With the recent surge in marijuana raids here in San Diego county, i figured it timely to compile a list (or rather, the start of one) of what i believe to be the best haute stoner cuisine our region has to offer. ‘What in the hell is haute stoner cuisine,’ you ask? Well, you can start by reading the New York Times article published in May on the subject, or just believe my interpretation here and now:

• It’s fat kid food all grown up; rich, calorie-ridden, and hide-it-under-the-mattress-so-the S.O. doesn’t find it goooood.
• It messes with the senses, all of them; out of the norm flavor and texture combos that result in dining-table-slapping fits of jubilation.
• It makes you think, or try to, depending on your state; both fantasy, and nostalgia, are key ingredients in haute stoner cuisine.
• Simply put: Food that a stoner would dig.

Before you report me to the feds or try to have me fired: i do not endorse the use of marijuana, nor find issues of substance abuse even mildly amusing; however, whether you smoke weed or condemn those who do, there’s no denying these dish’s tasty layers of creativity that comfort, and disturb at once. On that note, the next time you’re tempted to mate last nite’s pizza with last week’s Chinese take out, put your hands behind your head, run out the front door, and seek these professionals for help.

Fish and Chips roll @Hane Sushi

Holy Mother of the Sea: this dish is so right, and so wrong. Marrying the quintessental dishes of England and Japan, fish and chips in sushi form are delightful to eat, and fun to giggle about. Tender fried pieces of fish are wrapped with lettuce in nori, surrounded by rice and flecked with black sesame seed. A fried piece of dill is served off to the side and i highly recommend you integrate that, and a brush of the ‘tartar’ like sauce, with each bite. Looks like sushi, tastes like fish and chips?? Whoa, dude.

5 spice BBQ Beef Fries @Tabe Korean BBQ Taco Truck

Korean BBQ beef meets a San Diego drunk/stoned staple: the carne asada fries. An unhealthy union of sweet and spicy, over-sauced meat heaped onto fries, topped with cheese, a white sauce emulating crema, and of course, sprinkled with 5 spice, you may not live to see tomorrow after eating these. If pot drives people to eat foods like this, then seriously ill patients deserve legal access to this medicine. Looks like carne asada fries, tastes like trouble. Just sayin’.

Mojados De Carne @Mama Testa

Mojados De Carne translated: 4 beef rolled tacos chopped into bite sized pieces and sent swimming in a pool of bright tomato broth that’s spicy, citrusy, and pungent with a sprinkling of raw white onions, fresh cilantro and queso fresco. In an unrelated blog topic, i’ve been thinking of this soup every time i’m hungry it seems. After having it for the first time a couple weeks ago, i don’t think i can live without it! Taquitos and soup (two of my favorite things!) as one- castaway shredded beef infuses the tomato broth so that it tastes as though you’re slurping on salsa drenched rolled tacos. The tortillas go from crunchy to tender and spongy before your eyes and taste-buds, and you can also order the pollo version if you’re a lame-O that doesn’t eat beef. Also a great way to warm up this July.

Pretzel dog and more @Hotdogs @ 428

What stoner, let alone what American, doesn’t love a juicy all-beef hotdog? The pretzel dog is every festival food you loved as a kid rolled into one. i’ll admit, i was wary that the pretzel would be stale or the dog dried out, but 428 proved me wrong with this pig in a German blanket. Hebrew National franks are served til 3am from the Market Street storefront with a handy sidewalk facing order window and a little counter space for perching.

Mmmm, fatty, salty, pickley and a mess to eat. Lots under 5 bucks- check it. More on this topic soon to be posted. Until then, Puff, Puff, Granite- out!

i finally caught my first glimpse and taste of Miho; San Diego’s premiere and so far acclaimed farm-to-street ‘gastro-truck.’ On Saturday, owners Juan and Kevin parked their (free-range) roach-coach at Bird Park, proving one grass fed beef burger at a time that food trucks don’t just cater to stumbling drunks at 2am.

My guess is that Juan and Kevin acknowledge their stereotypical target crowd with sarcastic adornments such as these:

My next guess is that Kevin and Juan will regret assuming that people would think these taps a joke. ‘Dude, can i get a whiskey with my potato croquetas?’ Uh, yeah… that might get old after awhile.

Miho’s offerings are also apart from your typical Haute-Stoner cuisine food truck menus. Locally purveyed food is served straightforward with global influences in dishes like the Banh Mi (lemongrass grilled all natural chicken, pickled carrot & daikon, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeño, baguette), and the Miho Dog (Niman Ranch hot dog & bacon, pico de gallo, caramelized onions, jalapeño aioli, bun). Dishes in the works pay tribute to Cuba, Korea, and Quebec; cuisine of the world rendered locally, a concept we don’t see too much of in restaurants these days, let alone mobile cafes.

A kind gentleman allowed me to photograph his slow roasted Niman Ranch pork, pickled red onion, local corn tortilla tacos:

And another street food soldier (who follows Miho on FaceBook and Twitter), let me shoot her Banh Mi and Potato Croquetas:

Adding to Miho’s flavor, hand-painted quotes from gourmand icons spell out the truck’s name (Pollan, Mom, Waters, Thoreau, et al):

i wanted to order the most bizarre thing i could from a ‘roach coach’ so i went with the salad. It did not photograph well, but was tasty as hell. In summation, mad props to the hearts and minds of Miho for hitching onto the food truck craze… down the road less traveled, of course.

The Inside Dish Your Monthly Guide to the Gastronomic Good Life :: 944.

Bencotto

i found it, oh yes, i did: the best bowl of pasta in San Diego. One of the most unanimously enjoyed meals ever, it’s a shame that when i see it on a menu i opt for something else out of fear of disappointment, and subsequent rage. On a sunny afternoon and after 2 glasses of glorious prosecco, i decided to take a chance on the Gemelli sauced with the Bencotto variety (tomato and cream based, spiked with pancetta). The short twisted pasta spirals cradled the sauce in its crevices, bits of Italian bacon strewn within, all dusted with a zesty layer of fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

photo by Edwin Real

Mario Batali drilled into me for years that pasta should always be front and center in a pasta dish; the sauce is its condiment, there only to accentuate the pasta. Fantastic attention is paid to the pasta at Bencotto (made in house, dried or fresh varieties and also available for sale), which is al dente, and sauced with the perfect amount, contrary to the overcooked, over-sauced, over salted, and cheesed garbage found at most ‘Italian’ restaurants in town. i’ll be back soon, because after filling out a comment card post-meal, i got an email coupon for a free tiramisu!

Con Pane

Looking for an Old World style bakery and sandwich shop? Con Pane specializes in 24 varieties of artisan baked breads, and also happens to be one of the last standing cash, coin or theft only establishments in San Diego. Following this ancient method of commerce must be challenging for Con Pane, especially in response to frustrated and ravenous customers who just want a fucking sandwich with the swipe of a bank card- i know, a lot to ask for in the digital age. Finally on a day that a dude with cash accompanied me to the acclaimed bakery, i got my mouth around a turkey sandwich on olive oil and rosemary bread. Coming from someone who loves a daily dose of mayo, there was enough on this sandwich to choke a horse. Aside from that, the bread was in fact flavorful, chewy and had fantastic crusts. Con Pane is a bit out of the way for this central city-dweller, however, they are moving a bit closer soon to a spot at Liberty Station. The cookie was OK, bread was great, get a CC machine and perhaps i’ll venture back…

Influx, Little Italy

This is the spot, people. Where you come to sit inside or out, munch on affordable, fresh, creative sammies (i love the ham with pineapple spread), drink your coffee, or choose from a selection of craft sodas, root beers and kombucha. Not to mention baked fresh daily goods that go FAST. i tell you, i’m not a cupcake person, but seeing as people come in all day asking for these treats (and sulk away when they find out they’re all sold), i might have to order one next time… for research purposes, of course.

photo by Edwin Real

Although this photo is of the space at night, during the day, the Jonathan Segal designed building (also home to Bencotto) is one of the most inspiring settings to work remotely in town. Despite the small shop, high ceilings and surrounding windows create the illusion of a larger space. The help is friendly, food comes fast, ample plugs for laptops, fantastic natural light, killer smoking patio area… this, to me, is the Little Italy experience. Stylish folks frequent Influx, serious people sit and work (ah-hem), and without effort, you feel part of the India Street action.

Pizzeria Bruno Napoletano

Touted by some as ‘the best pizza in San Diego,’ Bruno’s Pizzeria serves by far some of the worst i’ve ever had. Not to say our ‘pizza’ tasted terrible, rather, the top quality ingredients comprising our pie were badly abused. Trapped under a blanket of water buffalo’s milk cheese drowns a thin layer of crust that never had a chance. Although I have not met anyone from Naples personally, allow me to put words in their mouth regarding this limp, wet, eat-with-a-spoon, out of a bowl, monstrosity of a pizza pie: ‘Getta the fuck outta here!’

Our server started off by saying, ‘Our pizza is traditional Neapolitan, which means it is more wet that other styles.’ Am i a moron for thinking ‘more wet’ means saucier? Why would i think, ‘wet, meaning the liquids draining from ingredients on the pie that make this dish pizza goulash.’ Getta the fuck outta here!

photo by saysgranite

The pie arrived, with puffy, thicker than New York style pie crust, atop it the clearly large cut pieces of cheese, San Marzano tomato sauce, and a few whole basil leaves. i picked up a slice, which drooped hard and pitifully; the whisky dick of pizza pies, and just as frustrating. The reviews by San Diego’s finest morons all say Bruno’s is unique, a different experience, and the wet aspect of the pizza is unlike anything they’ve ever had. Sounds like a disclaimer, not an explanation of authentic fare. i understand the pizza in Naples is very different than American pizza, but there’s no way that what we were served is standard and normal even for the most remote parts of the world. You be the judge.

Point Loma Seafoods

Fish sounded just lovely for lunch, little did i know i’d have to take out a second mortgage on the house i don’t own to eat a seafood sandwich and a cup of chowder one sunny afternoon at PLS. i settled on the fish sandwich for 8 bucks and change, and was a bit dismayed by the un-toasted sourdough bread slathered in tartar sauce containing pieces of over-fried fish. Really sad. The fried fish nuggets disgracing this sammie were dry… never seen this, quite confusing. For the most part, all the elements had good flavor, but for over 8 bucks this one fell flat as the bay. The white chowder was good, not great, and with an iced tea the meal averaged out at about 16 bucks. RIP OFF. (The smoked fish selection at PLS looked fantastic. A couple kinds of salmon, albacore, yellow fin and some other interesting varieties you don’t see everywhere. i’d venture back for this.)

Grant’s Market

2953 Beech St
(619) 231-0524

My first beach day of 2010 wouldn’t have been complete without a tuna salad sandwich from Grant’s Market in South Park. Truly exceptional tuna salad is made simply and deliciously with mayo, parsley and the secret ingredient: chopped dill pickles. All of Grant’s sandwiches are tops (Boar’s Head meats/cheeses); there are daily specials and soups, a bevy of chips, cookies, and drinks… oh yes, this is my kind of deli. I recommend this sandwich on the Bread and Cie rosemary variety with some jack cheese. Grant’s takes CREDIT CARDS and also half-sandwich orders. Just do it! If there’s banana bread, grab a slice of that, too. Best since my Nana’s (RIP).

Cafe Chloe

i never turn down a meal on some dude’s company card. In most cases, i am even kind enough to choose the most appropriate locale for a proper business dinner. Just a warning: if you, or anyone in your party, is larger than average, or if there are more than 2 people in your party, you might want to scope the popular ‘date’ place out before showing up. Ideal for couples, the tables are small and ordering several items is challenging. That being said, we ordered the hell out of the menu: bottle of red, large cheese board, bleu cheese and mushroom tart, mussels and frites, steak frites, and for dessert, bread pudding and a strawberry tart. The cheese board, for 18 bucks, was a rip off for the quantity. The savory tart was quite nice, as was the steak, but the moules were very salty and the frites left something to be desired… like a bite of actual potato. This might in fact be the way frites are cut in France, but they were too dry and stringy for my tastes. The best part of the meal was the strawberry tart with vanilla ice cream. A layer of strawberries were partially encased by tender, flaky, buttery pastry that was really some of the best i’ve ever had. The berries were top notch, it was baked to order and melty ice cream made this desert memorable. Not too sweet, handmade and impeccable flavors all around.

Of course this doesn’t explain why, for months, saysgranite has been inactive. Well, it was about time someone finally hired me to do some real office work for real money, which was indeed necessary, and quite appreciated after prolonged (nearly a year), money-less stays in SD, then Hawaii, Chicago and back. As one avid supporter of my career predicted, that first paycheck was like ‘giving a homeless person 50 bucks.’ From facial care to some much needed bikini line improvements, multiple trips to Super Junior Market for rare beers, and several sausage dinners at The Link, i really did it up. A little money, and this gypsy life has evolved into that worthy of her royal highness!

Between contracts for the last 2 weeks, i’ve enjoyed a vacay in my beloved San Diego doing what i do best: eating, drinking, shit talking and scootering. Say whaaaaa?

Yup, to celebrate yet another (albeit short) break in this illustrious/wavering freelance writing career, i decided to purchase a cute lil’ scoot who goes by the name of Pranque. She’s a 150cc highway roving beast, capable of bombing B Street slopes, cruising Sunset Cliffs with guest in tow, and devious late-night-rides to Livewire Bar. No street in town will go untraversed… lookout!

Given the above, i’ve got some catching up to do around here.

Now i write for you.

Recently this classy lad (birth name: Brian Wayne Miller) asked me if I’d write a guest blog for his beer review site, The Beer Student. I had just the story for him… a typical week in San Diego, America’s Finest Beer City.

Read it here, and subscribe to The Beer Student. Even if Brian Miller isn’t your scoop of ice cream, he knows shit about beer that you probably don’t.

Toronado

After visiting the original Toronado in San Fran last year, i concluded that its San Diego sibling has big mugs to fill. However, i must give some credit to Toronado for opening its doors and taps to a thrifty crowd every Monday night where for $3 any of 50 something-handles is yours for the drinking. Everyone loves an affordable night out, and those with sense use Toro Mondays as a way to sample beers from around the world that are 9 bucks every other night of the week. Because of the high prices, i simply don’t come here often, which is a bummer. Also a bummer: the food. As my gastro soul mate likes to point out, ‘How do you fuck up macaroni and cheese?’ i see the menu has been simplified in recent months to feature less global flavors (thank god because the beef satay was awful), and more burgers/sandwich options. Although the fish and chips were the best thing on the older menu (since removed), frying sea creatures in the back of a crowded bar yielded a fish-sauna effect that was straight gnarly. 

Neighborhood

It’s off the beaten Ale Alley, but way worth a trip to the East Village. 2 for local drafts from 4-7 weekdays is a deal; the burgers are bomb; the music is always good and the handsome crowd here is mellow. Allagash night was my favorite all year; 7 taps from the Portland, Maine brewery, a town named ‘Foodiest’ in the nation by Bon Appetit Magazine, 2009. Neighborhood is constantly scoring rare kegs and bottles; some of this year’s best included Paradox by BrewDog (Scottish malt whisky cask-aged imperial stout), and the collaboration ale from Dogfish Head and Sierra Nevada, Life&Limb.

Blind Lady Ale House ( read previous entry here.)

The Linkery

What i love about drinking beer at The Linkery is the cask selection (usually 3 at any given time). i personally love cask conditioned ales because their delicate carbonation and warmer temperature allows for a creamy and more flavorful drinking experience. And don’t get me going about the food here. It’s difficult for me to stray from ordering sausage every time, but the ‘everything’ burger (as I like to think of it) is so tempting with its grilled pineapple, fried pastured egg and option to add a link of sausage…?! omg. Craft beer and slow food? i’m a fan.

Hamilton’s Tavern

This is usually where i come if i’m invited by others, or already drunk and therefor every idea sounds like the best ever. The tap list is consistently underwhelming. i find there’s either a lot of something i like, or loathe; for instance, on Christmas day the menu was Belgian Strong/dark-heavy, yes! A lot of times though, i’ve struggled to decide on just one beer to order. Earlier in ‘09 i was on a hot wing kick and decided to challenge myself to Ham’s 3rd hottest variety on the menu. Not the most delicious i’ve consumed, but certainly the hottest.

(Hot wing mortar attack) >>>>>>>>>>>>>

Above all other gripes, i wish Hamilton’s wouldn’t allow dogs in the bar. i do not want to trip on a dog, step on a dog, or worse, when i am in a food and drink establishment. The people who bring their dogs to Ham’s need to get a life, plain and simple.

Live Wire Bar

It’s a bit of a North Park institution, this bar. Admittedly i didn’t used to be a huge fan; it’s definitely a place that’s grown on me. It’s dark, loud, and every local’s rite of passage to black out and have a regretable affair (or several) courtesy of Live Wire. There’s 24 taps, always an interesting mix of people, and one of 2009’s best places to drink cold beer and party, IMO.

i picked up an assignment to write a film critique on ‘Beer Wars,’ a highly anticipated documentary about the macro-brew industry and its effects on craft brewers. While i had mixed feelings about the actual film, the post-premiere party at Blue Palms Brewhouse was dope, particularly my company. Check it:

Respect Beer! And Mr. Alstrom. Thank you sir, for co-founding the best online beer resource for nerds like me. >>>>>>>>>>>>

Todd provided great insight as a featured voice (and advocate of craft beer) within the film; and I must say that he is one of the surliest beer drinkers i’ve ever had the pleasure of toasting. Todd’s input was so pithy and informative that when our interview correspondence was finished, i felt indoctrinated, and a little cult member-like (not the bad kind). While part of me was pumped and ready to storm grocery stores and deface Budweiser displays, i went the pacifistic route and instead settled on making love, not war, by drinking shit tons of craft beer.

First on the list of new brews to acquaint myself with: Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales. i’m ashamed that i wasn’t too familiar with Sam Calagione’s work prior to the film, but sure made up for it during the rest of ‘09. After meeting Sam at the ‘Beer Wars,’ i was charmed by his passion for the craft, and admittedly, that face! Bless you a million times, Sam, for Palo Santo Marron, Indian Brown Ale, Festina Peche, and PUNKIN’ Ale (my favorites!) What a stud.

All in all, the article was quite an experience, and one I’m glad to have survived. i’m first to admit that my writing process is both inefficient and  unhealthy; usually I get a draft done early, hate it for a couple weeks, tell myself that i suck for another week, have at least 2 all-nighter meltdowns, wake up in bed with my face in the jaws of my laptop, and then, the breakthrough. By this time i have missed my deadline by at least a couple hours. Business as usual.

This go-around went something like that. i was stuck in a bad way at around 500 words (quarter way in), and thought it would be a bad idea to go out drinking, so I did. After my buzz wore off sometime mid-morning the following day, i completed the article (from bed), at 11pm. Then i got dressed and went back to Toronado.

Mutineer Magazine Issue Release Party: May 2009. To Hollywood again!

‘Twas the big night. i wanted to bring someone special with me to the issue release party, so i asked my best friend, and favorite photographer, Edwin Real to join.

i was shaking in my boots when we arrived. i lunged for the first copy of the magazine i could find, grabbed a cocktail and went outside to read it. When i looked down at the cover- low and behold, there was my article, on the cover! It made the cover!  It made the cover! This was a very happy moment.

Thankfully the light under which i was reading wasn’t too bright. It wasn’t until i got home that i noticed 2 horribly misspelled words, and a couple other errors. Talk about a roller coaster ride. i didn’t know what to feel, so i stewed. For days. i blogged about it right here, and didn’t care what bridges i burned in doing so. Within a couple days, i was surprised to get a gentle apology letter from the editor, explaining that by some mistake,  the copy-edited version version of my story wasn’t what got  published. However, my original draft with no misspellings didn’t either. Shitballs.

i’m glad for the experience as a whole; after all, i got to kick it with Todd Alstrom, Sam from Dogfish Head, attend some killer parties, and yeah, i learned a lesson or two. i’m certainly convinced that writing for national publications isn’t what it’s cracked up to be, and is in fact pretty detrimental to my stress levels, liver, and bank account. Until next time, peace, love and Miriam Webster.

Official Invite for The (F)unemployment Festival of Beers

April 13th, 2009

Please attend this event if:

1. You are jobless
OR
2. You have a job, and a few extra bucks for others’ festival funds

Sure, not having a paycheck blows, but let’s face it: there’s worse places than SD to spend an unemployed spring and summer. On that note…

Cast your bleak outlooks aside for one magical night of affordable pints from around the world. There will be engaging conversation among the dearest of friends, sincere laughter, a-o.k. fish and chips, and probably boobs.

It’s $3 drafts at Toronado EVERY MONDAY. Every beer on tap is THREE DOLLARS! A sign of the times in and of itself, this is the perfect festival venue. The bathrooms here are fabulous.

Some of us hooligans are getting there extra early, for networking purposes of course. We’re reserving a table, and you should do the same.

See you on the Crunk Side…

When i lost my job in April, i didn’t flip the fuck out, i threw a party! Thanks to my 35 closest friends and former co-workers for providing enough fuel (in the form of Allagash Curieux) to cause one of the greatest trainwrecks of 2009.

The night started off innocent enough, but by the time the hot man on my radar showed up, i was already warmed up and thought nothing of the guest he brought: his pet (plastic) bear. i even posed with it to make him happy! Not good enough i found out.

Dude pushed the bear at my face, so i gave him a love bite.

Then the bear found a warm place. What can i say, i’m hospitable.     >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Next thing i know, Dude is reaching for the bear at inopportune times- like when someone is trying to photograph us.

All signs pointed to a happily ever after sort of night, but someone told me (not too long after this photo was taken, and yes, these were all 4 of my beers) >>>>>

… that there was a disagreement in front of the bar, and each of us went our separate ways (he took the bear). Since i cannot be responsible for events which i do not recall, no apologies are necessary on my behalf. i did, however, learn an important lesson at my (F)unemployment Festival of Beers:  Be wary of any hipster whose wingman is a pet plastic bear.  Granite, OUT.

Local Beer of the Year Award, BLAH hits the scene and i’m on the radio!

i’d like to award Ballast Point Brewing Company with my own personal Local Beer of the Year Award for their first batch of Victory at Sea Coffee Vanilla Imperial Porter, released in January, 2009.

The only time i shut the hell up about this beer (for the brief period that it was actually available due to the small-batch high-demand tragedy) was when i had some in my mouth.

My initial excitement for VAS was due to its use of Caffe Calabria’s namesake coffee roast, purveyed right here in North Park. i write this blog entry sipping a cup of Calabria, to give you a hint of my enthusiasm; furthermore, the idea of collaboration between two local businesses really turns me on.

i have to admit that i didn’t drink many porters in 2008, let alone imperial porters, or stouts, or much really outside of the Belgian style family of beers with which i’ve been consumed. If 2008 was the year of the Belgians, 2009 would prove to be the year of the Imperial Porters and Stouts. And yes, i credit Victory at Sea for inspiring this year’s winning adventures in beer.

It is big, deep and decadent from dark roasted malts, coffee, Scharffen Berger chocolate, and yes, warm vanilla. Victory at Sea can also be credited as the beverage  leading to the best sex of 2009, so confessed my good friend Bill Powers who served the elixir at his 50th wedding anniversary. Word.

Blind Lady Ale House, the site which fostered most of my beer consumption in 2009, opened its doors early in the year. There’s so many reasons to love BLAH, because after all its anything BUT. Here’s 3 reasons why i think it’s so bitchin’:

1. Sense of Community

Some business owners just get it, and the folks behind Blind Lady are definitely of this breed. Versus ‘moving in’ to a storefront and community, BLAH’s owners took advantage of the former warehouse space, embraced the history behind it (A former blinds business). With events that support the local environment and community as a whole, such as ‘Bike to BLAH,’ and also fundraisers for neighborhood community centers and animal shelters, this establishment goes far beyond pouring good beers and and baking delicious pizza pies.

2. Quality and Price Point

BLAH buys locally purveyed ingredients, and their food tastes of it. They make their own cured meats that top their artisanal, Neapolitan style pizzas. i have woken from sound slumber at 2am craving BLAH’s house made pork, and chicken liver pates. Best i’ve had in town. The beer menu boasts a variety of brews that appeal to a diverse range of palates, for prices that just make sense. i don’t recall ever ordering a beer over 7 bucks here; the median price seems to be around $5.25. i’ve been turned on to several new ale styles at BLAH, which means the bar help is helpful; its truly an environment to sip your favorites, and/or experiment with the new stuff.

Tangent!

Standout beer discovery at BLAH: St. Louis Frambois. Described on the menu as ‘juicy,’ this true to the fruit raspberry lambic is a far cry from the syrupy bottled stuff you’ll find in most bars around town. BLAH is the only establishment i’ve found St. Louis- correct me if i’m wrong.

3. BLAHG

Blind Lady Ale House has embraced social media, and its Twitter feed, Facebook updates and BLAHG entries keep patrons informed and enthused. BLAH’s social media presence promotes its brand and yes, leadership in the craft beer movement.

Cheers to BLAH. i’ve had countless good meals, brews, memories and blackouts here. To many more!

Seems like over the past year i’ve garnered a bit of a party girl reputation. Perhaps 91x morning show host Mat Diablo’s first impression of me stuck…

This, and likely my over-sharing of beer-related information on Facebook and Twitter, prompted Mr. Diablo to invite me as a guest on the weekly segment, Beer for Breakfast.

Drinking before 9am, radio hotties, AND hearing the sound of my own voice over local waves? Stick a fork in me, i’m done! Since this was an exciting opportunity for lil’ ole me, I decided to go BIG and profile Victory at Sea for the show. The beer was just about out of stock everywhere… but i laugh in the face of such a challenge, and it made for a good story after all; the boys at 91x sure had fun hypothesizing what i did to get my hands on the coveted bombers. Listen to the clip. It’s kinda skanky, and not an entirely accurate representation of me.

(scroll to the bottom of April 2nd, 2009 and select the podcast ‘Beer for Breakfast) http://www.91x.com/91xmorningshow/?tag=padres

The day i met Mat: Gay Pride ‘08, Yelp party @The Tractor Room. i got lei’d and everything!