Bear Mountain Oktoberfest

Guten Morgen!

While I was downstate this past weekend, I checked out the Bear Mountain Oktoberfest. First time going, and it wasn't bad. My sister and her boyfriend have been there before and came prepared with an extra stein so I could partake in large amounts of beer consumption. I'm not sure how much beer those steins hold... 2 or 3 pints? Started with an Oktoberfest, and then a wheat beer. Both pretty good, but more in one day than I've had since my trip to Belgium.

You have to pay for parking ($10) which I suppose you can also consider your entrance fee. 16 oz. beers are $7; steins (w/ first fill) are $28; refills $14. I was considering buying a stein for my own, but I'll probably be in Germany in the spring. I'll just wait and get a legit one, along with a ginormous pretzel.

Food is typical for an Oktoberfest - schnitzel, bratwurt/knockwurst, spatzle, reg cabbage, potato salad, pretzels, waffles, and more. The menu, with prices, can be found here. There are also a handful of vendors, so bring plenty of cash because that's all they take (except for the beer and food tents).

If you want to work off all food and beer, I believe there are a few trails you can hit up and enjoy the natural splendor.

Oktoberfest runs every weekend until October 28th.

Prost!

RS Taylor & Sons Brewery (Salem, NY)

Did you know there's a new brewery in town?

Well, not town. But in the region. Middle of nowhere... but still close by.

RS Taylor & Sons opened up in early September and has already made its way onto the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail. I left most of the beer talk to M, but managed to listen in from time to time while drinking my flight. The person at the bar was the owner/brewer himself, Richard Taylor. The background info you can find on their website, so it's not necessary to re-write it here. But I do like hearing about people who have been home brewing for years and make the leap to opening a brewery. 

  

Flights are $8 for four samples. Naturally we tried them all. The board on the left from back to front - Willie's Nut Brown Ale; Legends of the Fall IPA; English Ale; Belcher Town Ale. The board on the right - Amber Ale; (not in the pic, but in my hand) Oatmeal Stout; Mr. Crane's Pumpkin Ale; and the lone cider/guest tap Hidden Star from Slyboro. Of the seven beers, Legends and Belcher were my favorite. M enjoyed Legends as well so we bought a growler to take home. Lasted a day. Barely.

There is also a kitchen in the tap room, which I believe is run by Mr. Taylor's wife. The menu is limited and changes often. Most, if not all of the ingredients are locally sourced. If we had not just ate, I would have tried their cheese plate or chili. 

If you need a place to check out this weekend, definitely stop on by.

R.S. Taylor & Sons Brewery 

3602 County Route 30

Salem, NY 

Open W-F 4:00 - 9:00

          S-Su 12:00 - 6:00

Shmaltz Brewing Company Grand Opening Bash (Clifton Park, NY)

On Sunday, M and I made the quick trip up to Clifton Park to check out the opening of the newest brewery in the Capital Region, Shmaltz Brewing. You can read all about them on their website about their beginnings, but here's the super Cliffs Notes version -  they started off making and distributing their beer through a contract brewery, got tired of that gig and wanted to make beer all on their own. And their location? A business park in the 'burbs. Hey, if it works for Captain Lawrence Brewing, why not them... right?

They have two lines, HE'BREW Beer and Coney Island Craft Lagers. I've only had the latter, and that was years ago. I honestly can't even tell you how it was, as that beer was purchased during a blizzard and I was pretty... slizzard. M's had Coney Island beers in the past and did not like them at all. So M was weary about checking this out, but decided to go after seeing the list of other breweries that would be in attendance.



For twenty-five bucks (plus service fees) we got a 6oz. tasting glass and five wooden beer tokens. Just five. I think the only ones really enforcing that rule was Shmaltz... most of the brewery tables filled all glasses put in front of them. Maybe it's a legality thing.

Their tasting room is nice and roomy, with their "shop" on the left side as you enter. There are plenty of tables, chairs, and leather couches. Be careful with some of their bigger tables - they're on wheels. Their "bar" is tucked away in a corner next to the door that leads you into the actual brewing area.



The food trucks were in the back, but if you were lucky you got a piece of brownie made with their beer. I was able to score a piece. Not super sweet, but dense and chocolate-y. Imagine if it was used in an ice cream...

There were tours of their brewing area, which I didn't really pay attention to because IT WAS SO HOT. Super hot. I was melting. And darn me for not being Filipino enough to carry a fan with me. I overheard a guy talking about the only thing hotter than this was the Made in the Shade festival in Flagstaff, Arizona. 

My biggest gripe about the event was the lack of any mechanical devices to circulate the air... and perhaps even cool it a bit. How did fans not even factor into the planning of this? It's the middle of summer, and maybe it's just me... but a warehouse full of sweaty stinky people doesn't sound like good times. M insisted that it wasn't possible because the brewing has to be at a certain temperature. To that I call bull. I'm sorry, but even with that big of a space and all your garage doors open, fans would have made things much more enjoyable.

As hot as it was, the beer did help. Of all the beers that I had, the one I liked the most was the raspberry saison, Rock the Boat, from Adirondack Brewery. The raspberry flavor was not overpowering, and it was a very smooth and drinkable. A close second was the Lower Standard IPA from Peekskill Brewery. Of course I had to have some of the house beers - Shmaltz's black IPA, death of a Contract Brewer, was pretty good, and I'm not a fan of the dark beers. The other beer was either the Rejewvenator or Jewbelation. Not my favorite.

There were about nine breweries that joined in on the fun, along with the  homebrew clubs of Saratoga and Albany. The Albany Brew Crafters submitted a beer at the National Homebrewers Conference and made it to the second round. A pretty good feat considering there were probably people submitting beers from all over the country to compete. And speaking of the NHC, a member of the Cass River Homebrew Club (the club that M's sister is a part of) won gold for his beer! I'm pretty sure it was a stout, but it could have been a porter. Anyways, for him to win gold when he was up against hundreds... pretty impressive.

As you can see, it's a huge space. And at the height of the celebration, the place was pretty full. It would be interesting to see what it looks like during normal operating hours.

There were water stations set up all over the brewery, for people to have a cool sip of water, and clean out their glasses in between beers.

Along with the music, there were some side show acts. I was in the back so I didn't get to see much of the Human Blockhead's act, and caught a glimpse of Legs Malone's burlesque act. Going by the sounds from the audience, it was all pretty good.

You may or may not have seen it, but I was interviewed for a story about the opening. I was pretty flustered and babbled maybe a bit more than I normally do, but they pared it down into the smallest snippet. Check it out if it's still online. 

Will have to go back there again when it's a little cooler and not too crowded. And  hopefully they'll take credit cards.

Run Gobble Gobble

Picture found here: http://albany2cents.com/troy-turkey-trot-nations-12th-oldest-road-race-just-47-days-away/

Not necessarily a food related topic, but it is about me trying to be involved locally. The Troy Turkey Trot will be here before you know it... and I am running it.

Holy crap.

Trader Joe'd

I was going to wait a little longer than I did, but I got back from the city Sunday at a decent time so I figured a drive down Wolf Road wouldn't hurt. But not before shopping at another store first. Which store? You'll see soon enough. 

I didn't take any pictures of the store itself, but they almost all look the same. I was worried the place would be a driving nightmare, but it wasn't bad at all. The police directing traffic really helped things run smoothly and I was lucky to find a spot quite easily. I left through the back and saw that people had parked over behind Panera and there was a road that connected the TJ parking lot to the Colonie Center loop. So, if you want to avoid the traffic, turn into the mall and head for the far Macy's parking lot. If you're on Wolf Road you can turn onto Sand Creek Road and enter the mall that way, avoiding the headache inducing left turn.

It wasn't the madhouse I had imagined it to be, but the empty shelves I thought I would see were there. Some of the sold out food items included soft white bread and tortilla chips... possibly all varieties. The store wasn't mobbed, but there were people standing around and staring. Understandable when it's your first visit, but it was burdensome as I had to do some dodge and weave exercises to get some items. Had I known I would have stretched first.

Checkout was quick but a little confusing. So you drop your cart off on one side and then stand on the other.  I don't remember doing that at other stores, but then again, I also remember someone taking my things when I got to the front of the line. The lady in front of me had mentioned that she was just there the day before and just had to come back. Looks like TJ's found themselves a new fan.

Lucky for me their opening coincided with my upcoming vacation. So while I'm off in the great outdoors, you'll have some TJ related posts to keep you busy. Just some mini-reviews... nothing fancy.

The Vietnam (Again)

I've written about this place plenty, so no more needs to be said. Except... did you know they also own Mekong Grill in Ridgewood, NJ? I haven't been there yet, but my cousin has and likes it.

She also likes the guy working at the restaurant who told us about Mekong.

Cute. And go, try them out.

Stewart's Buttered Roll

So there was a discussion on Twitter recently about the buttered roll. One person in particular didn't understand what the big deal was and why people could eat such a thing.

Why? Why the hell not? 

It's bread and butter, conveniently put together and in grabbing distance as you pay for your morning coffee. And it really isn't an upstate thing, nor is it really a New York thing. I've bought these at Stewart's here in the Capital Region; 7-Eleven in New Jersey, Maryland, DC; Wawa in Southern Jersey; and Sheetz in Western PA. Hell, I bought buttered rolls in a tiny hotel shop in Hawaii! I've bought these at gas stations, bodegas, the corner food cart. You don't buy it because it's flavorful. You buy them because it's cheap, portable, and tides you over until you actually eat.

Okay, I'm done complaining. 

Anyways, I went to Stewart's this morning on the way to work to pick up some ice cream for a party (Crumbs Along the Mohawk, on sale this week for $3.19). I poured myself a large coffee and there they were... the buttered rolls. But there was more... much more. Peanut butter rolls! Peanut butter and jelly rolls! Plain rolls you can toast and then butter! And bagels with the same options, but I didn't really pay much attention to those since the hoopla was all about the rolls. I grabbed a roll and scooted over to the cashier. Paid for my food and went on my way. I put my coffee and roll in the staff lounge to eat once I got settled at work. This was about 9AM. When did I finally get around to eating that roll? When I got home, which was about 6PM. Bread didn't taste stale, butter I'm guessing was salted. 

Whatever, still hit the spot.

Lanthier’s Grove (Latham, NY)

Not too long ago I went over to Lanthier’s Grove for a weekend outing with some co-workers. We went there to kick back, have fun, and enjoy lots of good food.
Two out of three ain’t bad.

Tour de Fish Fry: Second Helpings

The fish fry tour recap seemed pretty lengthy, so I cut out a lot. Mostly pictures. Now before I forget and banish them to my external, here are some more shots from the day. I tried to get candids, but I guess I’m not a sneaky enough shooter.

The Garden in the Alley

In the same alley Chatham Brewery is located is a small garden. This is how I should have planned out mine. Commence jealousy.

Quick Chatham Trip

Saturday was pretty busy. But first, we needed to make a beer run.

Big Announcement #1

As of next week, I’ll be an upstater once again.

That’s right readers. I’m moving back to the Capital Region. I got a job offer not too long ago and with all the paperwork done, I can get back into the work routine (and I’m loving the fact I’ll be working days and no weekends!)

I’ve got a long list of places I need to try out, and no longer have to say “well, next time I’m in the area.” I celebrated with some cupcakes from The Fresh Market, chocolate with pink icing, purple tinted sugar… and red hots? Weird combination, but that’s what drew me to them in the first place. The candy really didn’t jive with the cupcake, so I ended up picking them off and eating them later.

There’s another announcement, but that one isn’t ready yet. Give it a month.

Responsible Drinking

Drinks with friends. I don't know why, but I insisted on a beer and Jameson. Which the other two decided to have as well. Don't like it on its own - I like it better when mixed with Bailey's and dropped into a pint of Guinness.

I forget where this was at, but it was in Brooklyn. Park Slope, pre-snowpocalypse. They sold fried pickles, that were kinda salty. I don't know why my friend insisted on them... since they should only be offered at a bbq joint. This was not that kind of place at all. And he should have known better, being that he is from TN and they do make delicious bbq.

50% Off Sushi @ Sushi Park (New York, NY)

Went into the city Friday with some classmates to hit up a job fair thing. We got hit with the knowledge that we were basically wasting our time, since everyone there was applying to the same five places and we were better off looking outside of this area. We pretty much knew this, but at least she said it in a nice way… and with a puppet no less.

After a couple of loops around the room (I scored a lot of pens!), my group grabbed a couple of drinks and headed outside. We were all in a sushi mood so we headed over to Sushi Park to chow down on discounted food. I’m not sure if it’s all day Friday, but it’s definitely a weekly thing. They are a decent amount of options, but you have to order a minimum of $14.95 to get the deal. I don’t have a picture of it, but I ordered a Colour roll (tuna, salmon, avocado - $10.95) and a Sakekawa (salmon skin – $5.95) roll. Both rolls had six pieces each, and were exactly what you would expect. There were some interesting sounding ones, but I think I’ll save those for the next trip.

There were four of us, and we each ordered two rolls. Tack on a ginger ale, and the bill came out to 43 dollars. Not too bad.

Sushi Park (in case you can’t read it in the picture)
121 East 2nd Avenue (between 7th and 8th streets)
New York, NY 10003
212-533-8448
website

Mei Li Wah’s Pork Buns

With every trip into the city, I stop over to Bayard Street in Chinatown to pick up a dozen of these for my uncle. I normally don’t get any for myself, but with my sister back in town, I decided to indulge. They offer the pork buns, or the larger, special buns. I have no idea what is in the special ones… I’ll have to ask my uncle one of these days.

You can purchase the pork buns either baked or steamed. The special buns are only steamed. I don’t remember the individual prices, but I know that a dozen of the special is $19.20. A dozen of the pork is $9.60.

The pork buns were pretty good, and the filling was surprisingly more meat than fat. I’m fine with the bread to filling ratio, but I’ve had family members complain that they were too bready. And from what I hear it’s worse with the larger, special buns. But they store well, are easy to re-heat and eat on the go.

I remember my mom and aunts making these when I was younger. While they filled theirs with beef and pork, I made them with peanut butter and jelly. And wouldn’t you know, they were pretty tasty. I found a recipe for siopao in one of my mom’s cookbook and one of these days I’ll try it out. But for now, I’ll stick to these instead.

Banned

So there's all this hoopla about Four Loko and it's upcoming banning in New York Sate. You can be for it, or against it... and that's all well and good. But what about other alcoholic/caffeinated beverages that have also been banned? Where's the uproar for them?

Well here it is.

Picture can be found here: http://www.bevmo.com/Media/Images/ProductImagesFull/12007.jpg

Everclear - No, I'm not talking about the band (although I do like them). Everclear, that grain alcohol I discovered on a trip to Iowa. Now that is some crazy stuff... the effects of drinking beverages with this alcohol mixed in didn't show itself until the next morning. And at a whopping 190 proof, it has been banned in a number of states, including New York. Sure, I was sad I couldn't buy any here... but then again, there is plenty more out there to drink.

Picture can be found here: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/37/110345832_ed12624ce8.jpg

Jolt Cola - Long before Red Bull was this ditty of a drink called Jolt. And like Red Bull, I'm sure it was mixed with some alcohol for that extra kick. Not that I ever used it for those purposes. I've had a Jolt once... maybe twice in my life, and it was purely for all academic reasons. It was all the rage back in high school, and then it was banned in this area. Or perhaps businesses agreed to not sell it after incidents with teenagers and this drink. All I remember is some people saying they would drive to Jersey to buy it, but I suppose people moved on to the next fad, because I didn't hear about Jolt again for a very long time.

That's all I can think of regarding banned drinks. Are there others?

EDIT - Looks like the people over at All Over Albany went ahead and tried Four Loko and Joose. Someone get them something better to drink.

More Apple Picking

I guess it’s official – apple picking season is over. I was in the car this afternoon and the reporter had mentioned that most orchards are just about picked out. The warm spring led to earlier harvests, and the storms that passed through this area didn’t help with the whole pick-your-own situation. But it does help with cider making… and I do love cider.

2010 Vendy Awards

This originally was going to be quite a lengthy post.

But I kept putting it off, and here were are, more than a week later and the post is still in my drafts pile. That changes today.

Instead of the lengthy typed post, detailing the sights, sounds, smells, etc… you get videos:

Vendy Awards 2010 from Under the Copper Tree on Vimeo.

Vendy Awards from Under the Copper Tree on Vimeo.

There are better pictures out there of the event, and no doubt some excellent write ups on it. It was fun, I enjoyed myself… but I was more excited just being back on Governors Island. I lived there for a time growing up, so it holds a special place in my heart. It’s sad to see it’s not the same as I remember it, but glad that it’s being used.

Chocolate Cube

 

The same day as the Vendy Awards I was invited to a party in the city. Big fancy deal, in the heart of Manhattan. Unfortunately I was running late. Really late. By the time I sat down at my table, the guests were just finishing up their desserts.

Ever see those molds that turn ice cubes into shot glasses? Well, this dessert had the same premise, with the cake turned into a bowl of sorts, filled with chocolate. And as you can see, it was decorated with mixed berries (blueberries, blackberries, and what looked like thawed out raspberries). Didn’t like this one at all. I don’t know if they were going for some dark chocolate theme, it was just not working for me. I resigned to some bad coffee and enjoyed the rest of the night.

As the party was wrapping up, I headed upstairs to the suite for the “after party.” Someone had brought in a bunch of Filipino food, which was delicious and made up for the cake disaster.