Vayista Mexican Craft Beer Tasting

(Xhico en Mexico)

I have the great privlege of knowing Michelle of Vayista. She has a great service offering unique experiences across Latin America. She creates connections with travelers and unforgettable experiences in Mexico. She creates custom iteneries around your interests. Whatever it may be - cooking, art and culture, sports, or any other adventure - she's got you covered.

Recently, she hosted a craft beer tasting from Mexican Breweries and I was fortunate enought to be invited. On the beautiful rooftop of Linneo restuarant in Condesa, we enjoyed a variety of pairings of delicious food and tasty Mexican beer.

Four different craft breweries were represented. Each with their own unique depth of flavor. I think my favorite of the night was the Witbier Calavera. 

On the menu for the night:

TRIPA OCOZOL

Tripel Belga

WITBIER CALAVERA

Witbier

LONDON PORTER SCHOENFELD

London Porter

TEMPUS DOBLE MALTA PRIMUS

Altbier Imperial

Corona x Fútbol = Best Beer Display Ever

(Xhico in Mexico)

I walked onto the soccer field in Mexico City. Then I realized I was in the the Superama grocery store at what was the best beer display I had ever seen. Of course, it was Corona. Thanks to a hangover, I felt like I had the best seat in the Fútbol Stadium - we Americans know fútbol as soccer. The Corona boxes were arranged like a stadium and the bottles become soccer players and cans the spectators. ¡Salud! Corona! Now on to eat some of that street food I saw outside!

Amazing beer display by Corona at Superama in Mexico City.

"Pine & Crane Noodle Co" Taiwanese Food Restaurant Opening Soon in Silver Lake

Pine & Crane Noodle Co. Logo via Facebook

I'm very excited for Pine & Crane Noodle Co to open in Silver Lake. It's next door to the cafe, Morning Nights in the Sunset Triangle, where I often sit to sketch and get inspired by neighborhood friends. I've seen the construction going on since the end of last year and I'm getting anxious for the opening of this Taiwanese food restaurant. It's going to bring some new flavor to our hood. We have plenty of Thai, Vegan, American options. I don't think I've ever had Taiwanese food per se. I've had Chinese but I know Taiwan is an island that likes to think of it's self as an independent.

According to About.com:

Mainland China's position on Taiwan is that there is only one China and that Taiwan is part of China; the People's Republic of China is awaiting reunification of the island and mainland. However, Taiwan claims independence as a distinct State.

With a mix of Chinese, Japanese and aboriginals, Taiwanese food is bound to have some interesting flavors.

Beef Noodle Soup Spice's via Pine&Crane Facebook

The owner is a young Tawainese woman. I've only met her breifly, but I've seen her buzzing about like a hard-working bee with her family and friends close behind to help. The facade of the old Cru restaurant along with the space next door is shaping up with a fresh look quite quickly.

Tea Tasting via Pine&Crane Instagram

I think this restaurant is going to be special for so many reasons - it's family owned, supporting sustainable, local, seasonal produce. According to a sign in their window nearly all the produce will be from their very own family farm. The menu will consist of "noodles, dumplings, scallion pancakes, beef rolls, plenty of seasonal vegetables, a few of our signature Taiwanese dishes like Three-Cup Chicken and Twice-Cooked Pork. Beer, wine and Taiwanese Teas served alongside."

Pine & Crane Noodle Co
Taiwanese Restaurant
Silver Lake
1521 Griffith Park Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

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Note in Window

Bang it out! Oktoberfest!

Photo courtesy Bangers & Smashed

Celebrate Oktoberfest with one of my LA favorites, Bangers & Smashed Gourmet Mashed Potatoes. They'll be at Eagle Rock Brewery on October 2nd from noon - 6pm doing beer pairings with mashed potato specialities!

Pair delicious local microbrews with our menu:

• Chicken Teriyaki sausage + Wasabi Miso Shiso
• Italian Pepper sausage + Lemon Artichoke Basil (vegan selections)
• Hungarian Smoked sausage + Loaded & Smashed
• Polish sausage + Sweet Potato & Apple Mash

Sunday, October 2nd

noon to 6PM


Eagle Rock Brewery
3056 Roswell Street
Los Angeles, CA 90065