alibi room
Vancouver Beer Happenings
Thursday, May 27th, 2010 | Beer | 4 Comments
I’ve been keeping a list of things to blog about, but I’ve been taking my sweet time and most of the things no longer warrant their own post. So here’s a collection of blurbs about things I meant to post about last month:
- Dix is closed. I wrote about how Dix was going to close, but now it actually is closed. I will miss Caskival and pre-sporting event eating and drinking. It still bothers me that I still can’t comprehend why MJG would do this to me.
- Big Ridge is reopening. Big Ridge moved across the street to a new location because of parking disputes with the YMCA (really YMCA?). My former local brewpub closed down last winter and is now opening in their new location with a revamped beer menu (an IPA replaces the Clover ale). I can’t wait to check it out when I get back.
- BC Beer Awards Awarded. The first annual BC Beer Awards were doled out during VCBW (a rousing success from what I’ve heard). The winners were selected via a blind tasting panel at the Alibi Room. I can’t say they are who I would have picked, but then I’m biased by things like seeing. Canadian Beer News has the list of winners here.
- Dead Frog Pepper Lime Lager. Dead Frog is from small town Langley, where I grew up, and so I’ve long been fond of them. My pride has been replaced with disappointment with Dead Frog’s launch of their bandwagon Pepper Lime Lager. I haven’t tasted it yet, but I can’t imagine it’s any good, although BC Beer gives it a decent review. It is my opinion that lime and beer should only be involved when dropping a fresh wedge of lime into a bad beer like Corona. All other marriages are abominations.
- Phillips is rad. Phillips is brewing CAMRA BC homebrew competition winner Gary Giesbrecht’s Oatmeal Stout and including it in their Showcase mix pack. How’s that for audience participation?
- Berlin. I’m going to Berlin tomorrow morning to meet Erik and drink German beer, woooo!
Cheers,
Chris
Vancouver Craft Beer Week Events and Tickets
Friday, April 23rd, 2010 | Events | 4 Comments
Vancouver Craft Beer Week is shaping up with many tantalizing events announced recently. If you haven’t heard, VCBW is a week long celebration of local beer taking place around Vancouver May 10-16. There will be many events at many different venues, for the full list click here. I’ve just learned that tickets to two of the most exciting looking events have just come on sale and aren’t expected to last long.
Hoppapalooza at the Alibi Room on Monday, May 10 is looking like the pick of the litter so far. Apparently Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson will be on hand to kick off this event, which marks the beginning of VCBW. For $50, your ticket gets you a taste of over 25 hop forward beers, a dish of bison chili, and the enjoyment of local blues musician Rich Hope. Buy tickets here.
The BC Beer Awards Tasting Event brought to you by Brewery Creek will be held Friday, May 14 at Heritage Hall on Main street. At this event, $30 for your ticket lets you taste the winning beers from the first annual BC Beer Awards. The winners haven’t been announced yet, so that will be part of the fun too. Buy tickets here.
There are many other beer dinners and pubcrawls to choose from, so make sure to check out the other events. Also, take a look at this video released for VCBW:
I am a Canadian Craft Brewer from VancouverCBW on Vimeo.
Sadly, I’m not going to be able to go to any of the VCBW events, what with moving to another continent and all. I have consoled myself, if only a little, by buying tickets to the Great British Beer Festival coming up in August.
Cheers,
Chris
Love Good Beer goes international
Monday, April 5th, 2010 | Beer | 2 Comments
Jet lagged in Guildford two years ago
My wife and I moved to London, England last week. We’ve been staying with my gracious great aunt in Guildford, Surrey, an accessible train ride from the city. We’ll hopefully be able to continue doing so until we find our own flat (British for apartment), which will hopefully be soon. It is true that everyone here talks funny and drives on the wrong side of the road, but I suppose we should be thankful the British sent all of their smart, good looking people to Canada (and their dumb and ugly to the US) 400 or so years ago to improve upon their language and culture. Even though Canada is eleven times better than the UK, we decided to come experience the old country and the rest of Europe before we became bored enough to try having babies. In all seriousness now, it was time for a change in our commute heavy and not entirely fulfilling lives, so here we are. I mean no offense to people who have babies (we’ll be them soon enough) and very little offense to the UK (come on, it isn’t perfect here).
What does this mean for LoveGoodBeer.com? Not a whole heck of a lot really. We’ll continue blogging, Erik from Vancouver and myself from here. And while I’ll miss the burgeoning BC beer scene, there will be plenty of new beer experiences for me to have and write about. I’ve already been to two British pubs (the Lamb and Flag and the Grantley Arms) and sipped real ale, but I also plan to visit Belgium, Oktoberfest, and more of the UK, including the GBBF, in the coming months. Erik plans to visit twice too, meaning our entire staff of writers will be reunited, however briefly, across the pond. Back to things that I’ll miss, I don’t know how I’m going to live without Brewery Creek and the Alibi Room, not to mention my friends and family, for however long we’re over here. Hopefully the experiences will make up for any sense of loss, but I’ll just have to hope everything isn’t too different when I get back. I will miss Vancouver and those close to me there dearly.
Cheers,
Chris
More cool stuff in Portland
Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 | Beer | 3 Comments
We went to Portland a couple of weeks ago to drink beer, eat food, and have good times. The trip was a rousing success. I’d never been to Portland, but I really liked it. It’s a really laid back place with great beer and food all over the place. One goal of our trip was to eat at as many Diners Drive-ins and Dives joints as possible. If you haven’t seen that show, you should probably start watching it.
On the way down to Portland we stopped in Seattle for dinner at Bizarro Italian cafe, a triple-d spot. We had to wait for about half an hour to get a table, but it was well worth it. Bizarro was started by a few ex-circus performers who built their circus flair right into their restaurant. On top of that, all of the food was better than good and the Elk Bolognese was awesome. I’d definitely head back there.
Once we arrived in Portland, we checked into our hotel and began wandering the streets for a place to have a beer. We stumbled upon the Life of Riley Tavern, a simple pub with over 20 taps of excellent quality Western American beer. There is only one place I can think of in Vancouver that has 20 taps of the good stuff and that’s the Alibi Room. We didn’t even have to try to find a similarly stocked pub in Portland, which is no knock on the Alibi Room and a tremendous compliment to the Portland beer scene.
The next morning we set out for a triple-d breakfast at Byways cafe. Again we had to wait, and this time I’d say the wait wasn’t quite worth it. Breakfast was good, but not spectacular. I do believe Byways is better known for their burgers, so it’s a shame we didn’t head their later in the day. I couldn’t resist ordering their biscuits and gravy, a dish I’d only ever seen on TV before. Sadly, I couldn’t finish half of the southern classic. This has never happened to me, I swear! Turns out baked fat with extra fat poured on top resulted in gastrointestinal impotence. Maybe the south shouldn’t be opposing health care so vehemently? I think I’d have had a heart attack if I’d tried to finish my gravy covered biscuits.
Biscuits and Gravy from Byways Cafe
Later on in the day we tried to visit another triple-d join, one we were all eagerly anticipating, called Pok Pok, It serves Vietnamese, Thai, and other Asian style dishes, but sadly we didn’t get to taste any because it opened hours later than our visit. Shoot, maybe next time.
In the early afternoon we visited the Deschutes Brewpub, which served the full compliment of Deschutes beers. I do believe we managed to try each beer collectively and they were all good to wonderful. I was amazed at the sheer size of the brewpub, which was twice as big as any brewpub in Vancouver and quite busy too. The atmosphere was great their too. We didn’t try the food, but the food we saw others tables receiving looked very tasty. Sadly, we decided to eat at the Rogue bar in town later on. The food and the atmosphere their were nothing to write home about. They did serve the full compliment of Rogue beers, but the place was disappointing in that it was a bit run down. We also visited the Rock Bottom pub in town and we found it to be rather generic and unexciting, definitely nothing to write home about.
Us Guys at Deschutes in Portland
Our last brewery visit of the weekend was to Tugboat Brewing, Portland’s oldest Brewpub. The place was a bit of a dive, but we really enjoyed their Chernobyl Imperial Stout. It was a bit of a handful at 13% ABV, but also a trip to flavor town. A glass of Chernobyl cost all of $3 and a pitcher cost $13, steep! I seem to recall us ordering some tasty nachos, again for not very much money, but it was late in the day and I may not be recalling correctly. Also, we really liked the live jazz music at Tugboat and the opportunity to play Jenga.
Erik Playing Jenga at Tugboat Brewing
The next day we used Yelp to find two good places to eat. We had breakfast at the Utopia Cafe in Portland, which again required a long wait, but was tasty. I don’t think I’d wait so long again though. We had dinner at Flying Squirrel Pizza in Seattle and it was amazing. It was the best pizza place I’d ever been too. The crust was excellent and the toppings were exotic and well combined. I still dream of flying squirrel pizza the odd night, go there.
Flying Squirrel Pizza in Seattle
Cheers,
Chris
One more weekend of Vancouver 2010, check out Gastown House
Friday, February 26th, 2010 | Beer | No Comments
I finally got into German Fan Fest earlier this week. It was a rainy Tuesday night, the hockey game had just ended, and there was no line at all. I still had to pay the $10 cover charge, but I made it in! It was satisfying to accomplish a goal, but the German Fan Fest did not live up to expectations. I’m glad I didn’t wait in line for the 2-4 hours quoted to me the past two weekends. The Köstritzer Schwarzbier was tasty, but not worth the $9 I paid for a plastic cup full. The band was loud and the atmosphere was as good as you could expect for a tent covering plastic tables and chairs in a parking lot. If I’d had a few (too many) and the party was in full swing, I could see myself having a lot of fun there. I could also see myself having a lot of fun dancing with a street light. Anyway, I won’t be trying to get in again this weekend.
This weekend I’m going to check out Gastown House, again. Turns out I’ve been there a few times already and didn’t know it. Gastown hasn’t seen the crowds or lines that have plagued the rest of the downtown core. It’s true, I haven’t had much trouble getting into Cobre, Alibi Room, Irish Heather, or anywhere else in Gastown. To get some attention on the quality food and drink available at reasonable prices, Gastown House was started. It’s a clever ploy to get you into Gastown, but what do you have to lose by not waiting in huge lines?
An aside, I watched the Canada vs Russia game at Schanks Sports Grill in New Westminster. It was packed out and the atmosphere was amazing, but guess where you sit when you don’t show up soon enough?
In a mini golf hole, that's where.
And here’s a few pictures of the inside of German Fan Fest:
Inside of German Fan Fest
More Inside German Fan Fest
Rachel still had fun
Cheers,
Chris
Where to drink beer in Vancouver during the 2010 Olympics?
Friday, February 19th, 2010 | Beer | 6 Comments
Question: Where are the best places to drink beer in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympics?
Answer: The same places as always! Dix, Steamworks, Yaletown Brewing, and the Alibi Room.
Since the Olympics started last weekend I’ve been downtown quite a bit and I’ve had a lot of fun waiting in lines and not getting into stuff. I never thought Vancouver could get this crazy and I didn’t think the Olympics would be this exciting. I also never thought I’d feel as proud to be Canadian as I do right now; turns out we throw a good party. I’m going to have a huge Olympic hangover come March for more reasons than one.
German Fan Fest Vancouver 2010 Olympics
I’ve tried to get into both the Irish House and the German Fan Fest, two of the most popular temporary pavilions setup for the Olympics. I opted not to wait in line for hours and hours for $10 beer night and I don’t regret my decision. The atmosphere downtown is crazy enough (just walk Granville or Robson streets) and there are plenty of other reasonably priced places to visit. While I may try German Fan Fest one more time for their Köstritzer Schwarzbier, I’ve had much better luck at my usual haunts. Both Dix and Steamworks have provided me with the Olympic atmosphere, TV’s to watch the events, tasty beer at reasonable prices, and, most importantly, a seat. I’ve also heard that the Alibi Room has abandoned their no TV policy, bringing in some tubes to watch the events on downstairs. I walked by Yaletown Brewing and it was packed out with a line forming outside. If you are looking for a beer downtown in the next week or so, try the regular places for quality beer.
Good times at Quebec House
Other Olympic venues I’ve visited include LiveCity Yaletown and Downtown, neither of which serve beer, not even $10 cans of Canadian! I found them a bit boring and, unless you are really into the musical performance going on, not really worth waiting in line for. Quebec House was pretty cool. I was excited to hear they had Quebec microbrews, but then disappointed to find it was Archibald Microbrasserie. I hadn’t actually heard of them (neither had my French Canadian coworker), it was that the beer didn’t taste very good, especially not for $10. What made Quebec House worth visiting was the 7 Fingers, who were like a little Cirque du Soleil. I also got a kick out of Saskatchewan Pavillion, which appeared to me to be a big tent full of bored/drunk looking people dressed in Rider green. The $8 Pilsner didn’t float my boat either. Once place I’d really like to check out is Atlantic Canada House, who I hear have brought in top notch maritime brews by Propeller and Garrison. I hear it’s a good time there too.
Skunky Pilsner and Rider Pride at Saskatchewan Pavillion
I hope to be able to provide further insight after another weekend of engaging in Olympicosity. Go Canada go!
Cheers,
Chris
CAMRA Vancouver Award Winners
Monday, January 25th, 2010 | Beer, Events, Favorites | No Comments
The CAMRA Vancouver Award winners were announced last week. I was pleased to see many of my nominations amongst the winners. I’m extremely proud of CAMRA Vancouver and its members for rewarding true attention to and passion for craft brewing. Unlike many beer awards, these were given out by beer enthusiasts, which makes them more legitimate in my mind. The winners:
Best Local Brewpub
Gold: Central City Brewing
Silver: Steamworks
Bronze: Dix Barbecue and Brewery
Best Local Beer Cafe, Pub, or Restaurant
Gold: Alibi Room
Silver: The Whip Restaurant & Gallery
Bronze: The Railway Club
Best Local Liquor Store
Gold: Brewery Creek Liquor Store
Silver: BCL 39th & Cambie
Bronze: Firefly Fine Wines & Ales
Best Local Cask Night
Gold: Dix Cask Thursdays
Silver: The Whip Real Ale Sundays
Bronze: Yaletown Making it Real (Ale)
Best Local Beer Event
Gold: Alibi Room 100th Beer Menu Rotation
Silver: Dix X-mas X-treme
Bronze: CAMRA on a Mission to Mission
Best BC Brewery
Gold: Phillips Brewing
Silver: Driftwood Brewery, Red Racer aka Central City Brewing (tie)
Best BC Beer
Gold: Red Racer IPA
Silver: Phillips Longboat Double Chocolate Porter
Bronze: Crannog Back Hand of God Stout
Best BC Seasonal Beer
Gold: Driftwood Sartori Harvest IPA, Phillips Crooked Tooth Pumpkin Ale (tie)
Bronze: Phillips The Hammer Imperial Stout
Cheers,
Chris
Drinking Vancouver Book Launch party at Alibi Room
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010 | Events | No Comments
A few weeks ago I wrote about a new book coming out called Drinking Vancouver, which is about great places to drink hereabouts. I hadn’t got my hands on it yet, but I still wrote about it because it was said to have a strong focus on BC beer. Also, I knew it was written by John Lee, author of the Lonely Planet Vancouver City guides, so it must be good.
Last week, Emily from Touchwood Editions, publishers of the book, let me know that there is going to be a launch party for Drinking Vancouver at the Alibi Room on Thursday the 28th from 6-8PM. There will be books on sale and you may even get to meet the author. Even better, this event is open to all comers. Check out the Facebook page for the event here.
ABOUT THE BOOK
With sharp, witty reviews of the best spots in town to slake your thirst, DRINKING VANCOUVER is the pocket-sized booze bible for locals and visitors craving a night out on the town. Written and compiled by travel and feature writer John Lee, this book is handily divided into eleven neighbourhoods from the heritage bars of Gastown to the slick joints of Yaletown to the gritty pubs of the Downtown Eastside. You’ll find special sections with top drinking, dining and ambience suggestions, as well as recommended watering holes for the next time you’re on the road in other parts of British Columbia.
With Vancouver’s long-overdue bar renaissance upon us, this is the first hands-on guide to toast the city’s newly hot bar scene.
Maybe I’ll see you there?
Cheers,
Chris
CAMRA Vancouver Award Nominations
Wednesday, January 6th, 2010 | Beer | 5 Comments
The CAMRA Vancouver AGM is coming up on January the 17th, which is where the CAMRA Vancouver awards will be announced. Beforehand, each CAMRA member is able to nominate three of their favorites in each category. Those garnering the most nominations are then voted on by members. The trouble I am having is coming up with three nominations in each category. In some categories I find myself wanting to only nominate what I consider to be the one clear winner. In others (best BC beer for example), I find there are just too many choices. I’ve settled on at least one nomination in each category, which I’ll share below:
Best Local Brewpub – Big Ridge! Why? Because the few brewpubs we have in the lower mainland are fairly similar (they are all pretty good) and Big Ridge is close to my house.
Best Local Beer Cafe, Pub, or Restaurant – Alibi Room! Why? Because they have the largest and most interesting beer selection around. It is also has a cozy atmosphere and delicious food.
Best Local Liquor Store – Brewery Creek! Why? The best beer selection and the most knowledgeable staff. Gerry and Chester are rad.
Best Local Beer Event – Dix Caskival! Why? The best selection of delicious, creative, and fresh craft cask beer under one roof.
Best BC Brewery – Driftwood! Why? Because they set out to brew interesting beer when they started not long ago and they haven’t wavered. Their beer is also delicious. This was a tough one, Central City and Phillips will likely be my other nominations.
Best BC Beer – Central City Red Racer Pale Ale! Why? Because it is a wonderful session beer that enthrals serious craft beer and macro drinkers alike. Another tough one to call, so many good beers in BC.
Best BC Seasonal Beer – Driftwood Old Cellar Dweller Barley Wine! Why? Wow, this is good stuff. Complex, hoppy, bold, and delicious.
Who would you nominate?
Cheers,
Chris
Alibi Room Celebrates 100th beer list
Wednesday, December 2nd, 2009 | Beer, Events | 2 Comments
That’s right, 100th beer list, not beer, but beer list. I find that impressive and am planning on stopping by for the celebration, which is tomorrow, Thursday the 3rd of December at the Alibi Room. I’d heard rumors that an event of this sort might be taking place and the CAMRA newsletter confirms:
This Thursday will be the 100th rotation of the Alibi Room’s beer list. To mark the occasion owner Nigel Springthorpe will be replacing the regular lineup with a special selection featuring great current BC beers along with signature beers from many BC Brewers. Some kegs will be new, others may be kegs collected over the years and aged in the Alibi Room’s cellar. Highlights include a cask of Driftwood’s wet-hopped Sartori Harvest IPA, the last of Swan’s Legacy-Ale barleywine, and Steamworks’ Blitzen & Yaletown’s Le Nez Rouge Belgian-style tripels.
As if that wasn’t enough, The Alibi Room will be releasing the aged bottles they’ve collected and aged in their cellar.
I am pretty excited to give the fresh hopped Sartori Harvest IPA from Driftwood a try. I missed out on the bottled release when I was away in October, but the cask version promises to be even better. One friend of mine has gone on record as saying it is the best IPA he’s ever tasted and he’s a certified hophead. Should be good times, be sure to stop by if you can make it.
Cheers,
Chris
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