Like we often-ish do, we take a look at your current favorite spots, based on your current votes. Because, you know, why not? Is it scientific? Does it mean anything? Probably not, yet we don't care -- that's just how we are!
1. Casper Fry (-) 2. Manito Tap House (-) 3. Sante Restaurant & Charcuterie (-) 4. South Perry Pizza (-) 5. Central Food (-) 6. De Leon Foods (11) 7. The Flying Goat (9) 8. Bennidito's Pizza (12) 9. Bon Bon Lounge (13) 10. Atticus Coffee & Gifts (8) 11. Veraci Pizza (6) 12. Saranac Public House (9) 13. Coeur Coffee (15) 14. Jones Radiator (10) 15. Mizuna (17) 16. Huckleberry's (19) 17. Atilano's (18) 18. Italia Trattoria (·) 19. Wild Sage Bistro (16) 20. Main Market Co-op (14)
The numbers speak for themselves, really. This is the first time we haven't had any movement in the top five (yet consistent movement throughout the rest of the list). If that means anything or not, we don't know, but as always… Who doesn't love a good list?
Take it all in, and go vote if you want to make a difference. Note that you can vote directly in the list of restaurants -- click either «:-)» or «:-(». There's no need to go to the individual places to vote.
Remember when we mentioned Chapala Mexican Food would be opening in the old Picnic Company location? No? Well, we don't blame you, seeing it was four months ago.
Either way, a new liquor license application is in, and judging by the spot's exteriors, it looks like the opening might indeed be close. Hey, better than an empty building, right?
Speaking of Mexican food: Taqueria la Flor de Michoacan was somewhat of an odd dining experience for us... Actually, strike that, it was almost surreal in its slowness, but with yet another liquor control board application in, it looks like you soon can dull your wait by enjoying copious amounts of alcohol.
Bart, a 7vs7 (remember those?!) and Spiceavore veteran, has been sitting around in his man-cave, thinking of possible new contests. His current idea: a scavenger hunt. We like the concept, and have already thought of some ways to do this. If you have any input, feel free to reply to Bart and us.
Finally, quick reminder of the Inlander's Best of… ballot, which closes tomorrow at midnight. We have no problems bobbing for votes for Nuclear #Spiceawar in the «best charity event» category. Not only was it a good charity event -- CFF and all! -- it was also completely un-stuffy and gross!
And yes, we pretty much are pimping this as we would think it'd be hilarious if we won.
We mentioned New Belgium's #snapshot contest a few weeks back, and that seems like a good of an excuse as any to try the actual beer: the Snapshot.
This is not a particularly complex beer, nor, I assume, is it supposed to be. At a mild 5% ABV and 10 IBU, it is decidedly in the session category, one well enjoyed when the weather is like it was yesterday, but not today, and not the day before yesterday. (In other words, it's good when it's warm outside.)
It looks like what you'd expect an unfiltered wheat beer to look like -- hazy and light -- accompanied by a fresh citric nose. Somewhere toward the back, you can pick up on just a pinch of spices.
Sip, and you'll be gently smacked by a light mouthfeel, which plays well with the crisp, non-violent flavor. The wheat sits right up front, and the light tart sweetness gently coats the tongue. Is it complex and exciting? Not really. But then, should it be? I don't really think so.
As far as a spring beer goes, I'd say this one hits the mark. The sourness mixed with wheat makes it just a little bit different, and its ease of drinking suggests the Snapshot is a beer most everyone can enjoy.
So, in a world of crazy beers, we're good with taking a step back sometimes, and find something to relax with. That's what the Snapshot is, a chill-out beer, and good on New Belgium for releasing it.
Somewhat surprisingly, the world didn't stop just because we decided to do one last Spiceavore? (I know, right?!) So let's take a look at (the admittedly kind of slow) things going on out there.
Orlison Brewing continues its current prolific run by donating proceeds of their new Pilsner 37 to Team Gleason. A percentage of the sales will benefit the foundation working to improve the quality of life for those afflicted with Lou Gehrig's disease. Look out for the beer in local bars next week.
Santé is offering up free coffee from 4 Seasons and Evans Brothers every day this week, from 9am-3pm. Offer ends this Sunday.
(Also, we know our Twitter stalker is down, due to the recent updates to the site. It's... on the list... of things to fix.)
Maybe they'll get it right this time? You can vote in the Inlander's Best of… online. We were going to start a campaign to make Nuclear #Spiceawar «Best Charity Event», but that seemed like a lot of work. So, consider it a helpful suggestion!
