We have decided to step it up a notch, ditch Blogger and live it up on WordPress.
Check out our new blog here:
http://asixpackofstories.wordpress.com/
And, on Twitter
@a6packofstories
Chug-A-Lug
-Bryan & Jessica
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
A Saturday Bike Ride Through Berlin
It was a year after my good friend Preston and I had been to Ireland and we were getting the itch
to travel again. I'll never forget the day we went to the local Barnes and Noble
and stood in the travel book section and like it was planned both reached for a
book on Germany. I remember taking that book over to the table and reviewing
all the maps and the top tens. There was no other place in the world I would
have rather gone, there was just one thing. I had only been dating Jessica for
about two months and I had a dilemma… invite her even though we had been
together 2 months or let things play out and hope it all worked out in the end.
Well after one drink with her on our first date it was the easiest decision I
ever made. Later that night the three of us were booked for passage all the way
to Berlin, Germany.
Berlin
was such an education and vacation all rolled into one. There is no way I can
capture all of it in on blog, so this will be my first of many stories
regarding this true treasure of a vacation. Today I want to focus on the Fat
Tire Bike Tour that Preston and I took the first day we were there. We
navigated all the way from our rented home to Alexanderplatz where we were scheduled
to take a bike tour of Berlin. I had know idea what to expect but when you take
a Fat Tire Bike Tour just sit back and relax…you are in good hands! Everyone
should experience the city with one of the amazing guided tours that they offer. The tour takes you all over the city
from some of its most infamous sites during the war, to some of the most
beautiful architecture. Along the way you discover that this is more then just
a city where a war took place, this is a place of people who actually lived there
and rebuilt this city into something that can be cherished by all.
In Berlin
there is truly something for everyone. The tour stops in the middle at a
beautiful beer garden in the park where you have a chance to discuss everything
you have seen and wash those memories down with a liter of beer and a pork chop
sandwich!
Toward
the end of bike tour Preston and I spotted a little piece of home, it was Berlin’s
only Tex-Mex Cantina and of course two boys from Texas had to stop there. I will
admit that the restaurant needs a little help in what they call Mexican food
but you have to love the effort and after 6 beers who cares that your
quesadilla comes with toast and fries..not me!
The best part about sitting at
that restaurant is that you get to sit, and sometimes that is the best part of
vacation. Just getting to sit and talk with your friend over a beer! Not to
mention the weather was beautiful, cold grey October skies, which to me are the
only skies to travel in. Preston and I made it back to the bike shop and each
enjoyed a Berliner Pilsner, which the bike shop sold for only 1 euro. We sat in the park next to the shop for
a while finishing what seemed like the best beers of our lives when the
ultimate destination was spotted! Across the field on the other side of the park was a sign
that read “Live Karaoke” at the Irish Bar.
To be continued...
Prost!
Bryan
Monday, August 1, 2011
One Step at a Time...William Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland
You've just hoofed it 246 steps, you're panting heavy and cursing the fact there isn't an elevator. It crosses your mind that maybe that last pint of Belhaven was not such a good idea. Suddenly a gust of wind snaps you out of your haze and your equilibrium is put to the test.
You peer over the edge and realize just how high up you are. Gulp. The crisp cool air and the beauty of the emerald green hills surrounding you invigorate your senses. The city of Stirling looks like a perfect diorama. As you walk around the observation deck (clutching to the side for dear life) you feel a sense of pride. Maybe it's the fact that you made it to the top without passing out; or perhaps, it's the spirit of Sir William Wallace. That could explain why you felt compelled to yell "they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!"
Or, it could be because you watched Braveheart one too many times in preparation for your trip. Whatever the case, there's nothing quite as beautiful or rewarding as taking a minute to gaze upon the magic and the history that is Stirling, Scotland. As cliche as it may sound, it's so very true.
Now, climb down those stairs, purchase a mini William Wallace statuette, a souvenir can of haggis (if you're feeling crazy) and go have yourself some fish n' chips and a nice cold one at Westerton Arms.
Cheers!
Jessica
You peer over the edge and realize just how high up you are. Gulp. The crisp cool air and the beauty of the emerald green hills surrounding you invigorate your senses. The city of Stirling looks like a perfect diorama. As you walk around the observation deck (clutching to the side for dear life) you feel a sense of pride. Maybe it's the fact that you made it to the top without passing out; or perhaps, it's the spirit of Sir William Wallace. That could explain why you felt compelled to yell "they may take our lives, but they'll never take our freedom!"
Or, it could be because you watched Braveheart one too many times in preparation for your trip. Whatever the case, there's nothing quite as beautiful or rewarding as taking a minute to gaze upon the magic and the history that is Stirling, Scotland. As cliche as it may sound, it's so very true.
Now, climb down those stairs, purchase a mini William Wallace statuette, a souvenir can of haggis (if you're feeling crazy) and go have yourself some fish n' chips and a nice cold one at Westerton Arms.
Cheers!
Jessica
View of Stirling from the top of the monument.
View of William Wallace Monument from Stirling Castle.
At Stirling Castle...on our way to get a Belhaven...then to on to channel our inner Braveheart.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Let the Countdown Begin!
Only a mere 8 weeks until we embark on our journey to Munich, Salzburg and Prague! We couldn't be more excited to discover beautiful landmarks, art, history, architecture, culinary delights, bicycle tours....and of course, beer! Let's face it all three of these cities are known for their brew and we can't wait to wet our whistles.
Bryan and I have a tradition we follow each year in preparation for our big trip abroad. About two months out from the trip, we like to pre-purchase all our train tickets, bicycle tours, museum tickets etc. Not because you necessarily have to, but because it's fun and begins the official countdown. Okay, so maybe we are over-planning travel nerds. But I have to tell you, there is something really gratifying about getting train tickets to Europe in the mail. It adds a little pizazz to an otherwise dull Tuesday. I mean really, how often do you actually get something exciting via snail mail anymore?
Next, we like to obsesses about the perfect travel duds. And no, I'm not referring to Magellan's in-flight collection available via Sky Mall (or a fanny pack). There are certain things a young urban couple must have to fashionably traipse about Europe in. For Bryan, one year it was blue cargo pants and a Hugo Boss v-neck black sweater. For me, I always imagine myself in some hip leather boots, designer skinny jeans, a cool fitted jacket and a fashionable scarf. We'd scour malls, cool indie shops and one year even the army navy store searching for the perfect pieces to trot the globe in. So what are the hot in-vogue outfits we end up with? T-shirts, sweaters from our closet, regular ol' jeans and a couple of pair of Pumas. After going on a few trips abroad, we've both come to realize that we basically end up wearing the same thing everyday. In fact, in a good majority of vacation photos from the last three years, I have the same thing on: a paperboy hat, grey sweater and one of two favorite scarves. If it weren't for my constantly changing hair color, you'd think it was one long continuous trip! So this year, instead of conceptualizing cool outfits, we are going with what's in our closet and setting our sights (and money) on a good travel backpack. If you have any suggestions, please tweet them our way (@a6packofstories). That's not to say I'm not still thinking about those perfect leather boots...
So after the train tickets are purchased and the outfits are planned, next we like to get the passports out for display. Not like placed on a pedestal inside a glass box or anything; just out in plain sight. We usually put our passports and all our tickets on the breakfast bar about two weeks out from the trip. Okay, I guess we are nerds. However it's a little something fun to remind us that a trip of lifetime is just around the corner. A little motivation to get through those last couple of work weeks and closer to vaycay bliss.
Alright, so now you are up to speed on our OCD and slightly narcissistic vacation rituals. If you don't have any of your own, I suggest you pick some up. If you already do, share them with us! Maybe we can add them to ours.
So in case you are wondering, if my feet could stand it and our budget was limitless; this little number would be my dream travel outfit: http://bit.ly/nhLdC0. However, let it be known that even if I was "blow my nose in money rich," I would never spend $750 on a scarf. Holla!
Bottoms up!
Jessica
Bryan and I have a tradition we follow each year in preparation for our big trip abroad. About two months out from the trip, we like to pre-purchase all our train tickets, bicycle tours, museum tickets etc. Not because you necessarily have to, but because it's fun and begins the official countdown. Okay, so maybe we are over-planning travel nerds. But I have to tell you, there is something really gratifying about getting train tickets to Europe in the mail. It adds a little pizazz to an otherwise dull Tuesday. I mean really, how often do you actually get something exciting via snail mail anymore?
Next, we like to obsesses about the perfect travel duds. And no, I'm not referring to Magellan's in-flight collection available via Sky Mall (or a fanny pack). There are certain things a young urban couple must have to fashionably traipse about Europe in. For Bryan, one year it was blue cargo pants and a Hugo Boss v-neck black sweater. For me, I always imagine myself in some hip leather boots, designer skinny jeans, a cool fitted jacket and a fashionable scarf. We'd scour malls, cool indie shops and one year even the army navy store searching for the perfect pieces to trot the globe in. So what are the hot in-vogue outfits we end up with? T-shirts, sweaters from our closet, regular ol' jeans and a couple of pair of Pumas. After going on a few trips abroad, we've both come to realize that we basically end up wearing the same thing everyday. In fact, in a good majority of vacation photos from the last three years, I have the same thing on: a paperboy hat, grey sweater and one of two favorite scarves. If it weren't for my constantly changing hair color, you'd think it was one long continuous trip! So this year, instead of conceptualizing cool outfits, we are going with what's in our closet and setting our sights (and money) on a good travel backpack. If you have any suggestions, please tweet them our way (@a6packofstories). That's not to say I'm not still thinking about those perfect leather boots...
So after the train tickets are purchased and the outfits are planned, next we like to get the passports out for display. Not like placed on a pedestal inside a glass box or anything; just out in plain sight. We usually put our passports and all our tickets on the breakfast bar about two weeks out from the trip. Okay, I guess we are nerds. However it's a little something fun to remind us that a trip of lifetime is just around the corner. A little motivation to get through those last couple of work weeks and closer to vaycay bliss.
Alright, so now you are up to speed on our OCD and slightly narcissistic vacation rituals. If you don't have any of your own, I suggest you pick some up. If you already do, share them with us! Maybe we can add them to ours.
So in case you are wondering, if my feet could stand it and our budget was limitless; this little number would be my dream travel outfit: http://bit.ly/nhLdC0. However, let it be known that even if I was "blow my nose in money rich," I would never spend $750 on a scarf. Holla!
Bottoms up!
Jessica
Monday, May 23, 2011
A Different Kind of "Craft" Beer
I come from a family of artists. My mom is all around crafty; she can literally make something from nothing. Growing up our garage was always filled with buckets of bottle caps and empty bottles. I would often stare into the heaps of junk and think to myself: my god my mother is a hoarder what the hell is she ever going to do with that stuff?! Two months later I would look in the garage to find a funky coffee table, made from you guessed it, bottle caps and beer bottles. My father, brother and sister-in-law have been lucky enough to make careers purely from their artistic talents (check out their sites: Tad Dowdy Custom Models and Dowdy Studio). My older brother (another artist) can literally scratch weld/build/create anything from hand. Yes, I am totally jealous. I have always played it safe and kept on the corporate career route. However, every now and then I like to try and get a little crafty and put what little "art skills" I inherited to use.
Each time Bryan and I go on a trip, I collect just about every piece of literature you can imagine from the city we are visiting. Brochures, receipts, postcards, ticket stubs, maps, bus schedules, newspapers; if its paper it goes into my purse. Like my mother, I collect these things with the intent of making some kind of cool art piece or scrapbook. I rarely ever get around to doing it. A couple of weeks ago while enjoying my favorite Friday five o'clock beer, Bitburger, I decided to dig into the box that holds all these random pieces of paper and do something with them. I knew it would have to be something easy and something that didn't take longer than an hour to do (I have a short attention span for art projects). Looking around our apartment I noticed we were in need of some new coasters. Bingo!
A quick trip to the local Michael's Craft Store for a decoupage set and a bag of circle and oval wooden cutouts and craft night was on!
The first step in creating the custom coaster required sanding the perimeter of the wooden cutouts. Seeing as I don't craft that often I had to use what I had...so I sanded with a nail file. It got the job done.
You can take an even easier route and simply glue a pre-existing coaster to the wooden cutouts. That's what I did with a few coasters I picked up at bars in Amsterdam and Scotland. The other coaster in the photo includes a section of a street map from San Francisco. A fun happy hour project complete!
Cheers!
--Jessica
Each time Bryan and I go on a trip, I collect just about every piece of literature you can imagine from the city we are visiting. Brochures, receipts, postcards, ticket stubs, maps, bus schedules, newspapers; if its paper it goes into my purse. Like my mother, I collect these things with the intent of making some kind of cool art piece or scrapbook. I rarely ever get around to doing it. A couple of weeks ago while enjoying my favorite Friday five o'clock beer, Bitburger, I decided to dig into the box that holds all these random pieces of paper and do something with them. I knew it would have to be something easy and something that didn't take longer than an hour to do (I have a short attention span for art projects). Looking around our apartment I noticed we were in need of some new coasters. Bingo!
A quick trip to the local Michael's Craft Store for a decoupage set and a bag of circle and oval wooden cutouts and craft night was on!
The first step in creating the custom coaster required sanding the perimeter of the wooden cutouts. Seeing as I don't craft that often I had to use what I had...so I sanded with a nail file. It got the job done.
Next, I dug through my box of trip paraphernalia and chose a bus schedule brochure that I collected in Vancouver, Canada last year.
I selected the scene I wanted to use for the main focal point of the coaster and began to clip away.
Once I had the scene cut out that I wanted to use it was time for the fun part: Modge Podging! Just lather up a sponge brush and paint under and over the selection.
Keep slathering on the modge podge until the paper is smooth and shiney! The result a fun custom coaster that is also a good conversation piece.
You can take an even easier route and simply glue a pre-existing coaster to the wooden cutouts. That's what I did with a few coasters I picked up at bars in Amsterdam and Scotland. The other coaster in the photo includes a section of a street map from San Francisco. A fun happy hour project complete!
Cheers!
--Jessica
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Cold Weather, Mac & Cheese and Kronenbourg 1664
Most Pre-Thanksgiving nights are filled with family and preparing for the coming feast that will be on the last Thursday of November. It’s a time to give thanks and enjoy family! Back in the year of 2007 Jessica and I shared what I call my most memorable pre-Thanksgiving night ever. On that very cold and windy night, we braved the weather, headed out of our Dallas apartment and went on a last second foil run that lead to one of my most cherished discoveries. That night I found a beer called Kronenbourg 1664 that I now give thanks to every year. On that night Jessica and I decided to make a 7-Cheese Macaroni dish, that I have to say was out of this world, and enjoyed for several days after Thanksgiving.
As we were preparing our dish we ran into a problem that I’m sure occurs in just about every household that is preparing for Thanksgiving. Inevitably something is forgotten at the store and for us that was foil. We walked over to our local CVS to pick up some up. Anyone living in Dallas knows that Thanksgiving weather is a total crapshoot. That particular evening the weather became so cold and windy we nearly froze to death on our foil run.
We decided naturally that what we needed to do was get some beer to warm up with and enjoy while we cooked. Thankfully we decided on Kronenbourg 1664. The taste is so unique; its light and crisp flavor never lets you down. The flavor rich taste becomes almost sweet in your mouth but still allows you to be a man when you’re drinking it! While letting our dish cook in the oven we opened the windows and allowed the heat from the oven to warm the apartment. Yes it was a very small place!
We popped in a movie called “After the Wedding”, which is a foreign independent film that I highly recommend (it's about reconnecting with a past love). I suggest that you watch it while your Thanksgiving meal is cooking, sitting next to the one you love, and enjoying a Kronenbourg 1664. Hopefully it will make for just as special a night as it did for me!
À la votre!
-Bryan
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Yellow Bellies + Karaoke = Good Times
Every now and then you need a good excuse to kick it old school . A night to drink cheap beer; sing karaoke; and eat some kind of dirty pizza/taco/burger combination while watching the sunrise. That my friends, no matter how you slice it, is still a good time. Sure, the hangovers are ten times worse than when you were 22, but every so often, it’s worth it. An old friend in town is the perfect excuse.
.
A couple of weeks ago my good friend, who I like to call Dogwater was in LA. Dogwater is the type of guy that is always down for a good time. Period. We became friends during a transition phase in life. We were fresh out of college and slowly starting to enter the rat race (kicking and screaming, of course). Back in the days when being to work at 8 didn't stop us from staying out until 3AM. Let's face it, some entry level jobs don't require much more than a pulse, so we managed.
It's rare that Bryan and I get to see Dogwater and it is even MORE rare that we stay up past midnight these days. This night was an exception. A romping, roaring, singing, smokin' good time. A true regression to the days that have long passed.
We started the night at City Tavern in Culver City. A cool tavern/restaurant where if you are lucky enough to swag one of the booths, you can pour your own beer--straight from the tap! The easiest drink refills ever! There are three choices of craft beers right at your table; Telegraph White Ale, Stone IPA and Downtown Brown. However, like most places in LA on a Friday night; it was packed wall to wall. After stuffing ourselves in a corner and enjoying a couple beers, it was time to move on to the next place; Backstage.
My first time to this fine establishment, I had no idea what to expect. We drove up to find a line of people waiting outside the door. Ugh, seriously?! Again, typical LA. Luckily the line moved fast and soon we were in the party zone. A true hole in the wall; Backstage is what you'd expect from any good timin' karaoke joint. Small, dark, crowded and plenty of off-key singing. The kind of place where it's best to stick with a simple drink. And what I ask you, is more simple than a good ole' Coors? No, not Coors Light. Straight up out of your Daddy's garage fridge--Coors Original. Or as Dogwater affectionately calls them "Yellow Bellies." At $3 a pop, they can't be beat. A couple of rounds of "Yellow Bellies," a male rendition of "Rehab," from Dogwater, and Bryan's tried and true karaoke go-to "Say it Ain't So," and the night was in full effect.
So the next time you are in LA and need to let off some steam, gather you buddies, warm-up your pipes, have a throwback to yesteryear and make it a "Yellow Belly" night at Backstage.
To good times!
--Jessica
So the next time you are in LA and need to let off some steam, gather you buddies, warm-up your pipes, have a throwback to yesteryear and make it a "Yellow Belly" night at Backstage.
To good times!
--Jessica
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Steaming in Vancouver, Canada!
How does Fantasy Football, an afternoon in Vancouver, a
brewery called the SteamWorks Brewery, my wife Jessica, a very handsome Dermot
Mulroney look alike bartender, and a meaningless game between the Denver
Broncos and Oakland Raiders turn out to be the best 3 hours of my life: Ill
try to explain!
Most guys might be upset if their wife was sitting
right next to them at a bar enjoying their tasters while drooling over a
bartender that looked just like Dermot Mulroney. Well for the record I truly
enjoyed it! First off, let me just say that the look alike winner was actually
an extremely nice guy and someone I would be friends with. He actually did me a
favor hitting on my wife because it allowed me to casually interact while
really keeping my focus on Darren McFadden, who was on my fantasy team and
torching the Denver Broncos defense! On an unrelated side note my Killer B’s
did go on to win their 2nd Fantasy Football Championship….I’m just
saying!
My wife and I escaped Los Angeles to Vancouver, Canada not
really knowing what to expect. We had read the travel books and done some
research but you never really know what its going to be like until you get there.
What an absolutely charming place that we discovered, and if you have read
previous blogs it’s a place I would actually move to. The people are extremely
friendly; I had forgotten what it was like to say hi to someone passing by on
the street while living in Los Angeles.
The air is clean and so is the ground, Vancouver offers such a unique
vacation experience around every corner. You can go from night life, to trendy,
to the great outdoors all with in about 15 minutes walk from each other. From
Gastown, to China Town I absolutely love this city and I also found the beer is
pretty damn good too. Make sure you go to the Granville Island Brewery which I
will touch on in more detail at another time. This is all about the Steam Works
Brewery!
Forget the fact my wife was in love with the Bartender, he
was so kind and friendly he helped us to have an amazing afternoon. He started
off by setting us up with a tasters mat, and then proceeded to put 8 tasters
down for us to enjoy. The best part about tasters is if your wife doesn’t like
one you get to have it for yourself! The Steam Works Brewery will offer you a
very unique beer called the Espresso Stout made will real coffee. That beer is
a must try, it's like nothing I have ever tasted before. You will also get to
enjoy the Lions Gate Lager, Coal Porter, Signature Pale Ale, Empress India Pale
Ale, Herocia Oatmeal Stout, Ipanema Summer White, and the Pumpkin Ale. All
beers are hand crafted and brewed right there on the site. Next time you are in
Vancouver and you’ve got a fantasy football player that you need to check on
stop by the SteamWorks Brewery they will treat you right!
Cheers!
--Bryan
Steamworks Brewery, Vancouver
In Gastown, on our way to enjoy a beer!
Thursday, April 14, 2011
What's the Best Beer/Late Night Snack Combo in Edinburgh, Scotland?
Negra Modelo and nachos of course! What did you think I was going to say fish n' chips?
It was the perfect finish to the most perfect first day of vacation I have ever experienced. Sometimes the first day of a trip can kind of hard; a transition day, especially if you are flying overseas. Your time clock is all screwed up, your tired, cranky, bloated from what was supposed to be food, and the smell of fourteen hours worth of recycled airplane air lingers in your nostrils. This trip was the true exception. It was as if all the travel stars were aligned just right. The plane ride was smooth, we actually fell asleep for more than an hour. On the ground, the Edinburgh public transportation was easy to understand and we found our apartment without a hitch! The place we rented was right off the Royal Mile and just walking distance to tons of sights, bars and restaurants. I recommend renting an apartment over a hotel room especially if you are staying for a week or more (this is a great site Cottages4You), it can actually be significantly cheaper. Plus, I think you get a better feel for a city. But I digress...
On this particular trip our good buddy and travel partner (who we call Shades) was with us. Once settled in to our temporary home, we three amigos set out in search of a good Scotch and some grub. Anyone who is close to me knows I like to stick to a plan. I am one of those annoying people that plans and prints itineraries for trips, making copies for everyone. According to my itinerary we could squeeze in an hour lunch, then be on our merry sightseeing way. What we ended up doing was completely opposite and totally awesome.
The Royal Mile is packed with stimulation: from gift shops to interesting taverns like Deacon Brodies and tours like that of Queen Mary's Close (very cool, by the way), and of course, Edinburgh Castle. There is no shortage of things to choose from. In our panicked search to get something in our gullets (we were starving) we stopped at the first place we saw called The Albanach. A traditional bar with a traditional scottish menu and plenty of whiskeys to choose from (at least 100). Perfect.
Wanting to take in the city, the people and the sights, we took a seat on the patio despite the cool temperatures (it was mid-October). To our surprise we were not the only patrons with that idea. At the table next to us was a rowdy group of people from England, all wearing Scottish Jimmy hats (which are these, if you don't know). By the several empty bottles of Chilean white wine littering their table, it was clear they were having a jolly good time. But, really, Chilean white wine in Edinburgh? We secretly scoffed at their drink choice and chuckled under our breath. After a couple of Belhavens and a sampling of Scotch, we soon became fast friends with our Scottish Jimmy hat wearing neighbors. And my itinerary, well that was long forgotten. We even ended up sharing a bottle of yes, Chilean white wine. Three years later, we are all still friends.
After a long night of fun with our new pals, we were in need of some serious fourth meal. Which brings me to the best late night nachos I have ever had (despite the fact the salsa may have very well been marinara). The restaurant, Pancho Villas! Naturally, the only only beer to have in Edinburgh at a Mexican restaurant...Negra Modelo. The moral of the story, sometimes you have to just let the fun come to you. Had we sticked to the plan we would have never had the good times we did...or the nachos.
Slainte Mhath!
--Jessica
It was the perfect finish to the most perfect first day of vacation I have ever experienced. Sometimes the first day of a trip can kind of hard; a transition day, especially if you are flying overseas. Your time clock is all screwed up, your tired, cranky, bloated from what was supposed to be food, and the smell of fourteen hours worth of recycled airplane air lingers in your nostrils. This trip was the true exception. It was as if all the travel stars were aligned just right. The plane ride was smooth, we actually fell asleep for more than an hour. On the ground, the Edinburgh public transportation was easy to understand and we found our apartment without a hitch! The place we rented was right off the Royal Mile and just walking distance to tons of sights, bars and restaurants. I recommend renting an apartment over a hotel room especially if you are staying for a week or more (this is a great site Cottages4You), it can actually be significantly cheaper. Plus, I think you get a better feel for a city. But I digress...
On this particular trip our good buddy and travel partner (who we call Shades) was with us. Once settled in to our temporary home, we three amigos set out in search of a good Scotch and some grub. Anyone who is close to me knows I like to stick to a plan. I am one of those annoying people that plans and prints itineraries for trips, making copies for everyone. According to my itinerary we could squeeze in an hour lunch, then be on our merry sightseeing way. What we ended up doing was completely opposite and totally awesome.
The Royal Mile is packed with stimulation: from gift shops to interesting taverns like Deacon Brodies and tours like that of Queen Mary's Close (very cool, by the way), and of course, Edinburgh Castle. There is no shortage of things to choose from. In our panicked search to get something in our gullets (we were starving) we stopped at the first place we saw called The Albanach. A traditional bar with a traditional scottish menu and plenty of whiskeys to choose from (at least 100). Perfect.
Wanting to take in the city, the people and the sights, we took a seat on the patio despite the cool temperatures (it was mid-October). To our surprise we were not the only patrons with that idea. At the table next to us was a rowdy group of people from England, all wearing Scottish Jimmy hats (which are these, if you don't know). By the several empty bottles of Chilean white wine littering their table, it was clear they were having a jolly good time. But, really, Chilean white wine in Edinburgh? We secretly scoffed at their drink choice and chuckled under our breath. After a couple of Belhavens and a sampling of Scotch, we soon became fast friends with our Scottish Jimmy hat wearing neighbors. And my itinerary, well that was long forgotten. We even ended up sharing a bottle of yes, Chilean white wine. Three years later, we are all still friends.
After a long night of fun with our new pals, we were in need of some serious fourth meal. Which brings me to the best late night nachos I have ever had (despite the fact the salsa may have very well been marinara). The restaurant, Pancho Villas! Naturally, the only only beer to have in Edinburgh at a Mexican restaurant...Negra Modelo. The moral of the story, sometimes you have to just let the fun come to you. Had we sticked to the plan we would have never had the good times we did...or the nachos.
Slainte Mhath!
--Jessica
Our new friends.
Pancho Villas, Edinburgh
Non Beer Related/Non Nacho Related
So completely random, but worth sharing. One of the telephone booths right outside the bar had the sticker below. What??? Never thought he would be the type to walk around with a label maker.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The 7th Floor
Ever been to one of those exclusive LA clubs where there is
no sign and you walk in and everyone is cooler then you are? That is exactly
how I felt when the silver doors of the elevator opened up and I walked into
the 7th floor at the Guinness Factory, a place so cool it doesn’t
even have a name, they just call it the 7th Floor. Okay so they call it the Gravity Bar,
but doesn’t that sound so much cooler!
I went to the Guinness Factory not really knowing what to
expect, but I walked out with a sense of history and a great appreciation for what
was quickly becoming my favorite drink, Guinness. On the way inside the place it just seems like an old brick building but as soon as those entry doors part way,
you are immediately swept into the Guinness experience. You go up to the
counter and buy a ticket like you are about to go on the most fantastic
rollercoaster you can think of. First you proceed through a maze of history
about where the dark rich Guinness came from and how it was made. The part I
think I remember most were the old bottles displayed, and it was at that time
you truly get a sense of the history in your glass. I also remember the
instructional video of how they use to make barrels to transport the Guinness.
Around every corner you are slammed with amazing stories that truly bring a
pint of Guinness to life.
Once you have completed your history lesson you then have a
choice, and I recommend you follow my instruction on this one. You have the
option of going up to the 7th floor or taking a pit stop at the 4th
floor restaurant. There you can
enjoy a pint or two of Guinness while dining on the most amazing Guinness Stew
you could ever imagine. It was a man paradise of flavor with whole roasted
chunks of lams, carrots, and potato in a rich brown Guinness broth. It also
comes with Brown Bread, which is basically soda bread, but I have never before
or after that experience, tasted bread that complimented a meal so well. Once
you have completed your meal stop and learn about how Guinness is processed
from start to finish before heading to the Gravity bar on the 7th floor.
With my belly full of absolute goodness I walked into the
elevator and hit the button marked 7th floor. I truly had no idea
what to expect when the doors eventually opened but what I saw was worth every
cent of the admission price, which coincidently gets you a free beer when you
arrive at the 7th floor. The steal doors open and you are immediately
punched in the face with the most breath taking view you will ever see. The Gravity Bar is a complete panoramic view of Dublin, Ireland and all its glory! So
imagine grabbing a seat that gazes upon the entire city while sipping on your
free Guinness that is poured every so delicately. A true Guinness must rest 2
minutes before being topped off and served. My buddy and I managed to finagle
one extra beer apiece and we didn’t speak a word as we just sat and watched as
the word went by beneath our feet. Finally it was time to go and discover more
of Ireland, we had reservations at the Jameson Factory! On the way down just
before the elevator shut I took one last look, that image is just for me!
Sláinte!
--Bryan
Entrance to the Guinness Factory
About to step off the elevator to the Gravity Bar.
View from the Gravity Bar.
Old Guinness Bottles on the tour.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
A Delicious Organic Brew in Amsterdam
Year before last Bryan and I were lucky enough to go to Paris, Belgium and Amsterdam for our honeymoon. It was actually our second time to visit Amsterdam. Our first trip to was two years prior to that. A whirlwind 18-hour, in and out, quick and dirty good time. In a nutshell we basically had enough time to get lost on the streets of the Red Light District then hop back on a train--but that's another story. Needless to say we felt that there was definitely more to see and we had to go back.
Amsterdam is one of the most unique, breathtaking, unusual, historic, fast-paced and fun-filled cities I have ever been to. While it definitely offers something to tickle every sin bone in your body, there is really so much more to discover. Museums, interesting shops, nice people, beautiful parks, beers and my personal favorite, fries in a cone. There is nothing like enjoying a cone filled with golden fried potato goodness smothered in mayonnaise and curry ketchup. Grab a jumbo cone (b/c trust me you will want to eat it all), pop a squat and watch the hundreds upon hundreds of bicycles whiz by--there is nothing like it. Believe me when I tell you part of the reason I wanted to go back was for those fries alone. But, back to the subject at hand...beer!
Since Bryan and I had pretty much tackled the Red Light District on our first trip, we were all about exploring the outskirts of town. The week before our trip I visited the local branch of our Los Angeles public library and rented a couple of different travel DVDs about Amsterdam. On a side note; the library is really a great source for travel videos! Although, some tend to be a little outdated, so you should check the locations online before you venture out.
Anyway, one of the places featured was this great little brewery just east outside the city center of Amsterdam called Brouwerij 't IJ. It's a short enjoyable walk that takes you out of the hustle and bustle and through a more residential area. Ten different types of organic beers are brewed right there on the premises. Some of the brews are only available during certain times of the year. Either way, if you are a beer lover, you are guaranteed to find something you like on tap. My personal favorite was the Plzen (Pilsner), hoppy, cold and crisp!
The indoor seating of the brewery offers lively sounds of good conversation and simple but funky decor. Beer bottles from around the world fill every square inch of shelving along the walls. Sit outside, and you'll get an up-close and personal view of the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands, De Gooyer. It's great you get to kill two birds with one stone; drink good beer and check one of the must see landmarks off your list!
You can even take a guided tour of the brewery to learn all about your favorite new brewski. Which we didn't have a chance to do, although judging by the staff, I think it would have been fun. The tasting room is open daily from 3pm to 8pm. It's the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing or kick start the night!
Gezondheid!
--Jessica
Amsterdam is one of the most unique, breathtaking, unusual, historic, fast-paced and fun-filled cities I have ever been to. While it definitely offers something to tickle every sin bone in your body, there is really so much more to discover. Museums, interesting shops, nice people, beautiful parks, beers and my personal favorite, fries in a cone. There is nothing like enjoying a cone filled with golden fried potato goodness smothered in mayonnaise and curry ketchup. Grab a jumbo cone (b/c trust me you will want to eat it all), pop a squat and watch the hundreds upon hundreds of bicycles whiz by--there is nothing like it. Believe me when I tell you part of the reason I wanted to go back was for those fries alone. But, back to the subject at hand...beer!
Since Bryan and I had pretty much tackled the Red Light District on our first trip, we were all about exploring the outskirts of town. The week before our trip I visited the local branch of our Los Angeles public library and rented a couple of different travel DVDs about Amsterdam. On a side note; the library is really a great source for travel videos! Although, some tend to be a little outdated, so you should check the locations online before you venture out.
Anyway, one of the places featured was this great little brewery just east outside the city center of Amsterdam called Brouwerij 't IJ. It's a short enjoyable walk that takes you out of the hustle and bustle and through a more residential area. Ten different types of organic beers are brewed right there on the premises. Some of the brews are only available during certain times of the year. Either way, if you are a beer lover, you are guaranteed to find something you like on tap. My personal favorite was the Plzen (Pilsner), hoppy, cold and crisp!
The indoor seating of the brewery offers lively sounds of good conversation and simple but funky decor. Beer bottles from around the world fill every square inch of shelving along the walls. Sit outside, and you'll get an up-close and personal view of the tallest wooden windmill in the Netherlands, De Gooyer. It's great you get to kill two birds with one stone; drink good beer and check one of the must see landmarks off your list!
You can even take a guided tour of the brewery to learn all about your favorite new brewski. Which we didn't have a chance to do, although judging by the staff, I think it would have been fun. The tasting room is open daily from 3pm to 8pm. It's the perfect place to end a day of sightseeing or kick start the night!
Gezondheid!
--Jessica
Brouwerij 't IJ
Good times inside...
De Gooyer--right outside the brewery.
Bar rules. No idea what they say, hopefully we followed.
And just because they are so damn good; fries in a cone.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A Flight of Beers before our Flight
From Haight Ashbury to the Chinese Gardens we wandered the
streets of San Francisco in search of hippies. Instead I found out what all the
fuss was about; that you could truly leave your heart in San Francisco. In
my long list of cities that I have been fortunate enough to see, San Francisco
resided on a very short list of places I actually do want to move to. You know
that conversation you have after every vacation, where you say "I want to move
there!" Well I have said that about every place I have ever been but Vancouver,
Amsterdam and San Francisco are the only places where I truly meant it. For
three days we got to discover a magical city with so many twists and turns, every district is like something brand new to discover.
We saw everything from Haight Ashbury to Alcatraz. We took a ride on the trolley and saw one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen. We also discovered a new friend, who I will affectionately refer to as the Stimmer Man. An awesome guy!
We saw everything from Haight Ashbury to Alcatraz. We took a ride on the trolley and saw one of the most beautiful parks I have ever seen. We also discovered a new friend, who I will affectionately refer to as the Stimmer Man. An awesome guy!
My wife and I set out on an adventure to San Francisco to celebrate her 30th birthday. While we were there we went to an eight table authentic German Restaurant with amazing food called Walzwerk (a must visit place). Everyone in the intimate restaurant sang Happy Birthday to my wife, I will never forget that moment. We were so lucky that we got to celebrate it with such good friends and enjoy beautiful scenery for three straight days. I am having so much fun remembering the trip that I almost forgot to talk about the best part-- when the Stimmer man ran straight into a tree (Ill leave the details for just he and I). But really, that was one of the best parts.
In our last remaining hours on that
cold and rainy Sunday afternoon before our flight we pushed through the doors
of the Rogue Ales Public House and enjoyed several flights of beers. A flight of
beers is the ability to taste several different beers and then you get to
choose the one you like. Or if you are like me, its like a playground of beers
and you never have to choose just one! Rogue Beers Dead Guy Ale is one of my
favorite all time beers, such a rich flavor packed Ale. Imagine a cold rainy
day, with grey skies, and a beautiful woman and that is the beer that comes to
mind. My flight consisted of the Amber Ale, Dead Guy Ale, the John John,
Marifest, and you have to try Dad’s Little Helper. The public house will offer
an amazing atmosphere with even better beers! Do yourself a favor and stop
there next time you are in San Francisco.
This is Truly an amazing place to visit, one of the true
gems in America. Enjoy it with friends like Wifey, Shades, Biscuits, and The
Stimmer Man. Don’t forget scarves and umbrellas. Oh and don’t forget your
goggles, if you need a place to score some just ask Shades!
Prost!
--Byran
Prost!
--Byran
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Beer Doesn't Always Taste Like Pee?
Before I met Bryan, my experiences with beer were very limited. In college it was basically the cheapest thing we could find: Natural Light to Red Dog, to PBR to the occasional "40 night." Colt 45 being the usual go to. What can I say, we were party girls. The cheapest and quickest way to a buzz was just fine by us; taste didn't really matter. When it did, we stepped it up a notch with $1 cherry vodka sours (thank you Nine Flags Nacogdoches). Don't get me wrong there is nothing wrong with those particular beers. Growing up in a working class household, I watched my father and his friends kick back a six pack after a long hard days work. I know those brews can quench one's thirst. However, little did I know there was an entire world of beers beyond the grocery store favorites. Beers with unique tastes and stories all their own. Beers that were supposed to be paired with certain foods. Breweries you could tour and learn about the process of making beer. Even fruit flavored beers! Suddenly drinking beer had whole new meaning. You mean to tell me I can drink a beer to simply enjoy the taste? This was a new way of thinking for me. Just hitting the peak of my "late twenties,"I was starting to discover a world outside of partying...starting. But to think that beer had any other purpose than to give a buzz or be chugged out of a bong was well, crazy talk! We all know when have reached that point of getting out of the party scene. It can be a hard transition. You know, when you start going to happy hour, literally just for one hour. Anyway, that's where I was at.
The night my husband and I had our very first face-to-face date (yes, we connected online, yes, it was on MySpace) we met at what would become one of our favorite Irish bars in Dallas, Trinity Hall. A couple of months prior to meeting him, my very best girl friends and I went to our college homecoming. There, reuniting with some of our old chums, one of my buddies was drinking a Maredsous 8. It was a dark and served in a goblet similar to a wine glass. Thinking it was red wine, I asked him to order me one. To my surprise it was beer, it was good...and it was strong. So back to the first date with the future hubs, I of course ordered one. Guys love it when a girl can drink a good beer, right? That's what I was thinking anyway. We met online, talked online, and had only seen what we hoped the other looked like, online. I was going to need something strong to get through this.
He ordered a Guinness, I, a Maredsous 8. The waitress brought over the drinks. Bryan stared at mine with intrigue. Yes! He was impressed with my order. Plan was working like a charm. He asked what it was, took a sip and was in. If we never met again, he would have at least discovered a new favorite beer. And I, well, had it not worked out, would have known never to meet up with someone off MySpace ever again. Keep in mind, this was back when MySpace was cool.
After a little awkward silence, a lot of sipping and nervous staring, the conversation started rolling like we had known each other for years. That night I met by best friend, my life partner the current father to our furry child (our dog, Texas) and of course the love of my life. We've been together literally almost every day since.
In our time together we have been fortunate enough to travel the U.S. and the world together. Along the way meeting great people, seeing beautiful sights and of course discovering new beers!
As the adventures continue, we hope some of our memories and stories will broaden your beer horizons and inspire you to try a new brew (to enjoy responsibly, of course).
Bottoms Up!
--Jessica
The night my husband and I had our very first face-to-face date (yes, we connected online, yes, it was on MySpace) we met at what would become one of our favorite Irish bars in Dallas, Trinity Hall. A couple of months prior to meeting him, my very best girl friends and I went to our college homecoming. There, reuniting with some of our old chums, one of my buddies was drinking a Maredsous 8. It was a dark and served in a goblet similar to a wine glass. Thinking it was red wine, I asked him to order me one. To my surprise it was beer, it was good...and it was strong. So back to the first date with the future hubs, I of course ordered one. Guys love it when a girl can drink a good beer, right? That's what I was thinking anyway. We met online, talked online, and had only seen what we hoped the other looked like, online. I was going to need something strong to get through this.
He ordered a Guinness, I, a Maredsous 8. The waitress brought over the drinks. Bryan stared at mine with intrigue. Yes! He was impressed with my order. Plan was working like a charm. He asked what it was, took a sip and was in. If we never met again, he would have at least discovered a new favorite beer. And I, well, had it not worked out, would have known never to meet up with someone off MySpace ever again. Keep in mind, this was back when MySpace was cool.
After a little awkward silence, a lot of sipping and nervous staring, the conversation started rolling like we had known each other for years. That night I met by best friend, my life partner the current father to our furry child (our dog, Texas) and of course the love of my life. We've been together literally almost every day since.
In our time together we have been fortunate enough to travel the U.S. and the world together. Along the way meeting great people, seeing beautiful sights and of course discovering new beers!
As the adventures continue, we hope some of our memories and stories will broaden your beer horizons and inspire you to try a new brew (to enjoy responsibly, of course).
Bottoms Up!
--Jessica
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)