Wine is hosting a New Year's Eve Beer Dinner at World Cafe Live at The Queen.  They're also going to have a Wine Pairing option, but who wants that?! 

World Cafe Live's culinary team has prepared a special four-course menu to compliment the craft beer that Frank's has selected. Background dinner music will be provided by Schuylkill Rhythm Section, made up of three award-winning musicians. Take a peek at the dinner menu for the night.

1st Course:

Braised pork belly with cannelloni bean puree with a drizzled sherry honey. This will be paired with Rogue Santa's Private Reserve.

2nd Course:

Grilled lobster drizzled with vanilla bean vinaigrette served on butternut squash risotto with crispy sage and whipped cinnamon-sugar mascarpone and paired with Samichlaus Helles.

3rd Course: 

Grilled dry-aged strip steak served with caramelized shallot demi-glace and parmesan cannoli shell with whipped purple Peruvian potatoes and paired with Allagash Interlude. 

4th Course: 

Malted chocolate cake coated with ganache and salted toffee chips, served with Elysian Valhalla Red IPA. 

Click here to RSVP: http://www.frankswine.com/dinners.html#nye

Once dinner is over you can call it a night, or stay for the Rusted Root show downstairs at The Queen (tickets sold separately). 

Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant Newark is hosting a 2013 New Year's Eve Celebration from 5pm until 10pm. Take a look at the menu they'll be featuring (all a la carte): 

• Lobster-Saffron Bisque
• Baby Arugula Salad
• Colossal Crab Lettuce Wraps
• Grilled Jumbo Shrimp
• Braised Veal Cheeks
• Char-Grilled NY Strip Steak
• Pan Seared North Atlantic Salmon
• Pan Roasted Striped Bass
• Chocolate Molten Cake

The Wilmington location is having a special, a la carte menu as well:

• Sweet Corn and Crab Soup
• Endive Salad
• Ahi Tuna Appetizer
• Seafood Linguine
• Char-Grilled Beef Tenderloin Medallions
• Pan Roasted Striped Bass
• Mustard Crusted North Atlantic Salmon
• Belgian Chocolate Terrine
• Strawberry Cheesecake Bombe

Reservations are strongly suggested at both locations. 

Stewart's Brewing Company will have a New Year's Eve buffet from 6pm until 11pm for $35 person. Reservations are strongly recommended. The buffet will feature:

• Fresh baked artisan breads
• Lobster Bisque
• Tri-colored rotini pasta salad with jalapeno ranch
• Caesar salad with creamy garlic dressing
• Winter berry salad with herb vinaigrette
• Saffron rice
• Roasted red bliss potatoes
• Roasted medley of winter vegetables
• Beef tender medallions with a shiitake and portobello mushroom demi-glace
• Baked salmon topped with crab imperial
• Grilled pineapple jerk chicken
• A carving station featuring roasted cajun turkey breast & spinach and parmesan stuffed pork loin
• Warm apple cobbler 
• Stout cupcakes with Irish cream mousse
• New York Style Cheesecake with Melba sauce

The DJ Countdown party starts at 9pm, with no cover charge. You must be 21 to enter after 11pm. 

Stewart's will also have a New Year's Day brunch, starting at 11am. They will have a limited quantity $1 Stumblin' Monks (get there early!) The brunch will feature stuffed French Toast, smoked salmon benedict, steak & eggs and more! 

Update: 
33 West Ale House and Grill will serve their regular menu, plus a few extra specials they're in the process of creating. Toney Robinson will be providing entertainment, starting at 9pm. 33 West will also be doing a champagne toast at midnight! 

For other area New Year's Eve parties, check out Ryan Cormier's News Journal article, All About (New Year's Eve).

Update: 
Ernest & Scott is hosting a 5 hour open bar on New Year's Eve for $39. This price includes all 21 beers on draft, as well as house wines, rail liquor and 12-ounce bottles. They will be a free champagne toast, party favors, prize giveaways, free hors d'oeuvres and music all night long! 

Here's one of my favorite versions of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve." Take it away, Ella...