Special Oktoberfest Craft Brew Night at The Pickering Creek Inn This Thursday at 6pm (10/1)

by Washington Washington

Pickering’s Craft Brew Night takes on new meaning as they present their version of Oktoberfest this Thursday at 6pm. They’ll be pouring up drafts of Southampton Pumpkin, Hooker Oktoberfest, Lancaster Oktoberfest, and Weisenough Oktoberfest. There’s also a FREE BUFFET… Free freaking food!

At the real Oktoberfest in Munich, visitors eat huge amounts of traditional hearty fare such as Hendl (chicken), Schweinsbraten (roast pork), Haxn (knuckle of pork), Steckerlfisch (grilled fish on a stick), Würstel (sausages) along with Brezeln (Pretzel), Knödeln (potato or bread dumplings), Käsespätzle (cheese noodles), Reiberdatschi (potato pancakes), Sauerkraut or Rotkraut (red cabbage) along with such Bavarian delicacies as Obatzda (a fatty, spiced cheese-butter concoction) and Weisswurst (a white sausage). Pickering, on the other hand, has not yet divulged details of their edible offerings.

In any case, the fall is here so you might as well embrace it. There’s no better way to do that than with a brew symbolizing the world’s biggest party.

No Comments

admin, September 28th 2009 | Posted in Previews

Beatles Book Signing with Jude Southerland Kessler at Wolfgang Books This Sunday (9/27 – 2 pm)

by Washington Washington

Jude Southerland Kessler, author of her self-published novel Shoulda Been There: A Novel on the Life of John Winston Lennon, will be at Wolfgang Books this Sunday, September 27th @ 2 pm to discuss and sign copies of her book. Jude is an award-winning speaker, and you don’t want to miss her Beatles presentation.

About the Book: Literally hundreds of non-fiction books have been written about The Beatles and about the man who formed The Beatles, John Lennon. And quite a few fictional books about Lennon have been created to amuse fans. But Jude Southerland Kessler’s Shoulda been there is the first book ever to tell the Lennon saga with carefully researched footnotes and detailed, informational endnotes, while using a fiction format to keep the reader turning the page. Researched for over 20 years with 7 trips to Liverpool and countless interviews with John Lennon’s friends, early band members, first manager, and club d.j.’s, Shoulda been there traces Lennon’s life from 1940 to December 1961 (when The Beatles signed with Brian Epstein). But it is not just a story about the birth of a band. It is the tale of a lost child whose parents, for one reason or another, pushed him aside for other pursuits. It is the story of all children for whom someone “shoulda been there.”

No Comments

admin, September 25th 2009 | Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Previews

Thirsty Thursday: Celebrate Guinness’ Birthday at Molly Maguire’s Tonight

GuinnessPIntby Third Ave Hooligan

As if you needed a reason to go out for a pint, here’s another one:

Today marks Arthur Guinness’ 284th birthday and why not celebrate this momentous occasion by headin down to Molly McGuire’s for a pint of his delicious namesake brew.  From 5:30 until 7:30, Pville’s Irish pub will be offering promotions and giveaways and the Guinness Girls will be in the house!!! Woo hoo!!

Guinness began brewing the dry stout in 1759, when he was 34 years of age and the beer has gained worldwide popularity.

Who knows if he was the brains behind the art of pulling the perfect pint, which takes almost 2 minutes (119.5 seconds to be exact)…

Regardless, it’s one of Ireland’s best exports and it should be enjoyed in honor of the man who we have to thank for it.

To Arthur ! ! !

No Comments

admin, September 24th 2009 | Tags: , , ,
Posted in Previews

R.I.P. La Creperie Bistro

by Third Ave Hooligan

lacraperie

au revoir, dear creperie

According to a recent post on aroundphoenixville.com, La Creperie Bistro (301 Bridge Street) is closing its doors.  Quite frankly, as much as I don’t want to see eateries bailing on Bridge, I can see why.   During its lifespan, I went to the Creperie three times and was disappointed each time by the terrible service and the lack of filing inside the crepes (which by themselves were quite a nice confection).

Looking back, I remember being very excited about the Creperie and didn’t even mind the prices (which weren’t astronomical, but moderate, more on that later) BUT that quickly changed after dealing with the wait staff, who didn’t seem to know much about the food they were serving. Also, the crepe was sizable but I didn’t find much inside.  I know that we Americans are used to supersized portions but the amount of crepe that had NOTHING in it was more than the crepe I had consumed.

Strike one on a foul tip… I chalked up to it being a new place…don’t worry I’d go back tho.

Second time I went was with my wife and friend from out of town for some brunch crepes.  Good thing we brought some wine.  Service was poor again and same complaint about the lack of filing.

Strike two… Creperie caught lookin at a high heater over the plate.

how full a crepe should be

how full a crepe should be

My last venture to the Creperie was just two weeks ago.  Again with a friend from out of town who was feelin’ puckish after a walk to the farmer’s market.  First sign of a bad experience was the fact that their espresso machine was down.  Also, the option of sitting at the bar was out since it hadn’t been bussed despite the fact that only one table of 4 was seated during our visit.  In an effort to give the place a third chance, I switched it up to a sweet crepe (nutella and pear). My friend got a banana and nutella.  His was literally stuffed with goodness. Mine, conversely, probably had less than 1 entire pear hidden in those flaky folds and had just a lick of nutella.

Steeeeeeeeeerike three.

Overall, based on my experiences alone, I can sadly see why the Creperie is closing its doors.  I really tried to give it a fighting chance, but charging an average of $6 for what boils down to a pancake comprised of flour, egg and milk with a dearth of ingredients (as nice as some of the combinations were), just didn’t cut it.  It really is a shame considering how beautiful the interior was and how much work was put into it.

17 Comments

admin, September 24th 2009 | Posted in News, Rants

Pizza Profile: Franco Ristorante

By Washington Washington

1:57 AM – “Oh Waitress… We’ll need four shots of Jack and four Lagers please.”

The preceding quote was taken from a late night of shenanigans at ye ole Franco Ristorante (226 Bridge St). Once upon a time, a man aspired to create a grandiose late-night buffet catering to the boozers on Bridge. This man passed out flyers to advertise his storied buffet compiled of pizza, pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad, and other such pleasantries, lasting from 11pm to 4am, and all for a very affordable price. Does this scenario sound intriguing? Well, it was while it lasted…

An idea of this magnitude is worthy of an honorable mention. Such is also the case with the takeout pizza served at Franco’s.  It’s a distinguished sorta pie. The kind you take home to mama. Nothing shocking or fancy, just honest to goodness pizza.

The ingredients are distributed evenly, and the sauce is rather bold. The delightfully robust pepperoni is a perfect partner to the tasty cheese that is neither plentiful, nor sparse. The only problem I have is with the crust. It’s too flimsy for my liking, and quite honestly tastes a lil’ off, but if you like to fold your pizza (ala NYC-style) then you’ll be in hog heaven.

So, I’m giving Franco’s 6 slices out of 8. It’s recommended Bridge Street pizza without the bells and whistles.

Pizza_Meter_6

1 Comment

admin, September 23rd 2009 | Posted in Pizza Profile, Reviews

Fall Concert Series Tonight At Rock & Roll After School (9/18)

by Washington Washington

rocknrollafterschollTonight is the first installment in the Fall Concert Series at Rock & Roll After School (Franklin Commons – 400 Franklin Ave. # 109).

Starting at 7:30, two great teen bands will take the stage. Price of admission is only $1!

We Are Nothing Yet is punk rock and roll band from Philadelphia who’s level of play far exceeds their years. They have an ever-increasing fan base and are ready to take it to the next level very soon.

High Society is another band from Philadelphia who comes with more of a Pop Punk / Alternative style. These three 15/16 year-old dudes are really setting themself up for something grand in the years to come.

Come support young, original musicians in their quest for superstardom!

No Comments

admin, September 18th 2009 | Posted in Previews

Thirsty Thursday: Craft Brew Night at Pickering Creek Inn Features Michigan’s Founder’s Brewing (9/17)

by Third Ave Hooligan

foundersI’ve always been a firm believer in the saying “Thursday is the new Friday,” thereby making Friday the new Saturday and chances are good that you too will need to adopt that frame of mind when you stop into the Pickering Creek Inn tonight at 6pm for their Craft Brew Night which features three delicious brews from Grand Rapids, Michigan’s Founder’s Brewery, each of which has an alcohol content of more than 6 %.  If that’s not sure to leave you feelin happy after trying each of them, I don’t know what is.

Maybe it’s just my work computer, but the brewery’s Web site seems like it would have a good amount of information about its beers, but I couldn’t access it.  Anyway, according to the Pickering Creek Inn’s site, the Founder’s beers on tap for tonight will be the Centennial IPA, which weighs in with a 7.2% ABV; the 8.2% ABV Breakfast Stout and the heavyweight 10.2% ABV Maple Mountain Brown Ale.  I know they’ve have the Breakfast Stout on tap before and it is quite tasty, especially  if you like your dark beer with a hint of coffee (I know I do)  and I’m sure sluggin back a few of the Maple Mountain Browns will have you ready to belt out some karaoke in no time.

As usual, there are great giveaways and you get to keep your pint glass (I’ve gotten so many going to these that I don’t’ even know where to put them anymore)…so go get your drink on tonight at the Pickering , enjoy some of Michigan’s finest and belt out some tunes  when karaoke begins at 9.

No Comments

admin, September 17th 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Previews

An Interview With Stevenallenmay of Plan B Press (Poetry Reading at Wolfgang Books this Saturday – 7:30)

by Washington Washington

stevenallenmayPlan B Press returns to Wolfgang Books for another edition of their group poetry reading series. This time around it will feature 2009 chapbook contest winner Chris Bullard, along with C L Bledsoe, Daniel Collins, Elizabeth Bodien, stevenallenmay and Andrew Bradley.

I recently caught up with stevenallenmay (founder of Plan B Press) via the Facebook chat interface. It went a little something like this…

Plan B Press is back in town for another event. What should we know about this lineup of poets?

- The reading is one to support our 2009 poetry chapbook contest winner, Chris Bullard, whose mss. “You Must Not Know Much” won this year. It’s a very good collection, with a bit of a Walt Whitman theme running through the work the title comes from something that Whitman wrote. C L Bledsoe is a poet, editor of Ghoti magazine, and educator who lives in northern Maryland. He’s read at Wolfgang before. We published his book “(want/need)” in 2008. Daniel Collins is a multitalented person; poet/musician/filmmaker. His music has been taking off, he’s performed up and down the east coast. I think he will only be reading poetry on the 19th but I’m not completely sure of that. Elizabeth Bodien has recently won a literary award from the Lehigh Valley writers organization for her book “Plumb Lines” that we published. And then there is this shadowy figure, stevenallenmay, who will be there to host and read. He has done a few things, here and there. Like created Bardfest and founded the Berks Bards. And co-founded Plan B Press in 1999. You might mention the possibility of Andrew Bradley appearing but I am not certain that he will make it. He’s even more shadowy than the stevenallenmay guy.

Wow. Sounds like a pretty talented group.

- Well, Jason (from Wolfgang) is calling this our “A-team” but really, no one wants to be Mr. T so that analogy isn’t accurate.

Ahh, accuracy is overatted. Anyway, how/why did you come up with the idea to start Plan B Press?

Ahh….that’s a good question. The idea for Plan B Press came from the idea for the 30 day poetry festival that I created called Bardfest as it was originally conceived in 1998. As a month long poetry festival celebrating National Poetry Month with a month of poetry in Berks County, PA beginning April 1, 1999. The idea was that we ought to publish some of the poets who would be reading at the festival. And that idea took the name “Plan B Press” during conversations between the poet Dianne Miller and myself during the autumn of 1998. The Fall of 1998 is when the Press and the festival began to take shape. The first book by Plan B Press was an anthology of poems by people who read during Bardfest99. It was a bit of the punk/DIY aesthetic as well. “Why NOT start a publishing company?” was kind of the thought process.

Yea, exactly. Seems to me like you were filling a cultural void in Berks County.

- Thanks. Part of my point was that ‘culture’ existed everywhere, not just in NY city or LA or SF, but anywhere…..everywhere.

And Phoenixville? Your thoughts on our town and it’s blossoming culture?

- I remember Phoenixville from the early ’70s, drab old steel town. It’s amazing what has happened there since the mid ’90s. Reminds me of South Street in Philly or New Hope.

Well, they call it “The New Manayunk” but I’m not really a fan of the label. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to chat. Any closing thoughts?

- I am glad to be part of the Phoenix rising in Phoenixville, glad to be able to present talented poets at a great bookstore (Wolfgang). Glad to be part of it all!

2 Comments

admin, September 14th 2009 | Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Interviews, Previews

Pizza Profile: Valley Forge Pizza

by Washington Washington

PizzaProfile_logoAwards. What do they signify?  Publicity and prestige? Pizza prominence? In this case an award equates to the hanging of a giant “Best Pizza in the Philly Area” sign.  This is an incredibly disturbing proclamation when considering all of the fantastic pizza places in the city. Still, it inspires intrigue, and thus tempts passer-bys to try the pie.

Perhaps the other food at Valley Forge Pizza (1130 Valley Forge Rd) is good, maybe even great, but the pizza to go is downright awful. First of all, the prices are all out of whack. I could have housed my $14 pie by myself if it would have tasted good. I personally think the $7 cook-at-home rising crust Freschetta pizza straight up dominates this crap.

The crust is the most disappointing thing about this pizza… It’s slightly better than Ellio’s. It’s stiffer than cardboard, and just as tasty. The cheese, used sparingly, is not enough to hide the horrific sauce underneath. The only thing that actually tasted good was the pepperoni.

A blind taste test was presented to a fellow OneNineFourSixZero scribe, ThirdNutt. He was given a slice of the pizza without being told its origin. After his first bite (and making an odd grimace) he proceeded to say the following (direct quotes):

“It’s not very good.”

“This tastes like the crummy cardboard pizza I used to get at the Astrodome when I was 12.”

“Is this from a restaurant?”

“This is worse than some frozen pizza”

“The pepperoni is good”

So, there ya have it. In this case, I’m saying don’t believe the hype. Do not order this pizza to go. It’s bad and deserves 1 out of 8 slices.

pizza_meter_1

7 Comments

admin, September 10th 2009 | Tags: , ,
Posted in Pizza Profile, Reviews

This Friday: Wine & Cheese Tasting at Steel City (9/11)

This Friday September 11th, Steel City Coffee House will host a special benefit Wine & Cheese Tasting with Sommelier Carmen Maciarello. The tasting will feature European wines and cheese pairings.  Cost of admission is $20.

Chris Adams, classical guitarist, will be on hand to create the appropriate atmosphere. His bio reads:

“Chris Adams brings a palpable energy and considerable skill to his music. Classically trained, this powerful performer fuses the precise agility of his traditional background and the soulfulness of the blues genre with his penchant for venturing past the confines of the ordinary. The songs he creates both borrow from existing musical modalities and extend beyond them. Listening to his music takes one on a journey that is at once melodic and extraordinary, satisfying and lulling, astonishing and invigorating. He creates with sound the visual equivalent of a painter’s colors and hues, varied textures and depth, and one is drawn in to the experience.”

A silent auction of wine and wine related items will be offered. All proceeds will go to Citizen Advocacy of Chester County.

No Comments

admin, September 8th 2009 | Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Previews
« Older Posts