Category Archives: Beer

Beantown Piggyback or: Triple Play

10 Monday Sep 2018

Posted by in Beer, Food, Podcasting, The Less Desirables Network, Uncategorized

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Salutations™!!

This week will be a full complement of podcasts for The Less Desirables Network! There are currently five shows on the network and five podcasts this week. That doesn’t happen that often these days and one of them is a bi-weekly show (for now) so that would cause a little wrinkle in the “full complement” department.

Anywhat! Today we have produced/published three of them!

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The Beer Dads took Labor Day off but return to talk about what fall/autumn brings and what kind of traditions they look forward to, dread or participate in. You can listen to that episode HERE.

Faninterference

Fan Interference is next and TC and I talk a little bit, or a lot, about Week 1 of the NFL, injuries, who looked good, who looked bad and how a tie is not a loss. We also talk about Nick Saban’s winning and whining ways. You can hear that episode HERE.

TMWATTLogoFinally, there’s The Man Who Ate the Town and “The Tims” talk about Chef Travis Myers (because why wouldn’t you?), Mary’s Gourmet Diner, The BCPF’s and my trip to Boston, food holidays and history. New conversations and segments coming to this show. You can hear this week’s episode HERE.

As always, thank you, Dear Reader, for reading my rantings and thank you if you’re a listener to any of our podcasts. If you’re not, you’re a “short timer” and it’s only a matter of time!

Until tomorrow, keep listening…
Scorp out!

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“The Regulars are coming!” – Paul Revere

Anniversary in Beantown or: Champagne, Strawberries & Chocolate

02 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by in Beer, Food, Honeymoon, Life as We Know It, Travel

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Salutations™!!

I”m going to skip all the anniversary storytime stuff that I normally put on these. I figure that by now I’ve said all I can say without being redundant. I could probably go back a year, two years, three years and copy and paste something, but this one is different. It’s the first time that we’ve been away for our anniversary since we got married.

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Thank you, Omni Parker House!

Really, it’s the first time we’ve been “somewhere” since we got married. We went to Chicago for The BCPF’s work in 2015, in August. Earlier this year we went to Asheville, NC for the weekend with The Beer Dads family. But, we haven’t been anywhere for vacation by ourselves, for ourselves, and we had traveled some before we got married.

We have seen some fantastic stuff, eaten some fantastic food, talked to some fantastic folks. Yesterday, alone, we walked over 13,000 steps just looking for breweries (we really only found one), the previous two days we walked over 9,000 each. We’ve had to walk off all that great food we’ve eaten. You’ll be able to read a recap on The Man Who Ate the Town and the TMWATT Instagram later this week.

This morning, we had a knock on our hotel room door at 8am. The hotel had sent up 4 chocolate covered strawberries and a small bottle of champagne. It was really nice. They also sent a card up in which some of the employees had signed. To be honest, I knew about it, but I didn’t ask for it, I just scheduled the time. It was awesome of them. They have been really nice here. The hotel is old and it shows its age, but there’s plenty of charm and an elegance that harks back to yesteryear. I have enjoyed the hotel and their concierges have been really helpful the whole time.

To The BCPF, I apologize if rehashing our story on here once more was what you were looking for, I just hope you know that I have loved our time this long, extended weekend and I love you more and more every day. I’d walk down that stairway to the gunroom again, in a heartbeat. As you said last night, every day is an anniversary of a great day we’ve already had. Let’s keep that going. I love you, Stephanie.

Until tomorrow, Dear Reader…
Scorp out!

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“A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year.” – Paul Sweeney

Beantown or: Where Everybody Knows Your Name

30 Thursday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!

So, we’ve made it to Boston, Dear Reader. The flights up (to Laguardia in NYC and then to Boston) were pretty good. I am a fan of Delta’s Comfort+ class of seats. But, we were able to grab an Uber to our hotel and the driver sounded just like Cliff Claven. John Ratzenberger was pretty spot on with his Bostonian accent. Then again, he’s from Bridgeport, Connecticut, so…?

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Outside “Cheers”

Our hotel is old and quaint but it’s a charming little hostel and it has some serious history. Well, it’s in Boston so why wouldn’t it have a history? We got here just prior to noon so we couldn’t check in just yet, but they stowed our bags and we went walking.

The Omni Parker House is right off of the Boston Common so we walked all the way around it, not knowing where we were going and ended up in front of the Bull & Finch bar which was the inspiration for the bar (and was the outside shot of the bar) in the television show Cheers. So, of course, we needed to go in and have a beer. The downstairs was very small but there was a bar upstairs, as well. We made our way up there and had us a “Cheers Beer” that is made from Ipswitch Brewing and the tap handle had a bobblehead of Norm. It’s a pilsner style beer and it was really good.

We have made it back to our hotel and let me tell you, Dear Reader, Boston is every bit as hilly as WSNC is. I should have thought to take the name of the area, “Beacon Hill,” fo’ serious! I have to let my phone charge a little because I packed up my charger last night and it’s on fumes. Plus, we were able to get checked and settled in. But, I’m sure we’ll do something fun tonight. I’ll talk about it tomorrow, okay?

Until then, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“Roll out of bed, Mr. Coffee’s dead. the morning’s looking bright. And, your shrink ran off to Europe and didn’t even write. And, your husband wants to be a girl. Be glad there’s one place in the world where everybody knows your name.” – “Where Everybody Knows Your Name (The Theme to ‘Cheers’)”: extended version” (Portnoy/Angelo)

Piggyback the Doorbell or: Howdy Neighbors

28 Tuesday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

I didn’t record Fan Interference or The Man Who Ate the Town yesterday but we did record The Beer Dads last night. You can go listen to that episode HERE.

Since I didn’t record TMWATT, I do need to remind you of my sponsors, Di Lisio’s Italian Restaurant, where you get the best Italian in town, made with the freshest ingredients and really, the coolest Italians (Tony & Maria) you’ll meet.

Washington Perk & Provision Company is better than a convenience store but not quite a grocery store. I get sandwiches there, made fresh and very affordable. They have Wolfie’s Custard, a nice long beer wall, condiments, napkins, toiletries, Larry’s Beans Coffee and biscuits in the morning.

The Humble Bee Shoppe is your home of scratch-made goodies like cookies, cakes, pastries and muffins. B. McGee wants to challenge your perception of scratch made and give you baked goodness in an experience you’ll not soon forget.

And, tonight we recorded the latest episode of Apartment 5B. We covered a town in Florida that has a weird name that is changing it to something even weirder. We talk about history and birthdays and just have a bunch of NSFW humor. Go give it a listen, won’t you? Do it HERE.

Of course, you can always find any of our shows on The Less Desirables Network by visiting the directory site HERE. We appreciate it, no matter how you listen.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson probably gets irritated when people ask him how he slept.” – whistlejames (Reddit User)

Piggybackin’ x3 or: Triple Play

20 Monday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, this week, on a Monday, I have three podcasts to post to you about, because I posted them all today. Yay me!

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Making a crêpe at Penny Path!

We were able to do Fan Interference today and TC talked about NFL, his Redskins, injuries, ridiculous rules, NBA, money and so on. You can hear that episode, HERE.

On The Man Who Ate the Town, “The Tims” talk about Atelier on Trade, Canteen Market & Bistro and Penny Path Café and Crêpe Shop. You can hear that episode, HERE.

And, finally, The Beer Dads talk about how their tastes in beer and styles may have changed over the last few years. You can hear that episode, HERE.

At The Less Desirables Network, we really appreciate you listening to all of our shows and I appreciate it, too. I also appreciate you reading this blog every day. You do, right? Sure you do!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“Located at 4th and Spruce, Canteen Market & Bistro is a small, urban food and beverage market and a full-service, bistro-style bar & restaurant.” – Canteen Market & Bistro

Double Piggybacking or: May I Introduce You To…

13 Monday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

Today I was scheduled to do three podcasts but TC couldn’t be there due to an appointment.

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Timmy VO doing his food thing.

But, I did two. And, that was fun.

First, let’s talk about this week’s The Beer Dads. Can you believe we have been doing it for 3½ years? Yep. And in that time we have gone through a few changes: kids graduating, kids starting law school, kids driving, it’s a lot. But, that was last week’s show. This week’s show is about what may have changed in us; our views, opinions, etc. It’s a good show. You can hear it HERE.

Now, to The Man Who Ate the Town. Last week I put out a call to get a temporary podcast co-host while we wait for Kelly’s return. I really didn’t have to look very far because my pal Timmy VO stepped up and took the spot. The show was snappy and speedy but that’s okay. He had fun and we got to hang out, so that can’t be bad. Tim J. brings voice-over experience, he and his wife are friends of mine (his wife I’ve known for 30 years), he is a personal trainer (so he’ll bring that aspect), and we just like hanging. His wife and he are big into clean eating, home eating as well as going to good restaurants. He adds a lot to the show. You can hear that episode HERE.

To be clear… Kelly has NOT left the show. She’s doing her business and that’s okay with me.

Hope you enjoy the episodes because we had a fun time recording them.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“I really like food and I like beer, so…” – Tim Johnson

Dos Piggybacks or: Plus One

06 Monday Aug 2018

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Salutations™!!

Today, I did something I haven’t done in a while… I published two different podcasts on the same day and am going to talk about a third. Faninterference

For two weeks in a row, we posted a The Beer Dads podcast episode! Yay us! We talk about not debating or arguing with idiots and online trolls. And, of course, had some great beer. Listen HERE.

Also today, TC was in the Lab at Industry Hill and we recorded the first Fan Interference of the past month. TC has been moving and on vacation, so it’s hard to record that show without him, you know what I mean? Today, we talk Urban Meyer, LeBron James, and other sports goodies. Listen to that HERE.

Now, onto The Man Who Ate the Town. As I said last week, I’m taking a few weeks off from that podcast. But, for right now, Kelly Bone has a major life and work project and other things to take care of and can’t be on the podcast for the next little bit. She is not leaving the show. But, in the meantime, I really want to keep everything up and going but I don’t want to be talking to myself. I’m looking for a stand-in to fill her seat until she gets done with that project. I don’t care if it’s male or female. To find out more, head over to the blog for TMWATT and read the requirements.

Until tomorrow, keep listening to The Less Desirables Network Podcasts!
Scorp out!

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“Right now I just want to chill for a while. Take a hiatus from all the craziness. To clean my house, see my family. Just see some movies and pick some strawberries.” – Lauren Ambrose

Piggybacking or: A Couple of Piggies

30 Monday Jul 2018

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Salutations™!!

So, I’m not piggybacking The Man Who Ate the Town this week. Well, not exactly. TMWATT podcast is going to take a couple of weeks off. The podcast, not the blog. Not the Instagram account. Not the Facebook page. Those aren’t taking a break. The facts are the food scene is a little slow right now, but worry not, Dear Reader, when “breaking food news” comes along, I’ll be reporting it!TBDBottle.png

But, onto the exciting news! The Beer Dads produced their newest episode tonight. It was the first we have done since March. Lots of changes in our lives and, of course, the new digs, right!? So, to hear the “welcome back” episode, check out the post, HERE.

Fan Interference comes back next week and we’re working on Sipping NC: The Art of Drinking. I hope to get the whole TLD Network back up and running, soon!

And, thank you for reading and listening!

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

—
“If music be the food of love, play on.” – William Shakespeare

Citra Gose or: The Less Desirables Beer of the Week

18 Wednesday Jul 2018

Posted by in Beer, Uncategorized

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Salutations™!!

Bull’s Tavern, the Official Beer Sponsor of The Less Desirables, presents Citra Gose from Hi-Wire Brewing Company, The Less Desirables Beer of the Week.citra-gose_mockup-402x1030

Goses have quickly become one of my favorite styles of beer. I love sour and I love salty and Goses are both at once. When Danielle brings in a Gose beer, I get excited. For one, it’s a Gose but also, I know that Danielle is my Beer Hero so she’s going to do us right! She did us right.

I really dig what Hi-Wire does. They’re located in NC’s Beer Capitol, Asheville. They do stuff to take care of the environment and they make great beer. This is one such beer. It’s salty and tangy and has a great floral and citrus aromatic essence about it. It’s light in body, light in heft (it’s only 4.2% ABV) but heavy on the flavor. Danielle said that if you like margaritas, you should try using this in lieu of a sour mix. I want to try that!

BeerAdvocate rates this beer 3.73/5 (Good) which I think is selling it short. Untappd has it at 3.67 caps out of 5, also selling it short. I rate it at 4.5 as it’s danged delicious. Have you had it? What did you think? If you’ve not had it or just have a hankering for more, head to Bull’s Tavern and try a pint of it. 

Listen to this week’s podcast episode to hear what we all think about it. You can do that HERE.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“At our core, we brew beer we want to drink on a regular basis, beer we can sit down and have multiple pints with friends.” – Hi-Wire Brewing

Golden Boy Blonde or: The Less Desirables Beer of the Week

20 Wednesday Jun 2018

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Salutations™!!

Bull’s Tavern, the Official Beer Sponsor of The Less Desirables, presents Golden Boy Blonde Ale from Triple C Brewing, The Less Desirables Beer of the Week.

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We had this beer on TLD back in January of 2015. That’s over three years ago. And in January at that. Why would we have this light summery brew in January? That was what Danielle asked anyway. I have said before that I don’t allow seasons to dictate my eating or drinking habits. That being said, if it is cold outside and I’m outside, I want heartier brews. But, it was air-conditioned in the Test Pattern Studios tonight even though the outside was in the high 80s.

When we had it in 2015, that was with Brian and Eugene, at least Eugene, possibly Caitlin. We had it in cans. This was in a growler from Bull’s Tavern and Danielle explained that they had cleaned the lines, fully, before tapping this brew. When we had it, the taste of this blonde ale was so crisp, so clean, and so darned good. There was a great blonde/hay flavor that had a bit of a bite. It had a grapefruity finish but not in that weird IPA hoppy way.

When we had it the first time it was rated only 3 caps out of 5. This time, however, I rated it 4.75. It was that good! And, it’s only 4.5% ABV so you can have several without being bogged down or getting sloshed.

BeerAdvocate has it at 3.56/5 (Good). Untappd has it at 3.46 caps out of 5. Have you had this brew? What did you think? If you haven’t had it or just have a hankering for more, then you need to head over to Bull’s Tavern and grab a pint. You should also listen to this week’s podcast and hear what Danielle, Bethany and I had to say about it. You can do that by listening HERE. We also recorded our last episode in Test Pattern Studios. I’ll talk more about that on Friday.

Until tomorrow, same blog channel…
Scorp out!

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“A golden colored ale with a toasted malt character and slight Mt Hood hop flavor and aroma. Perfect on a hot summer day.” – Triple C Brewing