Wine Season

Just in case you haven't noticed, it's officially wine season.

Halloween 2011

(Halloween news freshly copied and pasted here FYI)

Downtown Wine + Spirits
Costumes Welcome

Get your weekend started right at our free tasting this Friday from 5:30 - 7:30. We'll be sampling the De Loach Pinot Noir. This outstanding value is naturally farmed and has great flavors of ripe raspberry with subtle herbal aromas. The Evodia Grenache is fruit foward and juicy with ripe blueberry aromas. Finally the Herrick Red is a Napa Valley meritage blend that's fleshy with ripe plum and cherry aromas. It's free and it's fun, bring a friend.

If you're looking for spirits this Halloween we've got them, got some great wines too!/ Ranger IPA dressed up in a can for Halloween - yes they're (finally) back/ Drinking tequila makes some people pretty scary - Espolon Reposado on sale/ Adult treats - Mouton Cadet Red & White/ BOO!

 

Rooster’s

Rooster's Halloween Party is this Friday night, October 27th at 10 PM. There will be $2 Witches Brew, $2 Bud Light Cans, some seriously crazy games, and a costume contest that features three categories (most creative, sexiest, and best duo or group). Winners will receive a $50 Roosters gift card and some amazing prizes from our prize closet. Oh, and did I mention that there would be music, the Bud Light Girls, and a FREE PIZZA BUFFET at 1 AM!? Be sure to make plans to join us and don't forget your costume!

Rooster's Bar and Grill

Phone: 865-691-3938

Email: roostersrocks@gmail.com

The Roaming Gnome

Happy Haunting Gnomies! Our Annual Dudes N Dolls Halloween Bash is here and we just wanted to let everygnome know we have Halloween Parties happening at all three of our locations from Friday October 28th on until Monday October 31st on Halloween! Whether it be a DJ, Live Band, we've got you covered! Specials, Costume Contest, Prizes, Promos, Trivia, we've got it all! Log onto http://www.gnomepub.com/ to check out what's going on this weekend at The Roaming Gnome Pub & Eatery! This weekend is going to be spoooooooooktacular!! – The Roaming Gnome Pub & Eatery. 2010 All Rights Reserved.

2011 Brewers Jam

Yes, I ended up going after all. There's nothing like a last minute ticket to an event that you really wanted to go to but thought that you couldn't. Actually I got the good news the night before and celebrated by drinking way too much and making an ass of myself. Saturday was filled with text messages and verbal accounts of my erratic, drunken behavior: stumbling, rambling to strangers, shouting, unjustified prick point assessments, questionable random hookup, calling people by the wrong name, ditching a bar buddy - you get the idea.

Saturday's hangover wasn't too bad and I slept most of it off by noon. The first order of business was retrieving my ride, left downtown overnight. By the time I returned home the line for KBJ was moving and I went inside about an hour later. The weather this year was perfect, sunny and around 70. It was unusual to pace myself, knowing I had an obligation that evening, but I managed 4-5 samples and a bbq sandwich from Sweet P's that satisfied my cravings. I talked to a few friends, visited a few displays, then got the hell out of there before I lost my discipline.

Thanks to Tag for the extra pass, cheers!

The Quarry Grand Opening

Marble City Brewing Company's new event venue, The Quarry, hosts a grand opening Friday, November 21 at 708 E. Depot Avenue in the Old City.

Serving beer and brats from 4 PM til...who knows? The place looks pretty cool and probably holds around 50 people or so. They will be at Brewers Jam on Saturday too. Cheers!

Downtown Wine + Spirits FREE Tasting 10/28/11. 2011 Knoxville Brewers Jam

I had to repost this email for DTWS. Sure, it's another lazy post, copied and pasted straigt from an email. So what. It's about booze, no, FREE booze, and it has profanity - two of my favorite things. I took liberty with their PC-friendly censoring and spelled out what they really wanted to say, you're welcome. Plus I just wanted a reason to include a picture of Mr. Popcorn Sutton for some street cred. Look, he hates you!

I've made unfulfilled promises about getting back to a regular schedule, or at least semi-frequent blog entries, but work has been keeping me down and it just hasn't happened. Only a few readers have noticed so it's not like there are death treats coming my way. Anyway I may have some updates forthcoming. Maybe. Here, I'll even set a tentative list of possible reviews/visits the rest of the year:

• Boyd's Jig & Reel
• Darwin's Den
• The Casual Pint
• and maybe a follow up the the half-assed Public House Pub snippet which was basically an excuse to post an image of a naked lady behind the bar

One more thing: Brewers Jam 2011 is this weekend, Saturday 10/22/11. It sold out again and I will not be going for reasons better left unmentioned. Enjoy drunkards!

And check out the folks at DTWS next time you're downtown!

Popcorn Says F*** You  (Fuck You)



Popcorn Sutton was a legendary moonshiner who achieved folk hero status from various profiles in print and documentaries including some highly entertaining (albeit not intended for general audiences) interviews with Johnny Knoxville. His homemade elixers are still considered among the best, provoking wistful memories from those fortunate enough to have sampled his craftmanship. Tragically he took his own life rather than serve out the sentence he was charged for illicit distilling. His "spirit" lives on however thanks to his authentic recipe being passed on to an apprentice and now reproduced for all to enjoy. This white whiskey is remarkably elegant and complex, perfect for sipping straight. Join us Friday evening here at our free tasting from 5:30 to 7:30 to sample a little of Popcorn's "likker". Wear your overalls.

Soccer Taco Market Square Expanding



(via Market Square District Association)


Soccer Taco will soon open a chic and contemporary bar in the basement of its Market Square location.

"La Cueva del Chango" (translation: the monkey cave) will combine a lively urban atmosphere with a creative menu and cocktail list. Featuring antojitos - Mexican small plates - ceviches and tacos, plus unique margaritas and an extensive selection of tequilas, La Cueva del Chango is sure to become Knoxville's next greatest Hot Spot.

Not to worry, your Soccer Taco classics are still available upstairs! Sip on a famous margarita and dig into your favorite burrito or chimichanga while watching Big Orange Football on one of 13 flat-screen satellite televisions. Or simply relax on the outdoor patio with a bowl of fresh guacamole and a beer. It's no coincidence that Soccer Taco has won awards from three separate media outlets in Knoxville and East Tennessee (including the Metro Pulse Best of Knoxville) for Best Mexican Restaurant and Best Margarita. Take advantage of "The Best" with fabulous Happy Hour Specials Monday - Thursday from 12 until 7pm including $3 Margaritas on the Rocks and $3.50 Frozen Margaritas. Happy Hour Draught and Bottled Beer Specials, too!

Open until 1am Fridays & Saturdays
9 Market Square, Suite 101

Fucking Dutch

Ran across this abomination recently in FL. Pathetic. C'mon, you're better than this Netherlands.

Niceley's Tavern

It's been a few weeks since I found the blog entry about Niceley's Tavern and the infamous burger service, or lack of service, but our cadre of drunkards went for a taste of our own and conducted hands on research. Hands on a lot of Woodruff IPA and burgers - ho ho!

The night went pretty well, much better than the service described by the aforementioned blogger. We went fairly early on a Friday night and there was a good gathering of folks - not crowded but far from empty. Old habits die hard so we went upstairs and had the place to ourselves for a while before the dinner crowd spilled in. Six patrons, five burgers (three half-pounders) and lots of beer were not a problem for our attentive waitress. The place is still a work in progress for sure, but the food and drinks were our main objectives and we didn't leave disappointed. IPA has its own way of making things special, but the burgers held their own and there wasn't a complaint among us, which is not easy with our drunk asses.

The oblong, football shaped bun was unique but sturdy to the task of big, juicy patties and cheesy goodness. The flavor of the meat was delicious and paired well with my toppings of onions and mushrooms. And the hand cut fries were also K.A. I'll admit the menu is very limited but honestly I appreciate a place sticking to doing what it knows best and not cluttering up the menu with a bunch of prepackaged crap.

Niceley's Tavern is now on my rotation of campus bars when I want a good burger and beer. The IPA makes this an easier choice. Niceley done...

One of These Beers...

• I will win the lottery and quit my job
• I will finish that thing
• I will go to Niceley's near the strip for a burger and beer
• Or will I?

That's all I've got. Honestly I was going to post some kind of list about drinking and a lame apology about being too busy to blog and hope to skate by for a while longer. Then I stumbled when spelling Niceley's, the second e gets me, but a quick Google search revealed a local blog that warned "Never go to..." and I got hooked. It sounded like it would be a very dramatic story but was basically your typical shitty service experience, which does suck. As ususal, the commenters keep fanning the flame.

Finally another blogger willing to bitch and complain once in a while.

Edit: More

Quote Overheard

"...if you'd spend less time trying to be hip and more time slinging drinks maybe you'd make some tips."

-KRTI 7/1/11 at Sapphire

More Beer Please

Regal Riviera 8 located downtown Knoxville has applied for a beer permit, soon to join Downtown West as local movie theatres offering beer at the movies. I'm all for it though I'm not sure if it will change my movie going experience very much. Certainly it will be a good option but logically it doesn't appeal to me as my first choice. If an alcoholic drink is desired I prefer to have a whiskey or wine and go easy on the bladder, even though my unique special training would probably allow me to make it through a 2 hour movie without much trouble.

Enjoy Knoxville.

Knoxville Brewfest

The inaugural Knoxville Brewfest has SOLD OUT. All signs lean toward a successful event and another beer drinking festival. Or is it a tasting festival? I suppose everyone will decide for themselves. I will not be in attendance so I'll have to rely on feedback from friends to let me know how it was. Please feel free to leave comments.

Apparently not everyone in town is pleased with the addition of another Brew event, according to KnoxNews.com. And I must say that I have to side with Woodruff Brewing Company on this one, they were snubbed without cause. Not having one of our local brewers as a participant just because they're part of another, similar event doesn't make sense. But I think the organizers realize this and will make the right call next year and everything will be fine. At least I hope so.

Good luck Knoxville Brewfest! Maybe I'll see you next year...

Downtown Wine + Spirits FREE Tastings

Good new from Downtown Wine + Spirits: Free wine tasting, sort of.

According to their newsletter a new law now allows sampling events on site so you can try before you buy. This is pretty cool and makes perfect sense. If you haven't signed up for thier newsletter yet, you should. The weekly specials offer a variety of spirits or wine to choose from and they're often pretty good deals. I'm guessing other package stores will be offering similar events from now on so I say it's a win-win for everybody.

From DTWS newsletter:

Try Before You Buy



Fact: everyone loves free samples. Now thanks to a change in Tennessee's laws we can have in-store tastings. Like shoes, bikes, and used cars, you can now try out some wine before you purchase it. Stop by this Friday from 5 - 7 to try out a nice viognier from the Rhone region, a dry rose from Ventoux, and a juicy California red blend. We will have cheese and assorted goodies on hand to complement the libations, so come in and do a little sipping.


Free Tasting Friday 5 - 7pm

Keg of Lies

I blame you, Atlas, for it was you who invited us over for beer at the pool last weekend. You tried to caution us that the keg would be dry at any moment. You suggested that we bring extra beer as a “backup” just to be safe. You lifted the keg numerous times to gauge its contents. We each had a bottled beer as we arrived that day, fully assuming that we’d be drinking it later. You were amazed that it didn’t blow pouring the first round of beers, then on the second round, and on to the third and fourth, and so on until we lost count. The night grew later and later yet the keg did not yield. Juan Moore won that battle. There were many lies poured that day. The only thing that came close to this farce was the never ending bottle of Powers.

VeeV Acai Spirit

About VeeV:

VeeV Açaí Spirit is the world’s first Acai spirit and the first eco-friendly spirits brand in North America. Grown and harvested in the Brazilian Rainforest, this Brazilian national fruit, is considered to be the world’s preeminent superfruit. To help ensure the sustainability of Acai and protect the Brazilian Amazon Rainforest, VeeV donates $1 per bottle sold to Sambazon’s Sustainable Acai Project.

Quentin Tarantino

Yes, that Quentin Tarantino. He was walking down Gay St. minding his own business when we noticed that a guy walking down the street looked just like him. It was. He kept walking and disappeared down the street. About 15 minutes later he was sitting at a DGB patio table with folks and carrying on a lively conversation.

Our group maintained some control and didn't run over for pictures, autographs, etc. - though it was slightly tempting. For a fortunate guy who happened to be wearing a Reservoir Dogs t-shirt, Fate demanded an audience with the writer and director, and he was rewarded with a signature across the front. Very cool.

Ms. Owl at Spicy's

Our server at Spicy's had this cool tattoo and was nice enough to share it with us. Owls everywhere!! Hadn't been there in forever and it was good as usual - lava wings and cold beer. Sign me up!

Hippies Unite

It's time for the annual Fleta Fest and the weather couldn't be better for a trip to River John's Island. Pack your camping gear, load a cooler and get out there in the heat for some good music and good times.

Fish man, fish

This is how I spent the holiday weekend - cooking, frying and eating a bunch of food. Catfish, chicken, shrimp, low country boil, pork shoulder, etc. Yeah, lots of delicious food. The downside - lack of booze. That's what happens when you visit family who no longer partakes of the nectar. Oh well, doesn't stop a person from sneaking in some of that beer and having some cold ones on the sly. I feel like I'm underage again.

Scooped by the Scope

The Property Scope blog has scooped two pretty significant drink-related stories that impact our area. One is about a legendary local bar & restaurant and the other is about the possibility of a brewery coming to Alcoa.


Old College Inn recently relocated to the old Chili’s location on the Cumberland Avenue strip. Now the bank has said “not so fast” and negotiated to retain the OCI name with the old property. This has been a touchy subject with many people since the move was announced and now it appears things will go back to the way they were. Or will they? The new name of the restaurant is Goal Post Tavern but the article says the menu is virtually the same. So if someone buys and reopens a new OCI in the old location will they have rights to the English Burger or Turkey Brown? This story may not be over yet.


Sierra Nevada may be opening a distribution center in Alcoa if things go well. I say bring ‘em on. Their pale ale has been a longtime favorite but their porter ain’t so bad either. I’m not sure what impact they’ll make to our local drinking scene but it can’t hurt anything. I doubt prices would go down. Maybe they would sponsor more events and go out of their way to increase visibility. Regardless I think it would be cool to have them here and I hope it works out.


Props to The Scope for these drink updates!

5 Mayo

Cinco de Mayo
1862 Battle
For Margaritas

Last Minute Rossini

I’ve been looking forward to this weekend for over a month, yet I haven’t had time to compose a simple two minute blog entry to support Knoxville’s favorite street fair. Damn work, damn it to hell.


We talk about the same things each year: drinking in the streets, eating Italian sausages in the streets, going from bar to bar, causing a scene in the streets, and more drinking throughout the night. Guess what, it will be the same again this year. Sure, we’ll check out the vendors, we’ll run into friends we haven’t seen in a while, and possibly watch the live performances, but make no mistake – we’re there to drink and have a good time.

The weather forecast is 50-50 for rain. Big deal. I’ve been there on rainy days, scorching hot days and wintery cold-as-a-mf days. The weather hasn’t impacted my enjoyment one bit. Having the trifecta by mid-afternoon will make any occasion a good time. Cheers to another fun day downtown Knoxville!

Drunken Jukebox 7

Behold the Drunken Jukebox: Music to Motivate Your Liver. A little bit country, a little bit rock ‘n roll, punk, rap, hip hop and pop crap, old or new– all musical genres and periods are open for exploitation. Quarters and crisp dollar bills not required.


Fine. Inspired by a recent visit to the Shamrock Lounge and LVL’s reminder of KISS bar stools I present this vintage favorite.

Well it was their best album...

Now imagine about twenty of these sumbitches. For some reason The Shamrock Lounge was replete with them. Awesome barstools.

SANDWICH ACCOMPLISHED

It only took about 3 months but we did it - we had the best goddamned Reuben sandwich in Gatlinburg. (As far as we know because I don’t think any of us have any comparisons to go on.) Nevertheless it was a fantastic sandwich that thankfully didn’t disappoint. I don’t know how the rest of the weekend would have gone otherwise. Guns, knives and fisticuffs were possibilities.

It all started during our December trip to Gatlinburg when we saw it pictured in the window of the Hofbrauhaus Cheese Shop in the Village section of town. The timing just wasn’t right but we all agreed that we’d have to have it at some point. The anticipation started immediately. Glib days of jokes grew into weeks of derisive comments and accusations. A daytrip wouldn’t be good enough for this sandwich, so hotel rooms were booked, dates set and we waited even more. Finally one Saturday morning the time had come to accomplish this mission.

We made the drive up in separate vehicles to our hotel with separate rooms and began the day by sipping whiskey in the hotel parking lot, which was nice. We trekked through “Battle LA” to the strip and found our way to the Village. Good, the place hadn’t burned down without us knowing so we ventured inside and up the narrow stairwell to the dining area. We were the only guests. The kind lady took our order: 5 Reuben sandwiches and various beers. Only a few minutes to go until…

Nama Report

These photos are from a couple of weeks ago and I have been delayed from posting them until now due to work overload. Briefly stated: this was awesome sushi. This chef roll creation is my new favorite, even surpassing the "soy joy" we all love so damn much. The new Nama location is worth checking out and wasn't as bad as some rumors I have heard. I sat in the bar area facing the dining room and had excellent service on a mildly busy weeknight. Unsure of what I wanted to order, the bartender suggested the chef roll which basically allows you to pick your favorite ingredients and have the chefs prepare something. My selection included yellow tail, salmon, tuna and no cucumber. It was that simple and it turned out delicious. There were some spouts, avocado and sauce that tied it all together. I drank a couple of Sweetwater IPAs, scarfed down my food and was out the door in about 30 minutes. Awesome.

I has a sad

If you haven't heard by now that Old College Inn will be moving closer to the center of Cumberland Avenue, then please consider reading other blogs. Thanks.

We don't offer a lot of negative comments here regarding old favorites, particularly on The Strip since it is a markedly different place than when I fell in love with it. If I might become the proverbial old fart, I remember when the old location was revered and honored. The new home of OCI was an old house with brush all around it. Creepy at first, but you got used to it.

I'm not sure I can get used to the idea of OCI moving to the old Chilis. I understand the rationale of the owner, particularly regarding kitchen space. However, it's a risk in my layman's opinion to 'move' a household name. Fellow alums that visit Mackey and me all request -at length- to make OCI part of the visit, and it's a bar that I still frequented when I got down to Cumberland. It's a tie for many of us former students to The Strip's heyday...which we all understand now was insanely out of control. Way too sentimental I grant you. I hope they know what they are doing.

Good luck guys.

Interlude

Those were drinking days, and most men drank hard.

-A Tale of Two Cities

Boy that was some shit Monday huh? If the actual shock of sitting through that solid mass of water wasn't a kick enough for the balls, the cringing at seeing so many up to their asses in that nasty mess certainly will. Once again, Mother Nature brings the heat and I'll be damned if she doesn't have one more ace up her sleeve. Of course, we recommend copious boozing to erase the taste of this event, and while you are at it lend a hand to those with damaged homes and vehicles.

So before I tell you why it's time to get back to drinking, let me first preface by saying that the good people here with the Second Harvest Food Bank got walloped and lost a good bit of supplies. Worse, there is damage to their hardware which complicates the already tenuous collection effort. I am told there is an ad hoc and improvised effort from our friends at Downtown Grill and Brewery to organize aid for Second Harvest, so if you are a local business that can help there is a good place to start. In addition, one can always donate directly at the effort's website:

http://www.secondharvestknox.com/ as well learn more about what they are facing after the waters receded.

Okay, now for some motivation. Today is Beer Day in Iceland, where Reykjavik recognized the complete folly of 75 years of prohibition and allowed beer (as we know it) to resume its rightful place in 1989. Hoist one if you need a reason to drink on a Tuesday(we do not).

Also on March 1st(or 2nd in some climes) is the commemoration of the Feast of Vesta, the ancient ritual where the hearth fire was stoked.

Not exactly the Bacchanal but it's a start and a reason to shake off the Whiskey Season and look to the future. So in that spirit, lets get ready for proper Spring drinking-St. Patrick's Day is right around the corner, as well as a needed get-the-fuck-out-of-town happy fun times.

Rumor

Rumour if you are Canadian. We are told here that a new edition will be added to an existing and well-known bourbon line. This potent newcomer will be arriving to local bars as early as today. 130 proof is whispered. Get your shit together. Hmm. Where could it be? What could it be? I'll admit to being caught completely unaware. That's not so bad though when you think about it. Blee!

Much Better

The weekend was quite simply, tits. Significantly better weather around our region finally allowed us to get out for a small bender/binge and we made the most of it. DK sincerely hopes that all of you managed some outdoor fun even if it was -gasp- spent sober.

Even though the South, and Knoxville in particular was spared the worst of this bitter-ass winter cockbite, let's face it this winter largely sucked. Piss poor economy + cold = meh. The Whisky Season endures of course, and private consumption of the brown was still very high but yours truly found himself finding less time for usual barhopping and much more time for drink specials and HH. With warmer weather around the corner(looking at you groundhog) we can expect to resume publican behavior and we'll let you know who and what survived the recent bleak days.

As all of you know, the first warm days of the year will cause the cabin fever to break, and our once febrile minds will entertain all sorts of high-minded ideas for a Saturday bender. Keg drinking, Maker's, and a healthy appetite for all sorts of victuals.

Yeah, that's sushi. No, we didn't drink the bourbon out of the sauce containers you assholes. Look, it was predictably a strange combination but damn if we didn't eat all of it. Perfect example of how one of these benders can go south.

So with that in mind, let me encourage you to get your warm weather boozin' together and tie one on before springtime rolls in. Hit the back yard a few times to prep for the true rite of the season: Patio Drinking.

Public House Pub

More on this place later, like maybe a month or so...

Sign Post and Meter Discuss the Weather

Knoxville, TN

Rain, 36 F

Sign Post: Man it’s cold out today, I wish I had a jacket or something, maybe one of those nice, dressy ones I see all the time. Hell, anything would be better than nothing. What the… “HEY! Hey, you with the hat on your head. Where’d you get that hat?”

Meter: What, this old thing? Pfft, I’ve had this at least 2-3 years.

SP: That’s nice, man. What I wouldn’t do for one of those. I’m cold!

M: Yeah, you really should put something on or you’re going to get sick. They say the flu is really nasty this year.

SP: I don’t know how to get one. Where did you get it? Did you make it yourself?

M: Nah, are you joking? I don’t have hands or fingers. My ex got it for me.

SP: What do you mean, “ex”? You had a girlfriend, how the hell does that work? I mean, you just said that you don’t have any extremities, so how do you date?

M: It was a short term thing that didn’t work out, but man it was great while it lasted. She was an artist and really wasn’t into the whole physical thing, just freaky conversations and lots of photography. Plus I think she was rich too, always putting money in my mouth. Kinky stuff.

SP: That is kinda weird, but I’d do it. I wish somebody would give me money, or anything for that matter. A hat would be nice.

M: But you don’t have a head like I do so there’s nowhere to put it.

SP: Tell me about it. Ever since they removed my sign I don’t even know know why I’m here. What’s the point of being here night and day in the cold without a sign? I’m useless…and freezing!!

M: I’m not sure that you could even wear a coat if you got one. You don’t have shoulders or arms to support it.

SP: Yes I could, I’d look good. I’d be the sexiest damn sign post ever!

M: Yeah, whatever. I’ll wait for that. Hey, here come some people, lock it up and be quite or you’ll give us away! (stands still)

SP: (stands still)

(group of 4 walks by brushing against sign post)

M: That was close. They almost heard us, I thought that girl was going to bust us. She looked back like something happened. Did you see that? Hey...

Nama - Coming Soon!

Hey drunkards, I've got an unofficial opening date for Nama's new location on Gay St. next to Regal Riviera Stadium 8. Someone inside told me they were aiming for a very ambitious target date of Friday, 2/18/11. That's about 2.5 weeks away, though my source didn't seem confident that it could happen. Who knows? New restaurants, even existing ones who are expanding or relocating, often have hiccups the first few weeks for the usual variety of reasons: new staff, new equipment, new menu items - just about anything can go wrong. Hell, I say go ahead and do it. Jump right in and test the waters with everything. Sake it to us, baby!

In Which I Rail About the Weather

Well you little son of a bitch, what's it going to be? Hmm? Do we get a timely and much needed Spring or will this miserable wet weather never end?

Half the country is buried under record snowfalls, but many of the lucky ones in those otherwise deadly urban traps will walk to local bars, and the rest of them should know to have ample stores of hooch at home. Keep the faith, folks.

For the last few weeks, we've bundled and medicated all in order to consume whiskey and drink as many strong beers as possible. Regardless of what the rat does in Pennsylvania tomorrow, this weekend is the Super Bowl, so we can all eat well then laugh at the expensive commercials. It's a sign of hipness and a badge of honor to show up Monday at work and still slightly reek. It's in the national character.

Once that holy of holy days is in the books however, yours truly is ready for warmer weather. St. Patrick's Day will loom large, as it always does in Knoxville(seriously, check out the Old City and Downtown that afternoon, you'll be surprised in the participation). Then come April, it's time for the fantastic street festival affectionately known as the Rossini Festival. Mackey has elaborated on that happy-as-shit fun time in previous entries, so maybe I will spell him and write this year's account. In the meantime, I'll continue to freeze my ass off...and pay attention to that gopher lookin' prick.

Roger's Place

Over the weekend I had the pleasure of visiting a well established bar in west Knoxville that I rarely visit, Roger's Place on Kingston Pike. It's been around longer than I've lived here so I know it has some street cred, and I've been there a few times but not enough to act like I know the scoop. In fact, I was going in for a quick beer prior to a function at Rothchild's and was surprised to see that they are a full service bar with mixed drinks and, I presume, wine. So I opted for a vodka & tonic, then another. I asked the lone bar waitress for my tab and she replied "$4.50" and flitted away in a blur. Just as fast she returned with a printed tab and went over their happy hours, prices, etc. and I was delighted to get out so cheap! Admittedly these were well drink prices but still a damn good bargain. I don't know the well brand they serve and I don't plan on asking. It's just good to know they serve booze if you're in the need for it. This is also a Smoking establishment and, from what I could tell, everybody in the place was a smoker. I don't plan on making this a regular stop but it's worth a quick drink if you're killing time and don't mind smelling like an ashtray when you leave. Cheers!

Some numbers on my visit:

Patrons: 22 men, 2 women

Bar Stools: 10
Bar Staff: 1, efficient and very nice

Happy Hour: $2.25 wells

Smokiness: 4 of 5 cigs

photo via: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/

Sidestreet Tavern Gone Too?

Noooooooo. Say it ain’t so. This weekend I heard a rumor that yet another local bar had to close their doors. Just a couple of weeks after the bigger stories of Regas and S & W Grand ceasing operations (not to mention Arby’s) it appears Sidestreet Tavern is among the list of restaurant/bar casualties. I haven’t called or done any real investigating of course, though I did drive by late Saturday afternoon and no one was there, so that’s almost like research. If it turns out to be true I am going to miss them. It was my 2nd favorite smoky bar in town behind Preservation Pub, making it a favorite place to go with friends who smoke. They also had a decent menu, friendly staff, good happy hour and specials, and weren’t too far from home. Admittedly I did not frequent any of the three aforementioned bars/restaurants enough to be considered a regular, so I’m not going to cry tears in my beer over their loss, though I will miss Sidestreet most. At least they were WYSIWYG vs. PC BS.

If anyone out there has some information about Sidestreet Tavern to share, please feel free to leave a comment.

Sidestreet Tavern Knoxville

(Image from Knoxville520, via Google)

Happy Birthday Downtown Grill & Brewery

Have a party DGB, you deserve it now that you’re 8 years old. That’s eight downtown years and going strong. Let’s face it, the brewery has grown into a hugely successful gathering place and watering hole that accommodates pretty much any damn thing you need: great beer and bar deals, lots of space, patios, gaming, varied menu and yes, shots.

I hear they have live music for the party this Friday and Saturday.

Friday 21st – The Pop Rox

Saturday 22nd – The Dead Ringers

Nama Sushi - Making Progress

New Nama sign by Regal Riviera Cinema 8

Nama is moving closer to opening their new location next to the movie theater on Gay St. and I'm fired up about it. The big sign above has been in place for a few weeks, and the patio roof/cover was being installed today. I haven't checked my inside sources but it's no secret that they're working to open as soon as possible. My guess is that they plan to be open in time for Valentine's Day, but what do I know. They're a group that seems to have their act together so I'm sure there will be a huge ad campaign promoting the hell out of their grand reopening. We'll be hearing a lot more about this place, I'm sure.

Beer at the Movies – Just Like Amsterdam?

And I don’t mean no paper cup, I’m talking about a glass of beer.

Well, I guess we’ll have to see about that. The Bottom Line blog at KNS is reporting that Regal Cinemas is seeking a beer permit for their Downtown West Cinema 8 location in west Knoxville. You may know it as that artsy-fartsy movie theater that shows all the foreign films you never see. I know it as the place where I double-dated in college at the feature of The Big Lebowski. My friend is still married to his college sweetheart and has a lovely family with 3 children. Apparently my date didn’t go so well. Anyway, there is a chance you can order a beer next time you go see that documentary on global cooling, or perhaps the Academy Award nomination for best foreign film. And try not to drown your french fries in mayonnaise either.

Hmmm.

Whatever twirls your beanie.


http://www.scottishspirits.com/en/whisky_can.html

Beer Robot

The guys at Kissing Suzy Kolber have provided a web link to a kick-ass beer dispensing "robot" via www.Engadget.com. It utilizes a mini-fridge, catapult and web cam all controlled with an iPhone. I envy people with time and skills to create fun shit like this, but not enough to challenge or compete with them. That would take time away from drinking so I'll leave the MacGyver inspired gadgetry to those folks.


http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/29/iphone-controlled-beer-cannon-is-the-robot-friend-of-our-dreams

Football, Football, Football and Some Drinks

Here are some figures from the College Football Bowl Season Challenge I recently completed, plus some NFL games for good measure. I am not proud of this achievement.

First Bowl Game – December 18
Final Bowl Game – January 10
Total Bowl Games – 35

BONUS COLLEGE GAMES:

FCS Playoffs (formerly Division II) – 3 (2 SF, 1 Championship)

There was some overlap of games that I had to watch at home by switching channels back and forth, and on January 1 we went to a sports bar to take advantage of multiple screens. In addition to quality games with awesome players, trick plays and fantastic finishes, I also endured shitty games by shitty teams, blue and red football fields, and passed out at the end of blowout games several times. It wasn't a perfect feat, it was a drunken feat.

NFL GAMES:

Final 3 weekends of regular season (48 games total, no I didn’t watch them all) includes 1 Thursday game, 2 Monday night games, 1 Saturday/Christmas game and an odd Tuesday night game, the first one since 1946. Obviously it was impossible to watch all the NFL games simultaneously but the NFL Red Zone Channel has made it easier to keep up with what is going on.

NFL Playoffs – Wildcard weekend, 4 games

If my calculations are correct that is 90 games in 24 days. In other words: a fucking insane amount of football in a short time period. The NFL schedule inflates the total number, but I was able to take in about 50 of these games, an average of 2 per day, not too shabby.

THE BOOZE (estimated, shared amongst fiends):

Beer, Woodruff IPA – 1 keg
Vodka, bargain brands – 2 half gallons
Bourbon, Maker’s Mark, Johnny Drum & TJD – 3 fifths
Gin, Brokers – 1 fifth
Wine, various grapes – probably around ½ a case
Plus various bar tabs throughout downtown and the Cumberland strip

I will not attempt this next year, or ever again for that matter.

Meet the New Boss

http://www.fox41.com/story/13826074/one-on-one-bill-samuels-to-retire-from-makers-mark

Well, it was coming eventually. Also the stability of the family enterprise lends to a smooth (see what I did there?) transition. Good luck to Rob.

With Whisky Season approaching the home stretch, maybe its time to reassure MM that we're not going anywhere either. Time to a run to the package store.

Nine millimeters of Luger

Let me just say I don't care for these electronic cigarettes. Not because I think those who use the insipid things are trying to skirt the smoking laws, rather I have found every single person who is using them in a bar setting to be a screaming douche.

I'm no smoking prude. In fact, among non-smokers you will find me the most pro-cancer stick. I lament the passing of smoking sections on planes and trains, and you will still see me frequent 21 and over bars that still allow smoking. This is America, and you should be able to kill your body however you please.

So last night I am downtown, and this older fellow was indulging in this tripe. He finagled his way to the center of his table, overpowering conversation and gesturing like a madman with his stupid damn stick. It lacks the couth and class of a pipe, sir. Worse, when your friends attempted to get your attention you would quickly pull your tiny Freudian cockstitute to your mouth and exhale a small amount of vapor into said friend's face. Feh. They really need to kick your ass.

Look, if the droat-wearing girls can stand outside in scarves and hideous boots to smoke during the cold January nights then you can too. I recognize that everyone probably doesn't engage in this low-level visual cocktardery when they activate their e cigarette. I beseech someone to step up and lead these misguided souls.

Product Review: Death's Door Gin

I'll admit, early on I had my questions about this gin. Would the relative youth of the company be evident in some crass manner? Overpowering or too little juniper? If it is tasty does that still make this some sort of gin nouveau riche?

Calm the fuck down there LVL. Turns out this is a very fine and suitable clear liquor that easily bridges the middle ground between the current heavy hitter gins: (my beloved) Hendricks, Tanq, and Bombay.

Gin is usually distinct and stark, and DD is no exception. It has a slight citrus twinge that I find difficult to explain. These days many gins have a slight infusion of flavor, but this begs you to drink more to investigate. Insidious.

The bottle is probably its coolest feature. It shows the pride of the Wisconsin community that it calls home. Ingredients are purported to be local and organic, and the general opinion is this is a 'greener' hooch if you find that a feature rather than a bug. You will find something new with each new pour...dates, maps, local lore. It's pretty cool in a day when most bottle labels are either askew or sport a torn paper label.

Suffice to say, that picture was taken pretty early-and I have since prosecuted the bottle with relentless gusto. I heartily recommend you check it out the next time you aren't in the mood for brown booze or vodka.

Busted Flat in Knoxville

OK, we're back for another year of this mess. Things have been pretty quite for the past month as we've drank our way through the holidays. Now that we're through the bulk of them (sorry Presidents/MLK) the drudgery of work and winter return to the forefront. Shit, not cool. Though I am thankful to be employed since it helps with booze vouchers.

Here are a couple of notes tying up some loose ends from 2010 and looking ahead to a drunken, great year in 2011.

I have put myself through the wringer this bowl season, undertaking one of the greatest self-imposed challenges ever - watching every damn one of the 35 bowl games. It started back on 12/18 innocently enough when I had very little to do and watched the first 3 games. I was fired up (and impaired) and decided to make a go of this boast. Now 28 games later - including a brutal stretch of 3, 3, 4 and 6 games played on four consecutive days - I am over the hump to the other side. Watching the final seven games in 8 days will be like drinking a 6-pack of ponies on a hot day - almost too easy, yet satisfying nonetheless.

New Year's Day games were the most difficult to coordinate, forcing an early trip to a sports bar with multiple TV screens to take in the simulcast bowls. That was a rough 1-2 hour patch as we started 2011 staring at full beers after a night of heavy boozing for NYE. So rough that two hours into our day, the bar stool of our most accomplished lady-boozer just gave the fuck out and collapsed. We were surprised as QT slowly sank, then fell out of sight and landed flat on her ass for all to see. We were almost too baffled to laugh, but we did anyway. She was fine and got some free drinks out of the deal so all worked out in the end.

Our recent trip to Gatlinburg had an inside joke that is too lurid to share here, so I'll just say these three letters to annoy our drunkard reader MC: VPA. Eh, eh there? Did we ever get an answer? Please keep me posted.

Local recognition! The Metro Pulse did an article on local blogs you may not have read before and we were very surprised to be included. Call it a slow news cycle or year-end fodder, it was a nice little piece about some pretty cool sites that you can check out via the above link. Thanks MP!

That will do for now, I've got football to watch and beer to drink!