Your Next Pint

Burgers & 9 Bottles of Craft Beer at The Escondite, Downtown

Photo courtesy of TheEscondite.com

This Saturday (including every 2nd of the month) The Escondite in downtown LA is kicking off Round 1 of The Great Bottle Challenge. 9 craft beers will be tasted and 10 different burgers can be tried (like the Rip Taylor with Romaine, Parmesan, Caesar Dressing & Crushed Croutons, or The Truckstopper with Provolone, Garlic Mashed Potatoes & Vegetarian Gravy). There'll also be trivia games and prize giveaways like 22 oz bottles of the newly released Stone Vertical Epic Ale for 8 lucky winners.

The Washdown:

- Speedway Stout 12% ABV

- Old Viscosity 12.5% ABV

- Avery Salvation 9% ABV

- Ironfist Blond Renegade 5.2% ABV

- Lost Abbey Lost & Found 7.5% ABV

- St. Feuillien Saison 6.5% ABV

- Old Ruffian Barley Wine 10.2% ABV

- Stone Sublimely Self Righteous Ale 8.7% ABV

Call 213-626-1800 to reserve your spot.

410 Boyd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

City Tavern throws Eagle Rock Brewery Paired Dinner Thurs May 19th

In honor of American Craft Beer Week, this Thursday May 19th from 7-10pm, the City Tavern in Culver City is hosting a Beer Paired Dinner with brews from Eagle Rock Brewery.

Dishes like Pork Belly with Kumquats and Lobster Andouille Rolls can be washed down with Young Sour Ales and Thyme-infused XPAs. Enjoy for $36 per person.

End FeBREWary with The Foundry and The Bruery

   

Photo courtesy of thefoundryonmelrose.com

For those of you more interested in red ales than the red carpet, spend this Sunday, FeBREWary 27th at one of my all-time favorite LA restaurants, Chef Eric Greenspan's The Foundry on Melrose. They're teaming up with The Bruery of Placentia to deliver a special beer-paired menu for lunch and dinner. Seating is limited, so if you're interested get your tickets in one hot minute at itsmyseat.com (As the flyer above states, you must be pre-registered to attend.)

The Grub/Washdown:

- 4 Course Lunch 1:00pm for $45

- 6 Course Dinner 6:00pm for $85

- Lunch AND Dinner (10 Course without redundancies) $115

While the menu has yet to be released, I'm sure Greenspan has another one of his specialty Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (like Taleggio Cheese & Apricot Caper-Puree on Raisin Bread) up his chef sleeve. And let's not forget about his housemade mashed-potatoey Tots with Cheese Fondue & Violet Mustard.

As for what's on tap, The Bruery might choose a selection from their Year Round brews like Loakal Red Ale (6.9% ABV) with Toffee and Orange notes, or Snicklefritz (9.5% ABV) with Juniper & Grapefruit from their Special Draft collection (it was also their Pro-Am choice for the '09 Great American Beer Festival.

Hoppy drinking!

Escape Thanksgiving weekend family gatherings with 40+ pints at The Crow Bar & Kitchen in OC

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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:

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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.

Brick Alley Pub - Best of Rhode Island 2010

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During my week of Eating the Ocean State, visiting family, and touring New England, I worked up quite a thirst. I figured what better place to soak in some suds, than Rhode Island Monthly's Best of 2010, Brick Alley Pub in Newport on thriving Thames St.

The pub won the Readers' Pick for "Best Bar with Cocktail List" statewide, and "Best Burger" in Newport County. While I was already too stuffed from gorging on Baked Stuffed & Boiled Lobsters in Kennebunkport, Maine – blog post coming in 2 weeks on YourNextBite.com – I did get to enjoy a great new beer, and sampled 2 cocktails too.

The Washdown:

- strong honey lemon nose, slightly bitter, amber colored Loose Cannon American Hop3 Ale (Clipper City Brewing Co., Baltimore, Maryland) 7.25% ABV

- gingery, strong dark rum, could've used some lime Gosling's Dark & Stormy

- strong, yet fruity, and reminded me of college "jungle juice" Famous, Oversized, Triple Shot Brick Alley Cosmopolitan

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After a 3-hour, rainy car ride from Kennebunkport–Newport, I'm not gonna lie, I was pretty tired. But as soon as I saw the bright lights and bustling nightlife on Thames St – even on a Tuesday – I was excited to get the night going. And Brick Alley was definitely the perfect spot to start, full to the brim with loud music and lively people.

I started off with what I thought was Newport's own brew, but instead discovered it came from Baltimore. Now stay with me here. Loose Cannon American Hop3 IPA is part of The Pyrate Fleet (there are 3 fleets in total) of Heavy Seas Beers (basically, a beer line with attitude), which are all brewed by Clipper City Brewing Co. What a mouthful. In The Pyrate Fleet, a small amount of live yeast is intentionally left in the bottle to carbonate the beer. The point is to add, "subtlety and complexity." The reason why Loose Cannon is called Hop3 (Hop^3 as in cubed) is because a huge amount of hops, 3 pounds per barrel, are used to brew the beer.  Then "it is hopped 3 ways: in the kettle, in the hop back, and dry hopped." (Kinda sounds dirty ;)

Brick Alley's beer selection is also quite large with about 20+ bottled beers ($3.75-9.50) like Harpoon UFO Hefeweizen and Samuel Smith Celebrated Oatmeal Stout. There are about 15+ beers on draft ($4-5.25), including Newport Storm's line – which I'll be featuring in next week's blog post – and Guinness.

On to the flavor. The nose smelled sweet and citrusy, and had a little something extra I couldn't quite "sniff" out – was it pine or pineapple? For such a "hoppy" beer, I actually thought it was quite smooth, very drinkable, and not actually all that bitter. However, the finish did deliver a sharp bite, so watch out. Follow the Brewery on Twitter @HeavySeasBeer.

Moving on to the Dark & Stormy, the Gosling's Bermuda Black Rum, which I'd never had before, really hits you in the first sip. So really make sure to stir up the rum float on top. What this drink is eagerly missing though is a shot of lime juice, like The Tipsy Pig in San Francisco adds to their own version.

Now the Cosmopolitan. Perhaps the reason why Brick Alley Pub was named "Best Bar with Cocktail List" is not only for their 40+ concoctions, but also their Triple Shot large-&-in-charge Martinis. I actually thought the size was perfect – hey, it feels nice to hold a large martini glass from time to time. The Cosmo itself was strong, citrusy, and fruity. But after a Beer and a Dark & Stormy, the taste somehow reminded me of frat-boy "jungle juice." However, my Cosmo expert who joined us was impressed.

As far as The Grubdown is concerned, the Brick Alley's Food Menu basically has something for everyone, and everything for your arteries desire: Baked Oysters ($10.95), Thin Crust Meatball Pizza ($9.95), Ahi Tuna Sliders ($9.95), Jumbo Crab Cakes ($12.95), Gourmet Mac & Cheeze with Chourico (or as us Westsiders call it, "Chorizo", $16.95), Triple Hot Buffalo Pasta ($16.95), 20 oz. Bone-in Rib Eye ($27.95), and 1 1/4lb. Boiled Lobster (MKT).

Let's not forget about the coveted "Best Burger." There are 7 different kinds: Plain; Cheese; Bacon; Cardiac Double Bacon with Sauteed Onions; Hunstman with Bacon, Blue & Vermont Cheddar Cheeses; Gourmet with Bacon, Portobello, Blue Cheese & Garlic-Horseradish Aioli; Sedona with Bacon, Pepper-Jack, Jalapenos & Bistro Sauce on a Bulkie Roll; and Knife 'n Fork Open-Faced Portobello with Provolone & Sweet Bell Peppers on a Garlic Crostini ($7.95-12.95).

I wish I was hungry then, 'cuz it all sounded and looked so good. But I'll definitely have to try it next time I return.

Your Next Pint:

- Newport Storm Brewery in Newport, RI

 

 

Two Dollar Hite Draft Beers make Happy Hour at Gyenari a Steal

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$2 Hite Draft Beers PLUS mouth-watering, tender Sliders & Dumplings at Gyenari in Culver City from 3pm until a finally reasonable Happy Hour of 7:30pm? Um, yes please!

The Washdown:

- light, summertime Hite Lager (Korea) 4.5% ABV, $2

- citrus, cooling, refreshing, but could be stronger Cucumber Gingerita, $7

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When I heard about Gyenari's fabulously priced Happy Hour Prices & Times – hello, people in LA work late, then have to drive in traffic – I couldn't resist.

While Hite is a relatively generic Lager, close to American Domestics like Coors & Bud Light, it's appropriately priced at $2 during Happy Hour – and comes in a nice big Draft mug to swig, too. It's perfect for a hot summer day and has a super bubbly personality with lots of carbonation. Plus, you can order the Hite Tower Tap for everyone to share – 100 ounces for $24 = a very VERY Happy Hour!

The $7 Cucumber Gingerita combines my 2 favorite cocktail accessories – Cucumbers & Ginger. Tasting more like a Ginger-jito with a refreshing Mint Sprig & splash of Sour, the only thing that's lacking in this drink is more Vodka! You'll see what I mean after you suck this almost lemonade-soda cocktail down in 30 seconds flat.

The Grubdown:

- incredible, you-must-order this chunky Japanese Curry Crabcake with Asian Pear Slaw & Pickled Ginger Aioli (2 for $5)

- tender Short Rib Patty with Bulgogi, heaping Gouda Cheese, Balsamic Soy Onions & Kimchee Mayo (2 for $5)

- fluffy, tangy, spicy Kimchee Mandoo Dumplings with Korean Vegetables, Tofu & Potato Glass Noodles (4 for $4)

- a little dry, Spicy Pork, Chicken & Bulgogi Korean Taco Trio with Spicy Salsa & Guacamole $6

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Our waitress wasn't kidding when she said her favorite thing on the menu was the Crabcake Slider. I was totally impressed by how succulent it was with big Chunks of Crab, tang from the Pickled Ginger Aioli, and a hint of sweetness from the Japanese Curry & Asian Pear Slaw – definitely NO CRAPcake here!

The tender Short Rib Patty & Bulgogi Beef Slider is super cheesy with a generous amount of Gouda, and a little spice from the Kimchee Mayo. Oh and did I mention the sweet, pillowey buns are out of this world?!?

I love Kimchee so I had to order the Mandoo Dumplings, too – Steamed of course, but you can also get it Pan Fried or Deep Fried. It's served with a spicy sweet Scallion Soy Dipping Sauce. The texture of the dumpling is buttery and light at the same time with Fluffy Tofu & Korean Vegetables inside.

The Taco Trio was my least favorite of our Happy Hour menu items. The meats – Chicken, Pork & Bulgogi – are bland and all kinda taste the same. But, at least they're filling and come with Spicy Salsa & Guac.

All in all, considering the quality of the food, the reasonable prices, and realistic Happy Hour 'til 7:30pm, Gyenari's Happy Hour is a steal!

Follow @GyenariLA for summer specials and shows.

9540 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232. 310-838-3131.

I left my Heart at the Tipsy Pig Gastrotavern in San Francisco

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The Tipsy Pig in San Francisco has it all – worldly pints, local bites, classy cocktails, and a smart space complete with library, bar, and garden patio.

I spent last weekend eating & drinking my way around San Francisco with friends. On Sunday, when my friend Michael's favorite lookout spot in Marin was closed for construction, he suggested the Tipsy Pig in Marina instead. This self-proclaimed gastrotavern (a.k.a. America's version of a British gastropub) was the perfect Plan B & definitely my Plan A next time I'm in town.

The Washdown:

- citrusy, hoppy, rye flavor Lagunitas American IPA (Petaluma, California) 5.7% ABV

- off the menu, so refreshing it'll replace your vodka lemonade summer drink Dark & Stormy

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To drink, I had to go with the state of California's #1 IPA, Lagunitas, and Michael's suggestion of The Pig's popular, off-the-menu Dark & Stormy.

The Lagunitas IPA ($4 for 10oz, $5 for 15oz, $7 for 20oz) has a grapefruit citrusy, hoppy, rye bread malt flavor, an orange honey color, and is a bit on the bitter side. An interesting factoid from the Lagunitas Brewery website says it's made with 43 different hops and 65 various malts.

The Tipsy Pig has 8 Pints on tap including Chimay White Ale, Leffe Blonde, Guinness, and Paulaner Hefeweizen. They have 24 Worldly Bottles of Beer including Samuel Smith's Organic Ale (England, 5% ABV), Delirium Tremens (Belgium, 9% ABV), Weinstephaner Hefeweizen (Germany, 5.4% ABV), Hitachino White Ale (Japan, 5% ABV), and Abita Raspberry Wheat (North America, 4.2% ABV).

The Dark & Stormy cocktail is very refreshing. Made with Rum, Ginger Beer, and a Squeeze of Lime, it's not too citrusy or sugary, but just right, and sure to replace your Vodka Lemonade on a hot summer day. The Tipsy Pig has 12 other cocktails ($9-10) all with creative ingredients like Organic "That's My Jamm" Orange Marmalade in the English Fashion Bourbon ($9).

The Grubdown:

- refreshingly unique Pulled Pork Sloppy Joe with Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw, Sprouts & Herbed Aioli on a Pain De Mie Bun

- fight-worthy, herbed & salted just right Sweet Potato Fries with Herbed Aioli Dipping Sauce

- impressively fresh Mixed Greens & Rocket Side Salad with Raspberries, Blackberries, Pecans & Goat Cheese Crostini

- could have been better, spongey fake egg-like Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich with White Cheddar, Herb Frittata & Roasted Ham

- "amazeballs" golden, chunky, not too greasy Hash Brown

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If you're going to order one thing at The Tipsy Pig make sure it's the Pulled Pork Sloppy Joe sandwich ($11) with a side of Sweet Potato Fries. The Pork is high quality, not fatty, and very tender. The Pickled Red Cabbage Slaw pumps up the vinegar in the pork. The Sprouts really add an earthy, unique, unexpectedly fresh flavor. And the soft, buttery bun melts in your mouth.

We were all fighting over the Sweet Potato Fries (free with Sandwiches, Side is $6) with thick salt crystals and fresh chopped herbs. The creamy Aioli dipping sauce it comes with – same sauce as on the Pulled Pork Sandwich – is extremely light and thin almost like a dressing, and not too garlicky.

The Mixed Greens & Rocket Salad ($9) is really beautiful to look at and taste. It comes with farmers market fresh Raspberries and Blackberries, Toasted Pecans, Creamy Herbed Goat Cheese Toasted Crostinis, and a Pomegranate Vinaigrette.

We were really looking forward to the Grilled Cheese Breakfast Sandwich ($10), but were more impressed by the Hash Brown it comes with – "amazeballs" golden, not too greasy, with large chunky shreds of potato. While the Black Forest Ham on the sandwich is smokey & sweet, the texture of the Herb Frittata Egg tastes more like spongey fake egg – at least the White Cheddar made it better. Perhaps we should've gone for the Chive-Goat Cheese Scramble ($11) with Asparagus & Proscuitto, or the Skirt Steak & Eggs ($13) with Tomato Confit & Rosemary Aioli.

The Tipsy Pig is a popular spot for Sunday Brunch (10:30am-2:30pm) outside on the lovely Garden Patio, which can also be rented for private parties, complete with bar & screening area. But anywhere at The Pig will make you squeal with glee, whether it's the Bustling Bar (open til 2am), cute Library Dining Room (til 11pm), or even the Nook overlooking Chestnut Street.

Follow @tipsypig for Memorial Day specials.

Library Ale House celebrates Belgian Beer Fest with 8 Rotating Taps and Holy Tastings

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For 2 weeks until May 25th, the bustling Library Ale House on Main St. in Santa Monica is celebrating the Belgian Beer Fest with 8 Rotating Taps, $15 Chimay glasses, and $5 refills. Tonight, May 19th, from 5-7pm there's a Trappistenbier Tasting of holy beers like Chimay, Orval & Rochefort – Presale Tickets are $15, or $20 at the Door. And Sunday May 23rd from 5-6pm is Mikkeller's Single Hop IPA Series Tasting – Tickets are $25 & only 20 spots are available.

The Washdown:

- sweet caramel, fruity, mahogany colored Maredsous 8 Brune Abbey Dubbel (Belgium) 8% ABV

- buttery, honey colored, smooth 'n sweet Urthel Hop-It Superior Hoppy Blonde Ale (Belgium) 9.5% ABV

- femme favorite, cloudy amber, subtle citrus with cinnamon bite Goose Island Matilda Belgian-style Pale Ale (Illinois, Chicago) 7% ABV

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I kinda have a little crush on Belgian beers. The flavors seem so complex and always surprising. So when I heard that the Library Ale House was rotating 8 different taps for 2 weeks, I couldn't resist. When I walked in, the bartender (pictured) was super attentive, always ready to help me, and knew my name. I told him I like nutty, fruity flavors like Unibroue Maudite & Trois Pistoles (my review here), so he recommended Maredsous 8 Brune. It has a rich dark amber brown color, malty fig mince pie flavor, yet tastes lighter than it looks.

The 2nd beer I tried was the Urthel Hop-It Superior Blonde Ale. It's super drinkable, has a beautiful honey color, and every sip is smooth and buttery. It has nice carbonation with mild hoppiness, almost like a creamy thicker lager. And a sweet nutmeg nose with mild scents of citrus & herbs. As you can see, the flavor complexity of this one is unreal, for each sip presented something new.

The 3rd beer I tried was a Belgian-style Pale Ale from Chicago called Goose Island Matilda. The tap had a silver & black goose head (pictured) and the beer was definitely a favorite amongst the ladies. It has a cloudy amber color with a light citrus flavor. It's bland, but sweet with a honey nose, and has a cinnamon bite finish from the carbonation, like a soda.

The Grubdown:

- you'll definitely want to split the Carne Asada Plate with warm Corn Tortillas, Black Beans, Mexican Rice, Sour Cream & Guacamole

- sweet, refreshing Papaya Goat Cheese Quesadilla with Roasted Poblano Chiles, Jack & Cheddar Cheese

- Trio of Mini Beef Sliders

- not too sweet or salty Alehouse Sweet Potato Fries with Ketchup

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I was definitely surprised to find that the food at the Library Ale House had strong California & Mexican influences – complimentary Chips 'n Salsa are served as soon as you sit down. So we decided to keep with the theme and ordered the Carne Asada Plate. This size of the platter is impressive – and after drinking 3 pints of extremely filling Belgian beer, we probably could've split it between 3 or 4 people. The Meat is definitely flavorful, but a little tough. The Rice is tender with good tomato flavor. I love that it comes with Black Beans instead of pinto, and the tasty Guacamole is a major selling point – it also comes with 5 warm Corn Tortillas to build your own taco.

The Papaya Goat Cheese Quesadilla is very light and fresh, yet big enough to make one person feel full with 4 pieces. And the Roasted Poblano Chiles inside gives it a smoky flavor.

The Sweet Potato Fries are good, not too salty or sweet, but I was really hoping for some creamy aioli to be served alongside the Ketchup.

I did not get a chance to taste the Sliders, but you should know that the Library serves Kobe Beef as well as lean Grass-fed Linder Bison Burgers.

Belgian beers or not, the Library Ale House is a fine place to show 'em your card and check out some pints. Just ask their Beer Guru for some suggestions.

Follow @libraryalehouse for Belgian Beer Fest updates & events.

Off The Menu Pints, Tender Pub Bites, and Footballer Fights make the Village Idiot LA Smarter than you Think

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The Village Idiot gastropub on trendy Melrose Ave. in LA is the perfect place to grab a pint, watch the latest UK football match, and down some grub without all the fuss.

The Washdown:

- light, crisp, and a little sweet Crafstman 1903 Pre-Prohibition Lager (Pasadena, CA)

- off the menu, creamy red with a thick head Wexford Irish Cream Ale (UK)

- you can smell the hops 6 inches from your nose Bear Republic Racer 5 American IPA (Healdsburg, CA)

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I've been coming to the Village Idiot in LA ever since it opened in 2007 – and each time the food & fun just keep getting better. For such a popular spot, the fact that there's no cover or line really draws you in. This particular visit was on a sunny Sunday afternoon. We missed the Chelsea vs. Wigan football game – they play select UK, European, and World Cup matches on two 65-inch HD TVs – but we were definitely thirsty for some pub 'n grub action.

All Pints at the Village Idiot are $6, while "Cheeky" Halfs are $3.50. I ordered the Craftsman 1903 Pre-Prohibition Lager (6.2% ABV). It's golden, really refreshing, perfect for a hot sunny day, and has a sweet finish that I quite enjoyed, while the boys did not.

My dad, the Brit, ordered the off-the-menu Wexford Irish Cream Ale (5% ABV). It reminded me of a red amber version of Boddingtons Pub Ale because of its flat, velvety creaminess, but tasted slightly more hoppy – and it poured super frothy like a Guinness because of the disc-shaped beer widget in the bottle.

I was blown away by how well you could smell the hops from the Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA (7% ABV) even half a foot from your nose. The hoppiness of the beer reminded me of Dogfish Head IPA, but had a much stronger grapefruity bitter citrus flavor.

The Grubdown:

- better than ever, super tender, falls right apart Steak & Potato Pie

- slightly greasy, but packed with tons of flaky white Fish and Chips with Malt Vinegar, Tartar Sauce & Ketchup

- mind-blowing, juicy, unbelievable flavor combo Smoked Pork Roast Sandwich with Pickled Red Onion, Romesco, Arugula & Melted Manchego

- tender & brothy Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish with Black Eyed Peas, Tri-Pepper Sausage, Mustard Greens & San Marzano Tomato Sauce

- i wish there was more bread to scoop up the dippings Mezze Plate with Grilled Flatbread, Roasted Orange Peppers, Spiced Hummus, and Smoked Eggplant with Toasted Pine Nuts & Cilantro

- citrusy, buttery, creamy Rhubarb Orange Bread Pudding with Madagascar Vanilla Gelato

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As I said before, I've been to The Village Idiot many times, but this time I could not believe how perfectly stewed the meat in the Steak & Potato Pie ($12) was – all four of us were practically fighting over it along with the buttery, flaky pastry.

The Fish and Chips ($14) were HUGE, a little greasy, steaming, and flaky. And the perfectly balanced soft 'n crispy Chips served as a great substitution for the Grilled Flatbread we gobbled up from the Mezze Plate's ($10) 3 Dips – red-peppery Spicy Hummus, caramelized Orange Peppers, and Baba Ghanoush-style Smoked Eggplant topped with Toasted Pine Nuts & fresh Cilantro.

I will definitely be coming back soon for the Weekend Lunch Special (11:30am-5pm) Smoked Pork Roast Sandwich ($12). The Romesco Sauce – a Spanish combo of nuts, garlic, olive oil, and red peppers – is genius and doesn't overpower the super soft 'n juicy thin strips of pork. The combination of the sauce mixed with the Pickled Red Onions, peppery Arugula, and nutty Manchengo Cheese is salivating – in fact, I'm doing so right now!

Not being huge Black Eyed Peas fans (the legume, not the music group), we were all surprised by how delicious the "lovely lady lumps" tasted mixed with unbelievably tender tri-pepper sausage in a tangy San Marzano Tomato Broth. And the Cornmeal-Crusted Catfish ($16) had that extra "Boom Boom Pow."

If you're not a big fan of bread pudding, I think you'll still like the Rhubarb Orange-Bread Pudding ($7) dessert. While it still has the velvety consistency of a bread pudding, it's very soft, not dense, and the citrusy-sweet 'n tart flavor makes it taste more like a pie. The specks of Madagascar Vanilla in the Gelato were divine, too.

So next time you're shopping on Melrose Ave., pop in the neighborhood-like Village Idiot for a pint, a bite, a football fight (follow @villageidiotla for schedule), or a great nite – it's smarter than you think.

New SideDoor Pub at Five Crowns in OC is Bloody Brilliant with 4oz Pour Paddles & Worldly Gastropub Fare

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SideDoor Pub in Corona del Mar, OC gives 45-year-old Five Crowns English Restaurant a much-needed update with fun 4 oz beer pours, real gastropub fare, and a cool, yet friendly, neighborhood feel – now The Crow Bar & Kitchen has serious competition.

The Washdown:

- crisp, hints of raisin, dark color with a frothy head Wells Bombardier E.S.B. (England)

- smooth 'n creamy, flat "Brit style" Old Speckled Hen (England)

- refreshing, hoppy, honey-colored Rogue Dead Guy Ale (Oregon)

- light, sweet vanilla with mild hints of coconut Allagash Curieaux Tripel Ale (Maine)

- crisp, caramel, chocolatey UnibroueTrois Pistoles Ale (Canada)

- golden banana, not-too-bitter Green Flash Le Freak Imperial IPA/Belgian Tripel (California)

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Growing up with a father from Liverpool, it's only natural I've been going to Five Crowns ever since I was 6 – for the food of course. So, when I find out the restaurant revamped their old English pub inside to become a new gastropub, I thought, "Fantastic!" The first time I went I was so impressed by the beer, food, and vibe, I came back 2 days later – and ever since I've secretly been wanting to keep this review all to myself because the SideDoor is just that good.

But alas, here I am to deliver you the goods on Your Next Pint. Let's start with the mini 4 oz pour on the left (closest to the paddle's handle) and work our way to the right, including the 2nd picture. All pours, by the way, cost $3 each. Paddles come in 3's for $9 and 4's for $12.

Pour #1 Wells Bombardier E.S.B. (Extra Special/Strong Bitter) 4.3% ABV – It has a beautiful dark color that settles into a copper tone at the bottom of the glass. It has a frothy head, a bittersweet raisin taste, and has a crisper finish than most English beers.

Pour #2 Old Speckled Hen 5.2% ABV – For most people, this classic English beer is an acquired taste, if you're not used to the flatter, less bubbly beers of the Brits. It has a nice Amber color, a smooth malty flavor, and a thick foamy head.

Pour #3 Rogue Dead Guy Ale 6.5% ABV – At first sip, I thought to myself, "Why haven't I had this beer before because it's definitely going on my list!" It's refreshing like a lager, a little bit fruity, hoppy, and has a beautiful caramel color.

Pour #4 Allagash Curieaux Tripel Ale 11% ABV – If you love coconut like me, you might be a little disappointed. While this beer is fresh 'n fruity with sweet vanilla flavors, the coconut (at least for me) was way too mild, almost unnoticeable. It pours foggy like a Hef, and has a slight Bourbon finish from the Bourbon Barrel it's aged in.

Pour #5 Unibroue Trois Pistoles Ale 9% ABV – The minute this beer touched my lips, I knew it was a Unibroue, one of my favorites. It tastes like a crisper, lighter, less bitter version of Maudite with chocolate & clove notes, except adds a fruity caramel flavor, 1% ABV, and has a malty amber-brown color. Wow, I could really go for one now!

Snifter ($7) Green Flash Le Freak Imperial IPA/Belgian Tripel 9.2% ABV – I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one, and I think it's because the hoppy American Imperial IPA is blended with a Belgian Tripel to lighten the bitterness. It has flavors of banana and clove, is really refreshing, and pours a beautiful rich orange-light brown color.

Although we didn't try any bottled beers ($7-18) they do have 18 different kinds, including my favorite Maudite.

And if a glass of Rombauer wine ($15), Pimms #1 Cup ($10), or Macallan 18 Scotch ($30.5) is what you prefer to be poured, they've got that too. For those wimps who want water, it's available by request only, but served in a cute old-fashioned jug.

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Now for some grub to go with your pub. Executive Chef Dennis Brask changes the menu every night, but usually keeps British classics like Shepherd's Pie & Fish 'n Chips on deck.

The Fish 'n Chips ($7 for 1 piece, $12 for 2 pieces) while expensive, were some of the best I've had at a pub or gastropub. The fish was tender and the breading was flaky, as it should be, and it wasn't greasy. The Chips were good, but I was more intrigued by the crispy fried leaves on them. And the tartar sauce was really amazing with fresh chopped pickles verging on cucumber.

As for the 20-minute Shepherd's Pie I had two different kinds on two different nights: Root Vegetable Mash ($10) & Wild Boar with Sage Potato Crust ($11). The Root Vegetable Mash HANDS DOWN was the best! It had an unexpected tangy, creaminess to it, which I later found out was Goat Cheese. The meat was tender, the gravy wasn't too thick and I'm tempted to call ahead for the days it's served. The Wild Boar with Sage Potato Crust, on the other hand, was a MAJOR disappointment. I'm not sure if they didn't let it cook long enough, but it was extremely soupy, more like a stew, and after having the tangy goat cheese one, the sage just didn't live up to it.

The Side of Asparagus with Shallots and Crispy Ham ($7) were the biggest asparagus I'd ever seen, and as my friend said, "the best asparagus I've ever had" – probably because of it's amazing bacon flavor. I also had a Side of the Steamed Brussel Sprouts with Chestnuts ($7) (not pictured) and was really surprised by the chestnuts' flaky texture and brown-butter flavor.

I think I would've enjoyed the StilCheddar Mac'n Cheese ($6) more if they used a different pasta than Penne, but the combination of the rich, creamy Blue Stilton & sharp Cheddar cheeses kept me comin' back for more.

While I didn't get to try the Charcuterie & Cheese ($4 Tastes, $10-16 Plates), I still snagged an eye-candy pic on my way out for your viewing pleasure – and boy did it look good.

As you can read, SideDoor Pub has a great range of updated English classics, and some International ones too – like Avocado Mash ($4) (not quite Guacamole) with housemade Sesame Pita Chips, Lentils Du Puy ($6), Roast Beef Cuban sandwich ($9), Swedish Limpa ($7) (think Grilled Cheese), and GimmeMores ($7).

Well there you have it, my new favorite spot. When you go, just remember who told you about the place, so you can save me a seat, as it's "first come, first serve" – just like a traditional pub.

P.S. I overheard our kind waiter telling the table next to us he used to work for The Crow Bar & Kitchen. While I do love that place as it was one of the first gastropubs to hit the CdM strip, the SideDoor definitely brings in some stiff competition – and apparently their servers too.