Dreams of Bread & Beer

Originally this post was called Chametz Dreams, but I figured that wouldn’t quite have the same popular appeal. We’re in the waning days of Passover. There has been no toast or beer for days. And no whiskey either.

Yesterday I was going to make a leg of lamb for Easter, but the idea of cooking a seven hour roast when the outside temperatures were hitting over 80 degrees was met with intense consternation by Mrs. Fussy. So instead I banged out a quick matzo brie dinner for the family.

Things could be worse.

Still, I’m longing for the day when I can join the rest of the world in its pursuit of grainy pleasures. On the plus side, in this time of want, I’ve been able to carefully construct my dream event that’s all about bread, beer, and bourbon. That said, I’m still stuck on the sidelines for the first couple of days of Albany Craft Beer Week.

But let’s start with the positive.

What could be better than a Booze, Beer & Bagel Brunch? With the support of the good folks at Yankee Distillers and Shmaltz Brewing Company, I was able to put together the Official Yelp Event of my dreams. Those who make the guest list will be treated to a tour and tasting at both places. But the distillery is going to include brunchy cocktails like a bloody mary, and something with bourbon that’s blended with coffee.

And then we’ll get bagels and beer at the brewery of my people. It’s going to be epic. The best part is that it’s free and open to anyone with a Yelp profile. But spaces are limited. If you are interested, all the details are here.

I have to hold onto these positive thoughts as the first few days of the Albany Craft Beer Week pass me by. At least I can attend some of the festivities later in the week.

Seriously, you should check out this calendar of events, because I’m going to share some of the ones that sound amazing to me. But as they say, your mileage may vary.

I think the tickets may be all gone for the City Beer Hall dinner tonight. Sniff. Not like I could go anyway. Stupid Passover. Stupid suffering. But that looked ridiculously good. But you may still be able to score a spot at the Savoy Taproom New Belgium Cocktail Class. Beer cocktails? If anyone can make them delicious it’s the team at Savoy. I’d love to learn how they approach these drinks.

Maybe someone can go to the class and file a report.

Tuesday Excelsior Pub is channeling its inner McSorley’s? It’s probably been twenty years since I last stepped foot into this classic NYC ale house. If I recall, I’d typically order two darks, and just enjoy the camaraderie of my friends. I wonder if Excelsior will lay down any sawdust to complete the look.

Wednesday The Cheese Traveler is heading out to The Hollow to pair cheese with Ommegang beers. That won’t suck. Nor will the Peekskill tap takeover at O’Slattery’s in Delmar. Actually, I’ve never been to O’Slattery’s but Peekskill is one of my favorite local breweries.

Thursday is Day of the Dank at The City Beer Hall. I have no idea what Dimitrios and Ian have in store for food specials, but I have every expectation they will hit it out of the park.

It also happens to be the same day as the next Third Thursday Tavern Time. I’ll be heading off to some forgotten corner of Troy to eat pizza, wings, and mozz sticks. The adventurous among you are more than welcome to join in on the fun.

Friday the Albany Ale & Oyster will feature some of the hottest names in regional beer including Hudson Valley Brewing, Threes Brewing, Plan Bee Farm Brewery, Suarez Family Brewery, Sloop Brewing Company, and Kent Falls Brewing. I don’t know how anyone could be expected to choose what to drink with that line up.

But Saturday is the big festival. I think I mentioned something about this before. I’ll definitely be there for that. And I hope to attend one of the afterparties. But I’ll have to skip out on the hangover breakfast on Sunday.

After all, Sunday is the Grown Up Egg Hunt! Who can let a hangover get in the way of running around searching for plastic eggs potentially filled with gift certificates for free drinks at local watering holes?

It’s good to remember that as much as one might suffer, it never lasts forever. And my self-imposed suffering is almost at an end. I can’t wait. Maybe the diet starts in earnest once May rolls around, but after the Tour de Burger.