It was a night like many others as granite and her photographer traversed the streets of (ab)Normal Heights in search of inspiration. Just as Edwin’s forhead approached a propped vehicle’s bumper, granite (being the good wingwoman she is) grabbed his hoodie, and prevented what might have been a fatal collision. Heaving gasps of startle, the two nightcrawlers held eachother close. Edwin, teary eyed, looked up and pointed at the back window of the car. Read granite, ‘all n ya mouth.’ Perplexed and a bit disturbed, the two spent the rest of the night fantasizing what it would be like to bounce in the passenger seat with Shorty flippin’ the switch.
i am a nervous person. Some would argue that i’m a nervous wreck. As we j-walked across Sunset Boulevard towards Falcon Restaurant, my booted legs were noticeably weak and shaky. The national launch party of Mutineer Magazine, where i’d finally get to see my labor of love in print, was feeling more and more like a trip to the dentist, versus a cocktail party celebration.
Someone handed me a copy. i told myself i would not read the article at the party. i immediately excused myself and did just that. The cover. My ‘Beer Wars’ article made the cover. i read most of the piece in the dim light, scanned some others, and was shocked that my writing appeared unscathed by the editor’s toolbox; in fact, my work hadn’t been altered at all from the original (yes, it is PDF’d to the brain after reading it a zillion times). I re-entered the party elated, and ready to get my drink on.
i got home at 2am. Time to read-read. Page 2, end of the first paragraph, sticking out for the world to trip over: ‘Arrogant Basterd.’ What? ‘Arrogant Basterd.’ I KNOW HOW TO SPELL BASTARD! Nooooooo! Greg Koch, CEO of Stone, was one of three interviews in the piece… and his beer- which happens to be the #1 selling 22oz bottle of beer in the NATION- is misspelled? Horror. Read More
i’m headed to Hollywood for the National Launch Party of Mutineer Magazine. i am nervous. This is the first time i get to read/see my work in a national publication. What will people say? What will people think? i’ll let you know. In the meantime, here are some photos from the premiere of Anat Baron’s documentary ‘Beer Wars’, and the after-party last month. Can’t wait for you to read my response to the film in this issue of Mutineer. (Beer panel hosted by Ben Stein after the film premiere at UCLA’s Royce Hall.)
(omg, do you know who this is?! Todd Alstrom of Beer Advocate toasting Stone at the premiere of Beer Wars)
This man makes some fucking great beer. Sam Calagione, Brewer, Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales. Read More
Beer excites me. When i was a kid i’d beg my Dad for ‘just a sip’ of his Heineken on NFL Sundays. My Mom did not like this. i remember thinking, probably around age 5, ‘this beer tastes like a skunk smells.’ i’ve since upgraded my tastes and appreciation for some of the finer beers southern California has to offer; the fruits of my research will be out this week in two different publications. That’s all i’m saying right now. Links to come. Burp.
In other beer related news, there is a ton of cool shit going down at Blind Lady Ale House (BLAH) in Normal Heights. First and foremost, San Diego beer nerds have been buzzing about BLAH brewer/owner Lee Chase’s first release, Automatic #1. An all-organic Belgian Wit style craft (some characteristics of a white ale or wheat beer), Automatic #1 has hints of fresh ginger, coriander and toasted American Oak. If you happen to be at BLAH when they tap out, head to Toronado because they just got a keg yesterday (5-12), so pound it while you can.
Although he might not admit it (sober), Mr. Chase is kind of a big deal in the craft beer community. Read More
