Two Journeys and a Quest
In October I once again journeyed to beautiful Dutchess County to visit the one and only Voidious Olicious, my brother, the legendary White Monkey. This was possibly my best visit yet. The Lumina held up well, despite averaging over 70 mph on the latter half of my return trip (a notable feat for this cruise-worn 14 year old vehicle). Smash was played, beers were drunk. Fine cuisine, eaten.
After an unforgettable meal Saturday at Japanese Steakhouse, Osho, my dear brother introduced me to a beer that has transformed my tastes and altered my whole approach to drinking–Leffe Blonde, one of several Belgian ales consumed during my visit. This seemed like an interesting new way to get drunk (and indeed it was, as we partied well into Sunday morning to the sweet sounds of Buckethead, Rush, Primus, and C2B3) but the experience made a lasting impression and gave us both a new outlook on beer.
A few weeks later, Voidious reciprocated, travelling here to Buffalo during the Thanksgiving holiday. Though I had to work a few days over his vacation, we had plenty of time for Smash, Trek, Samurai Jack, Chef Ramsay, Buckethead, Pizza Plant, multiple outings to Duff’s and Ted’s, and an incredible Thanksgiving dinner hosted by our gracious sister, Rachel and our brother-in-law, Jamo (who cooked a most succulent turkey!). And of course, there was Belgian beer. A lot of Belgian beer.
I’m not sure how much money we spent on beer that week and to be honest I don’t want to know. :) .. I can say that we sampled twelve new varieties, and indulged in quite a bit of Leffe Blonde and Hoegaarden as well (“old” favorites from my October visit).
I have since been propelled on a quest to expose myself to as many varieties of beer as possible, and have been trying to sample at least one new brew a week. I’ve begun a log to track my progress, though I currently lack the knowledge and experience to properly assess the qualities of each beer.
But that hasn’t stopped me from trying. :)
* Photos courtesy of Voidious
December 8th, 2007 at 10:10 pm
So… you were a short 1-hour Metro-North trek from fair Gotham and didn’t find a way to get here for a little visit?
You want beer? In this town we can likely find Japanese/Italian fusion beer and its probably certified organic to boot.
Next time, get on the Metro-North and enjoy the scenic Hudson river your right. At the end of your journey, the train will stop at a place called “Grand Central Station” I’m sure you have heard of it, based on the nickname you gave our office when it was busy. You won’t miss the station because the train stops there. End of the line. They will kick you out if you don’t exit.
I’ll be there to greet you and treat you to a small sample of what this insanely interesting town can offer in the way of recreational activities. Or we can at least share a meal and few exotic brewed beverages. Then you can get your ass back upstate within a few hours.
Yes, Poughkeepsie is “Upstate” down here.
December 9th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Hey Bob, thanks for stopping by! On these weekend trips I have such limited time to spend with my brother (basically we just have Saturday, since I arrive late Friday night and leave early Sunday) that it would be hard to squeeze in a trip to the city. What I really need is a week to spend down there, in which case I could easily find time to swing over to NYC and check you out.
It’s funny, Patch actually got his exposure to the Belgian beer while visiting a friend in the city. We were thrilled to find many of the same varieties at beer stores in Pkpsy and here in Buffalo (Premier Gourmet seems to be the place to go around here).
-Matt
December 9th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Hey Matt,
I wasn’t going to comment today, I just was stopping by to see what’s new with ya, BUT I then noticed something at the very end of my visit. You have a log for the beer you drink??? LOL I am some how not surprised, but it still strikes me as being funny….
I hope your weekend has been a good one. See you tomorrow….
- Julie
December 9th, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Hey Julie, thanks for visiting! I know, the beer log seems kind of goofy, but I was surprised to find it’s not uncommon for beer enthusiasts to keep a log like that. Of course, they tend to post commentary such as “The taste is made of sweet malt and some light hop bitterness.” as opposed to the “F—ing awesome!” type of comments found in my log. :-)
-Matt
December 9th, 2007 at 3:53 pm
It just occurred to me that “blog” is a more appropriate nickname for “beer log” than it is for “web log”. Bah, it’s probably too late to propagate that change around the ‘net… ;)
December 11th, 2007 at 6:32 pm
Matt, just trying to be snarky. You gotta come down for a visit when you find the time.
January 4th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Hi Matt,
Thanks for coming by on Christmas and leaving me a note. Sorry I didn’t get over to visit you any sooner than this. I hope your Christmas was a wonderful one.
Have a wonderful weekend!
March 3rd, 2008 at 11:56 pm
So, what’s the word on the street? Just checkin in on one of my heroes…hope you’re doing well and staying busy, my friend…
If you’re down with Leffe and the whole Belgian trappist thing, you must try Rochefort. It’s like finding God, then realizing that there is no God, then realizing that it’s ok because maybe God’s a drunk and he wouldn’t want you going around “praising him” and shit because He’s hung over. (This sounds alot better au Francais…) :-)
March 4th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Aaron! Great to hear from you man! The icy realm of Buffalo, NY misses you my friend. It’s been a weird few years. Any chance you’ll be swinging by here in your travels? It’d be great if we could try that Rochefort together and catch up. We gotta talk further!
March 4th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Count on it. And soon!
March 7th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Yo Ex-Boss….
If you like the exotic beers and are in the tri-state, you have to visit “The Belgian Beer Bar” located on west 4th right next to the diner at the corner of Ave. of the americas(6th Ave.)
My favo bar in all of NYC and Dirtty Jersey. The only thing is there is no sign, just walk into what looks like a nice alley and you will find your self in the courtyard of this three section bar with a grand selection of draughts and bottles. While you’re at it, you need to try stopping’ in at DBA on 1st ave somewhere btwn 1st St. and 4th St.
Cheers!