Thursday, September 3, 2015
The Ryan Goseling gose is a salty, sour brew with floral and citrus notes made with Saaz Hops and coriander. However, what sets this beer apart from other goses is the dry hopping process, which utilizes Mandarina Bavaria hops to give the beer an extra bitter edge. According to Historic brewer Zack Stoll, the finished result has a "very complex flavor that's hard to describe without tasting it."
Tap & Bottle's Rebecca and Scott Safford are heading up to the brewery in Flagstaff this weekend to release the beer up there, and then Tucson will get a taste the following weekend at Tap & Bottle. According to the Saffords, they've been looking to use the beer's funny name for a while.
"We tried to make it before with Sierra Nevada and the name got turned down...Maybe because someone else was using it nationally," Rebecca says, explaining that national beer naming requirements are different than those for in-state brews.
However, it wasn't until Carole Kennelly of Historic said they should join forces that this beer become a reality.
"We've always really liked their beers...We're also friends with them so it makes it fun," she adds, "Plus, they're always open to new ideas and willing to say 'Hey, let's just try it out.'"
Now, with Kennelly, Stoll and Ryan Burac of Historic, the beer is offering what the Saffords see as a tasty, light and refreshing beer option for the last days of summer.
So head to Tap & Bottle on September 11 at 5 p.m. to get your own sip of the lovely Ryan Goseling yourself. The price isn't set quite yet, but it should be somewhere around their typical pricing of $6 per pint. They anticipate only receiving two barrels maximum, which they, in turn, estimate will late about three days, so you'll want to get in there quick to try it.
"I think it'll go pretty fast," Rebecca warns.
She also mentions that some of the beer could be re-released after aging in Grand Canyon Winery barrels in the near future, but I'll keep you posted on that.
Tags: tap and bottle , rebecca safford , scott safford , historic brewing co , tucson , flagstaff , craft beer , release , ryan gosling , gose , sour
Monday, August 31, 2015
When thinking of beer, its not often that the first thing that comes to mind is spice.
However, Tucson cuisine sometimes inspires the local breweries, leading Iron Johns Brewery to make their signature green chili ale for the second time. Made with mesquite smoked Anaheim chiles, this beer is complimented on the sweet side with apple cider added in the fermentation process which gives us the beer’s name: Fire & Flavor.
The beer lives up to its name, delivering a smokey aroma that stings the nostrils with its spiciness. When the beer hits the tongue, the first flavor is of a pilsner malt that is quickly replaced with the sourness of apples. The beer finishes of with the fire flaring up at the end to shock your taste buds and leave the lingering sting of chili’s in the back of your throat. The hefty 7 percent alcohol content work with the Anaheims to leave a resonating warmth in your chest.
If you’re into truly tasting beers and taking time tasting the whole glass, there’s few breweries in Tucson that can compare to Iron John's. They come out with two new beers every week, with new ones being premiered on every Thursday.
Often times, if you don’t get there in a timely manner those beers may be gone forever. In stock right now are 15 beers ranging from Rye IPA’s, to coffee saisons, to sours aged in sauvignon blanc casks. However, for brew enthusiasts, if you miss out on this batch of Fire & Flavor a new one will be out on Sept. 10. Pick up a bottle at Iron John's bottle shop, 245 S. Plumer Ave #27.
Tags: Beer , Iron Johns , Brewery , Chile , ale , Ale , beer , iron johns , fire & flavor , fire , flavor
Wednesday, August 26, 2015
If you didn't feel like dumping a bucketful of ice water all of yourself last year, you still have the opportunity to join in on some group fun to benefit Arizona's chapter of the ALS Association. On Saturday, Sept. 5, Bite Nite will hit up Tucson for an evening of food, wine and charitable giving.
Although Bite Nite has been a major fundraiser in Phoenix since 2008, last year was the first time it came to Tucson. In 2014 alone, the Tucson event raised $65,000, selling out to 400 guests. This year, event organizers are anticipating another sellout.
The event will feature several of the Old Pueblo's favorite eateries including Penca, Mama Louisa's, Agustin Kitchen, Ermanos, Azul, Boca Tacos and more. The restaurants will each be serving upscale samples, which can in turn be paired with craft beer and wine, all while live music and a silent auction keep guests entertained. The auction will feature restaurant gift cards, free wine dinners and more.
Bite Nite Tucson will take place at the picturesque Westin La Paloma Resort from 6 until 10 p.m. Tickets for the event are $100 per person or $1,000 for a 10-seat table. You can buy yours and find more information on the event via the Bite Nite website. It is a 21 and over event.
Tags: bite nite , tucson , food , event , restaurants , westin la paloma , als association , charity , agustin kitchen , azul , boca tacos , ermanos , penca , mama louisa's
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Starting today, Kingfisher Bar and Grill (2564 E. Grant Road) is going to be serving up Southern fare as the final stop on their summer Road Trip menu series. Of course, since it's Kingfisher, the menu highlights the best Southern seafood options with a distinct focus on Cajun and Creole cuisines.
Chef Fred Harris designed the "Down South" menu with offerings like a fried oyster po boy, fried green tomatoes and blackened catfish with a Tabasco aioli. Chef Marianne Bane contributed two desserts—coconut buttermilk pie and brown sugar pound cake—to the menu, while bartender Eric Smith is offering three cocktails to pair with dinner. The menu items are priced a la carte and range from $7 to $27.
You can stop into Kingfisher anytime between now and Sunday, Sept. 6 to try the limited time "Down South" menu. Reservations and more information are available by calling 323-7739.
Here's the full menu:
FIRST
Creole Barbecue Shrimp and Grits, Voodoo lager, garlic, butter, Worcestershire and scallions ($13)
Chicken and Andouille Gumbo, dark brown roux, Cajun mirepoix, okra and Texmati rice ($9)
Fried Green Tomatoes, pickled vegetables and roasted garlic aioli ($7)
Roasted Pork Belly, Red Beans and Rice and mango salsa ($9)
DINNER
Blackened Catfish, Tabasco aioli, green tomato jam, Texmati rice, red beans and honeyed carrots ($18)
Grilled Gulf Redfish, roasted peach gastrique, sweet corn relish, hoppin john and grilled zucchini ($27)
Fried Oyster Po Boy, remoulade, lettuce, tomato, potato bun, fries and slaw ($16)
Shrimp Jambalaya, tasso ham, Andouille, sauce picante, Cajun mirepoix, Texmati rice and scallions ($24)
DESSERT
Coconut Buttermilk Pie, blackberry sauce and freshly whipped cream ($8)
Brown Sugar Pound Cake, bourbon glazed grilled peaches and vanilla ice cream ($7.50)
DRINKS
Turkey Shoot: Wild Turkey, Wild Turkey rye and house smoked cola syrup with an absinthe rinse, served on the rocks ($10.50)
Pecan Dandy: Appleton’s rum, dry vermouth, house praline liquer and pecan bitters, served up with an orange twist ($10.50)
King Alfonse on Fire: iced coffee, cayenne infused cream and dark crème de cacao, served on the rocks ($10.50)
Tags: kingfisher , menu , new , road trip , southern , cajun , creole , tucson , restaurants , seafood , fred harris
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
If you don't think mole deserves an entire meal dedicated to it, then you probably don't know how varied mole can be, offering regional diversity by incorporating local ingredients and traditions. That, or you hate flavor. For everyone else, Reforma Cocina y Cantina is offering a unique dinner honoring both mole and mezcal—two of Mexico's finest imports.
The four course dinner kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 24, offering sweet and savory flavor combinations paired with mezcal from a handful of artisan distillers including Mezcal Vago, Xicaru and Del Maguey. The full meal is $65 with everything included. Reservations are required and you can make yours by either e-mailing your party request information to [email protected] or calling 867-4134.
And, if you aren't sold yet, check out the night's planned menu:
Tags: reforma , tucson , restaurant , mole , mezcal , dinner , event , mexican
Monday, August 17, 2015
It's time once again to join the Southern Arizona Arts and Culture Alliance for a full day of handmade salsas and inventive tequila cocktails. On Saturday, Aug. 22, more than 50 participants will provide food and drink to crowds at the La Encantada Shopping Center (2905 E. Skyline Dr.), competing for several different titles in the annual competition.
More than 30 restaurants and purveyors, such as Boca Tacos, Reforma, Calle Tepa and Chilttepica, will compete for salsa honors including best hot salsa, best alternative salsa and best overall salsa. Bartenders from nearly 20 restaurants will also be battling it out with tequila-based cocktails. Last year, Armitage Wine Lounge took the top spot for salsa, while Pasco Kitchen's Father Kino won first for cocktails.
It isn't all about the salsa and tequila though. Small bites from [Popped], Sonoran Sno Cones, and more can be paired with non-alcoholic drinks from Dish for Dosha and Tohono Chul Garden Bistro. The event, which runs from 7 until 10 p.m., will also feature other heritage Mexican spirits like bacanora and sotol, as well as a limited selection of beer. Tucson's Santa Pachita and the Folklorico Ballet of Nogales will be performing.
Tickets for the Salsa & Tequila Challenge are available online in advance on the SAACA website for $50, along with a full list of participants and more information. Limited day of ticketing will be available for $60 as well. Proceeds from the festival will benefit the Food Bank of Southern Arizona and SAACA’s arts therapy and education programs. It is a 21 and over event.
Tags: salsa , tequila , challenge , tucson , culinary , event , calle tepa , reforma , pasco kitchen , chilttepica , boca tacos , dish for dosha , la encantada , saaca
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Whether it's chef team-ups, kitchen takeovers or maker mash-ups, there's nothing better than when two local joints collaborate on a special meal to offer tastes of what both do best, and Union Public House (4340 N. Campbell Ave.) and Pueblo Vida Brewing aim to do just that on Monday, August 17.
While Union will take on four courses and the hosting duties, Pueblo Vida will contribute four different local microbrews for the event, which begins at 6:30 p.m. You can expect pairing such as a Bavarian hefeweizen with an array of cheese or a breakfast stout with Yellow Brick coffee ice cream. The meal is $55 including tax and gratuity. Reservations are required and you can save your spot by calling 329-8575 or e-mailing your party information to [email protected].
Now, without further ado, here's the Union and Pueblo Vida collab menu:
Tags: union public house , pueblo vida brewing , tucson , restaurant , dinner , event , craft beer
Monday, August 10, 2015
There isn’t any sushi in downtown Tucson since On a Roll closed off Congress Street in July and there definitely isn’t any ramen. But that’s all about to change with Goodness Juice Bar owner Brandon Katz’s newest venture. Obon, a casual Japanese fusion dining spot located in the former Gio Taco space, will offer both ramen and sushi, but that’s just part of the story.
Katz says the name Obon comes from a traditional Japanese Buddhist festival celebrating family and your ancestors that includes drinking, dancing, eating and more. Similarly, Katz says his new restaurant is designed to draw large parties with “family style” Japanese fare.
In the kitchen, Paulo Im crafted a menu featuring three ramen options, nine specialty sushi rolls, a menu of traditional and modern nigiri, crudos, steam buns, noodles, salads, limited entrees, tempura and even bibimbop. The ramen is available with traditional tonkotsu (pork), shoyu (soy) or the house ramen, which offers a blend of both broths. The rolls blend veggies like asparagus, mushrooms, avocado, cucumber and more with fresh fish and shellfish.
“I’m excited to get back into sushi because sushi is what I know,” Katz says, referring to his work with Ra Sushi in the past.
Katz says the restaurant will also cater to late night crowds with a limited menu running until midnight and a walk-up to go ramen option available on the weekends until 2:30 a.m. He also wanted to draw the business crowd in with happy hour
“Downtown has been missing a place for a light bite,” he says. “We’ll be able to offer a cocktail and a snack.”
Behind the bar, Katz enlisted former Scott & Co. bartender and ex-sushi chef Matt Martinez to create a list of cocktail offerings that could both be executed quickly but still offer unique and inventive flavors. One such option is the housemade shiso green apple soda with shochu, which will be available bottled and on tap. A list of sake, Japanese and Taiwanese whisky and classic ramen-paired beers Kirin will also be available.
“What I’m really focusing on is creating a unique and personalized experience for each guest at the bar,” Martinez says. “That and offering a comprehensive spirit list that made sense with the menu.”
Obon will open at 350 E. Congress St. at 4 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, just two days before the Obon celebration kicks off in Japan. For about a week, Obon will only be open for dinner, but after that, you can stop in to try out the new casual in vibe, upscale in décor spot for lunch as well.
“This corner desperately needed a Japanese restaurant,” Katz says. “We’re excited to be here because it’s the gateway to downtown.”
Check out the Obon menu:
Editor's Note: This post has been updated to reflect new information regarding Obon's hours.
Tags: obon , brandon katz , paulo im , matt martinez , sushi , ramen , downtown , tucson , restaurants , opening , new , steam buns , japanese , cocktails , craft , sake , japanese whisky , Image
Friday, August 7, 2015
There's quite a bit going on off Hoff Avenue these days. You might have thought of the small side street just east of Fourth Avenue as an alley, but with the recent openings of both Ermanos and Public Brewhouse, the tucked back street is starting to take shape as something more.
To celebrate, the new beer-centric spots will be joining forces to put on Two Nights of Entertainment at the Tophoy on August 14 and 15. Combining bikes, bands, beer, food and more, the two day event will pay homage both to what the space was and what it has become.
According to Ermanos owner Mark Erman, the Tophoy building, which now houses Ermanos, Saywell Designs, the Bookstop and more, was built in 1926 and was home to many different businesses including Frozen Pure Ice Cream and Schneider's Grocery. After Stephen Paul of Arroyo Designs and Hamilton Distillers moved his distilling operation to a larger space, Ermanos and Public moved into the newly vacant spaces. Although both buildings were built out for their new businesses, original wood and brick were preserved and repurposed to keep the history of the space in tact.
With all of that in mind, Two Nights of Entertainment at the Tophoy will offer a pop up bike tune up shop, yard games (giant jenga, cornhole, etc.) courtesy of Bookmans, the Seis and You Sly Dog food trucks, and bike raffles from of New Belgium Brewery (cruiser) and Ordinary Bike Shop (fixie). A pop-up cocktail bar put on by Burger Brothers' Parker Arriaga will be serving up specialty cocktails including:
- Hemingway: Arizona distilling company desert dry gin, cucumber, mint, lime, soda, simple syrup
- Eegeerita: 3 amigos blanco tequila, lemon eegees, rimmed with Mexican candy
- Not for Nothing: High West double rye, mint, peach, bitters, lemon, ginger
- Earl's Long Island Iced TeaEarl Grey black tea infused vodka (Sun Liquor UNXLD), peach/lemon simple syrup, soda, lemonade.
Best of all, while there's no cover fee, a quarter of every dollar spent will go to benefit the Living Streets Alliance in their efforts to make Tucson a more bike friendly place to live. Access to the event will be via Hoff Avenue between Eighth and Ninth streets.
Tags: two nights , tophoy , tucson , events , music , food trucks , local , craft beer , cocktails , living streets alliance , bicycle , ordinary bike shop , pee wee's big adventure , movie , free , logan & lucille , billy sedlmayr , hey bucko , dj , raffle
Monday, July 27, 2015
There's still some time left to try out Downtown Kitchen + Cocktail's limited time Around the Globe menu foray into Moscow, but, in case you didn't get your fill of unique Russian fare in that menu tasting (or if you mess up and miss it completely since it ends on August 3), you should head over to Kalina Russian Cuisine and Tea House on Friday, August 7 for a tasting menu of both Russian food and beer.
While the food menu for the night is all Russian, with dishes like pellmell with ground lamb (Russian ravioli) and stroganoff over mashed potatoes, the beer will sample brews from Russia, Lithuania and Ukraine.
Here's the full menu:
The five course tasting menu is $33 all inclusive at Kalina (8963 E. Tanque Verde #210) beginning at 6:30 p.m. You can make reservations online through the restaurant's event page.
Tags: kalina , russian , food , beer , dinner , event , tucson , restaurant , tasting menu
