Monthly Archive for March, 2012

One year ago today, Kat and I donned backpacks and boarded a plane to Paris.   What followed was a 93-day journey which wound us through Europe, with only wine and beer as our compass.  8 countries, 34 hotels, 9 rental cars…and 3 years of dreaming.  Like ants in a newly-begun ant farm, we forged our […]

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Homebrewing in Harlem: the Thyme Pale Ale

At 1:00 pm, with the wee lad strapped in and the diaper bag filled with the tools of the trade, we left the house.  We vowed that no amount of shitstorms or wet-nappy assaults would knock us off our journey, and we jumped on the M60 bus in Astoria to make our way to 125th street in […]

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It’s truly amazing how much work goes into opening a restaurant. Having now worked on the operations side of things for four years, I’m still amazed by this.  And even more amazed how the guests on the other side of the bar have no idea what this process entails.  The thought of someone thinking, “Oh, […]

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There’s a New Hustler in Town

Don’t mess with that pool shark over there.  Yep, the one with the baby strapped to her chest.  She’ll clean your clock.

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It’s here.  Each year, with baited breath, craft beer geeks storm the taps to get their Lupilin fix of Troeg’s Nugget Nectar, the 7.5% Imperial Amber from Pennsylvania.  I’m drinking one now… And while I totally realize its St Patricks Day, and while I totally realize I’m committing some mortal sin against my Irish heritage […]

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Not a Bad Way to Start a Friday Night

Russian River Brewing Company, Temptation (American Wild Ale/Sour aged in French Chardonnay Barrels), Russian River Brewing Company, Consecration (American Wild Ale/Sour aged in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels with Currants added) and Uinta Brewing, Hop Notch IPA. (Salt Lake City, UT) (Thanks, Dave Gleason, for making the cross-country trek with these; the settlers on the Oregon Trail […]

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So, We Drank Some Bordeaux Today…

As part of our Hearth & Terroir all-hands-on-deck monthly Bordeaux tastings, the entire staff marched through the sunny streets of the East Village to gather in Hearth’s main dining room. It’s sort of like the pilgrims on Thanksgiving, but only with better wine.  And no turkey.  Oh, and no muskets.  Well…maybe a few muskets. Today […]

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Soda is out, people.  Just ask any New Yorker who’s seen the city’s latest ads against obesity from soft drinks and they’ll tell you: “it’s the devil’s urine, by Jove!” But rest assured, lovers of the Root Beer Float, you have an alternative.  The Bourbon Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout Ice Cream Float.  Now I can’t remotely claim credit […]

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Last week, Serious Eats: Drinks was kind enough to do a piece about our bar program at Hearth, specifically the focus I decided to shine on New York spirits.  Click here to read the article (and be sure to view the kick-ass slideshow by Alice Gau). Since that fateful day six months ago, when I […]

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Saturday Night Brews

The Bruery Trade Winds Tripel & Breckenridge Vanilla Porter

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Dating: One Nite Stands Only

Saw this on the N train this morning.  You got to salute the author’s boldness and clarity of purpose.  I’m envious, actually.  I mean, damnit!, if you want something in this world, you put it out there. Plus, the date options are quite comprehensive and can really allow for some varied experiences.  I particularly like […]

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