PA Craft Beer Spring House Brewing Company

Next time you are in the PA area (especially Philly because you can find this on tap!) look for
any creation by Spring House Brewing Company.

In Philly over the weekend and found the award winning (prior to launch of the company) Smoked Porter, 9%.

From their website, they describe this masterful creation as follows:

"Prior to brewing our Smoked Porter, Matt selects specialty malts to be smoked over an open flame, imparting a unique flavor profile in the porter. The malts are smoked using apple and hickory wood for a full 72 hours. Spring House Brewing Co. chose to smoke the grain in a local smoke house that dates back to the late 19th century. This one-of-a-kind smoke house imparts layers of smokey depth to the beer that cannot be replicated."

I will agree! It is a one of a kind and a must drink with food because frankly it is a wasted moment if you don't pair this beer up. Try it with BBQ, Pork especially or fatty duck! I once had an early version at the brew master's pig roast- paired it with a savory Blue Cheese, Fig & Herb Cheesecake - ah those happy moments in life you will never forget.

WHY MARYLAND? WHY? Please allow this beer to be distributed to us!

Otherwise - travel north bound and hit up the Tap Room which just opened in Feb of this year!

Check it out! Located in a barn in Conestoga, PA.
The Taproom, is a sister company that sells beer made at the Conestoga location in pints, growler fills, 22oz bottles, and six packs.

EVEN BETTER - They will offer small batch brews made at the Taproom. 

Like I said, pair it with food. They are serving up soups, salads, and sandwiches. 

Of course to keep you thirsty, they offer shuffleboard and Zoltar.

25 West King Street; Lancaster, Pa  17603 - 717.399.4009

HOURS:

Monday - 4pm to 10pm
Tuesday - 11am to 10pm
Wednesday - 4pm to 10pm
Thursday - 4pm to 10pm
Friday - 11am to 12am
Saturday - 11am to 12am
Sunday - Closed

 Just to wet your whistle, few other beers to consider.

Superior Chocolates_Local Baltimore & Online

Kirchmayr Chocolates

If you have never had the opportunity to try this tasty treats, order yourself a box or stop by his shop in Timonium, MD.

We celebrated Valentine's Day at the Creative Alliance as we usually do. This year we enjoyed a box of Kirchmayr chocolates. I have had his dark chocolate enrobed hazelnuts and truffles and they are wonderful. He sells these at the Baltimore Farmer's Market in the winter months only.

I was quite surprised however, that I enjoyed the specialty pieces that came in our combination box. I am no longer one who enjoys the variety packs! Just give me a great dark bar so, I can break off a hunk and I am good. I share this simply because it shocked me how fabulous these were. The chocolate was amazing quality & the flavors did not over powering (ok- the liquor ones were not for me but the hubbie enjoyed) .

Our box was filled with 12 chocolates and my very favorites were: Caramel (who doesn't love it), Bitter Nougat (roasty/toasty goodness), Mocha, Layered Gianduia (Hazelnut hmmmm), Pear and Passion Fruit (tart, sweet, balanced).

If you haven't tried them out yet - worth it!
Oh -did I mention they are powered by wind?

9630 Deereco Road

Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 561-7705

Cash/Check Only accept online.
Hours:
M~F 9a.m.~5p.m.
Sat 10a.m~5p.m.
Sunday Closed

Annabel Lee Tavern

Annabel Lee Tavern
601 South Clinton Street, corner of Fleet.

Open 4pm - dinner only

Not new to the Canton scene by any stretch. In fact if you want to dine in- call ahead and make a reservations, few days in advance for weekends - possibly a few hours on week days because seats are few and far between. Warm and cozy. Not pretentious. Great local beer selection - yes, of course featuring as many Brewer's Art beers as possible as well as other micro brews. I was thrilled to see another place selling $5 glasses of sparkling!



Menu does change and the list of nightly specials is shocking. Add about 8 additional items. Don't be shocked to see many revolving around Crab meat. 

Some of the top items to try:

Any sandwich is served with amazing blue cheese cole slaw and sweet potato fries - you can upgrade to Duck Fat fried fries but the Cajun spiced, maple glazed sweet potato fries are addictive sweet heat!!!


Crab Cake Sandwich

Grilled Ahi Tuna Panini (Beware the flat bread called focaccia has cheddar cheese baked onto it underneath and is cold not hot?)

Roasted Orange Roughy Tacos (2) 


Rosemary Beef Tenderloin Gyro


Special - Kobe taco beef on top Nachos