Budweiser Select 55

Libations – Spokane –

Liam Gallagher once crooned “I know a girl called Elsa, she’s into Alka-Seltzer,” which, honestly, I didn’t know what meant at the time. Had the song been written today, however, it would have been painfully clear that Elsa, in fact, was into Budweiser Select 55.

That’s right, Budweiser is treating us to yet another beer! This one tasting more than vaguely like Alka-Seltzer.

God bless Anheuser-Busch for trying. So far they’ve failed at producing a decent regular beer, lite beer, Clamato flavored beer, Michelada style beer, ice beer, craft beer, and caffeine infused beer, but they’re not letting a few minor setbacks discourage them! Now they have their sights set on MGD 64.

And give them credit—they’re not exactly trying to beat a beer anyone in their right mind would classify as “good.” This is really a battle where Budweiser stands a chance. I mean, hell, they’ve beaten Miller in the first round by lowering the calorie content by nine! Anheuser-Busch, you little devil, you might just stand a chance.

That is until you taste it. By god, this is the worst swill I’ve ever touched. I could at least see what they were getting at with Budweiser American Ale (which, from what I can recall, was the replacement for the original Select), but Select 55 truly and honestly tastes like Bud Lite mixed with Alka-Seltzer.

There’s a bit of credit that should be given here: I will, with my severely limited homebrewing experience, assume that it’s not easy making a beer taste like Alka-Seltzer. I mean, seriously. Maybe that’s what they set out out to do? Maybe I’m the idiot. Maybe there’s a market for Alka-Seltzer beer.

A bit more about Spokavore

#SpoCOOL – Spokane –

First about Spokavore.com, which we briefly mentioned yesterday. This is an early incarnation of the site which eventually, we hope, will list food products produced around the region. We have started out with a few choices, but we require input to further improve on the list. Therefore, if you have any suggestions of additions, let us know.

Speaking of a local producer currently listed, it looks like Small Planet Tofu soon will be removed from the site. Year of Plenty tells us they’re moving to Seattle.

A company that won’t be removed is DOMA, who kindly has offered up some prizes for the Spokavore contest! That’s right, you now have something to compete for, and backstabbing is hereby encouraged.

Update: Mr. John Speare has provided us with a 150 mile radius map:

7vs7: Spokavore

#SpoCOOL – Spokane –



”...highlighting local, sustainable, and damn good food options.” – Green Man Bart

For 2 to 12 Players/Ages 10-Adult

OBJECT
Take 5 days to eat local products from local vendors within a 150 mile radius of Spokane, WA. As promised during Locavore Round 1, Round 2 aka Spokavore will take place when Main Market opens February 15 – 20, 2010. Sign up (post a comment) by February 12, 2010 to confirm a spot among the players.

EQUIPMENT
Your choice of local food. In this case, “local” is defined as anywhere within a 150 mile radius of Spokane, WA. ”Food” will be defined as anything produced by a local business.

You will also need a way to communicate your progress. Sign up for a blog and post it there, or email us, and we will post it here for you. Be sure to communicate what products or recipes you think other people should know about. More contest will be announced during the challenge. All posts from players will be fed to one central location. Photos are always helpful. This is all on the honor system and nothing is worse than your own conscience getting the best of you. Announce when you have accidently, purposefully, or otherwise lost the contest.

RULES



  1. Any types of groceries should be bought at local grocery stores. This would include places like Main Market, Huckleberry’s, Rocket Market, Fresh Abundance, etc. Though keep in mind that larger chains like Yoke’s and Rosauers are also local.

  2. Any type of packaged product bought at aforementioned grocery stores (or directly from producer) should be produced locally by local companies. They could, however, be produced using ingredients from outside our region. For example: Small Planet Tofu, Northern Lights beer, Bumble Bars, Arbor Crest wine, DOMA coffee, etc.

  3. Any type of baked goods bought at aforementioned grocery stores or directly from vendor (be it a bakery or boutique) should be produced locally by local companies. For example: bread from Petite Chat, chocolates from OMO, etc.

  4. Any type of meats should have been raised locally. You can find this at Fresh Abundance, Egger’s, etc. (Look carefully, as places like Huckleberry’s carry mostly Oregon and California meats.)

  5. When eating at restaurants they should predominantly use local products. For example: Coffee Social, Sante, Mizuna, Latah Bistro, etc.

  6. When preparing food/baking at home you should predominantly use local products. Certain staples, like salt, aren’t produced locally, so they are exempt. (As long as they’re bought from a local grocery store.) Dietary supplements are also exempt.

  7. Non-local vegetables are, because of the season and the spirit of the game, allowed, as long as they are purchased from a local market.

  8. As promised during Locavore Round 1, a list of local products will be created. Send in your suggestions to build the Spokavore directory.



WINNING
You win the game if you are the first player to make it to the end of the 5 day challenge without consuming products outside of the 150 mile range. There may be more than one winner. The winner(s) might get a prize.

That’s all folks!

We will be happy to answer questions about this game. Post a comment or email via contact.

Potential Players List:


  • Andrew

  • Bart

  • Barry

  • Becky

  • Crystal

  • Gaeyia

  • Geneva

  • Hank

  • Mark S.

  • Monique

  • Paul

  • Rachel

  • Remi

  • Ryan


Notes from all over

#SpoCOOL – Spokane –

The Inlander’s annual “Best of” poll is up. As history has proven, the results in the “Food and Drink” category will probably be less than stellar. However! We encourage everybody to write in Mario De Leon as “Best Community Volunteer.” That he voluntarily moved to our community to make what is the best Mexican food in the region is good enough reason.

The Spokesman tells us Spokane will be features on Ace of Cakes. We won’t be a real city until Guy Fieri and his “rock n’ roll lifestyle” makes his way here however.

We were going to say something about The Back Kitchen closing, but couldn’t come up with anything intelligent and/or witty. Just head down to the Latah Bistro and eat the man’s food. It’s better than reading about it.