The menu for the night with donuts donated by Krispy Kreme:

• Original Glazed Donut with PBC's Joe Porter in a classic breakfast staple inspired mash up
• Cinnamon Bun Donut with Yards' Thomas Jefferson's Tavern Ale
• Pumpkin Spice Cake Donut with Weyerbacher's Verboten, a Belgian style pale ale

The pours will be 8 oz. each with more on tap if you like what you're having.

Devil's Den has quickly become our new favorite neighborhood hangout. Why? They have an awesome beer list with 17 rotating taps and a gigantic bottle list. Happy Hour (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) means half off all drafts which normally range from $4 to $8. (Um, $2 to $4 for a really good beer? We are so there!) Their higher ABV brews get the 10.5 oz treatment. Also, it seems to be our demographic—seriously, every one in that bar seems to be in the same ten year age span— it's lively but no one is there to get hammered. The jukebox is usually rocking some awesome 90s music. The food is tasty and well portioned (except for the figs, don't get the measly figs!) with the giant cheese plate holding down the best deal spot so far from what we've sampled. Also, there's a fireplace!

The good people at Neff Associates, who have invited us to the event, suggest making a reservation to what they bill as Philly's first beer and donut pairing event. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. so there will be plenty of time at lunch, after work, before dinner, after dinner and before bed to come on by!

Devil's Den
1148 S. 11th Street @ Ellsworth
215.339.0855

Whoa, that Whole Foods is crazy. The aisles in there were literally wide enough to fit a Jeep into them, especially the frozen foods aisle. As you can see, we came away with a nice haul. Several bags full of goodies to keep us going along with a box of six wines our fantastic friend Lindsay gave to us. The wine gift basket was from My Wines Direct and yes, they do ship their CA wines to PA!

Picky just happened to have a relatively clear schedule during the promo and went on a few adventures while Messy was toiling away in her office. With his smart phone loaded with music and plugged into the sound system, he rolled through some parts of North Philly in search of graffiti. He found a few good walls, but this was his favorite spot after backing up the Jeep onto the sidewalk and next to an abandoned lot. He couldn't figure out what exactly that loading dock-like structure was for in the background. While tempted to put the Jeep into full 4×4 and storm the lot, he moved on.

Way down in South Philly is FDR Skate Park, one of those spots photographers flock to like a moth to a flame. Every once in awhile, you just gotta drift down there. With the Jeep, Picky was able to hit a lot of spots around town quickly as opposed to the usual combo of foot/bike/SEPTA. It was midday and the place was fairly empty other than a small photo shoot and a handful of kids. The half pipe stands a few yards from the main run. An imposing sight for most. For a little fun, Picky dropped the Freedom Drive II into full-time 4WD and gunned it through the rough dirt lot full of who-knows-how-deep fresh puddles. With 19" of clearance, it has enough to get over most things. You can cruise over the biggest of speed bumps without a hitch.

Before picking up Messy, he stopped off at another South Philly landmark, Frangelli's Bakery at 9th and Ritner Streets. They make delicious yeasty donuts. They're more like a layer of condensed croissants than a Dunkin Donuts cake donut. Fantastic. The donuts were so good that he went back a few days later only to see that they had just shuttered their doors for the rest of the summer. But rest assured, they've reopened their doors as of today, September 8th.

For a special treat, we went up to North 5th Street into Koreatown. A place nearly inaccessible to car-less Center City residents. Sure, you could take a bus up there, but that would take forever. While it's still a trek from Center City in a car, we made it out there and chowed down at Jong Ka Jib, a soft tofu soup specialty house. Highly recommended by everyone who had ever eaten there, we walked in with high expectations and out with extremely full and content bellies.

Over the weekend we took a last-minute trip to the beach with some friends. We buried our feet in the sand, swallowed enough seawater to remember our childhoods all too well and took in some mid-summer sun.

On our way back from the shore, we had to take a pit stop at Weber's for some root beer floats. One of our passengers mistakenly asked for out drinks to go so we didn't get the full drive-in experience, with the frosty mugs in a tray clipped to our windowsill, but such is life. We still enjoyed our floats! (Weber's also sells their awesome, slightly spicy root beer in 1 gallon glass jugs for those who want to enjoy it at home.)

The Jeep was plenty roomy for the two of us and three of our friends. There was enough room for a run to IKEA to get some much needed shelving for Messy's records (now hanging in our living room!). The city gas mileage lingered at around 14mpg which was abysmal. The 2.4L I4 DOHC 16V engine seemed to like the highway much better where the mileage jumped up to the rated 28mpg.

During our test drive, we clocked nearly 800 miles in the pouring rain and the searing heat. The Jeep handled any puddle we threw at it and the dual-climate AC worked like an ox at all times. And finally, a quick clip showing off one of the very cool features of this fully loaded model: remote start!

The gallery is called Gravy and it's in an awesome warehouse which is a vintage motorcycle shop [video of the space: youtu.be/VdNEJAFfFLA]. The Berks train stop is a few blocks away. The show runs all month, but the party will run from 6.30p – 10p.

We'll have local brews, a cheese plate from Fair Food, goodies from Flying Monkey Patisserie and vino! There will hopefully be a few farmers on hand, including my cover model Landon who is one half of Root Mass Farm based out of Oley Valley, PA.

I'm thinking of getting drinks over at Memphis Taproom afterward? It's about a 7 minute walk from the gallery and I've wanted to go there for a long time now.

View Larger Map

And who came into Fergie's with the HOG? None other than my old co-worker from Philly Weekly Matt Satten. I took Matt's job as he moved onto full accounts on the sales team. I grabbed a shot of Matt with the HOG before I headed out. Matt's pose is way cooler than mine.

So, the 75 Minute IPA. I'm not beer connoisseur, but here are my thoughts… It's toasty, slightly chocolately with a mild citrus hop. I get a medium sour feel on the back of the tongue after the gulp, but it has a nutty finish. Delicious. Dogfish Head makes the only IPAs I can drink.

My final stop on Wednesday was at DiBruno 9th St where Ian and Zeke were grilling chicken, open face burgers and other goodies outside. I'm not sure what Ian put in my hand, but it was on a thick slab of rye with some Scharfe Maxx on top. Stoudt's Brewing Company was on hand pouring samples of their brews which the DiBruno gang were pairing with delicious shaves of cheese.

So, heatstroke. I went home to cool off. I stretched out on the couch, under the fan, to rest. Two hours later, I wake up and feel weird. I was most definitely not drunk, I've drank in the heat before and this wasn't the same feeling. I felt dizzy, my stomach was churning and I took my pulse—100bpm. Mind you, I was just lying down for two hours so there was no reason for my heart to be racing like that. My resting heart rate is around 65bpm. Messy came home with several quarts of thirst quenching beverage and I had an ice pack on my head and cold towel over my eyes for the night. All was well the next day, but oh man did that not feel good when it was all going down. I thought two beers would be fine in the heat, but I guess not that afternoon. You live and you learn. Stay hydrated and enjoy the last few days of Beer Week 2011!

Pics from Philly Beer Week 2011

Playing loose versions of themselves, Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon reprise their hilariously fictionalized roles from TRISTAM SHANDY: A COCK AND BULL STORY and reunite with acclaimed director Michael Winterbottom (24 HOUR PARTY PEOPLE) for an acerbically witty, largely improvised ride through the English countryside. Tapped by The Observer to review fine restaurants throughout the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales, Steve (Coogan) finds himself without a traveling companion after his girlfriend decides not to go at the last minute. After being turned down by everyone else he knows, Steve extends an invitation to Rob (Brydon), and together the pair attempt to navigate the winding back roads of rural England, impersonating popular celebrities such as Michael Caine, Woody Allen and Liam Neeson (among many others) and bickering along the way. Over the course of six different meals at six different restaurants, the ultimate odd couple tests the limits of their friendship, questioning what is most important to them and along the way discover the limits of what they are and are not willing to give up for fame.

The trailer…

So here's the deal: the screening is on June 14th at 7.30p at the Ritz East (125 S. 2nd Street). Leave a comment below, with your email in the proper field (don't worry, nobody will see your email except for us), about why you think the Brits are funny, or a funny Brit, or even somebody who does a funny impression of a Brit. We'll pick fifteen, yep, fifteen, winners at random and they'll be notified by email on Monday. The cutoff will be Sunday at 11.59p. Each winner will be able to bring a guest to the screening.

A note on the screening: while your name will be on the list, it is a fist come, first served event so you'll have to get there a little early to check in and get in line (or as NY Picky would say, "on line") to get a decent seat. Another note: they will be checking for any recording devices and that includes phones with cameras.

Here are the most hardcore cheese lovers who showed up nice and early for the event. The line zig-zagged up the staircase and out the door. (That's Messy checking her phone in the blue shirt near the top!)

Here are the members of The Notorious Pie.Ro.Gi entering World Cafe Live's main floor.

Kasey Esposito cutting up samples of her Summertime Savory Cheesecake which brought Picky back to the Chevy Food Crawl, where he first had crab cheesecake at Marsha Brown's.

One of Picky's co-workers, Paul Lawler, was manning the cheese table with the Chester County Cheesemakers.

A solid pierogi they prepared. Good enough to go on to win top prize from the judges.

Here's the contestant we think was robbed! Came Here 4 the Science's entry was a Cherry Marscapone Ice Cream. It was delicious and scientifically displayed in a bath of dry ice. It let the marscapone shine through (the cheese flavor in some of the other contestants' dishes was sometimes a little too muted). Apparently the world of ice cream making is new to this contestant (unfortunately, we didn't catch her name), but if she keeps at it, her friends will live like kings. Keep it up, Came Here 4 the Science! We'll be your biggest fans!

Judge's #3 pick was Alyssa Lees and her Strawberry Rhubarb Cannoli. The Limoncello cannoli was an interesting twist on the traditional cannoli, but we thought strawberry-rhubarb overpowered the sheep's milk ricotta. A great tasting cannoli with the prettiest display of the afternoon.

Here's Cheese en Place with their Coconut Cheesaroon; their super creative take on a East meets West (remember Ming Tsai?!) dish which tasted strongly of Chai.

None of this would've been possible without the support of Brooklyn Brewery. A big thank you to them for producing some quality brews since 1988. Thank you for sending Nick and Theo across the country eating and drinking their way through cities filled with food fanatics spreading the joy of the home cook. Wait, no, we're totally jealous of them—send us!

Here's Theo snapping a cellphone shot just as people are starting to come into the main event. His last moment of calm for the afternoon, for sure.

Up on stage were the judges. Each contestant brought up a plate full of their most prized bites.

The duo behind Unconstitutional Ravioli in costume. Their quail egg, ricotta, provolone and broccoli rabe filled ravioli finished third in the audience vote.

Second place in the audience vote went to Cat Attacks and their Butternut Squash Grilled Cheese with gazpacho.

One of the many plates full of food. People most definitely differed in their approach to having all of the samples. There were those who went one by one down the line and ate along the way. Some went in pairs and had entire plate fulls to take back to a seat to try at once. Others ditched their plates all together and took samples one by one.

Here are girlfriend and boyfriend competing against each other and right next to each other. Bragging rights would surely be an issue by the end of the afternoon. Both dishes were great—they must make some fantastic meals together! Messy especially loved, loved, loved this mac and cheese!

A shot from the stage of the massive crowd which took up the entire floor and the balcony above.

Here are the Flying Yoshis! with their Steakcheese, a grilled cheese with cheesesteak beef inside.

A shot of one more very full plate.

The prizes decorated with a snaking rope light. Le Cruset fondue pots for all the winners!

Here's Theo with the official Philly Beer Week Hammer of Glory. He raised it above his head like he was the WWF champ from back in the day.

Here's the Judge's third place winner Alyssa Lees for her Strawberry Rhubarb Cannoli.

Judge's second place winner Kasey Esposito for her Summertime Savory Cheesecake.

Theo hoisted a very heavy prize pack from DiBruno Brothers before handing it off to…

The Notorious Pie.Ro.Gi

The prize for Pluckiest Assistant, the assistant who went above and beyond during the call of duty went to Unconstitutional Ravioli.

…Who also took home third prize from the audience.

Second place from the audience was awarded to Cat Attacks for their Butternut Squash Grilled Cheese. They took home some of the new, sought-after, champagne bottles of some schmancy Brooklyn Brews.

The audience picked Phondoody for their The Philly Dip Shits, a French Dip with gruyere fondue as the dip. As the winner, he got to wield the sacred Beer Week Hammer of Glory. He also got some awesome prizes and a chance to compete in the finals in Brooklyn later this year against all the other regional winners. Hope he takes his girlfriend and her awesome mac and cheese making skills along with him!

Theo took the sacred Beer Week Hammer off stage to show off to some of his Philly-based friends. We think he looks quite happy with it. We took our cheese-filled stomachs home and bid adieu to a great new event which we hope will return for a bigger and badder run next year. We got to meet some more of Philly's blogging scene including the duo behind 22nd & Philly [their post on the event] and the Philly editor of Midtown Lunch.

The full set of 1200px wide photos in the flickr set below

There was one person who truly conquered the bull. The girl above rode the bull for something like 22 seconds.

I was talking to Foobooz's Art Etchells about mechanical bull riding and the one time he did it in Arizona while out for a Birds v Cards game years ago. He said he was on it and got bucked hard just shot of 8 seconds. His pain did get him and his friends drinks. His lady, the First Lady of Yelp, came through with some headbands and he channeled some inner Hulkamania and got up on the beast.

He grabbed the Hammer of Glory before facing his doom.

He charged onto the bull like a pro.

And got tossed like a champ. "You shoudda seen me in Arizona" he later said.

Beer Week!

Pics from Philly Beer Week 2011

There were bloggers aplenty up in there. You couldn't swing a dead lolcat without hitting a dozen in the head. They'd probably turn around with an angry look if you did that, but not before tweeting it . Always great to see each other instead of simply reading words on a screen. Unfortunately, Messy was held up at work and couldn't partake in the imbibing and in-real-life blogger meet-n-greet.

And the surprise of the night was Eric Berley from Franklin Fountain with his ice cream on wheels. He had a delicious batch of organic strawberry ice cream made with the wort from the Summer Love Ale. The ice cream was fantastic as always. It was fun to catch up with Eric in such a nice setting.

I got to chat up Brewmaster, Founder and President of Victory, Bill Covaleski, before heading home. He's a really nice guy who must be one of the busiest people around for the next week. He was gracious and in no hurry to move the conversation along. Bill, whatever you do, don't listen to my complaining about the hoppiness of your beer. I'm obviously stupid, crosseyed and just plain wrong given the crowds of fans you've amassed. You make beer lovers proud, myself included.

Pics from Philly Beer Week 2011

Victory is one of the big success stories in craft brewing in the area and the country and it's great to see their continued growth and success. We'll be there, chilling at The Four Seasons, during the 4p – 8p par-tay and hope to see you there too.

The Four Seasons Hotel
1 Logan Square
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 599-3837