March Madness
We are busy like bees on meth putting out this March issue. Get excited, because it’s going to be our best yet.
Suds for Surgeries
The 2nd Annual Mission Valley Craft Beer Festival AKA Suds for Surgeries is taking place March 27 Noon-6PM at the Handlery. Local beer (30 San Diego breweries), local chefs (15 chefs from around town), and local music combined with unlimited tasters with the proceeds of a $35 presale ticket going to a local charity? Sign us up. Need a deal sweetener? Tap Hunter is doing a Straight From the Tap for the event.
The Linkery turns 6 this weekend
Kudos to the restaurant that makes me proud to be a North Parker. I remember Jay Porter back when he had a normal haircut. Setting up shop on 30th Street in 2005 was a risky move, and opening a farm-to-table, local-centric restaurant on the same street was considered insane by many at the time. In hindsight, he defined what is now the trendiest beer circuit in the country. This weekend’s itinerary was just announced, and you’ll find us somewhere in the crowd of well-wishers during the festivities.
Cervecería Academia: La Gran Terraza hits the craft beer books
Attending USD now comes with added perks: great beer on campus. La Gran Terraza, home of student/teacher pub O’Toole’s as well as the classy adjoining Grand Dining & Terrace venues, has started a craft beer program. They recently hosted a Beer & Chocolate Dinner with Stone. Unbeknownst to us, it’s also the best deal in town. $21.95 + tax and tip for 5-Course pairings, such as Double Bastard w/ Braised Short Rib in Chocolate Rosemary Sauce & Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous & Pork Spare Rib w/ Chocolate Hoisin Sauce. They don’t skimp on pours, and the view of the sunset over Tecolote canyon is best enjoyed with some of San Diego’s finest paired with the best collegiate cuisine we’ve ever tasted (full disclosure: both WC Publishers attended California public universities.) For more information on upcoming events, check out their website.
Press Box plots
Located at the eastern end of the 94 freeway, The Press Box Sports Lounge is designed from the ground up to be a cool sports bar. Slick interior, private VIP room, great seating, and flatscreens galore teamed with a notable draft and bottle line up that includes San Diego Beer means they have a cornered the craft beer market in the area. They’re also rolling out craft beer events on a monthly basis (next up is a Samuel Adams tasting, but we have it on good authority that a San Diegan-emphasis will be placed on future events.) The owner, Dan Kniffin, also has his hand in planning what is gearing up to be the largest craft beer festival in town with over 100 local and regional (California only) breweries in attendance. Details developing. West Coaster will keep you updated.
The Tenderest of Greens
Liberty Station is a cool spot. Aside from East Coast infiltration, there’s a bustling little craft beer circuit. Luca Banfi (formerly of The Grill @ Torrey Pines fame) informed us that TenderGreens, his current gig, recently secured Pizza Port’s California Honey Ale as well as Lightning’s Thunderweizen on their modestly sized, excellent draft lineup.