Your Next Pint

Three LA Irish Spots Since Tom Bergins Isn't Open

This year the iconic Tom Bergin's on Fairfax has closed its doors for the first time in 75 years. In the meantime, here are a couple of spots that are just as much fun to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day!

The Washdown:

1.) The Varsity LA
Wilshire District - Best Dressed Contest - DJ - and $4 Guinness, Heineken, and Green Beer ALL DAY!!

2.) The Original Farmers Market LA
Fairfax district - Celtic Music and Beer on Tap 6-10pm

3.) Henry's Hat
Studio City - Answer some trivia questions for a chance to win a free Shot, Beer or Dessert! 4pm-Close

On sale now - 4th Annual LA Beer Festival - Drink It Up!

Tickets are on sale now for Drink Eat Play's 4th annual LA Beer Fest held at Paramount Studios. For $40 you'll get beer, food, and enteratinment like the cover hair band Metal Shop, and indie-rock tribute band Black Crystal Wolf Kids. International and domestic beers will be featured from over 75+ breweries. Get your tickets and get in line as this year's event will deliver just like a good beer drinks – unforgettable.

Here's just a sampling of what brews will be there.

The Washdown:

- Bootleggers Brewery (Fullerton, CA)

- Anders0n Valley Brewing Co. (Boonville, CA)

- Ventura's Surf Brewery (Ventura, CA)

- The Los Abbey (San Marcos, CA)

- Weltenburger Kloster (Weltenberg, Germany)

- Singha Beer (Bangkok, Thailand)

- Sapporo (Tokyo, Japan)

For an in depth look, check out my blog post on one of their previous events: LA Beerfest Brews up Fun, Food Trucks, and Fine Pints

P.S. Don't forget to bring your lederhosen.

This Sunday: Craft Beer Tasting at Whole Foods in El Segundo

Miss last week's 20% off beer sale at Whole Foods? No worries. Because this Sunday, January 29th from 1-4pm, you can get your bargain beer fix at the El Segundo Whole Foods Beer Festival. For only $15 the festival boasts over 20 beer vendors, complimentary snacks, and A FREE BEER GLASS with admission (while supplies last). 

Let them know your attending on Facebook, then buy your tickets in store at 760 S. Sepulveda Blvd., El Segundo, CA 90245. (310) 333-1900. For more information email [email protected].

All attendees must be 21 years or over. ID required. Designated drivers encouraged.@WholeFoods

 

 

This Weekend: Craft Beer Garden at Ski Dazzle

Photo courtesy of SkiDazzle.com

Nothing compliments a day on the slopes like a crisp, hydrating, B vitamin packed Beer to quench your thirst. And Ski Dazzle – the largest Ski & Snowboard Show in the United States – gets it. That's why this year, in conjunction with the Taste of Winter, they're adding the first ever Beer Garden. For $20, you'll get to taste ten 3oz servings of 15+ Craft Beers to choose from.

Then afterwards, peruse the aisles of super deals & entertainment like 70% off boards & gear at the Ski Swap, as well as major mountain resort packages, giveaways at the pro rider Vert Ramp Show, specialties like the new Sakkus Sweet Sleeve (a lightweight snowboard bag protector), complimentary ski lessons, a Tire Chain Installation Contest – even a FREE Bear Mountain lift ticket with your price of admission.

The Washdown:

- Anderson Valley Poleeko, Pale Ale

- Anderson Valley Winter, Solstice Seasonal Ale

- Ballast Point Pale Ale, German Kolsch

- Firemans Brew Brunette, German Double Bock

- Firestone DBA, Double Barrel Ale

- Firestone Pale Ale

- Firestone Union Jack, American IPA

- Firestone Velvet Merlin, Seasonal Oatmeal Stout

- Hofbrau Dunkel, Munich Bavarian

- Lagunitas IPA

- Mammoth Mountain Brewing Co. Epic, IPA

- Mammoth Mountain Brewing Co. Paranoid, Pale Ale

- Mammoth Mountain Brewing Co. Real McCoy, Amber Ale

- Weihenstephaner Original, Lager

Los Angeles Convention Center SOUTH HALL, 1201 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90015. 213-741-1151.

@Ski_Dazzle

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

Stone IPA Dinner at The Foundry on Melrose

Photo courtesy of TheFoundryOnMelrose.com

On Wednesday September 7th, The Foundry on Melrose will be hosting a special "5 Beers Paired with 5-Courses" Dinner.

For $59 you can indulge in Chef Eric Greenspan's creations like Pork Belly & Mustard Spaezle paired with Duvel Hennepin Lessan, and Hanger Steak & Yogurt Gnocchi Masala with Arrogant Bastard Ale.

Dinner starts at 7pm and reservations are required, so make sure to reserve your spot.

The Washdown:

- Duvel Maredsous Abbaye Abdij (8% ABV) paired with Scallop Ceviche, Grapefruit, Horseradish & Celery Root

- Stone IPA (6.9% ABV) paired with Halibut, Cilantro Pesto, Pickled Red Onions, Hominy & Caramel Corn

- Duvel Hennepin Lessan (7.7% ABV) paired with Pork Belly, Mustard Spaeztle, Apples & Peppercorn Sauce

- Arrogant Bastard Ale (7.2% ABV) paired with Hanger Steak, Yogurt Gnocchi, Roast Peppers, Raisins & Masala

- Duvel Liefman's Cuvet Brut (6% ABV) paired with Sour Cherry Madeline, Dark Chocolate Ganache & Salted Creme Fraiche Pudding

7465 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036. 323-651-0915.

LA Beer Fest 2011

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Last year, YourNextPint debuted it's first blogger sip with the LA Beer Fest – brought to you by Dan Silberstein's Drink Eat Play – at Sony Studios in Culver City. This year, on Saturday April 9th it's back for another round.

The Washdown:

- over 90 international and domestic beers including Ballast Point, Anderson Valley, Unibroue, Stone Brewing Co., even Wyder's Cider, and more

$40 will get you unlimited 4oz beer tastings. While the entertainment – Black Crystal Wolf Kids and Metal Shop – are free, the food trucks and catered vendors are not, so make sure to bring some extra cheddar. Speaking of, yes, the Grilled Cheese Truck will be there, along with Nom Nom, Komodo, Crepe'n Around, and more. (Oh, and tickets will sell out, so make sure to buy your 12-3pm or 5-8pm sessions online.)

Get a preview of all the fun drunk love, crazy costumes, and pub grub from my LA Beer Fest 2010 review.

P.S. Whichever session you choose, make sure to get there early so you don't have a massive wait in line. And do yourself a favor by taking a cab instead of driving, so you can truly enjoy the free flowing brews.

Hoppy & Safe Drinking.

St. Patty's Day pub crawl at Sheddy's in LA

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It was exactly 1 year ago today, that YourNextBite.com launched and the idea of YourNextPint.com was born. For this Half-Brit, spouting bloody brilliance on an Irish holiday couldn't be more ironic. But instead of thinking too much about it, kick off St. Patrick's Day with a pub crawl at Sheddy's Public Parlour on Fairfax.

Mixing in a 3rd culture – why not at this point, right? – Sheddy's is schlepping it by bus around the Fairfax district to celebrate Purim (a.k.a. Jewish Mardis Gras meets Halloween, so come dressed in costumes).

Starting at 7pm, pub crawlers should meet at Farmers Market to Hop on the bus. The crawl involves The Snake Pit, Kibitz Room, El Carmen, and more. The night will finish back at Sheddy's with a DJ spinning beats.

Tickets are $10. Call 323-651-1442 to reserve.

The Washdown:

- always on tap, citrusy and peppy like a Beermosa, Tangerine Wheat Beer (Lost Coast Brewery in Eureka, CA ) 5% ABV

- rotating taps may include Abita Amber Ale and my all time favorite Unibroue Maudite

- free Shots from 5-6pm and 10-11pm

- $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon

- $3.50 for a Pint and a Shot

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HOP you get lucky on St. Patrick's Day!

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!

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.

LA Eagle Rock Brewery is Red, White, and Brew

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On the outside, mistakable-for-a-warehouse Eagle Rock Brewery is easy to miss. But don't overlook one of the first breweries in over half a century to have operations based in LA, 'cause on the inside their brews are unique, the vibe is chillaxed, and the family that runs it couldn't be nicer.

To kick off the 4th of July weekend, Eagle Rock Brewery will be having cul-de-sac food truck parties with Fresh Eats & Beats, Friday 6-10pm, and Frysmith, Saturday 7:15-10pm. Taproom opens at 4pm.

The Washdown:

- coffee nose, not too thick, hint of sweetness Solidarity English Style Black Mild 3.9% ABV, $5

- golden yellow, hoppy bitter, smooth Revolution American Extra Pale Ale 4.8% ABV, $5

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When I say Eagle Rock Brewery is chill, I really mean it. For example, Mr. Brew Mission (a.k.a. my hand model) and I walked in 5 minutes before closing time, and Donna & daughter-in-law Lynn welcomed us in with open, come-hither, swingin' arms. Even as we browsed the menu, and asked some questions, still no sense of hurry or stress was in their aura – these people are super cool. And their air-conditioning is cranked high, too.

We decided to have a pint of Solidarity and Revolution. (The beers are served in the Brewery's own "Beer for the People" pint glasses for sale at $5 each.)

I really, really enjoyed the Solidarity. It's dark like Guinness in color, but light-bodied, so you could drink it all night long. My first reaction was "Mmm, kinda tastes like dessert." But as I ate the complimentary peanuts Donna & Lynn told us would help bring out more flavor, I tasted coffee, chocolate, spices, and a roasted flavor I couldn't quite put my finger on – that is until they offered us a last minute tour.

In the first part of the Brewery Tour, Steve the Brewmaster showed us the barley they use to make the beer. He gave us a grain and told us to lightly crack it with our teeth – not to crunch it all at once – so that the flavors could slowly seep out. And there it was. That roasted caramel, almost like cereal, flavor I was missing in the Solidarity.

Next up, Mr. Brew Mission ordered the American Extra Pale Ale (shocker!), Revolution. (I stole a few sips, naturally :) It has a beautiful golden yellow color. It definitely has a hoppy bitter taste of grass and citrus rinds, but it's still really smooth.

Eagle Rock Brewery also has a few more House Taps, like Manifesto Belgian Style Witbier 6.4% ABV, and 5 Guest Taps ($6-7) that rotate. They also carry a fantastic assortment of Guest Bottles ($8-18) like Hazelnut Brown Nectar and La Trappe Isid'or.

So get your American spirits high this 4th of July weekend (on the actual 4th they'll be closed) with American Craft Brews from LA-based Eagle Rock Brewery.

3056 Roswell St., Los Angeles, CA 90065. 323-257-7866. Open Fri-Sat 4-10pm. Sun 12-6pm.

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.

LA Beerfest Brews Up Fun, Food Trucks, and Fine Pints

What better way to kick off Your Next Pint than with a blog post on this past weekend's Los Angeles Beer Festival. $40 ticket admission (or $37 if you had the code word "rundown") got you unlimited 4 oz beer pours from 80+ breweries. While I didn't get to taste them all, here's a list of the best & worst I tried.

The Washdown:

- mellow and refreshing Sierra Nevada's Glissade Golden Bock

- caramel malt flavored Mission Brewery IPA

- light with cinnamon notes San Luis Obispo Einhorn Hefeweizen (like Maudite's little lager sister)

- metal, tap waterey Ballast Point Yellowtail Pale Ale

- hoppy, grapefruity Ballast Point Big Eye IPA

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Getting to the LA Beerfest, put on by Drink Eat Play at Sony Pictures Studios, was quite a mission. There were three different intimidatingly long lines strewn about, in which the people standing in them AND the security guards directing them did not seem to know what they were for. But once my friends and I checked in and received our mini 4 oz beer mugs, it was time for the pours to begin!

We bypassed the main area's Food Truck lines and headed down a little alley off to the left where we found brewery stalls like Fat Tire and Sam Adams. Soon enough we stumbled on what was to be one of our favorites of the night – Sierra Nevada Glissade Golden Bock. Perfect for summer days, this crisp beer with a beautiful golden hue had just the right amount of carbonation to keep it refreshing, and a hoppy bitter finish balanced out by citrus flavors. The display at Sierra was one of the best of the Fest, too. They had barley grains and actual hops you could rub between your fingers to bring out the aroma of what you were tasting.

Moving on to Mission Brewery IPA, this beer was another favorite amongst my friends. While we were expecting bitterness, this light amber colored pour had a delicious caramel malty flavor that kept us coming back for more – definitely one to stock up on and sip alongside hamburgers or steak.

The San Luis Obispo Einhorn Hefeweizen was hit or miss for some, but I particularly enjoyed it and I think the ladies will too. It reminded me of a lighter lager version of one of my favorite beers, Unibroue Maudite, because of its cinnamon and clove flavors. This would be a good one to enjoy with a vanilla ice cream cone on a hot summer day.

Now for the bad brews. I don't know if something was wrong with the tap, but the Ballast Point Yellowtail Pale Ale honestly tasted like dirty pipe water. It had such a metal tap water taste to it, we ended up dumping it out. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of Ballast Point, and was very thankful for the hoppy grapefruit flavor of their Big Eye IPA we shortly washed down afterward.

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On our way to the 40 oz to Freedom "Sublime Tribute Band" concert, we encountered some great people watching – frothy beer mug hats, guys in Lederhosen, and Sam Adams cardboard cut outs to be exact. But nothing topped the old dudes moshing to their all-time-favorite Sublime tunes.

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To eat there was a sampling of food trucks like Calbi, Border Grill, Nom Nom, and World Fare Bustaurant (check out Your Next Bite for my upcoming review!), Sony Pictures Studios catering service, and apparently some hefty pretzel necklaces. We tried the Banh Mi from the Nom Nom truck and were disappointed by how stale and hard the bread was. But the pickled daikon, carrot, and sweet vinegar BBQ pork inside definitely made up for it. The Mac and Cheese from the Sony catering service was totally flavorless and boring, but the BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich on a Soft Bun was massive, packed with flavor, and super satisfying.

All in all the LA Beerfest was definitely a fun experience. Though they split up this year's event into two sessions, 1-4pm & 5-8pm, to avoid crowding we all wished we could've had a longer pour.