Jumpin' At The Woodside

Happy Friday! Tonight's brew is too good to wait until Christmas to open... Rogue Santa's Private Reserve ! My rule of thumb is if it's on the shelf it's not too early. Besides, these beers are only around for a short period of time each year so why not grab them while you can. Last weekend I made beef stew as planned. It was my second time ever making it, and came out great. This was an Emeril beef stew recipe that I modified slightly as I replaced a portion of the beef stock with some Columbia Crest - Grand Estates Cabernet . This wine was under $7 at the Total Wine, but tasted like it should cost 5x more! I also traded out two yellow onions for one large Vidalia, and I did the small red potatoes with the skin vs. the called for russet. And of course, had to add some dill weed too! - Salud!

It's a chilly, damp evening here, but Happy Friday all the same! Maybe a little early, but with the temps tonight expected to dip into the 30s it's perfect for a Sierra Nevada - Celebration Fresh Hop Ale ! We had "Team Building" this week at Hawthorne's Pizza . I pass it nearly everyday, but have never been. Well now I know I've been missing out on some really great NY-style pizza. I had the "Elizabeth Special" with Pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, bell peppers, white onions and mozzarella cheese - momma mia, was it good! I also tried a beer I haven't had literally in ages, Newcastle Brown Ale . Last time I had a Newcastle Brown Ale was at this place in Somerville, Mass., which is just on the other side of Cambridge coming from Boston. This had to be some time around 1997-98. I'll tell you what, the Newcastle Brown tasted amazingly good. I say that because I've noticed how my tastes have changed over the years. There are some beers ...