It was a icy cold day up in North Seattle Saturday morning, clouds threatening rain. But we didn't care; we were off to warm up with hearty beers and enjoy three phenomenal tours of some of Seattle's oldest and newest breweries up in the Fremont/Ballard neighborhoods. Each location brought new and interesting insights into the local brewing community. Dikla Tuchman explains...
Seattlest Goes Boozin' in Fremont: Brewery Tour A-Go Go
Drinking for a Cause: Beer First, Water Second
With a goal of supplying some of the poorest countries with clean water, strong health education, and water irrigation, Water 1st strives to help those less fortunate. However, the organization recognizes that we are a society that craves something unique, which is why they are organizing a festival of sorts.
Drinking this Weekend: Getting Naked, Green Flash, & Belgians
As far as we are concerned, L.A. can have our crappy, rain soaked weather. Instead of drowning your lawn you might consider drowning your liver. Some of the side-effects for this weekend include hangovers, muscle soreness, and oh yeah, supporting the victims in Haiti.
Getting a Beer Gut for X-Mas: A Craft Beer Pairing, Part Two
Today, although half gone, is Christmas Eve, and if you are one of the several million out there, you suffer from last-minute shopping rage. It didn't have to come to this, but then again, who said the holidays were easy. If you are one of the lucky ones standing in a kitchen, you have no doubt a snack fetish taking hold. Here are some helpful tips on what should be in that glass while sucking down another ranch-drenched baby carrot.
Getting a Beer Gut for X-Mas: A Craft Beer Pairing
Long forgotten, craft beer with it’s over 125 different styles has been a staple at the dinner table for centuries. Today for those in the know it’s a wonderful accent to those potatoes, ham, poultry, or even peanut brittle. In an abbreviated sort of 'advent calendar' we offer the first in a series dedicated to your temporary bowl full of jelly
Thanksgiving Pairing Suggestion: Dessert Isn't Just a Meal
Filled with overeating, healthy conversation, and libations, Thanksgiving is truly an American tradition. In our final installment of beer and "the bird" we cover the second favorite entree: dessert. Besides consuming a nice lager, stout, or sour ale, one might consider contacting your local brewery for some spent grains. More will be mentioned on this, including a recipe for the real beer pancakes. Check out past entries on what to pair with turkey, and what to serve with your sides.
Thanksgiving Pairing Suggestion: Sides with a Pint
In terms of food, Thanksgiving is all about the bird. Side dishes are nothing more than filler, but they still stand up by themselves when one uses the right "brew." This week, we continue looking at the theme of beer with a helping of thanks.
Hale's O'Brien's Harvest Ale
Up the street from the old Redhook along Leary, and long since relocated from its old stomping grounds (Kirkland and Colville), is Hale's Ales. Featured within its fully operational brewery is a restaurant and a warehouse that has played host to both performers and the winter beer fest. Hale's is open for breakfast and runs on into the night with a wide range of beers, including the Harvest Ale.
Wetting Ourselves Over the Moisture Festival at Hales Brewery
Drop your cynicism at the door and get ready for childlike, wide-eyed delight. The Moisture Festival, now in its fifth year, has the same friendly feeling as the Oregon Country Fair. No surprise, since the festival's founders are long-time performers there. Each evening is a true variety show, with an eclectic mix of unpretentious performers who jump onto the stage and let their talent amaze us, rather than relying on lights and set. Cirque-du-fancy-pants-Soleil this is not. In many ways, it's better.

