Next Thursday is Thanksgiving, meaning it's time to start thinking about Your Next Gastropub to escape your family from, like The Crow Bar & Kitchen in Corona del Mar, OC. With 20+ pints on tap, 25+ bottled beers, and 2 guest kegs it's the perfect refuge – just like I discovered 3 years ago on their opening day (Black Friday).
The Washdown:
- it smells like Bear Republic Racer 5, but tastes creamier with a touch of honey Walker Union Jack IPA (Firestone in Paso Robles, CA) 6.5% ABV $6.50
- good 'ole fashioned standby with half the fat and extra follow thru Black & Tan (Half Bass/Half Guinness)
I remember Thanksgiving 2007 like it was yesterday – the leaves were falling, the Santa Ana's were blowing, the family was bickering, and the newly opened Crow Bar & Kitchen on East Coast Highway & MacArthur Blvd was booming. Naturally I HAD to check it out. Coincidentally all my grade school friends did too.
3 years later, my hand model & I still go regularly. And he happened to choose this same spot for his (if you've been keeping track of the last few YourNextBite.com & YourNextPint.com posts on La Parrilla & Nibble Bit Tabby Brewery) 3rd Birthday Celebration.
A huge fan of Racer 5 IPA's strong ABV & hoppy, bitter flavor, he started with the Firestone Union Jack IPA. It has the same Piney, Grapefruit scent as Racer, but is more Amber in color with a creamier, more mellow 'n sweet finish. (Probably one of my new favorite beers, and with a name like Union Jack, how did it take this Half Brit so long to find it?!?)
Next up, the classic Black & Tan (Black Guinness Stout & Tan Amber Bass Ale.) It's the perfect combination to keep you going all night – not as filling as a Guinness, and not as light as an Ale with the right balance of bold meets smooth flavors.
If the ABVs start getting to you, and the Tryptophan Coma from the Turkey Day prior finally wears off, you might be tempted to try the following:
The Grubdown:
- seriously like crack, I shoved 15-in-a-row down my throat, garlicky, salty, greasy Grilled Green Bean "Fries" with lemony Whole Grain Mustard Aioli ($6)
- too char-burnt, thick molasses-like sweet, at least with a tangy cheese relief Grilled Stuffed Dates with Chorizo, Leure Chenel Goat Cheese Filling & Port Syrup on a bed of Arugula ($9)
- so-much-bang-for-your-buck, thinly pounded & breaded, crunchy Grilled Organic Bone-in Pork "Schnitzel" with Honey/Thyme Roasted Apples, Seasonal Vegetables & Whole Grain Mustard Cider Jus ($17)
- way too thick cream cheesy, tender 'n crisp Grandma Jane Burger on a Toasted Bay's English Muffin with Herbed Cream Cheese, Sliced Red Onion, Vine Ripe Organic Tomato & Onion Sprouts ($7)
Between The Crow Bar & Kitchen's Pints and Bites, you'll find there's lots to be thankful for.
2325 East Coast Highway, Corona del Mar, CA 92625. 949-675-0070.
Very true! Makes a change to see sooemne spell it out like that. :)
Posted by: Raynes | 01/19/2012 at 12:58 AM