Beer and Food

Here in Brooklyn, NY, USA, the appreciation of the GBBD (Great British Beer Debate - Real Ale vs. Kegged Ale) is less important than actually finding a pub, bar, bistro, tavern, that has malt beverages on a hand pump and an owner (publican) who knows how to maintain a draught beer system. There are two within a kilometer or two from where I write this blog.

            One, The Brazen Head, has at least two on gravity and every few weeks (fortnight) holds event that feature a couple dozen offerings. These events draw enough imbibers that the freshness of the brews is never in question. There may not be a second pint when you go back again. Without a kitchen I usually find this place while on the way to another place. Do the patrons of this establishment feel they are a bastion of "real beer" in a hostile environment, always under attack? On the contrary, the lion has lain down with the lamb. The co-existence of real and kegged has happened! Come and see!

The first pint is on me...

            The place I call "home" most Thursdays between 1500 and 1700 is also a dispenser of Real Ale. The Waterfront Alehouse is a "beer-bar" that not only pours Real Ale, it has a kitchen with imagination and a sense of humor. Chef Jim and owner Sam B. have maintained a level of true "low and slow" BBQ touted by folks with big drums to beat. The Alehouse has a good sized smoker that turns out some fine BBQ. The rest of the menu, especially if you are into game, is always interesting. For example, here is a dish of Bambi's mother...

Tomorrow I will post a full report. But I digress... Here also the attention paid to the proper serving of Real Ale is respected but no call for adoration. Only those seeking a selection from the Anheuser-Bush family of brews will be disappointed... and only if they leave.

Until tomorrow...

Cheers!

Peter LaFrance

(peter.lafrance@beerbasics.com )