Our Week in Pictures: March 7th – March 14th, 2010
Today is the 15th of March and if you spent time in downtown Seattle over the weekend then you more than likely are confused that it’s not St. Patrick’s Day yet. Over the past week, we had the pleasure of meeting up with scribe Lisa Morrison. If you haven’t read her stuff you haven’t been reading Celebrator Magazine, Northwest Brewing News, or many other countless craft beer related magazines. She was a blast to speak with and we even got a chance to discuss future happenings, over a pint of Naked City beer.
Tuesday March 8th, 2010
Last Tuesday we stopped into the Roosevelt Alehouse for a pint and a burger. Although we had heard of the place and been there in the first few weeks of opening, we wanted to check things out.
Overall it wasn’t too bad, despite the fries and the burger coming out loaded with salt (also, make sure to specify if you want it rare to well done, we made the mistake of not doing that). All in all we will be curious what the place is like in a few months, but for now at least we have another option in the neighborhood.
Roosevelt Alehouse
8824 Roosevelt Way Northeast Seattle, WA 98115-3042 (206) 527-5480
Thursday March 10th, 2010
With many items on the agenda we decided to stop into Hale’s Ales to check out this month’s side-by-side, featuring Hale’s Cream Ale competing against other well known Cream Ales. While there we enjoyed the Corned Beef and Cabbage special as well as a glass of Pickup Andropov Imperial Russian Stout.
We also learned that Hale’s will be hosting another in their Brewmasters Dinners at the brewery, on the 15th of this month.
Hale’s Ales
4301 Leary Way Northwest Seattle, WA 98107-4538 (206) 706-1544
Friday March 11th, 2010
As the weekend began and the overcast clouds rolled in, we decided to check out a brewery that has been lacking coverage by the local blogs and newspapers.
Located in the So’Do (South Downtown) neighborhood, Epic Ales, has been creating interesting artisan ales since he acquired the necessary permits back in late January. If you haven’t heard or seen the brewery before, don’t feel ashamed as the building where Cody Lee Morris brews is lacking the usual markings.
With a background in artisan pairings with both wine and craft beer, he spreads his time between the brewery and his day job working in the Artisan department at a local Whole Foods. While we were there, we learned that besides the challenges of operating in such a small space (trivia, Cody uses an ‘On Demand’ hot water system in lieu of a water heater), was how the Liquor Control felt about a beer with shitake mushrooms or anise.
From the line-up of beers featured during our time there, he is definitely going to be a welcome change from the ales and lagers with traditional ingredients. Also despite his short time brewing, he has already been asked to participate in the sold out Ray’s Boathouse dinner this March 24th.
Finally a word of caution regarding monetary exchange for a schooner of Epic Ales’ beers, bring cash, as they are $1 per glass. Additionally his Simple Ale, will also be available for purchase. We look forward to seeing Cody at the dinner, and may swing into the brewery again to pick up some more bottles of Simple Ale.
Epic Ales
3201 First Ave South, Suite 104 Seattle, WA, 98134 (206) 351-3637
Saturday March 12th, 2010
While everyone else was downtown cheering on the parade through 4th Avenue, we elected to head into Ballard to check out the new Maritime Pacific Brewery and their Jolly Roger Taproom. Despite getting a preview of the place before it was opened to the public, we still wanted to check in on their progress (as they caught up on four months worth of eager customers).
As we entered the place we noted the nice flow of traffic between the customers and the servers. The bar was well stocked with eager drinkers, and the their two flat screen televisions were broadcasting the NCAA conference tournaments (condolences to fellow craft beer writer Geoff Kaiser’s Boilermakers). We initially elected to seat a table, with our wait time being around 20 minutes or so from the host who took our information down. After admiring the various decorations throughout the taproom, we elected to belly up to the bar and have a pint of Jolly Roger Strong Ale and a Nightwatch Dark Ale.
Looking at the menu we didn’t notice many changes, and the customer favorites we still on the menu. After a couple of passes from the bartender we elected on a Jolly Royal slider and an Oyster Po Boy slider. After about 20 minutes or so of being seated at the bar, a decision was made to grab a schooner of the Cask conditioned Imperial Pale Ale. As the beer rested on the bar our sliders appeared and with it, the usual sauces. With an eager appetite the sliders were consumed, washed down with the remnants of our India Pale Ale.
Paying for the check we looked around to see if there was any familiar faces (from the several times we visited Maritime’s previous location), but with no luck. Overall this was a nice visit and we look forward to checking it out and sitting at a table, to enjoy a bowl of their Caesar Salad or tower of Onion Rings.
Maritime Pacific Brewing’s Jolly Roger Taproom
1111 N.W. Ballard Way Seattle,WA 98107 (206) 782-6181
Well that’s all for now, but we look forward to reporting on our next outing. Be safe out there folks and as always imbibe responsibly.
Cheers
About the photos’ author
Paul “Fruit Trees” Orchard, is an amateur craft beer enthusiast and amateur photographer. Throughout the many years in craft beer he is always carrying a camera (smartphone, digital, traditional) and is invites you to see that beer can also be exciting even if you can’t drink the photo.
