Welcome Back
For this we are all grateful.
I had a draft IPA and the Mysterious Chinese Woman had a nice spicy Weiss beer, but I will be darned if I can remember what kind they were. I should have taken notes. Perhaps because we were just on the way to somewhere else I wasn't really all that focused. Plus Mr. Popcorn distracted me.
We swung by La Mancha, but it wasn't open yet. I thought it was supposed to be open at 2:00 P.M., but somebody inside said come back in half-an-hour. What was Bar Man to do with time to kill? Well, he could always go next door and have a beer.
The Atlantic Chip Shop
They have a nice selection of beers in here, but not exclusively British beers. In fact, very few of their draft beers were British. The bartender, Diana, said the selection of beers varied depending upon the time of year.
Diana, Kind Of Hiding
I had a Belhaven Scottish Ale which was about the most British thing they had, unless you wanted a bottle. I will probably try to stop in here next Thursday for the Scmaltz Brewing Company promotion. They are based in San Francisco and are most known for He'Brew, The Chosen Beer. However, they also brew in New York and have a line of Coney Island craft beers that include Coney Island Lager; Albino Python, a white lager brewed with spices; Sword Swallower, a steel hop lager - well, you get the point.
Should Be Fun
I am hoping they will pass out some swag. One of their Tee Shirts would be nice.
After finishing up my beer I went back to La Mancha that still wasn't "really" open. We were told it was because they had a big party the night before and the place was kind of a mess. Must have been a good party.
La Mancha
They still had the grilled sardines, kind of a stand-by, and then a couple of specials that sounded good, grilled octopus and also escargot that was somehow mixed with chorizo and cheese. Sounded weird, but hey, you know I had to try it.
All Kinds Of Good Stuff
My Little Plate
The Corizo And Cheese Stuffed Escargot
And, of course, the delicious Sangria that they make on the spot when you order it.
Best Sangria In Town
It was a bit on the cool side yesterday, but nice and sunny. It is fun to just sit at the bar here and gaze out at the street and watch the world pass by.
A Street View
Oh yeah, I told you about the Jamon Serrano Ham. Never heard of it before, well let me enlighten you:
"There is nothing more Spanish than jamón serrano. This country ham is a national treasure shared in Spain by all walks of life. Cured for at least a year, it has a much deeper flavor and firmer texture than its closest relative, Italian prosciutto. Serve as a 'Tapa' with cheese and olives."
"Jamon serrano country ham is a source of great pride among Spaniards. From time immemorial in the mountains of Spain, they have rolled fresh hams in sea salt and hung them from their rafters to cure. A year to eighteen months later the jamones are ready to mount on special stands that are designed so that anyone can stop by, carve a few paper-thin slices, and enjoy an impromptu snack – perhaps with some manchego cheese."
Jamone Serrano Ham On Its Special Stand
After our lovely meal and lingering over our sangria I decided to head back to Pete's Waterfront Ale House. I passed Gaid, the world's friendliest bartender, who sadly pointed out the demise of Mezcal's.
Mezcal's, It Has Ceased To Be
Proof Positive
This is what happens when you get greedy landlords. You triple the monthly rent of a place that has been a neighborhood institution as long as I can remember and put them out of business. Now I am betting this place will just stay empty for months and then who knows what will appear. Probably an upscale apparel shop or something. We shall have to just wait and see.
Anyway, I was going to have that Weiss beer that the Mysterious Chinese Woman had earlier but then at the last minute decided I wanted a bottle of a smoked beer. Luckily they had just gotten one in.
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Urbock
Aecht Schlenkeria Rauchier Urbock is unpasteurized and is a ruby brown with just a thin head. Not really very carbonated but very malty. It has a distinctly smokey nose that smells kind of like a smoked ham. Quite pleasant if that is what you are looking for. It is a relatively reasonable 6.6% ABV and I hope they still have it the next time I stop in here for ribs. I would pair really well with them.
No Complaints Here
It was a might fine day and tomorrow, Saturday, should be another one. The Mysterious Chinese Woman and I are heading to The Gate in the early afternoon for their Cask Ale Fest and then drifting down to Brazen Head later for their Clam and Oyster Shuck. Maybe I will see you along the way.
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