Pliny the Younger Is Darn Good Beer

In our history books, Pliny the Younger, whose full name was Gaius Plinius Caecilius Secundus, was a Roman senator who lives in the 1st and 2nd century A.D.  In additon to this political career, he was famous for a collection of letters he wrote that detail both historical events and personal stories.

In today’s world, the name Pliny the Younger elicits a different name recognition from those in the know: it’s the name of Russian River Brewing Company‘s  most celebrated beer.  Russian River brews several highly rated and award winning beers, but Pliny the Younger is the most sought after for several reasons.  Maybe it’s because it rose up to become the top beer in BeerAdvocate’s rankings.  Perhaps it’s the VERY limited annual release of the beer, distributed once a year in February and only to a select few distributors and bars.  Or perhaps it’s because it just tastes amazing and has the complexity matched by very few beers.

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Cooper’s Wine Bar: Reason to Visit Manayunk for Good Pizza

In 2010, MSN.com, in conjunction with Gayot.com, published an article detailing its Top 10 list of pizza restaurants in the country.  As with all Top 10 lists, and particularly, with pizza lists, this one was subjective, though certain consensus favorites were present.  There’s Great Lake from Chicago (probably the best pizza I’ve ever had), Pizzeria Bianco from Phoenix and Serious Pie in Seattle.  Then, there was Cooper’s Wine Bar in Manayunk.  Considering I’ve never heard anyone else ever mention it in the discussion of great pizza in Philadelphia, let alone the country, I was intrigued.

Cooper’s is the less formal, more casual, no reservation wine bar portion of Jake’s, one of the more upscale restaurants on Main Street Manayunk.  The two establishements share the same kitchen, so you can actually order off the same menu.  So, you can choose to make your reservation and eat in a more refined setting at Jake’s or you can go at the spur of the moment and try waiting for a table or bar space at Cooper’s.  Either way, you’ve got access to a good menu.

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The Philadelphia Brewery “Tour” – Running by Philly’s Breweries and Brew Pubs

I like beer, and I like running.  I also like scenic running – running to destinations with different things to see.

Hence, this morning of February 6, 2011, I set off on the Philadelphia Brewery “Tour” – a 15.1 mile run by, to and back from all of Philadelphia’s brweries and brew pubs located within the city (except for Earth Bread + Brewery, as  Mount Airy is too damn far).

Dock Street Brewing Company

First leg: 3.0 miles west to Dock Street Brewing Company in West Philadelphia.  Dock Street pioneered the American microbrew revolution.  Its new location features good food, good beer and some nice outdoor seating during good weather.

 

 

 

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