Always remember that I have taken more out of alcohol than alcohol has taken out of me.
--Winston Churchill

Three B Saloon

Posted By Kate on January 31, 2010

Owner JJ Brown showing off his bacon.

Beer. Bacon. BBQ.

That’s what to expect when entering the Three B Saloon on 4th and Liberty, a new take on the old Marina Pub & Grille.  Pappa’s got a brand new bag.

James Brown, more popularly known as JJ, is co-owner of this 4+ month old establishment.  A former Edinboro graduate and resident, he wanted to share his passion for food and beer with the rest of us.

“I like beer,” he said matter-of-factly.  After hearing those words uttered out of Brown’s mouth and taking a look at the taps and bottles, we knew we were in the right place.

We’d been hearing about 3B for a few weeks and since we couldn’t meet up with our friends for our FNBC (Friday Night Beer Club) a few Fridays ago, we decided to take matters into our own hands and order some of the mac ‘n cheese to go so we could share this tasty new experience with our family in Pittsburgh.

So, we ordered 2 smalls with bacon (we had to have bacon!) and were told to add a little milk and nuke it.  Wow was it fantastic.  We couldn’t wait to go back.

Which brings us to the following Wednesday ago when we went to have dinner with our friends Jen & Frank.

Everything smelled delicious and we scoured the menu to figure out exactly what to try (in addition to the mac ‘n cheese we were already hooked on).  This time, we got to enjoy it in its freshest state, right in its own skillet.  I also added some fire with jalapenos -whooowwwee-my mouth was on fire.  I tried the pulled pork potatoe boats and Chad and Jen tried a pulled pork sandwich and mac ‘n cheese, while Frank had a burger.  The BBQ sauce was on the sweeter side and the portions were huge…especially after enjoying a few tall beers.

Speaking of beers, the tap system had a good selection as did the cooler full of single bottles.  Knowing that JJ appreciates a good beer and was well aware of what Penn Beer, where he gets a lot of his beers, has to offer he’s always open to bringing new and different beers in for the patrons to enjoy.

Our bartender, Mike Savelli, was also around to offer us suggestions on the food and was very personable the whole time we were there. 

We even offered him some suggestions about Deep Fried Bacon, something we had seen on the Food Network’s
“Best Thing I’ve Ever Eaten…” series just days before and he was excited to share them with JJ.

So, if you’re in the mood for Beer, Bacon, or BBQ (or all 3) Three B Saloon is the place to be.

BEER SPECIALS:
$2 Micro Special on WEDNESDAYS from 8pm – 10pm.
HAPPY HOUR SPECIALS

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2° Below

Posted By Kate on January 2, 2010

Beer glassAre you ready for more chill in the air than one can stand?

Do you love deliciously crafted Winter Ales?

If you answered yes, New Belgium’s 2° Below is your beer.

Thanks to my sister who, a former Ft. Collins, CO resident (as was I, but just for 1 year to her 12), and a current Bloomington, IN resident, introduced us to their newest sensation, we have gotten to enjoy New Belgium’s 2° Below and couldn’t be happier.

Luckily, New Belgium’s mouthwatering beers are available in Chicago, Indiana, and sometimes by way of sneaking in Cleveland, and my sister just so happens to live in a town where it’s alive and well.  I just can’t wait for the day it’s readily available for us here in Erie and the Tri-State Area.

New Belgium’s awesome rags to riches story from where it was to what it has become just solidifies what a great company it is and how talented the brewers and staff really are.

Their beers, with the most recognized being Fat Tire, always have their own individuality from the moment they hit your lips to the last sip. 

And 2° Below is no exception. New Belgium describes it as:

Dry hopping during fermentation creates a floral nose with a hint of pepper and spicy, subtle undertones. 2° Below provides a bright, hoppy palate and a cheery warm afterglow.

I couldn’t agree more.

So, if you’re one of the lucky ones with access to New Belgium – or you know one of these people, take advantage of the season and the beer and enjoy a 2° Below.  But don’t forget your mittens!

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2010

Posted By Kate on January 2, 2010

HAPPY NEW BEER!

Sorry we’ve been away for so long.  2009 was a busy year for us, but we’re back.

Let’s make 2010 the best one yet!

Cheers, Beers, and Happy New Year!

Kate & Chad

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The Federal Government vs Breweries

Posted By Jason on December 11, 2009

I fancy myself a liberal democrat (i.e. I trust the government to  help it’s citizenry). While I still hold these beliefs, I am so disappointed with my first involvement with government bureaucracy (The Trade and Tobacco Bureau). These ‘fine’ folks are responsible for licensing, regulating and taxing alcohol and tobacco. It seems simple, right? A new brewery applies for a license, they submit all appropriate documentation and fees, then you investigate and give them a license. If only it were that simple! There are mountains of red tape that are stronger than steel, there are government workers who take every other week off (seriously every other f*ing week) and there are ridiculous rings that must be jumped through that make absolutely no sense.

On the other hand, I expected the same struggle with the PA Liquor Control Board. They were very timely and efficient and the process was much simpler (much more expensive as well -$2125 to file for a license-not including annual fees). We met with our ‘handler’ once, at the brewery, told him what a mash tun was, and submitted our paperwork and were on our way.

Long story short- We will have beer on the market. Our ‘Belfast Black’ smoked porter is carbonating right now and will be hitting the streets next week. This batch will be draft only because the Fed’s also insist on pre-approving all the beer labels (which takes a long time as well).

Speaking of draft, we collaborated with local metal smith Bob Jensen who created our tap handles. The great thing about local artists is there are no pre-conceived notions about what a tap handle should look like. I think you’ll all be pleasantly surprised to see this beautiful hand-made piece of art in your favorite beer bar.

 

Slainte

Jason Lavery

Lavery Brewing Co

laverybrewing.com

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Aruba

Posted By Kate on October 5, 2009

CIMG6794Hello!

After a long hiatus due to wedding/honeymoon – we’re back!

Aruba was absolutely beautiful – and there was good beer to boot!

Balashi Pilsner, a local favorite, is brewed right there in Aruba next to the water desalinization plant.]

To our knowlege, Balashi is not imported to the States, unfortunately. 

Besides it being absolute paradise, that gives us just another reason to head back!

CIMG6823Cheers and beers!
The Bollards

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