28 May 2010
Microbrews all over the place
San Antonio has more than doubled their microbreweries with the opening of BJ's at The Rim. Granted the other two are also BJ's Restaurant and Brewhouse and they're all out to hell and gone, so we're still stuck with the one (Blue Star) in San Antonio proper (that is, inside 410 -- though this definition, with outward expansion still at big bang speeds, is beginning to look more optimistic and naive rather than real). Obviously, with three locations around San Antonio, this is a chain, but at least they're brewing their beer on site (I'm not sure, now that I think about it, why that makes it O.K.). My brother who I admire, especially in the realm of beer and food, has been out to the location on 151 and 1604 and said that the open, light interior and went well with the craft beer and food. Gordon Biersch, after all, is a chain, and their dunkel still sits up in my favorite beers. The more microbrews we have in the area, the more likely there will be more independents opening up in the area. Always a good way to mark the worth of a city.
A short article about BJ's at The Rim from San Antonio Business Journal.
I hope to have a chance soon write a short review of one of them (as well as updated info for Blue Star).
A short article about BJ's at The Rim from San Antonio Business Journal.
I hope to have a chance soon write a short review of one of them (as well as updated info for Blue Star).
18 May 2010
Liberty Bar Relocation
Liberty Bar closed its historic doors last night. It's hard to believe such an iconic location can be moved successfully, especially when the building itself has become intertwined with the restaurant. I certainly hope that they do, though, as they're moving down to the Convent in Southtown. They're actually trading one great location for another, but many people will see it as the end of Liberty Bar as such. Still: a chance to start something new in an exciting, upcoming neighborhood.
As a sidebar: The old St. Benedictine Convent has recently been repainted. Lots of complaints, but people just like to complain. Nothing wrong with a little color and I like the deep salmon walls. Southtown has always housed those in favor of color (including author Sandra Cisneros who's house turned up "periwinkle" in 2000 causing an uproar in the Kind William District; this ultimately was a mistake, but still, according to an Express-News article: "The 'purple house' became a national media happening. Cisneros cast herself as a minority whose cultural expression through bright colors was being oppressed by her non-Hispanic neighbors in what Texas Monthly once branded as being 'the snootiest neighborhood in Texas.'" Though this turned out to be erroneous -- mix up with the painter -- the point is still pretty much the same: drab is a culture).
According to the Express-News, they are already open for lunch and will be open for dinner as well on May 26th. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Beer on tap and a full bar. Count me in. Liberty Bar is one of the few places you can get a wild boar sausage, venison sausage and lamb. The food is always fresh and cooked perfectly (and appears to be somewhat local).
Great photos of the final night in the restaurant's old location.
Liberty Bar is dead. Long live Liberty Bar!
As a sidebar: The old St. Benedictine Convent has recently been repainted. Lots of complaints, but people just like to complain. Nothing wrong with a little color and I like the deep salmon walls. Southtown has always housed those in favor of color (including author Sandra Cisneros who's house turned up "periwinkle" in 2000 causing an uproar in the Kind William District; this ultimately was a mistake, but still, according to an Express-News article: "The 'purple house' became a national media happening. Cisneros cast herself as a minority whose cultural expression through bright colors was being oppressed by her non-Hispanic neighbors in what Texas Monthly once branded as being 'the snootiest neighborhood in Texas.'" Though this turned out to be erroneous -- mix up with the painter -- the point is still pretty much the same: drab is a culture).
According to the Express-News, they are already open for lunch and will be open for dinner as well on May 26th. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Beer on tap and a full bar. Count me in. Liberty Bar is one of the few places you can get a wild boar sausage, venison sausage and lamb. The food is always fresh and cooked perfectly (and appears to be somewhat local).
Great photos of the final night in the restaurant's old location.
Liberty Bar is dead. Long live Liberty Bar!
Things are looking up
Pig Liquor! Conversation with Anet. Conversed and written by my ex-boss, Jennifer McInnis.
17 May 2010
Micro afternoon bar review -- Tycoon Flats
So this place has been around in one form or another for quite some time on the St. Mary's strip. I went back for the first time in ages the other day. The food menu is rather basic, but their Reuben is decent. Still it's a nice homey place to sit in the afternoon and sup a beer. And they have a decent selection: Magic Hat #9, Deschutes' Mirror Pond Pale Ale & Black Butte Porter and Real Ale are the majority of good selections.
These craft beers are $4 a pop (Guinness and Stella are considered a "premium" and thus $3.75), which is pretty average anymore, but on Thursdays, they've got a special: $2.50 for anything on tap. That's a delicious pint for next to nothing.
Regular happy hour prices from 4 - 7 = $2.50 domestics and margaritas.
There's always live music and their covered patio refreshes even in the middle of summer.
These craft beers are $4 a pop (Guinness and Stella are considered a "premium" and thus $3.75), which is pretty average anymore, but on Thursdays, they've got a special: $2.50 for anything on tap. That's a delicious pint for next to nothing.
Regular happy hour prices from 4 - 7 = $2.50 domestics and margaritas.
There's always live music and their covered patio refreshes even in the middle of summer.
14 May 2010
07 May 2010
06 May 2010
American Craft Beer Week
Get involved by going to Freetail (or Blue Star, though I don't see that they're doing anything specific for this). They've got a beard contest on Friday, May 21st. Grow a beard. Drink craft beer. Not that you need an excuse, but I'd think the American Craft Beer Week would be a good one. Mmmm, craft beer.
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