Baseball Season and Summer End

A couple of weekends ago, my family met up in Baltimore. To go to one of the Yankees v. Orioles game, one of Jeter's last. To go to some of the festivities for the 200th anniversary of the Star-Spangled Banner. And, of course, to eat, drink, and relax.

Some highlights:

Kansas City and the Belfry

On this year's trip to Kansas City, my friend Josh and I made a great discovery... The Belfry, a new bar located in the Crossroads. We loved it so much we went five of the eight nights we were in town. And on our final night, a beer dinner pairing the fine food of Celina Tio and beers of Jolly Pumpkin brewery.

Consider this Part II of my account of my trip to Kansas City during Craft Beer Week.

Kansas City and Craft Beer Week

I just got back from Kansas City, where I was drinking and eating working for the past week. As fate would have it, it just happened to be their American Craft Beer Week and, boy, did I really take advantage. I drank, rubbed elbows with a great chef, and made a few key purchases that made in back to NYC with me. Here's what happened.

This is part I of my account of my trip to Kansas City during Craft Beer Week.

Gun Hill Brewing Co.

Some photos of my visit to the opening event at Gun Hill Brewing Co. tasting room in the Bronx. I spent the afternoon tasting their beers, eating food, and hanging out with friends. I tried their Gun Hill Gold (easy, golden ale) and Thunder Dog Stout (dark chocolate-like stout). Both very good.

American-Made Weekend Links

I know, I know. It's been a while since my last links post. I've been busy surviving this winter weather. This installment of my weekend links deals with beer, spirits, made-in-New-York fashion at NY Fashion Week, the car that might be "the greatest American-made product ever, and the response to the State of the Union address and the made-in-America Super Bowl ads.

Here are 13 articles and videos you need to see if you haven't already:

The Craft of American Beer

Today is a big day for beer. Americans consume an estimated 50 million cases of beer on Super Bowl Sunday. Some football fans will buy domestic light beer, some NFL watchers will drink imported fancy beers, but some will be happiest drinking some quality American-made craft beers. Luckily, my best friend, Jeremy, works in the beverage industry and is a bit of an expert on the subject. Here's what he has to say about American craft beers, their place in U.S. history, and their impact on local economies. 

A Just Peachy Day

Ray, Lena, and Amy

I had such a great day yesterday. I spent the morning taking care of business (Pilates, haircut, blog things). My neighborhood was buzzing with delivery trucks, film crews (lots of TV shows and movies film on location here), and people going about their day. In the afternoon, I had the pleasure of hanging out with two of my girlfriends that I don't see nearly as much as I'd like. On the docket: a concert, some drinks, and a good old-fashioned girls night out.

Over the Counter Pils

I was recently in Kansas City for work and had the opportunity to try quite a few craft beers, including some local ones that I had never tried before. My favorite was the easy-drinking Boulevard Brewery KC Pils. Great both on draft and bottled. Crisp and refreshing. Unpasteurized and with a classic American beer taste. Light, but not watered down. When you're trying to beat the heat this summer, grab a local brew like this one. It'll be just what the doctored ordered.

Birthday Beers

Moustache pint glass = bar photo fun

Today is my friend Lena's birthday. Yesterday, I spent a gorgeous sunny day in the Bronx celebrating with her and her posse. In addition to some great food at the Bronx Ale House, we took a long walk at Orchard Beach park, made a quick stop to the grounds of the Bartow-Pell Mansion, and headed over to City Island.