Chicago beer at Busch Stadium!?!

This past weekend we took my brother to the Cardinal's game for his birthday. It was a beautiful day outside and we sat in the bleachers so we had plenty of sunshine. We were also close to a bar that offered some specialty beers (and margaritas for Laura!) in addition to your standard Bud Light and Bud. One of the few options was a Honker's Ale from Goose Island. I love this beer but couldn't get over the fact I was drinking a Chicago beer at a Cardinal's game. It just didn't feel right... especially when I asked where to get Schlafly and they told me I would have to walk around to behind home plate.

A little disappointed, but the game itself more than made up for that! It was one of those games you don't forget, lasting 20 innings, 18 scoreless, with several position players pitching. It was the longest scoreless game since 1989 and the second longest game in Cardinal's history! We had a wonderful time and made it to the 15th, when we got too cold and hungry to wait it out any longer.


We watched the end of the game from the Bridge which had great food and awesome beer. We shared a hummus plate, cheese plate, a couple gourmet sandwiches and delicious chocolate/espresso dessert. I thought the Bridge's beer selection was unique and enjoyed the two that I had (including a Red Rye from Founders, one my favorites). I loved the atmosphere and the decorations. They served water from wine bottles, an idea I love.

A birthday to remember for Michael.

New hangout

Last night the Mr. and I visited one of Columbia's newest bars/eateries - 1839 Taphouse.  It is located in the space formerly occupied by Johhny's Beanery, which brings back so many memories of my years as an undergrad.  It was worth visiting for the nostalgia alone, but will be worth many trips back because of the great beer selection.  They have lots of my faves - several from New Belgium, Schlafly and Goose Island.  They also have some less familiar to me including Magic Hat, Moose Drool and several including a house ale from Crown Valley out of Ste. Genevieve, MO... which we tried last night and was excellent.

They have a great happy hour from 4-7 weeknights I believe with $3 pints, a trivia night and specials all day on Sunday Fundays!  I am excited to have a new spot, close to home, with lots of great beers, good service on our first visit and a relaxed atmosphere with plenty of nice TVs.  We'll definitely be returning in the next week or so, hopefully to try to food as well as just the beer! 

Odds and ends

I am even more amazed and inspired by some of the blogs I read regularly now that I have attempted to blog. Time gets away so quickly and it truly is a commitment! Here are a few odds and ends that could constitute a whole post but I have been putting off.

• My sister sent me this great link about how beer can help prevent weak bones. Beers with high levels of hops and barley are the best.


• I went with my brother, brother-in-law, dad and hubby to International Tap House in Chesterfield last weekend. The 35 beers on tap were picked by STL Hops and there were some great ones! We had a sampler and several regular beers, including a Pilgrims Dole and a Bell's Two-Hearted. Fun times hanging out with the boys drinking great beer!


• My brother also told me about an article in the New York Times discussing the resurgence of growlers - The New Old Way to Tote Your Beer. The benefits? Fresh beer, variety, economical, and ecologically-friendly! Would love if this trend makes it way to Mid-Missouri!
  

Cans vs. bottles

If you want to purchase craft beer, bottles seem to usually be the only option. However, increasing numbers of craft brewers are using cans according to a recent article in the St. Louis Post Dispatch. The reasons? Cans eliminate light and oxygen from spoiling beer and are also cheaper for brewers to label and ship.

Another reason I personally like: Cans are made from more recycled materials so they are better for the environment.

And if you're going to pour your beer into a glass, what does it matter anyway what it came out of?

Another reason to drink beer!

I love reading health tips from www.active.com and particularly today this one hit home -

Keep Drinking Beer

Controlling stress is a surprisingly important factor in optimizing metabolism. When we're stressed out, over-worked, and under-slept, we will have hormonal imbalances that increase the production of cortisola powerful appetite stimulant that will cause us to overeat and store fat. There is a lot of evidence to support the notion that people should continue to do the things they enjoy and eat the foods they love (in moderation of course), without getting all stressed out about it.

And you just might do your heart a favor and stave off a heart attack later on if you have one or two drinks now.

In Germany, researchers have shown that beer drinking is associated with a decreased risk for heart disease. But according to Tufts researcher, Dr. Jose Ordovas, this is most likely due to the "celebratory effect." That is to say, because Germans tend to drink beer socially and have a good time, they experience health benefits from the reduced stress that accompanies such activities.


Makes sense, we all need a stress reliever! For me that means a 45 minute workout + 1-2 light beers. At least it equals less calories than sitting on the couch eating chocolate cake!