St. Stephen Green & Marco Passarella

My last "Philly Beer Week" Blog.

I only wish I could have went to more events during "Philly Beer Week". I want to thank everyone involved in this pursuit of increasing the knowledge of beer to the world.

•Tom Peters - president - Monk's Cafe
•Bruce Nichols - vice president - The HeadHouse
•Jennie Hatton - secretary - Profile P.R.
•Ron Davis - treasurer - Davis CPA Group
•Casey Parker - Jose Pistola's
•Clare Pelino - Profile P.R.
•Ed Friedland - Origlio Beverage
•Ellen Yin - Fork Restaurant
•Gene Muller - Flying Fish Brewery
•Mark Edelson - Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
•Nima Hadian - Shangy's The Beer Authority
•Paul Egonopoulos - Brewer's Outlet
•Tom Buonanno - Muller Beverage
•William Reed - Standard Tap/Johnny Brenda's
•Don Russell - Executive director

http://www.phillybeerweek.org/

My last event for the week takes me to "St. Stephen's Green". Website:http://www.saintstephensgreen.com/. Another one of those places that seem like it was straight out of Europe. Cafe seating on the outside, a pub/restaurant seating on the inside. Instead of old world type decor, the inside was more modern then most corner cafes. Belgian beers on tap for this event. The wait staff was remarkably attentive and all smiles. I know if I worked in a place with great beers, I'd be smiling as well.

With that being said, there was some locals at the bar drinking "Miller Lite". WHY!!!!!! I know people are drinking with what they grew up with, but everyone should at least try something new from time to time. Life is an adventure. Try something new, you might like it, even if it is just a beer.

Off topic once again, back to the event. I sat at the bar and met a few new friends. Had a words with one fella who was dipping in just to get away from his in-laws, after coming from the gym. Another that was doing a few of the events for "Philly Beer Week" because he loves beer. Then I met Marco Passarella from St. Bernardus Brewery. The reason I actually went was because of him. I got to ask him a few questions about beers, but ended up just talking about life and how he was enjoying running around from event to event.

I was impressed when the bartender was pouring beer and Marco Passarella told him that the taps were mixed up. He new just by watching his beer being poured, that they had them marked wrong. It was the neatest thing I have ever seen. He asked to go back and look at the kegs to make sure. He was right. When he came back I did manage to ask him one question that I have to post, because it made me laugh and it's really deep if you think about it.

The Beer Dawg: "Which one of the beers you brew is your favorite?"

Marco Passarella: "St. Bernardus Witbier"

The Beer Dawg: "Why not the St. Bernardus Abt 12?"

Marco Passarella: "I do taste that one all the time, but it's like I tell my wife all time "When you have steak all the time, sometimes you just want a hot dog."

We all had a good laugh when we heard this. He has the gift of gab like and a great showman. The rest of the short time there we had a lot of conversation about nothing important. Marco Passarella said I couldn't go without having the St Bernardus Abt 12. So I did, and look a beer review below.

St Bernardus Abt 12 by St. Bernardus Brewery. It poured a dark orange/brown with a thick ivory head. I loved the smell that came off this beer. It had sweet and tart fruits like raisin, plum, and date. Also dark malt, yeast, and some spice. I think I also picked up some clove. The mouth feel was of a medium body, and creamy smooth. In the taste I picked up some dark sweet malt, chocolate, some nuttiness like hazelnut, a hint of oak, some floral hop, and some fruits like the smell. Extremely well balanced. I wanted to sit there and just slowly drink it like a night cap. This is a definite must try.

The website: http://www.sintbernardus.be/en/

So in conclusion, one of the best weeks and many adventures that I was glad to have be able to to. From seeing new places, trying new beers, and meeting interesting people. Well as always, "Be Well, and Drink Well!"