As I was strolling through Costco a few weeks ago, I ended up in the beer section. Somehow this seems to occur every time I make a Costco run. Guilty pleasure I guess. My eyes are trained to look for new and interesting beers that I’ve never had before, and this time was no exception. They immediately latched onto a green-labeled bottle, bearing the title “Cascaderade.”
“Is it like a hoppy Gatorade?” my brain churned. “Or maybe a play-on-words between Cascade hops and lemonade?” At any rate, the 22-ounce bottle made its way to the checkout line. Cool label, local beer (Sudwerk Brewing, Davis), and it’s an India Pale LAGER?! Ok, you’ve won me over.
On the label, an 1800s-style map of the Pacific Northwest is shown with a dotted trail leading from the Yakima Valley (home to fields of delicious Cascade hop vines) to the Sudwerk Brewing Co. in Davis, California.
When the dry-hopped IPL is poured, the familiar notes of citrus and bready resin fill the air. It has a piney, hoppy taste and has a nice golden auburn color. It has an ABV of 6.6% and 50 IBUs, making it a distinctly hoppy and bitter lager, but much less so than your traditional India Pale Ale. It’s a full-bodied beer, no doubt, but much less intense.
I think it would be safe to say that if I saw a Cascaderade stand selling drinks on the corner, I would be a loyal customer, especially on a hot summer day.
Archives for September 2014
Food Literacy Fair
Looking for a way to get your family pumped about eating veggies? Take them to the Food Literacy Fair on September 14th!
“What is food literacy,” you ask? Food literacy means understanding the impact of your food choices on your health, the environment, and our community. Established in 2011, the Food Literacy Center is committed to educating and inspiring low-income children to eat their veggies and understand the importance of nutrition. Students learn fruit and vegetable appreciation, how to read nutrition labels, basic cooking skills and environmental impacts of their food choices.
In celebration of Food Literacy Month, local residents are invited to attend the Food Literacy Fair at Southside Park on September 14th. Enjoy live music from The Hoots, live cooking demonstrations featuring local kids and chefs, crafts, kids’ games, free food samples, veggie costumes, face painting, a photo booth, awards and the announcement of the Veggie of the Year!
Don’t miss the fun!
Food Literacy Fair
When: September 14 at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Southside Park (2115 6th St.)
Tickets: Free!
Oysters in Humboldt
Before last weekend, I’d never written a Yelp review. Despite having been to countless wonderful restaurants and devouring several fantastic meals, writing a Yelp review was never the post-meal priority. But last Saturday, everything changed. I had the best meal of my life and for the first time, writing a Yelp review became the post-meal priority.
I was on a seven-hour road trip up to Trinidad, CA when it happened. Somewhere around hour five, the Peg House popped up out of nowhere and we pulled in – determined to find a restroom. And while I can’t say much for the port-o-potty behind the the wooden burger/oyster stand, I can’t say enough about my meal. Three barbecued oysters, served piping hot on the half shell with equal parts oyster and garlic and were drenched in a bath of cioppino-like sauce I’ll never be able to recreate, or describe.
Suddenly, it was over. I was torn between licking the shells and going to shake the hand of the man who had prompted my first Yelp review (and ultimately changed my life as a foodie). I opted for the latter and left that day with more satisfaction and garlic breath than I’ve ever known.
Case and point: the next time you find yourself heading North on the 101, make the Peg House in Humboldt County a destination, and the subsequent Yelp review a priority.
Coffee Crawl Sacramento This Saturday
There are just a few tickets still available for the Coffee Crawl Sacramento this Saturday, September 6. Crawlers will start at Insight Coffee Roasters for event bags full of swag and kick off presentations before heading out by car or bike to experience the magic at other participating shops, including Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters, Fluid Espresso Bar, Pachamama Coffee Cooperative, Son of a Bean Coffee House, and Temple Coffee Roasters. The Crawl After Party, hosted by Roaster Sponsor Temple Coffee, will conclude a great day for Sacramento coffee lovers.
Tickets are $32 and available here (note: only tickets for routes 5 and 6 are still available).