Big Rock Night in Kelowna, BC = Big Taste!

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Several weeks ago, while enjoying a beer at Cabana Grille in Kelowna, I chanced upon Dave, the local Sales Representative for Big Rock Brewery in the BC Interior. We had a short discussion on Big Rock beers and exchanged business cards. The following week, Dave calls and invites me to a very special Brewmasters Dinner hosted at Cabana Grill, featuring Big Rock Beers!

Big Rock is one of those semi-mainstream beers that I usually have passed up when stocking my beer fridge, but I was to learn a lot about the company this fine evening and regain my appreciation for their place in the craft beer world here in Western Canada. Brewmaster, Paul Gautreau, was on hand to describe the beers paired with each course of dinner. Paul also gave an insight into some of the new beers being brewed this year at Big Rock.

The Crowd Assembles in anticipation of great food and beer pairing at Cabana Grille.

The Crowd Assembles in anticipation of great food and beer pairing at Cabana Grille.

Paul enlightened me and the rest of the crowd on the history of craft beer in Western Canada, the importance of flavor and the appreciation of style and character in a wide spectrum of beers. What better way to experience this than an evening of beer and food pairing at one of Kelowna’s premier dining spots.

The Thursday night event began at 6PM with open pours of several Big Rock Beers. The bar at Cabana filled up with local liquor store and restaurant/pub owners/managers from around the Okanagan Valley.

After a few pints, Chef April Roy from Cabana Grille, introduced her first course. Crab Cake Schnitzel, Saaz Beurre Blanc, Citrus Vanilla Infusion, Picked Carrots and Lime Pearls! Wow!! The fantastic dish was paired nicely with Big Rock’s Saaz Republic Pilz beer. The Saaz Republic Pilz offers a distinct but mild bitterness on the front end followed by a slight hop middle and a clean, refreshing finish. The beer paired perfectly with April’s creation!

The second course consisted of Turkey Meatball with Ale and Horseradish Village Cheese Fondue and wrapped neatly with an Apple Chip. Big Rock Traditional Ale was served with this dish and again Chef April nailed the pairing! And if you haven’t tried Village Cheese Company‘s selection of cheeses, do check them out whenever you are in Armstrong, BC.

Cabana Grille's Turkey Meatball Course

Cabana Grille’s Turkey Meatball Course

The Third Course was served with Big Rock Helles Bock, coincidentally brewed to 6.66%ABV. Chef April gave us a Choucroute Spicy Pork Belley, Bauernwurst, Riesling Sauerkraut, Green Beans and Helles Bock Gastrique. Fantastic pairing again, with the food and beer bringing out the flavors of each other.

The Main Course at tonight's Big Rock Brewmasters Dinner.

The Main Course at tonight’s Big Rock Brewmasters Dinner.

Dessert was served as Scottish Ale Ice Cream with a Chili Sugar Cookie, Maple Toffee Crunch, Malt Beignet and a Plum Spice Reduction. Served with Big Rock’s Scottish Style Heavy Ale which balances toffee, caramel and vanilla, a perfect companion to the dessert.

I thank Big Rock Brewery and Dave for the opportunity to take in this fine evening. I have been re-introduced to the key values of craft beer of all styles. Cabana Grille offers six Big Rock Beers on tap so definitely belongs on the map of Craft Beer Friendly establishments in Kelowna. And after tasting Chef April Roy’s creations, Cabana Grille surely is amongst the city’s top culinary destinations. What a great combination!

Big Things Brewing in Small Town America (Republic Brewing)

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A recent trip to Washington State down Highway 97 for Mexican food took me on a detour to Republic, WA, a small town of about 1100 people located 35 miles east of Tonasket (home of my favorite taco truck). Founded during the great gold rush in the late 1800’s Republic today relies on mining as its main employment.

Republic Brewing on Clark Street in the old firehall.

Republic Brewing in the Old Firehall in Republic, WA

Enter Billy and Emily Burt, long time residents of the area and welcome their business, Republic Brewing, to this scenic little mining community. Located in the old fire hall on Clark, Ave, this quaint little tap room boasts a fantastic community feel and judging from the size of the mug club, I think everyone in town must be a member.

Republic Brewing and the Mug Club

The Mug Club at Republic Brewing

The chalkboard menu board also radiates the friendliness of this town, with a list of patrons who buy beers for fellow beer drinkers in their absence. Purchase a pint for a friend and add it to the list on the wall. Show up and find you have a drink, then erase your name and maybe buy a round for someone else.

The Chalkboard at Republic Brewing

Buy a beer for a friend at Republic Brewing.

The pub does not serve food, but you can order and have food from several local eateries delivered right to the brewery.

Although the IPA tap was dry the day I arrived, I thoroughly enjoyed the Pale Ale and can only imagine the goodness that awaits me in an IPA. Definitely a good excuse to make the 45 minute drive east on Hwy 20 on my next trip down to Washington State. I also hope to spend a little more time in this little town and explore some of the history it has to offer.

Republic Brewing: Website | Facebook

Yelp Me! Kingfisher’s Pub in Maple Ridge, BC

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By Jim Campbell (Suds Magazine’s Vancouver Reporter)

Last night I had a craving for something different.  It was 6:30pm and the Canucks game was to start in one hour…  I fired up ‘Yelp’ and started browsing through different neighborhoods for places to eat/drink that would satisfy my hunger.

As a big fan of craft beer I’ve been struggling to find a decent pub outside of Vancouver.  It seemed I was lucky to find a pub with a single craft beer on tap in my area.  In fact, one of the last pubs I went to the waitress did not even know what ‘craft beer’ was.

I first looked through White Rock’s listings… then Langley (my area)… nothing.  Finally I checked Maple Ridge.  At the top of my search was the Kingfishers Pub – five stars!  I proceeded to look them up online as I seemed to recall seeing their name in some CAMRA posts.  Sure enough, their website told me they had a wonderful selection of craft beer (See here: http://www.kingfisherspub.com/).

Although very close to where I live distance wise, I had to make the trek over the Golden Ears Bridge (Pay the toll) and snake my way through Maple Ridge to get there… it’s a little further than I like.   They are right on the water next to the Old Albion Ferry – that ferry would have been very convenient for trips to the pub!    Maybe I can find a boat to take me across the Fraser!

Craft beer at the Kingfisher Pub in Maple Ridge, BC

Craft Beer Taps at Kingfisher Pub in Maple Ridge, BC

My first impressions of the Pub were very good.  Beautiful, modern décor…   I was surprised that on a game night it wasn’t terribly busy – we got a nice booth right away with a good view of the TV screens over the bar.  Once I sat down we were almost instantly greeted by our waitress, Erinn – a genuinely friendly, fun, and knowledgeable server (potential “Suds Magazine” server of the month!).  I asked if they had any deals with CAMRA and she was quick to tell me that yes, CAMRA members get 10% off their food bill – sweet!  I ordered up a pint of Lighthouse Race Rocks Ale and my fiancé had a Stanley Park Noble Pilsner.

http://www.lighthousebrewing.com/products

http://www.stanleyparkbrewery.ca/index.php?page=7

For dinner I had the Chicken fajitas…  I am one of those guys that if there are chicken fajitas on the menu, I will typically order them – so I’ve eaten my fair share of them!  The fajitas were excellent!  I was brought a solid amount of seasoned chicken over top of onions and peppers with all the fixings – sour cream, homemade salsa, homemade guacamole, fresh cut butter lettuce, and shredded cheese.  It seems most places I have fajitas I either run out of chicken or soft tacos…  I had plenty of both!

My fiancé had a very unique ‘Albion Seafood Salad’.  It was loaded with fresh scallops, prawns, salmon, and cod/halibut (Not sure).  I had to try it – and it was fantastic!

After dinner I had room for one more pint, so I ordered a Red Racer IPA – a solid local IPA that I drink often.  I then asked Erinn to explain the Pub’s ‘Membership’ into their Beer Club.  For $55 you get an annual membership – it gives you 4 sleeves a month, invites to cask nights (including a free glass), stein nights, and other functions.  I signed up immediately!

When I finished signing up, Ted, the owner of the pub, came to our table to thank me for signing up.  We chatted for a few minutes about craft beer and their association with CAMRA.   It was a great personal touch that wrapped up our visit so well.

I am really looking forward to this Thursday’s cask night – Red Racer Pale Ale, dry hopped with Centennial Hops!  It will be a  great prequel to a long weekend down at the Leavenworth Fest of Ales.

Overall a five star experience!  Great food, great service, and great beers!   Off the beaten track, but certainly worth finding the next time you’re heading down Lougheed Highway!

A Visit to Gene Simmons’ “Rock and Brews” in El Segundo, CA

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Gene Simmons and beer don’t belong in the same sentence? Or do they…?  A man who has made an extensive fortune off of selling the KISS brand has decided to dip his bass slappin’ rock n roll hands into the ever expanding craft beer market.  Beer? Gene Simmons?  Is this the same guy who has been quoted saying he has never drank alcohol, used drugs or smoked?  Well the Suds Magazine team happened to be in the area and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to stop by the new “All-American” Rock & Brews Restaurant.

Gene Simmons Rock n Brews El Segundo

Gene Simmons' from KISS and his new venture, Rock & Brews in El Segundo, CA.

Nestled in the LAX neighbouring city known as El Segundo, (second city in Spanish), is Gene Simmons’ new business venture – Rock & Brews.  At first glance the place resembles a neighbourhood brew pub you would find in say Seattle, Portland, or plenty of other cities in the Northwest.   The place looks like it was built into an old mechanic shop.  Half the seating is indoors and the other in the elements. An easy way to describe it is a toned down Hard Rock Cafe.  What took us back was the outdoor area was lined with picnic tables that featured Budweiser umbrellas. Budweiser umbrellas? I thought this is about craft beer?  C’mon Gene.

The patio at Rock & Brews in El Segundo

Red is the color on the patio at Gene Simmons' Rock & Brews in El Segundo, CA.

This hip new pub features 100 rotating handles of craft and macro beer.  Since the taps rotate frequently the only way to find out what’s in is either on the website (rockn.com) or on one of the large monitors.  Rock & Brews generously offers free Wi-Fi so you can check the menu via your phone. Now that’s green!  We had the pleasure of sampling some rarities such as the Great Divide 18th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA and Avery Brewing “The Beast”.

The food was slightly above average bar grub and offered healthy alternatives such as the Gluten Free Thin Crust El Segundo Pizza Salad.  We would also recommend the Rock & Brews Special, if you are in the mood for a meaty pizza pie.

Craft Beer and Pizza at Rock & Brews El Segundo.

Suds Magazine suggested pairing at Gene Simmons' Rock & Brews. Eagle Rock Populous IPA with Rock & Brews Special PIzza.

Gene plans to expand this into a chain of over 50 bars in 2 years. Whether or not this will happen, only time will tell.  We do wish him the best of luck as spreading craft beer to the masses can do no harm.  If you ever have time to spare in between flights at LAX or are in the area check Rock & Brews out.

Visit to Rock & Brews and Article by Matt Szymkow, Suds Magazine Director of Photography

Leavenworth Ale Fest 2012

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Suds Magazine and about a dozen followers attended the 2012 version of the Leavenworth Ale Fest in lovely Leavenworth, WA. This small Bavarian village about 30 minutes West of Wenatchee hosts this great event every April to benefit the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum.

Rebeca Wadkins and Rob Trent

Event organizer, Rebeca Wadkins, and me at the Leavenworth Ale Fest.

Approximately 20 breweries from the Pacific Northwest are on display with each offering a couple of their fine craft beers. For the fourth year in a row I was asked to judge the event along with four others. Georgtown Brewing took home top IPA (Lucille IPA) and top Pale Ale (Manny’s Pale Ale). The Best in Show went to Deschutes Black Butte XXIII.

Beautiful Scenery in Leavenworth WA surrounding the beer festival.

Wonderful scenery from the patio of the 2012 Leavenworth Ale Fest.

Aside from the fantastic organization of the event, the great beers and great food, Leavenworth offers much more for the visitor during the weekend. The quaint Bavarian village in the Cascade mountains of Washington is home to numerous nightlife venues and excellent dining spots for every palate. There is also a brewpub in town making excellent craft beers called Icicle Brewing which just celebrated its first birthday!

Be sure to check out Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill for mouth-watering sausages cooked on the outdoor grill and served with an extensive selection of premium mustards and house-made pear chutney! The beer garden offers a selection of Icicle Brewing beers and they are open early so a great remedy for that hangover after a night of revelling in Leavenworth.

View from the beer garden at Munchen Haus.

Sausages and beer on a sunny day in Leavenworth at the Munchen Haus!