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Iron Hill Brewery’s New Winter Lineup

Iron Hill Brewery has for the first time in its 21-year history decided to place a year-round emphasis on canned crafts, and it plans to release at least one new can each month in 2018.  It started with the introduction of the 2018 winter lineup on Jan. 11 with the release of cult favorite Rising Sun, a single-hopped IPA with Japanese Sorachi Ace hops. Two more canned brews will be added to the winter lineup in February: Bedotter, a traditional Belgian-style golden ale, on Friday, Feb. 9, and Ore House, a golden IPA, on Thursday, Feb. 22.

To learn more, visit ironhillbrewery.com.

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Worth Trying 2018

Welcome to our eighth annual Worth Trying Issue. Though we feature Worth Trying suggestions monthly, each January we devote much of the magazine to personal recommendations from staff, contributors and friends of Out & About. Below are suggestions on where and what to eat, drink, see and do.

Enjoy, and have a very happy New Year!

Picks of the Miscellaneous Variety

As the Crow Flies & Co

If the title isn’t cool enough, this home business, run by Mike and Wilder Scott-Straight, finds use for those discarded or tucked away bits of the past—specifically, vintage china. They fashion necklaces and earrings by taking bits of the china and soldering them with metal around the edges to provide a finished look. They also design vintage clothes for children and adults. The business is based out of West Philadelphia, but I discovered it closer to home at the Kennett Holiday Village Market at The Creamery in Kennett Square, where they were set up as a vendor. By the way: During the summer and fall when The Creamery is regularly open, the pop-up beer garden is also a definite must.

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

Not Your Mother’s Thrift Shop

Clothes Mentor, on Rt. 202 in West Chester, buys and sells high-quality, gently used name-brand and designer women’s clothing, shoes and accessories that are like new—for less. The national franchise is where savvy women shoppers go to get their name brand on and sell some of their old but still fashionable clothing. Unlike consignment, you get paid on the spot for items accepted. Sizes 0-26 and maternity are welcome, and if you need assistance in finding the right styles for you, a free personal shopper program can help with that. For details, go to clothesmentor.com/store-locator.

— Adriana Camacho-Church, Contributing Writer

Word by Word, by Kory Stamper

Kory Stamper is my kind of woman. On the first day on the job, when she realized the extremely high level of word nerdiness that would be required of her as a lexicographer at Merriam-Webster, her joyous reaction was, “This is the shit!” In Word By Word, The Secret Life of Dictionaries, Stamper indulges her not-so-inner geek, delving into the meaning and origin of all sorts of words and phrases. She reveals, for instance, that the first use of “OMG” was by Winston Churchill in 1917. She also sadly confesses that M-W now accepts “irregardless” as legitimate (along with a depressingly large number of other abominations). For the most part, the book makes the process of publishing a dictionary intriguing and fascinating, but, be warned: You will need a fair amount of nerdiness yourself to plow through all 321 pages.

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge, Rock Hall, Md.

This refuge is home to more than 250 species of birds, from migrating to wintering waterfowl. Many trails are available on 2,285 acres that offer unique and picturesque views of the Chesapeake Bay and Chester River. The hour-and-a-half ride from Wilmington is well worth it. And take your bike.

— John Murray, Contributing Writer

Nicole Kristiana Studios

Check out the delightful blend of whimsy and sophistication in the alphabetical and animal-inspired works of Bellefonte artist Nicole Kristiana Logan. Her paintings and prints are playful enough for kids to enjoy and possess intricate detail that adults can appreciate. Her exhibit at the Main Stage Gallery of The Grand continues into January. Or go online to nicolekristianastudio.com or visit the shops at the Delaware Contemporary and the Delaware Art Museum.

— Larry Nagengast, Contributing Writer

Work the Nightshift

No, I don’t mean burn the midnight oil at the local factory. I mean change your display settings on your iPhone. Once you schedule this to activate during certain times of day, you’ll immediately notice the warmer tones and less stimulating colors. I set mine from 7 p.m. through 7 a.m. It helps me keep the constant connection to a minimum.

— Matthew Loeb, Catalyst Visuals, LLC

NextFab

After establishing two successful locations in Philly, NextFab came to Wilmington last year amid rave reviews. Think of it as a gym membership for your intellect and imagination. Whether you want to hand-craft a coffee table, build your own guitar, or learn how to assemble a small robot, NextFab is the place for your next project. They are currently offering tools, software and/or classes in the following subjects: 2-D printing and photography; 3-D printing and scanning; design software; electronics; jewelry; laser cutting and engraving; metalworking; textiles, and woodworking. nextfab.com.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

Delaware 87ers

Next fall, Wilmington will be the new home to this Philadelphia 76ers G League franchise and the team will be playing in a new, $26 million facility – the 76ers Fieldhouse. That’s a big deal. If you haven’t taken the time to check out the 87ers because you assume it’s a league for has-beens and never-will-bes, think again. I attended a recent game at the Bob Carpenter Center between the 87ers and Northern Arizona Suns and was blown away by the level of play. Both rosters were filled with recent All-Americans and players with some NBA experience. It’s quality basketball for as little as $10 a ticket. That won’t even get you parking at the Wells Fargo Center.

— Jerry duPhily, Publisher

Root: A Cultivated Collection

When it comes to plants, succulents are the trendy item. They don’t need much care (unlike me) but they offer a lot (also unlike me). If you’re looking for a local source of succulent arrangements to brighten your living space, look no further than Root. They’re the very picture of whimsy! Rootcultivated.com. @root_collection.

— David Hallberg, Special Projects

The Storm Before The Storm: The Beginning of the End of the Roman Republic

The Romans did not give up their Republic in a day. In this New York Times best-seller, acclaimed history podcaster Mike Duncan describes how demagogues weakened the Roman Republic in the decades before Julius Caesar dealt it a deathblow. Duncan relates this under-told story in his characteristically engaging and thoughtful manner, and his readers need not look far to find parallels in modern day America.

— Dan Linehan, Contributing Writer

Kinetic Skateboarding

I used to skateboard a lot when I was younger, but as I grew up, I grew out of trying new tricks because falling hurts a lot more and now I just like to cruise around on a board. However, I still love skateboard culture and supporting local skate shops. Kinetic Skateboarding, on Rt. 202, is my go-to spot for skate shoes because they’re my preferred shoe and the most comfortable to me. But it’s also a great shop for kids to get into skateboarding because they have all the latest and best gear in stock. Want your kids to put the screens down and go outside? Take them to Kinetic, pick out a complete, customized skateboard and encourage them to use it.

— Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer

Wolfenstein: The New Colossus

Most people remember Wolfenstein as an early success story for 3D gaming. That and mecha-Hitler. But in the time since, especially with the most recent game, the franchise has evolved into a heartfelt and emotional one, with strong, intelligent characters and an affecting story about a small group’s attempt to reclaim the soul of America. It’s still extremely violent, so that hasn’t changed, but I play video games for the stories, and The New Colossus tells the best I’ve ever played. It’s available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

— Dillon McLaughlin, Contributing Writer

Route 9 Library & Innovation Center

There are plenty of books, to be sure, but you won’t find them arrayed in row upon row of traditional shelving. Besides the study rooms and computer access that are staples at all New Castle County libraries, this facility features a maker lab, a STEM room, a sensory room, a bookatarium and a scriptorium. If you don’t know what they are … well, just visit and see for yourself.

— Larry Nagengast, Contributing Writer

Trap Pond State Park

The country’s northernmost bald cypress swamp is just a 90-minute drive from New Castle County. Be sure to reserve your campsite fast, because the best spots (especially the tent-only walk-in sites) go fast. If cabins or RV spots are more your speed, you’ve still got options at Trap Pond, which also has plenty of hiking, canoeing and bicycling options. 

— Dan Linehan, Contributing Writer

Delaware History Museum

The Delaware History Museum on Market Street, run by the Delaware Historical Society, underwent a lengthy renovation from 2014 to late 2016, but it’s open again and has plenty to offer families, couples, and inquisitive solo travelers. There are self-guided tours, professional programs, themed events, and community outreach, along with the best collection of Delaware themed gifts you’re likely to find. For more specific historical events, there’s a rotating exhibition on the second floor, currently devoted to the contributions of Delawareans to the War to End All Wars—WWI. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

— Dillon McLaughlin, Contributing Writer

Russell Peterson Wildlife Center

Wilmington’s Riverfront has become a well-known destination, but many have yet to discover this 212-acre wildlife center and its accompanying DuPont Environmental Education Center. The facility is free and open year-round and offers a beautiful 10-acre garden, a quarter-mile pond loop that weaves through the marsh, and an impressive four-story structure with panoramic views of the marsh and the city skyline. It’s an intriguing sanctuary that peacefully sits between hectic I-95 and the ever-expanding Wilmington Riverfront.

— Jerry duPhily, Publisher

Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ

Forget the old crock pot. Today there are a variety of all-in-one multi-cookers that can make your life so much easier. My favorite is the Ninja Cooking System with Auto-iQ, which has functions for slow-cooking, steaming, stove-top searing, sautéing and baking. I’ve used it for quick one-pot meals that include rice and shrimp. I’ve seared meat on the stovetop function, added veggies, and then hit the slow cook button. I’ve even used it instead of a frying pan to fry fish. Who needs a range or oven? Cleanup is a breeze. The MSRP is $179.99.

— Pam George, Contributing Writer

Hidrate Spark 2.0 Smart Water Bottle

I try my best to do the healthy thing this time of year, which often includes making sure I drink enough water. At the risk of people calling me lazy or ridiculous, I introduce you to my newest “health assistant,” and I’m quite hopeful about our relationship. Meet the Hidrate Spark 2.0, a “smart” water bottle that keeps track of how much you drink, glows to remind you when you need to up your water intake, and keeps you on par to meet your daily goal. It syncs to an app on your phone (iOS and Android) and can integrate with trackers like iWatch, FitBit and others.

— Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Contributing Writer

Picks of the Food Variety

De la Coeur Café et Boulangerie: Butter, Sugar, Flour

Wilmington has a new reason to celebrate. Popular Trolley Square French eatery De La Coeur Café et Pâtisserie has opened a second larger and more robust location in Talleyville Shopping Center on Route 202 and Silverside Road. Occupying the former Bon Appétit space, De la Coeur Café et Boulangerie offers a wide assortment of house-made goods, including French baguettes, croissants and other pastries, in addition to sandwiches, coffee and espresso drinks. I’m a sucker for their massive vanilla scones, buttery almond croissants or special hand pies (last time it was a blueberry and almond paste). You know where to find me on Saturday morning.

— Leeann Wallett, Contributing Writer

Iron Hill Brewery: Kennett Square Mushroom Soup

Though I’ve been ardently anti-mushroom all my life, at the ripe age of 27 I find that they have finally become palatable, a borderline menu staple even. Mushrooms as a garnish, mushrooms on the side, mushrooms with breakfast, lunch or dinner—sure. So, I recently gave Iron Hill’s Kennett Square Mushroom Soup a try, and it’s a kaleidoscope of taste you can’t go wrong with. Made of oven-dried shiitake and flavored with herbed truffle oil, this soup makes for a great winter appetizer.

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

Kindred Cheese

Based in Wisconsin, the Meister family has been making cheese for more than a century. In the ‘90s, siblings Vicky and Scott Meister decided to branch out into the gourmet cheese market, hence the birth of the Kindred brand. They offer cheddar, Gouda and Jack varietals but it’s the Ghost Pepper, Spicy Sriracha and Sweet Fire Mango titles that stick out. Bonus points to Kindred for paying premium rates to dairy farmers who follow the company’s sustainable and ethically-minded “Cows First” protocols. kindredcreamery.com.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

George’s Restaurant, 703 Philadelphia Pike 

It doesn’t look like much from the outside—it’s located on a strip mall on Philadelphia Pike near Bellevue—but inside it serves made-from-scratch comfort food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. George’s—formerly Jimmy’s Restaurant —has a friendly, veteran staff and loyal customers. The food they serve—with emphasis on Greek cuisine—isn’t fancy, but it’s good and reasonably priced and comes in generous portions. The daily dinner specials, at $11.95, are always good and include chicken and dumplings (Monday) and stuffed pork chops (Thursday). Plus, George’s has an open seating area and isn’t as crowded or noisy as some other restaurant-diners in the area.

— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer

Lotus Biscoff Cookie Butter 

Like Frank’s RedHot sauce, I spread this sh*t on everything. In fact, Lotus Biscoff cookie butter may even replace your jar of Nutella (gasp!). First came the cookies, then the butter. Started in Belgium, Lotus Biscoff cookies made their way to the United States in the 1980s via in-flight snacks. These lightly sweet, crunchy cookie-biscuits are a delight, best served with a hot cup of coffee or cocoa. Recently, they became a spreadable treat, a special alternative to nut butters and chocolate spreads. The cookie butter is available in original or honey locally at Giant Food, ShopRite, Target and Walmart. Try it—you won’t be disappointed.

— Leeann Wallett, Contributing Writer

Cajun Kate’s on Philly Pike

I wrote about Cajun Kate’s a few years ago when it was holed away like some delicious speakeasy in the Booths Corner Farmers Market. Last year it opened its first full restaurant on Philadelphia Pike and now it’s a weekly visit for me. Chefs Don and Kate Applebaum have all their standards (the jambalaya, gumbo, and muffulettas are unmatched in Delaware or Philly), but don’t miss out on the specials: the frog legs and pork gumbo with collard greens are culinary perfection. Yes, there are tables now, but time is better spent at the bar, where the conversation is as interesting as the food is sublime.

— Joe del Tufo, Contributing Photographer

Crab Guacamole at Cocina Lolo

Who doesn’t love crabmeat and who doesn’t jones for a great guacamole? But imagine putting those twotaste sensations together. Cocina Lolo, Bryan Sikora’s Mexicali restaurant on King Street, does exactly that with its creamy but still chunky avocado appetizer generously augmented with sizable bits of succulent jumbo crab. But wait, that’s not it. Sikora tops the guac with queso fresco and mango, then serves the dish with hearty homemade tortilla chips. A masterful offering on a menu full of them at one of downtown’s dining gems. Cocina Lolo, 405 N. King St.

— Mark Fields, Contributing Writer

Taste Artisanal Market Honey

Ever since writing November’s “Foods that Fight Colds” article, I’ve been on a turmeric kick. Due to its supposed anti-inflammatory properties, this spicy rhizome is in everything I eat nowadays, including my new favorite spread, ginger turmeric honey from Taste Artisanal Market. This sweet and spicy concoction is made by local food purveyors Lisa Ferraro Klinge and her husband, Steve Klinge. Other products include additional flavored honeys like cinnamon and lemon walnut, and spreads like blue cheese walnut and marinated Asiago trio. Find a full list of the products here: tasteartisanalmarket.com/stockists.

— Leeann Wallett, Contributing Writer

Big Sky Bread Bakery and Café

On those winter days when I’m not in a mood to cook, but I’m craving a warm, hearty bowl of soup and fresh-baked, crusty bread to dip into it, I head to this Brandywine Hundred standout. The smell of wholesome baked breads and healthy, homemade soups invites me in. I usually get lentil soup, or the vegetarian chili with beans, which are my favorites from the wide selection. The homemade chips are always tempting, and the tasty sandwiches, made with your choice of bread, are equally irresistible.

— Adriana Camacho-Church, Contributing Writer

El Diablo Burritos

I wrote about El Diablo shortly after it opened seven years ago, but as long as it continues to serve yummy burritos—and actually finds ways to improve doing so—continual recommendations are well deserved. In addition to opening new stores in Newark and Pike Creek over the past three years, El Diablo has introduced more delicious sauces and healthier options like mahi-mahi, whole-wheat tortillas and brown rice. Similarly, as the menu states, the steak, short rib, braised pork and chicken come from animals that are 100 percent antibiotic-free as well as “respectfully raised and responsibly farmed.” eldiabloburritos.com.

— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

Bread & Buttercream, 170B Marsh Road

This bakery-eatery is the latest addition to what has become an impressive array of restaurants in the Graylyn Crest Shopping Center area. Bread & Buttercream is a typical bakery in that its main offerings are bread and cakes, but they take it up a notch with a home-made touch and enticing flavors. Bread items include cranberry-walnut-flax seed rolls ($1 each) and a diverse assortment of muffins, croissants and Danishes. Small cakes are $4.99 and include Caramel Mousse, Moroccan Lemon, Raspberry Crème and Kiwi Heaven. And this place isn’t just for breakfast or dessert—they plan to add a sandwich menu soon.

— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer

Picks of the Film & TV Variety

Movies On Tap

Seeing a classic movie that you haven’t seen on the big screen before is a whole new experience, especially with a beer in your hand. I had the pleasure of attending the December Movies On Tap, featuring Dogfish Head, showing the classic film National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation at Penn Cinema on the Riverfront. In partnership with Premier Wine & Spirits, Penn Cinema, and Out & About Magazine, this one-of-a-kind event was great. For $20, you get beer samples from the featured brewery, free popcorn, and admission to the theater. All proceeds go to a local charity of the brewery’s choice, which this time was the Urban Bike Project.

— Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime is my new favorite series. Maybe that’s because it was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino of The Gilmore Girls fame. The story, which takes place in the late 1950s, is about Miriam “Midge” Maisel, who seemingly has the perfect Upper West Side life until her husband leaves her for his secretary. With her world shattered, the picture-perfect Jewish housewife suddenly starts a career in standup comedy. It’s witty, quick and beautifully shot—and the period clothes are amazing.

— Pam George, Contributing Writer

Mindhunter on Netflix

Netflix continues its impressive run of excellent programming with the crime drama Mindhunter (based on the novel of the same name). Set in 1977, this David Fincher-directed series traces the origins of the FBI’s behavioral science department and the federal agents who coined the term “serial killer.” The show’s subject matter—including intense interviews with some of the 20th century’s most notorious murderers—is somewhat unsettling, and Fincher’s cold and clinical style enhances that atmosphere. Mindhunter isn’t just binge-worthy, it’s darned near binge-obligatory.

— Rob Kalesse, Contributing Writer

The Newspaperman

This HBO documentary about the fascinating and apparently irresistible Ben Bradlee, editor of The Washington Post during the Watergate era, is a must for every journalist or, indeed, anyone remotely interested in American history. Bradlee, who died in 2014 at the age of 93, narrates most of the doc, which traces his Bostonian beginnings to his Harvard years, his Navy service in World War II, his close (and inappropriate for a journalist) friendship with John F. Kennedy, his three marriages, and, of course, his ramrodding of the Post’s historic and heroic uncovering of the sordid details surrounding the Watergate Hotel break-in. A Renaissance man who could swear like a sailor (which he had been) while choosing the right fork, Bradlee was loved by women, idolized by men, and respected by all except Richard Nixon and his White House henchmen.

— Bob Yearick, Contributing Editor

Kevin (Probably) Saves the World

The latest show to put an everyman twist on divine intervention, Kevin follows Kevin Finn (Jason Ritter), a former Wall Street hot shot who’s returned to his Texas hometown after a suicide attempt. While there, an angel enlists him for a mission to find the next generation of righteous souls on earth by doing good deeds, each of which gets him closer to his final goal, while navigating the realities of his return to small-town life. Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

— Scott Pruden, Contributing Writer

The Deuce (HBO)

This HBO series, created by George Pelecanos and David Simon and starring James Franco and Maggie Gyllenhaal, takes you on a gritty street-level tour of Manhattan in the early- to mid-‘70s, when prostitution, pimps and peep shows were staples on “the Deuce” (42nd between 7th and 8th Avenues). But this series isn’t just a sex romp with loads of gratuitous nudity—it details not only the ravages of the sex trade but also the rise of the porn industry as public morals, laws and technology begin to change. It’s an eye-opening, often rough trip through an equally rough era for the Big Apple, but you do get to see James Franco play opposite himself as his twin brother. Available On Demand.

— Michelle Kramer-Fitzgerald, Contributing Writer

Three Lesser-Known TV Treats

I may be the movie critic for Out & About, but this cinephile appreciates an inventive, well-structured narrative no matter what the medium, and truth be told, some of the best storytelling these days is happening on TV and not at the local multiplex so much. Game of Thrones, Mr. Robot and now Stranger Things have gotten much of the public’s attention, but there are lesser-known gems worth exploring.

Catastrophe (Amazon) is a bawdy, candid sex comedy starring Sharon Horgan (who also created the series) and Rob Delaney. Their torrid fling turns into an ongoing relationship when she gets pregnant. Humans (AMC) plumbs a borderline between human and android similar to the glitzier Westworld; but being a British import, it is a more thoughtful contemplation of the meaning of humanness and the perils of cyber-technology. Casual (Hulu) is a modern character comedy about two stunted adults, brother and sister, and their extended dysfunctional family and friends…not much plot but fascinatingly flawed characters.

— Mark Fields, Contributing Writer

Marvel’s Runaways

What do you get when you combine the teen-tastic melodrama of Riverdale with the superhero-powered antics of Agents of Shield? Answer: Hulu’s original series Runaways, based on the comic of the same name. The show follows a group of Los Angeles friends who have fallen out with each other over the death of a peer and discover their parents’ annual “charity” event is actually a meeting of a secret sect called “The Pride.” Trying to foil the adults’ schemes, they discover previously unknown powers of their own. New episodes stream Tuesdays on Hulu.

— Scott Pruden, Contributing Writer

Picks of the Music Variety

Jupiter Records, 2200 Marsh Road

This is a browser’s paradise—rooms and rows and rows of records, including CDs and vinyl, of every music genre you’ve ever heard of and even a few you haven’t. Jupiter Records has filled a void in North Wilmington that was left when Jeremiah’s Record Exchange on Philadelphia Pike closed many years ago. Now there’s another place where you can just poke along and explore and get your hands on real vinyl. It’s also located in an old, historic building at the corner of Marsh and Grubb roads that gives the place an added ambiance. Just make sure you give yourself enough time, because this is not a place you want to rush through.

— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer

Vita and The Woolf – Tunnels

The debut full-length Tunnels from Philly’s Vita and the Woolf has largely flown under the radar this year, but it is not to be missed. Vocalist Jen Pague is a force of nature, and the music comes off something like Phantogram with Florence and the Machine on vocals. Brett, Sundrop, Qiet and the choir-enhanced re-envisioning of their earlier hit, “Mary,” are standouts. Catch them live before they are too big to see. Dates available at vitaandthewoolf.com.

— Joe del Tufo, Contributing Photographer

Grace Vonderkuhn

This leading area musician and her band will bring the glories of gritty garage rock to your ears. Catch them between Mid-Atlantic tours at Wilmington venues like 1984. Their new single, “Worry,” is a prelude to a full-length album slated for a Feb. 23 release through EggHunt Records. Have a listen at gracevonderkuhn.bandcamp.com.

— Krista Connor, Senior Editor & Media Manager

WMPH Radio – 91.7 FM

This student-driven radio station was started in 1969 by students at Mount Pleasant High School and was overhauled in 2011 with better equipment and a stronger commitment to serving the students of the Brandywine School District. And even though its 100-watt signal is hard to pick up outside the immediate area, it’s worth your time to find it. The station airs district sports events—with students doing the play-by-play and color commentary—and is also affiliated with Delaware Public Media, which gives it access to National Public Radio. But what makes WMPH special for listeners is its diverse play list. Naturally, it appeals to its student audience with newer music, but it also plays older stuff and doesn’t just regurgitate the played-to-death hits that you hear on most classic rock stations. I’ve heard it play Muddy Waters, the Grateful Dead, Glenn Miller, the Allman Brothers, Miles Davis and even Fairport Convention. Tune in and try it.

— Kevin Noonan, Contributing Writer

Picks of the Drink Variety

19 Crimes Wine

The “19 Crimes” wine is becoming popular, not only because of the quality of the wine, but also the experience. The brand has a historical aspect: The name refers to the British list of crimes that were punishable by transport to Australia. The labels on the wine bottles have the face of a real convict who was sentenced to Australia. Use the accompanying app, and it will animate the image to tell you the convict’s story. As a bonus, it’s also a very tasty wine. So stop in at your local liquor store and indulge in an evening of delicious wine and a historical tale.

— Zuny Jamatte, Catalyst Visuals Intern

Two Roads Espressway

Love a cup of coffee as much as a pint of beer? Why not have both in the same mug? Two Roads Espressway combines a delicious blend of Ethiopian and Sumatran coffee beans with the brand’s rich oatmeal stout, producing a silky, malty brew without any bitter aftertaste. How do they accomplish this? By using a German-built device called a “Brewnik,” which basically pressurizes the coffee and stout, steeping the two until cold-brewed coffee stout is ready for consumption. The Espressway is a new year-round addition to the Two Roads rotation, but the chilly weather makes for the perfect time to load up.

— Rob Kalesse, Contributing Writer

Bellefonte Brewing Company

A brewery you may not have heard much about yet is the Bellefonte Brewing Company. A nano brewery that focuses on making excellent beers with seasonal rotations, its calendar is densely packed with community events and educational offerings. If you consider yourself a beer sommelier, want to learn more about brewing your own stuff, or just want to get to know your neighbors better, a visit to the Bellefonte Brewing Company is well worth your time. The tap room is open Wednesdays through Sundays, though the hours fluctuate based on the day, so check times at bellefontebrewingco.com.

— Dillon McLaughlin, Contributing Writer

DIY Kombucha

My wife and I both realized we love drinking kombucha. It supports healthy gut bacteria and digestion and provides quick and easy energy, without the jitters that coffee can produce. Oh, and it tastes awesome. Most folks who like it find that it can be quite expensive (usually $4-$7 for a single serving). Au contraire, mon frère! I purchased a scoby (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast) for only $9 at the local organic market and I’ve already filled a few dozen bottles of my own. It’s fairly simple and takes just about a week to produce a gallon that’s ready to enjoy. Go with your gut… give it a try.

— Matthew Loeb, Catalyst Visuals, LLC

Home Craft Beer Tasting

There hasn’t been a better time to be a beer drinker than today. With breweries popping up left and right, finding great craft beer is easier than ever. I’ve been acquiring a variety of limited, hard-to-find beers and I have friends who do the same. So what do we do with all this beer? Share it, of course! But bars and restaurants usually frown upon this (unless it’s a BYOB) at their establishments, so we’ve been doing beer shares at home. Invite a few friends over, tell them to bring their selections, order some food and enjoy!

— Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer

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Uber & Lyft: Good for the Bar Business

But does responsible drinking take a back seat?

The digital age of rapidly advancing technology is ubiquitous. Each day, new apps offer us ways to connect and make life easier, whether it’s sharing videos and photos, managing our bank accounts, or checking in and meeting up with friends.

The Uber and Lyft apps have revolutionized the ride-hailing landscape, which once consisted of either scheduling a car service well in advance or calling and waiting on a cab for who knows how long. While they both can be used to hop a ride anywhere, the prevailing destinations are bars and restaurants.

Naturally, the hospitality industry welcomes any assistance when it comes to getting patrons to belly up at their establishments. But sometimes those same apps can encourage folks to stay out past the point of intoxication, knowing they have no responsibility to drive. We asked some local bartenders about the positives and negatives of the digital designated driver.

John Kelly, a Wilmington resident who works at Tonic Bar & Grille on 11th Street, has seen his share of guests who range from the mildly buzzed to the utterly sauced. He believes Uber and Lyft have had a positive effect on business, especially in crowded areas where parking can be an issue.

“For the bars and restaurants, ride-hailing is great. It encourages people to stay out a little longer, and sometimes even gets people out in the first place, if they’re going where parking is an issue,” says Kelly. “We have a garage right around the corner, but the convenience factor is big for Uber users, because they can come and go as they please, sometimes for as much as it costs to park.”

Greg Safian, a bar manager at Trolley Tap House, says ride-hailing services keep the crowds out later, especially in his neighborhood, where parking can be almost non-existent on weekend nights. On average, Safian says, about 25 percent of his patrons use Uber on busier nights.

“The taxi thing is pretty much dead, especially in Wilmington, and I don’t know if you’ll find a bartender who doesn’t appreciate how Uber has had an effect on things,” says Safian. “I can recall, in the past, you might see crowds die down a bit after midnight. Not now. Having the option of what is basically a designated driver—to order—keeps people out, which is a good thing.”

Kelly says nearly 50 percent of his patrons use Uber, either to get to Tonic, get home, or both. And even on the occasion where someone has more than their fair share to drink, Uber makes it easy on the bartender to get the inebriated folks home safely.

“Before ride-hailing became popular, calling a cab for someone could take hours, and even trying to get the address out of a drunk person was a challenge,” says Kelly. “Now you can just ask to use their phone to call them an Uber, hit the ‘HOME’ button, and the car arrives within minutes. It’s not like taking someone’s keys anymore. Most people are happy to get home safely for just a few bucks.” 

Irresponsible Drinking?

While ride-hailing apps keep the inebriated and intoxicated off the roads, the notion of responsible drinking can sometimes take a back seat. After all, when a designated driver can be arranged at the tap of a button, what’s to stop bar hoppers from binge drinking?

Jen Stike, a former bartender at the Greene Turtle in Rehoboth Beach, is all too familiar with the issue. She’s seen hordes of already drunk bar-goers take advantage of ride-hailing at the beach, even though she knows part of the responsibility is still hers.

“I’m sure you’ve seen groups of people come into a bar at the beach in the middle of summer, out of control, yelling, ‘We’re not driving!’ or ‘We took an Uber!’ without realizing I still have a responsibility,” says Stike. “I still go by the old dram laws and consider it my job not to over-serve.”

According to the current State of Delaware Trained Alcoholic Beverage Server Program, Delaware no longer observes Dram Shop laws, which hold a business selling alcoholic drinks liable in the event that someone becomes intoxicated at the establishment and injures themselves or others. However, it is stated that overserving may result in fines and a civil penalty. Either way, Stike isn’t taking chances.

“I think that because people take Uber they think I won’t try and manage their drinking, or serve them responsibly, or cut them off if the situation warrants,” she says. “So, it’s added a little bit of a challenge. Trying to explain to somebody Ubering home that you can’t serve them anymore can be as tough as taking their keys away and calling a cab. I feel like sometimes Uber is used as an excuse, or a crutch.”

Much of Lyft’s and Uber’s business comes from bar patrons who are either heading out or going home. Photo courtesy of Lyft Inc.

Kelly says he’s seen multiple guests do just that—including one regular on multiple occasions—to the point where he must either cut off the person or ask for his or her phone to call Uber to pick them up. It’s an awkward situation, and one he tries to avoid, although sometimes he can’t.

“Bartenders are responsible for not over-serving, let’s make that clear right away,” says Kelly. “But if someone comes in off the street and has already been drinking, it can be hard to tell how far along they are. Sure, [ride-hailing] probably encourages more drinking, but the fact it offers a safe way home is key. It makes our jobs easier, that’s for sure.”

Uber’s Commitment to Safety

Regardless of where you fall on the ride-hailing argument, Uber officials stand by their commitment to provide a safe means of getting home, whether you’ve had one beer or 10. According to Craig Ewer, a Mid-Atlantic spokesperson for Uber, the company even set up a breathalyzer kiosk in Rehoboth last summer.

“Uber is changing the way people think about drinking and driving in Delaware,” says Ewer “By providing a reliable ride at the push of a button—no matter the time or place—we’re empowering people to make better, safer choices.”

Such is Uber’s commitment that, in 2014, it partnered with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) to further fight drunk driving and the accidents and fatalities it causes. Malcolm Friend, Pennsylvania state program manager with MADD, calls the partnership “a match made in heaven.” He adds, however, that his organization has no position on any individual’s alcohol consumption.

“If alcohol is sold legally to patrons over 21, and not those who are already drunk, then it is the business of the individual after that point,” says Friend. “Our goal is to see that people get home safely, and in that regard, Uber has been a wonderful partner. We’ve seen some numbers to specifically support that.”

According to a study furnished by MADD?though conducted by the Benenson Strategy Group, an independent, New-York based strategic research consultancy—the number of arrests for driving under the influence fell 10 percent between 2013 and 2014 in Seattle. Similar results were found in Chicago, Austin, Texas and Pittsburgh.

The numbers are encouraging, though no such studies have been conducted in Delaware. On a national level, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that the number deaths of resulting from alcohol-impaired-driving crashes—not arrests—actually increased slightly between 2015 and 2016, from a total of 10,265 to 10,497.

Safian believes that, in the long run, ride-hailing services are a positive. “My question is, would you rather pay the $5 or $10 for an Uber and worry about getting your car the next day, or pay a ton in fines if you get a DUI, or worse? To me, the answer is pretty clear.”

Uber and Lyft are both available to riders in all three counties in Delaware, including the towns and cities of Wilmington, Newark, Dover, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach and Bethany Beach. The mobile app is available for free download on iPhone and Android OS, as well as Samsung Bada and Windows Mobile.

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A Sizzling Competition

The annual Delaware Burger Battle returns Aug. 26 and benefits the Ministry of Caring and Delaware ProStart

Prepare your taste buds for the annual Delaware Burger Battle, the state’s three-fold celebration of area chefs, parks and—of course—burgers.

The sixth annual Burger Battle will be held on the grounds of Wilmington’s Cauffiel House in Bellevue State Park, on Saturday, Aug. 26.

Some of the state’s most competitive chefs will put their best burgers forward, offering guests unlimited samples as they vie for fame and glory in three categories: Critic’s Choice, Alternative Burger and People’s Choice.

This year’s competitors include Ernest & Scott Taproom, the Brunch Box, Ulysses American Gastropub, Tonic Bar & Grille and more.

In its first five years, the Battle served more than 16,000 burgers to 3,000 people, generating more than $37,000 for Delaware nonprofits.

Proceeds from this all-volunteer-run event will benefit two Delaware nonprofits: Ministry of Caring’s Emmanuel Dining Room, which meets the immediate needs of Wilmington’s hungry, and the ProStart Program of the Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, an industry-driven curriculum that provides real-life experience opportunities and builds practical skills for high school students studying culinary and restaurant management.

The event begins at noon, with trophies awarded at 2:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $50 or $60 at the door, and include all-you-can-eat burger samples. Beer and wine are included in the ticket price for adults, while soft drinks are available for children and designated drivers. Tickets for teens ages 13-20 are $30, and children ages 5-12 are $10. Children under 5 are free.

For more information, visit deburgerbattle.com.

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Fueling the Engine

Here’s your handy guide to both off-the-shelf and at-home energy foods and drinks

Looking to boost your energy throughout the day? Whether you’re trying to overcome the 3 p.m. slump or to increase your athletic performance, it’s important to select the appropriate foods to sustain your energy.

For guidance on the best off-the-shelf and at-home energy foods, I interviewed these six local health experts—nutritionists, trainers and athletes:

• Matt DiStefano, marketing manager at CoreTen Fitness, Wilmington

• Janet Glennon, owner of Toned by Janet, Wilmington

• Kate Mackie, RN, ACSM & ACE-certified trainer at Fusion Fitness Center, Newark

• Scott McCarthy, owner and personal trainer at Balance Strength & Fitness Center, Wilmington

• Nikki Mowbray, membership director and certified health coach at the Central Branch YMCA, Wilmington

• Laura Van Gilder, professional cyclist for Mellow Mushroom Racing Team

What I learned is that, one, I need to eat healthier, and two, all advice should be weighed against your specific nutritional needs, which depend on several factors: age, activity level, body type and hormones.

Also, when it comes to energy food, it’s important to consider your overall health and fitness goals—whether you’re looking to lose, maintain or gain weight and/or muscle. For this article, we’ll focus on macronutrients—carbohydrates, protein and fat—the basic components of any diet and the source of most of our energy.

According to Mowbray, healthy adults who want to maintain weight generally need a macronutrient ratio of “50 percent carbohydrates, 25 percent protein and 25 percent fat.”

For athletes and weightlifters, who generally want to gain muscle, McCarthy recommends a combination of 40 percent carbohydrates, 35 percent protein, 25 percent fat.

And for those hoping to lose weight, the macronutrient distribution shifts to 45 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and 25 percent fat, says Mowbray.

Note: these ranges are estimates and should be based on your body type and nutritional needs.

So, how do these percentages factor into energy food and exercise? As shown in the chart below, our health experts recommend the following macronutrient breakdown to fuel your pre- , during, and post-workout. Keep these in mind when selecting off-the-shelf and at-home energy foods. 

PRE-WORKOUT DURING WORKOUT POST-WORKOUT
Heavy carbs and some protein 90 minutes to two hours before working out. “During high intensity workouts (it’s best to) sip an electrolyte-rich drink with sugar,” says McCarthy. Around a 2:1 ratio of protein to carbohydrates.

Off-the-Shelf Bars

Energy bars are convenient and tasty, but with scores of options, how do you choose?

“When looking for an energy bar, be a customer of the (nutritional) labels,” says Glennon. She recommends looking for energy bars that are low in sugar, made with whole ingredients, namely whole nuts, berries and grains, and if needed, high in protein. Go one step further, recommends Mowbray, and “look for bars that are low in trans fats and no added sugars.”

Some bars are marketed as protein or energy bars, but they may contain upwards of 20 grams of sugar, making them no more than “a glorified candy bar,” Mowbray says.

Finally, choose a bar based on when you’ll need fuel. Energy bars are excellent for pre-workout snacks, especially when combined with a balanced diet. They also are a great supplement both during and after endurance-based activities lasting more than a couple of hours.

“I always have a bar or two in my gym bag or in the car to bridge the gap between meals,” says DiStefano.

Sports Drinks and Gels

Need an alternative to Gatorade? Professional cyclist Van Gilder recommends hydration tablets—Nuun and Skratch Lab.

Full disclosure: I’m a huge fan of Nuun; they’re just like Alka-Seltzer—dissolvable effervescent tablets. Pop them into the specified amount of water and enjoy fun flavors like Strawberry Lemonade and Tri-Berry.

Adds Van Gilder: “(Nuun’s) tropical flavors encourage me to drink when I otherwise wouldn’t.”

Nuun tablets are packed with electrolytes and are low in calories and sugar. Skratch Lab’s Hydration Mix is similar, but available only in powder form. With flavors like Matcha + Lemons with caffeine and Raspberry, both Skratch and Nuun offer a cheaper alternative to the well-known hydration brands.

For those who need sustained energy during intense workouts or competition lasting more than two hours, Van Gilder also recommends Gu Energy gels, which are easily digestible and a perfect way to get carbohydrates during strenuous exercise without causing gastrointestinal issues that accompany eating solid foods.

For post-workout recovery, many of the health experts recommended protein shakes. “Just keep in mind,” says Mackie, “that protein powders are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration,” so stick to reliable brands like Optimum Nutrition and PlantFusion. Both brands ranked high with the experts due to their high-quality protein and flavor varieties.

Here’s a roundup of off-the-shelf energy bars and drinks recommended by our experts:

NAMES CLAIMS BEST FOR NOTES
Kind Bars All bars are made from “nutritionally dense ingredients like whole nuts, fruits and whole grains”; no artificial flavors, preservatives or sweeteners. Everyone Recommended by a majority of the panel, Kind Bars are lightly drizzled with chocolate and are perfect for those with a sweet tooth.
Quest Bars High protein (20-21 grams per serving); no added sugar, soy or gluten. Athletes Mainstream choice for protein bar. Perfect for athletes needing a high protein bar to fuel their workouts.
RX Bars No added sugar; no artificial colors or flavors; no preservatives or fillers, and no dairy, soy, gluten or B.S. (yes, they claim that). Everyone Those who want real ingredients and no B.S.
LUNA Bars Non-GMO, no gluten, partially-hydrogenated oils, trans fats, high fructose corn syrup or artificial flavors; also high in calcium, folic acid and iron. Made specifically for women, but men can indulge too. LUNA bars are one of the first bars created specifically for women. Owned by Clif Bar &
Company, makers of Clif Bars.
Kashi Go Lean Bars All bars have “multi-source plant protein,” are non-GMO and have no gluten. Some bars are vegan. Everyone For those who seek exotic flavors.
Epic Bars No dairy, gluten, grains, soy; low in sugar and high in protein. Everyone The only “paleo-friendly” energy bar on the list that is meat-based. Epic bars are perfect for those who want little to no sugar.
Nuun Hydration Tablets Low in calories and sugar; packed with electrolytes. Athletes Portable and easy-to-use. Multiple product lines: Active, Energy, Vitamins and Performance.
Skratch Labs Hydration Mix Non-GMO; no dairy or gluten; and vegan and kosher. Athletes No artificial sweeteners and portable (if you buy the individual sachets). Not all flavors dissolve due to the
“real” fruit.
Optimum Nutrition – whey powder High quality (100 percent whey). Athletes 24 grams of protein per serving. Also offers casein, soy, egg and blended proteins.
GU Energy Labs’ Gel All energy gels are vegan, gluten free and kosher. Athletes Ultra-portable sachets that are 100 calories per packet and high in carbohydrates for sustained energy.
PlantFusion – vegan protein powder No dairy, eggs, fish, gluten, nuts, shellfish, soy, or tree nuts; and no artificial flavors or preservatives. Athletes 21 grams of protein and 120 calories per 12-oz. shake.

At-Home Energy Foods

All-day energy doesn’t come in a one-size-fits-all solution or “miracle” food. Our health experts stress the importance of continually fueling the body throughout the day and not getting to the point of being “hangry” (hungry + angry). Mowbray’s solution to fuel the 3 p.m. slump is to eat a “mini meal,” or 150-250-calorie snack that balances the right number of macronutrients—mostly carbohydrates and protein, with minimal fat.

Says Glennon: “Stay away from refined foods, which are low in fiber and can cause a glycemic spike, in addition to fatty and fried foods, which require a lot of digestion.”

Adds DiStefano: “What it boils down to is the preparation time. You’re bound to make less healthy choices when you have no options.” He recommends having a jar of peanut butter readily available
for when the “hangry” monster appears. His go-to snack is a PB&J smoothie with almond milk, strawberry purée, banana, peanut butter, spinach, flax seeds and protein powder (optional).

Or, if you’re in downtown Wilmington, head to CoreTen Fitness’ Smoothie Bar, which is open to the public. Stay energized throughout the day by filling up on these at-
home energy-packed foods:

AT-HOME ENERGY FOODS EXPERT’S TAKE
Dried berries & nuts “Trader Joe’s has a massive selection of dried fruits and nuts, so you can mix and match,” says Mowbray.
Fruit/vegetable with protein Carrots or peppers and hummus; apple or banana
and nut butter.
Eggs One of the most inexpensive, protein-dense foods available.
Smoothies Pre-measure frozen fruits into plastic bags for when the craving strikes.
Greek Yogurt “Try Chobani 100 or Dannon Oikos Triple Zero Greek yogurt. Both varieties are low in sugar,” says Mackie. “Mix with berries and nuts for a low-calorie yogurt parfait.”
Nut Butters A resounding favorite among all interviewed. “Stick with nut butters that have little to no added sugar,” says Mackie.
Water Stay hydrated with this free (sort of), zero-calorie drink.
Chocolate Milk A good, inexpensive, high-endurance, post-workout recovery
Whole grains Combine whole grains with protein to “hold you over” between meals. “Quinoa is high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats,” says Glennon.
Beans and lentils “Beans and lentils are low in fat and high in many micronutrients and fiber,” says Glennon.
Oatmeal with fruit “Choose non-instant oatmeal topped with fruit,” says McCarthy.

These are just a sampling of the energy food and drink options on the market. With so many out there, we encourage you to read the nutritional label carefully and use these energy food charts as a guide to fuel your engine throughout your day and your workout. Reference the charts to get started.

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Food & Brew Hits 14

The annual Newark festival has become a celebration of community

The Newark Food and Brew Festival (F&B) returns for its 14th year on Saturday, July 22, from noon to 7 p.m. in downtown Newark.

F&B began in 2003 as an event aimed at showcasing the craft beer scene and the many restaurants of downtown Newark. But it quickly became more than a compilation of food and beer, evolving into a representation of the community. F&B gives the citizens of Newark a chance to enjoy their town, listen to live music, eat delicious meals, and indulge in a diverse selection of beers without the usual crowds. It also allows local businesses to connect with the full-time residents of Newark.

“So much of our business comes from not only the college students, but the support staff for the university—professors, staff, and their families,” says Sasha Aber, owner of Home Grown Café and a veteran of F&B. “During the summer, those patrons go their own way, and the locals begin to emerge in droves. It’s great to see people running into old friends and making new acquaintances in the heart of our town.”

F&B was one of the first craft beer events in Delaware. Fourteen years later, it has grown into one of Newark’s most anticipated summer festivals. “Food and Brew highlights the best of downtown Newark,” says Megan McNerney, Community Affairs officer for the city.

This year, 18 establishments along Main Street will participate. Each will be paired with featured beers from a selected brewery. Some of the breweries include Lagunitas, Brooklyn Brewing Co., Victory, Dogfish Head and more. To make the most of the $1-$2 beer samples, available at each establishment, the first 2,000 visitors to this year’s F&B will receive a commemorative five-ounce tasting mug.

Participating restaurants will serve tapas styled bites to go with the brews. “The restaurants are pairing specialty plates with beers to give customers a unique experience,” says McNerney.
Old Favorites, such as Catherine Rooney’s, Home Grown Café and The Deer Park Tavern, will also offer tasty plates. Some establishments, such as Café Gelato, have full entrée deals and larger beer samples for the attendees.

F&B is a pay-as-you-go festival. Attendees can stop at as many of the participating establishments as they wish and get their fill, while enjoying the town and a night out in their community. The pay-as-you-go aspect allows them to participate without breaking the bank—or expanding the waistline.
For more information and the full list of participating restaurants and featured breweries, visit newarkfoodandbrewfest.com.

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Summer Suds Worth Sipping

A few brews we think you may enjoy

Magic Hat, Bob’s 1st Ale
For crisp, cool summer nights, fruity or wheat beers just don’t seem right. On the other hand, Bob’s 1st Ale presents an interesting alternative: smooth and light but complex, sweet and malty but with some citrusy undertones. As many older drinkers can remember, Magic Hat was one of the original craft breweries on the East Coast. This beer—the first one the brewery created—seems to signal a return to the inventiveness and overall quality of years past. Look for this brewer to revive other classics this year.
— Jim Miller, Director of Publications

Epic Brewing, Brainless on Peaches
Over a recent weekend, I enjoyed a new selection from a brewer I had not tried previously: Brainless on Peaches. Epic Brewing Co. out of Salt Lake City produces a fine Belgian-style ale. This beer, a spinoff of one of the company’s decorated recipes, brings a fruitier and wine-like taste to its Belgian staple. I found my bottle at State Line Liquors in Elkton, Md.
— Ryan Alexander, Contributing Designer

Two Roads, Two Juicy New England-style Double IPA
Doesn’t finish as clean as Vermont’s famed Heady Topper, but this New England-style double IPA is a must-try. Great citrus aroma with hints of grapefruit and tangerine. Its 8.2 ABV gets your attention quickly, but that’s standard for this craft category. So mow the grass before—not after—you have one.
— Jerry duPhily, Publisher

New Belgium, Citradelic Tangerine IPA
Citradelic starts out sweet, but mellows out into a well-balanced, medium body IPA. The clean, crisp taste from the citrus and tropical fruit (pineapple) marries perfectly with the outrageous blend of 10 different hops. Available in bottles and cans for easy portability, Citradelic is also available in Exotic Lime, featuring Persian limes, coriander and black pepper.
— Leeann Wallett, Contributing Writer

Dogfish Head, SeaQuench Ale
I discovered SeaQuench style of beer at Dogfish’s Analog-A-Go-Go Music Fest last year. Low ABV, strong flavor and a good, cool face-pucker give this sour gose high marks as a summer refresher. Happy it’s not so hard to find these days.
— Joe del Tufo, Contributing Photographer

Mispillion River, Reach Around IPA
This American IPA is available all year, but I like it best during the summer months. Mild for an IPA, this light-flavored, dry, hoppy brew is perfect for day-sipping under the sun.
— Matt Loeb, Creative Director

Austin Eastciders, Pineapple Cider
Since beer doesn’t exactly sit with my system so well, I’m going to suggest Austin Eastciders Pineapple Cider, which has slowly started making its way onto the cider scene across the country. I first fell for the Pineapple, but really like the Texas Honey too. Definitely worth trying if you’re into ciders.
— Jim Coarse, Contributing Photographer

Founders, All-Day IPA
It’s summer. It’s hot. But you still want all the hop flavor and aroma you’ve come to enjoy from an IPA, without all that alcohol content that makes you dizzy in the heat. My choice is Founder’s All-Day IPA. You’ll get great floral and citrus hop flavor, but in a session format, so you can go the distance at just 4.7 percent ABV per can. If you’re looking for a full-flavored but low-booze IPA, you just “found” one.
— Rob Kalesse, Contributing Writer

Twin Lakes, Caesar Rodney Golden Ale
I had the opportunity to try this beer at Old New Castle’s Separation Day kick-off party, and I was so impressed that I drank it all night. A nice malty backbone, nice citrusy hop character, and a light color and texture kept me going back for more. Hopefully, this ends up in cans so we can take them to the beach.
— Tyler Mitchell, Graphic Designer

Iron Hill, Gozer
Iron Hill is our go-to spot when the kiddoes are in tow. I was glad to see that they added a gose to the menu this summer. Gozer (named after the local band) is light-bodied and slightly sour with a bit of salt and coriander on the finish. At 4.2 percent ABV, it’s a great beer for a hot summer day.
— Marie Graham, Director of Digital Media

Victory, Prima Pils
This Victory Brewing Company German pilsner, at 5.3 percent ABV, is a summer quencher full of herbal bite and hoppy delight. Balanced nicely between sweet and bitter, it’s refreshing and light. Pair it with fun foods like pizza or barbeque fare and you’re good to go.
— Krista Connor, Associate Editor

Miller Lite with a half-teaspoon of Country Time Lemonade Mix
As we inexorably march toward the heat death of the universe, summers become increasingly unforgiving. A watery, low-gravity beer like Miller Lite is perfect for making sure one doesn’t pass out in the harsh sun and wake up, hungover, in the burn ward. But how does one make it easy on the palate? Country Time Lemonade Mix. For fans of Leinenkugel Summer Shandy, or a “Rattail” (from the German radler).
— David Hazardous, Special Projects

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On a Lighter Note

A tilt toward lower ABV sessions leads craft beer trends in 2017

If you’re a craft beer drinker, you know the struggle.

You relish the slow-drinking delights of a hoppy India pale ale with a hearty meal or a few drinks with friends, then call it a night, relatively unfazed by the 6 percent (or higher) ABV.

Then comes the barbecue. Or the day at the beach. You’re in for the long haul, and an afternoon of those IPAs you normally savor is going to hit just a little too hard for you to head home under your own power. It’s one of those moments as a craft beer fan when you think to yourself, “It sure would be nice to have a crisp, refreshing pilsner that went down easy like the ones dad used to drink, but still had some craft beer personality.”

The good news is that craft brewers, who helped launch the IPA craze, feel the same way, says Mike Piorunsky, brewer for Evolution Craft Brewing Co. The Salisbury, Md., brewhouse has introduced Delmarva Pure Pils to its lineup to entice the more session-minded consumer looking for clean refreshment with the quality of a good craft brew.

“You definitely are looking for that drinkability factor,” says Piorunsky. “And with this beer, the intent was to make something that would have a lot of the traditional characteristics of the pilsner style.” While not as heavily hopped as many of the craft beers people are most familiar with, there’s still that touch—mostly aromatic—that says this was a purposefully crafted brew.

But it’s not just the drinker preferences that brewers are aiming to satisfy, says John Leyh, craft and specialty brand manager for NKS Distributors in Wilmington. It’s also about the bottom line.
“More people are drinking craft beer every day, but not as fast as there are new beers available to them,” he says. “These brewers have kind of gotten into a place where they’ll make a really good IPA, but [thanks to traditionally higher alcohol content] people can’t drink a lot of it.”

Those brewers are also looking at beer sales figures showing that nearly 80 percent of the beer sold in the United States still falls under the heading of German-style pilsners—the Budweisers and Michelobs that combine smooth drinking with a lower alcohol by volume. Not wanting to give up their growing market share to the big brewers of the world, craft brewers are getting the message and ramping up production of their own pilsners, blonde ales and golden lagers, Leyh says.

“It’s effectively the same style of beer as Budweiser, it just might have a little more of a hop character,” he says. “The brewers are offering what the consumer wants and hoping they’ll pay for something that’s a better beer. They like making really good beer, but they also like selling a lot of it.”

Selling more also means finding a niche that isn’t being filled by other brewers, Leyh says. Those pitching a new IPA to a bar that already has several on tap in that category won’t get a positive response, but offering something different like a flavorful golden ale or pilsner gives a brewer a better chance of getting that foot in the door. Often, the hope is that a good experience with a beer that has broad appeal might lead to a tavern owner trying another beer from that brewer.

“This is kind of a course correction because it allows the craft brewing community to service more customers,” says Leyh.

Evolution’s Piorunsky concurs.

“When we put this beer together, we did it with the thought that it’s going to be approachable to everyday beer drinkers in the market and flavorful enough to capture the palate of someone who would normally buy an IPA,” he says.

Golden Delicious

Here are a few of the latest crop of golden brews sure to make your summer sipping more refreshing:

Fordham Gypsy Lager – Particularly here in the Northeast, saying “lager” denotes a specific brand that often is not up to snuff for many craft beer drinkers. What Fordham has done is take the traditional Munich-style Helles lager, with its distinctive Munich and Vienna malts, and created a honey-tinged sweetness that contrasts the hoppy bitterness. Clean and crisp, this brew checks in with a 5 percent ABV that won’t overwhelm your afternoon by the pool.

Firestone Walker Pivo Pilsner – As with any good pilsner, Pivo starts with the classic styles of Europe – in this case the Czech Republic, Italy and Germany. But the folks at Firestone have put a decidedly American spin on the Old-World flavors by adding hops at the end of the brewing process, thus delivering the aromatic floral notes of the hops without the bitterness.

Kona Big Wave Golden Ale – Hawaii wouldn’t seem to be a hotbed of heavy IPA brews, but the folks at Kona do offer their own spin on the venerable ale. This golden ale pairs a light body with floral hoppiness for easy-drinking refreshment that complements seafood, pasta dishes and poultry.
Goose Island Four Star Pils – Another take on the traditional pilsner, this one emerged, according to Goose Island lore, from its employees’ interest in brewing a beer “they could enjoy at the end of their shift.” Brewed with a blend of American and German hops and with an easy-drinking 5.1 percent ABV, this is a flavorful pick for your enjoyment after work and over the weekend.

A pair of 'juicy" IPAs.
A pair of ‘juicy” IPAs.

Give It Some Juice

Not all refreshment this summer will be had at the hands of a pilsner or golden ale, however. The venerable IPA has gotten a boost of summertime sparkle from the increasingly popular addition of fruitier hops varieties, resulting in a flavor that’s come to be described as “juicy.”

While not involving actual juices, these (often double) IPAs possess a flavor and aroma that departs from the usual piney overtones of traditional hops and comes off as more fruity or citrusy. Think pineapple or passionfruit rather than the floral notes that often accompany a traditional IPA.

But even though these newer arrivals might make it seem like juice is the hot new thing, using actual juices and fruit sodas in beers has been around for a while. Shandies—essentially a lager spiked with lemon soda—have been slow to catch on with the craft beer crowd because they go against much of what they strive for in the way of complex flavors and high alcohol content. But as warm weather is upon us and every bit of refreshment is appreciated, it’s worth noting that summer brings more of these juice-infused delights than any other time of year, and that some craft brewers are warming up to the idea of cooling off with some juicy creations of their own.

The Crowler

One of the pervasive challenges of loving your local brewpub has been enjoying their beers at home. Not long ago, the only option a devoted fan had was to purchase a “growler”—essentially a jug—from said brewpub and pay to have it filled. But as handy as growlers are for beer you plan to drink quickly, they’re not great at keeping beer fresh for longer than a few days.

And those craft brewers that focus more on bottled beers than on-site brewpub consumption have their own portability problems. What to do if you’re inclined to carry your favorite craft brew to an event that limits or prohibits glass containers?

The solution: The “crowler,” essentially a canned, sealed version of the growler that saves brewpub proprietors the hassle of dealing with customers who return unwashed growlers and likewise sparing customers the aggravation of beer that skunks after a few days in the fridge.

Still more convenient: Regular old cans that you can grab at your favorite retailer. Downingtown, Pa.’s Victory Brewing is offering a limited edition seasonal 12-can variety pack through August that includes four summer seasonals: Summer Love, Vital IPA, Hop Devil IPA and Prima Pils. Meanwhile, local brewpub chain Iron Hill has begun offering canned versions of its most popular brews, including Vienna Red Lager; Mahalo, Apollo!, and Rising Sun IPA.

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Summer Happy Hour at Delaware Art Museum

Every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. until Sept. 14, the Delaware Art Museum will host an evening happy hour on the Museum’s back terrace or in the Thronson Café (weather permitting). Food and drink options will be provided by Toscana. Guests are encouraged to tour the museum’s many exhibits before or after the happy hour or enjoy live music provided by local musician Seth Tillman on July 6 and 13. On July 27, the museum will have a Happy Hour Game Night with a variety of outdoor games, including cornhole and Jenga. The DAM is located at 2301 Kentmere Parkway in Wilmington.

For more information on the Summer Happy Hours and upcoming events, check visit delart.org/programs-events/calendar/.

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New Wilmington Restaurant

A new restaurant, Bull Bay Caribbean Cuisine, opened in Wilmington last month at 900 N. Orange St. Jamaican cuisine and culture influence the restaurant’s dishes, which includes jerk chicken, coconut rice and shrimp and grits. The drink menu includes a full bar, beer, wine, and a variety of house-made specialty cocktails. Bull Bay is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Monday through Saturday and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lunch and dinner are served every day and brunch is served on weekends. For more information, go to facebook.com/bullbaycuisine.