Thursday, December 29, 2016

5th Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival Recap


I think having a beer fest in December is a wonderful way to help celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
A few short weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival. While I have attended several other events produced by OC Brew Ha Ha Productions, this was my first time attending their annual event held in December.  
The event was held at the Phoenix Club in Anaheim, which is a fantastic spot for a fest. There was plenty of room for breweries, vendors, food trucks, and festival attendees to spread out throughout the venue. 
One of my favorite beers of the day was Unsung Brewing's St. Nick R. Doodle.  It was like drinking a cookie, a really delicious hop flavored cookie.  I thoroughly enjoyed the OC Brew Ho Ho because of the fantastic variety of beers that were brought by all of the breweries, the live music from Dead Man's Party, as well as all of the festive attire worn by all of the attendees.  I am already looking forward to next year's Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival!











Sunday, December 4, 2016

Merry Kringle with Racine Danish Kringles!

Recently, I was asked by #FoodieChats to sample some amazing desserts from Racine Danish Kringles.  Prior to being sent the Racine Danish Kringles, I had not heard of these pastries. The Danish Kringle is the official state pastry for the state of Wisconsin.  When Danish settlers arrived in the late 1800s, they brought with them the Danish Kringle.  Each Danish Kringle made by Racine Danish Kringle is handcrafted in their family bakery.  

#MerryKringle

While I love sharing treats with my friends and family during the Christmas season, finding time to bake treats can be a challenge.  The Racine Danish Kringle is a perfect dessert to share during the holidays, and anytime of year.  They arrive frozen, and can either be continued to be kept frozen for up to six months or consumed after allowing them to thaw. I sampled the chocolate silk as well as the cinnamon Kringle.  The Racine Danish Kringles are easy to cut up into small pieces to allow more friends and family to share in the Kringle dessert.

Light, flaky with just the right amount of chocolate in the chocolate silk Kringle.


I am pretty confident that the head elf himself, Kris Kringle would also be a fan of these delightful treats.


Kringle for Kris Kringle!

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Beer Fest for Beer Geeks Presents: The Rare Experience!

Beer Fest for Beer Geeks Presents: The Rare Experience

LOS ANGELES, CA — Beer Fest for Beer Geeks, brought to you by Stout Burgers & Beers, presents an extraordinary beer list to celebrate the uniqueness of beer. The Rare Experience Beer Festival takes place outside of the restaurant’s Studio City location from 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm on Saturday, November 19, 2016. The festival features 20 breweries pouring a variety of beers such as sours, barrel-aged and wild ales.

Beer nerds will recognize a few of the more popular breweries attending the festival, including Deschutes, Logsdon, Allagash, Lost Abbey, Cascade, Almanac, Modern Times, Boulevard, Green Flash and more. Some of the rare or unique one-offs come from as close as Los Angeles (like Phantom Carriage Brewery) and as far as Connecticut (extremely rare OEC Brewing) and Nebraska (Nebraska Brewing Company).

“This is a truly unique opportunity where beer fans can get their hands on impossible to find beers,” says Joey Anderson, Stout’s National Beer Manager. “We work all year long to curate this list. Whether you’re a fan of sour, wild or barrel-aged beers, attendees will be blown away with the options available.”

VIP access gets ticket holders early entrance at 1:00 pm along with 12 draft drink tickets and three bonus tickets for access to rare, specialty bottles. Regular admission ticket holders receive 10 draft tickets with access to the festival at 2:00 pm.

Tickets can be purchased for $50 general admission and $70 VIP at bit.ly/Rare-Experience-2016

Want to attend the event and receive a discount? Use code: RAREFEST1 that offers $5 off a VIP or GA ticket (limit two users per customer). 

When: Saturday November 19th, 2016

Where: 11262 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Confirmed Breweries:
Wiens Brewing, Deschutes Brewery, Logsdon Farmhouse Ales, Allagash Brewing Company, Lost Abbey, Cascade Brewing, Bear Republic Brewing Company, Anderson Valley Brewing Company, Telegraph Brewery, Almanac Beer Co, Modern Times Beer, Small Batch Beer Co., Cellador Ales, Nebraska Brewing Company, Boulevard Brewing Company, Big Sky Brewing, Green Flash Brewing Co., Phantom Carriage Brewery and OEC Brewing (Ordinem Ecentrici Coctores).


Friday, October 28, 2016

5th Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival

Tickets On-Sale Now for the
5th Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival
Anaheim Phoenix Club Dec. 10
Over 90 craft beers from the finest breweries in Southern California and beyond with seasonal, holiday and winter ale tastings
[Anaheim, CA.] – The producers of the acclaimed Brew Ha Ha Craft Beer Festival proudly present the 5th Annual Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival at the Anaheim Phoenix Club on Saturday, December 10 from 12-4 p.m. Tickets for Brew Ho Ho annually sell out and are currently available at www.ocbrewhoho.com.  A portion of the proceeds for this year’s Brew Ho Ho will benefit the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Orange County and Inland Empire.
   
The Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival is one of the largest Holiday Craft Beer Festivals in Southern California and has been deemed the unofficial OC Brewers’ Holiday Party. This year’s event will feature a line-up of over 90 craft beers from the finest breweries in Southern California and beyond. Back by popular demand, the anticipated annual Brewery Merchandise Expo returns offering guests a one-stop shopping experience. Take photos with Santa Claus and test your skills with the Brew Ho Ho’s illustrious interactive games.
The holiday ale fest will offer an intimate experience for attendees with tasty food trucks, music, big beards, ugly Christmas sweaters, and of course, plenty of craft beer.  Award winning breweries including Bottle Logic, Barley Forge, Left Coast Brewery, Good Beer Company, Mike Hess, Wicks Brewing, and many more will bring their best of the season to HoHo. The Brew Ha Ha Productions team is excited to welcome OC’s newest brewery to Brew Ho Ho with samples from Placentia’s own STERO Brewing. Another new addition to the beer line-up this year is UNSUNG Brewing Company, who has been turning heads since their debut at the Anaheim Packing District in spring of 2016.
The fifth annual OC Brew Ho Ho Holiday Ale Festival is a rain or shine event.  Since it’s inception in 2012, the Brew Ho Ho has sold out and judging by their record breaking sales of their Early Bird Tickets, this year will sell out as well. Tickets are currently available for $55 online and pending availability, will be available the day of for $65 online or at the door.  Designated driver tickets will be available for $20 at the door only for those accompanying a paid guest. Unlimited 2 oz. tastings will be provided in a complimentary commemorative tasting glass. Tastings will take place from 12 – 4 p.m. with the Brewery Merchandise Expo, music and food open until 5 p.m.  For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.brewhoho.com.




Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Ye Scallywag Recap

Beer + Live Music + San Diego = an EPIC day.



Saturday October 21st marked the debut of the inaugural Ye Scallywag fest which featured beer, wine, food, and music.
Ever since I first heard whisperings about Ye Scallywag, I have been beyond excited.  

As a native San Diegan, I knew the venue for the event, the Waterfront Park, would be a picture perfect setting.  Who wouldn't want to spend the day soaking up some California sunshine near the Pacific Ocean?


Throughout the day, live music was performed by an outstanding lineup which appealed to a wide variety of musical tastes. From up and coming bands such as the Bombpops and Wakrat, to legendary bands such as Reel Big Fish, Against Me!, Goldfinger, Bad Religion, and NOFX.

Against Me!

NOFX


Goldfinger

Goldfinger and Reel Big Fish

Bad Religion
 Besides the amazing music, setting, and venue there were also an abundance of beers, wine, and food to sample throughout the event. A wide variety of vendors also had booths set up selling merchandise.

Cheers!

While I love beer, the highlight for me were the bands that performed throughout the day. I've had the opportunity to see many of the bands who played previously, and was not disappointed. Each of the bands had a tremendous amount of energy and genuinely appeared to be having just as much fun, if not a bit more, than the eager crowds gathered in the area near the stage.


Thanks to Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), Brew Ha Ha Productions, and radio stations 91X and KFM-BFM for putting together an epic day.  I am already looking forward to next year's Ye Scallywag!

Want to see more photos?  Check out my album on Google Photos here!

Thursday, September 29, 2016

Casual Fridays at Walt Disney Concert Hall



CASUAL FRIDAYS AT WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

COME FOR THE MUSIC.
STAY FOR THE DRINKS.

Enjoy a magnificent concert, usually shorter and with intermission, preceded by an introduction from an LA Phil musician.  Then, stay for a TalkBack (Q & A) with the artists or mingle with orchestra members and fellow concertgoers.  This year's series includes music by Ravel, Stravinsky, Mozart, and Haydn.  Conductors include Gustavo Dudamel, Pablo Heras-Casado, and Mirga Grazinyte-Tyla.  Soloists include Emanuel Ax, Stephen Kovacevich, and Augustin Hadelich.  For 2016/17, the LA Phil has partnered with the Los Angeles County Brewers Guild to host complimentary beer tastings on casual Fridays.

After each performance, you'll be treated to a TalkBack, a Q & A with the artists on stage. Then, you'll be invited to connect with members of the orchestra and fellow music lovers in BP Hall where you can sample the best in local craft beers...on the house!

For more information and tickets:

1/27: Dudamel & Emanuel Ax http://bit.ly/WDCH_Calendar_dudamelax
3/31: Mirga Conducts Mozart & Haydn http://bit.ly/WDCH_Calendar_mozarthaydn

This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy live music along with craft beer in a unique setting at the Walt Disney Concert Hall.



Tuesday, September 27, 2016

7th Annual Brew Ha Ha Recap

This past Saturday, September 24th, one of my most favorite events of the year took place, the Brew Ha Ha.  This year marked the seventh year the Brew Ha Ha has taken place, which is quite the accomplishment!  The Brew Ha Ha took place once again in the picturesque Oak Canyon Park.  I really love this venue, it feels as if you are far outside of the metropolitan area of Orange County, when in fact you aren't very far from major freeways.


Waiting to enter Brew Ha Ha
As in past years, the Brew Ha Ha was held on a warmer than normal day, even though it is officially fall, the weather doesn't seem to realize this.  Thankfully, there are lots of shady spots throughout the event grounds as well as misting stations which make it easy to cool off in between sipping on delicious beers.


Picturesque Oak Canyon Park
This year, as in year's past, there was a collaboration beer made exclusively for the Brew Ha Ha.  This year a local brewery, Bottle Logic Brewing and a San Diego brewery, AleSmith Brewing Company worked together to create Stable Orbit.  The collaboration beer will be available in Southern California in both bottles and on draft.  This limited edition beer has an 8.5% BV and features several South African hops: African Queen, Southern Passion, Southern Star, and XJA2.  Stable Orbit was definitely a stand out beer of the day.


Line for Stable Orbit

Stable Orbit, worth the wait!
Other stand outs of the day were Founders Brewing Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale and Mike Hess Brewing 8 West.  There were a wide variety of beers, which, as always, made it easy for everyone to find something to enjoy throughout the event.


Founders Brewing Dirty Bastard Scotch Ale

Mike Hess Brewing 8 West





















Besides beer, the Brew Ha Ha, as usual had a great assortment of food options available throughout the event.  From food trucks to restaurants booths, there were many different types of food available.

Haven Gastropub
Sweet Temptations treats made with beer are always a great idea!
   
Slater's 50/50
Throughout the venue, there were games for attendees to play as well as live music.  This helps to break up the event and also ensure that people are taking breaks in between enjoying the ample selection of beers.






  



Once again, the organizers of Brew Ha Ha put together an amazing event.  I am super excited to see what other events they organize.  One event that I am really looking forward to is the upcoming Ye Scallywag! wine, beer, food, and festival which takes place on October 22nd in San Diego.  I know that it will be another epic event, since the organizers of Brew Ha Ha are involved!  If you haven't already secured your tickets, I highly recommend you do so.

Cheers to another rad Brew Ha Ha!