Category: Beer & Food

Alright, with the way things are going, I’m not sure if I’ll get around to the other two… can you get a pint in a to-go cup? Is that legal?? But here are a few thoughts on the beers my crack team o’ tasters got around to last week:

WoodGrain Brewing Co. Mash Madness Brew: Snobbery
As they say: “The Snobbery is a super sessionable NE-Style IPA. Get your fill of citrus and tropical fruit notes with a little hop bitterness. The Snobbery is a refreshing beer perfect for any time of the year!” My take: This is a great beer! Fantastic beer! My perfect cup-o-suds! But they’ve had it on tap before, so I just can’t give ’em a vote for phoning one in.

Remedy Brewing Company Mash Madness Brew: Amaretto Sour
As they say: “Inspired by the cocktail it’s named after, this refreshingly tangy German Berliner Weisse made with house toasted almonds, tart Oregon cherry, and vanilla will send your taste buds on a rollercoaster of flavor! Your first sip begins with a rush of tart cherry, followed by a toasty nuttiness that mellows into soft vanilla and bready wheat.” My take: You gotta lot going on! This is definitely a one-beer-with-dinner drink, something to sip at while expanding your palette. I’m thinking a nice piece of salmon off the grill on an early summer’s eve. So, did I like it? Well, sure. It was fun.

Fernson Brewing Company Brew Name: Tropical Punch Smoothie Sour
As they say: “Kettle soured ale fermented with passionfruit, pink guava, pomegranate, and madagascar vanilla beans. Juicy,  sweet, and tart.” My take: Again with the sour! Trends being what they are, I won’t downvote this guy for not being an IPA. There’s more to life than hops, or so I’m told. That being said, this beer has ’em and more. No, it’s not going to be my everyday elixir, but I like what it’s doing. Nice balance of extra elements. But it’s still beer, under there.

At the end of the evening, Fernson’s Tropical Punch Smoothie Sour was the squad’s unanimous favorite. I’ll let you know how Severance and Monk’s fair if we get around to round two. I’m pretty sure that local brews are good for what ails ya, right?

Skip the sports, head straight for the beer! For the 4th year in a row, our fine local breweries will be competing in Mash Madness, fermenting one-of-a-kind kegs just for the competition.

The tournament kicks off on First Friday (March 6th) and will wrap up on the 22nd. Download the app to track your drinks and to make your vote count.

We’re still not sure who’s in — the full list of participating breweries remains a secret. But Woodgrain (always a strong contender) has declared that they’re ready to rumble. Sounds like a fine start. Keep an eye out for updates here and at DTSF.com for updates as they become available.

Interesting article in the Argus Leader about the Phillips Ave. Diner. If you’re new-ish to town, you might think that the diner’s always been there, just another culinary option in a city that gets busier by the day.

But things weren’t always that way downtown, and at the time, moving the classic car to a little used city-owned parking lot was a bold move.

To quote:

According to historical accounts online and newspaper archives, not everyone was on board with moving the unique building to the heart of the city.

“There’s been a minor hubub (sic) growing over the diner, which some people say doesn’t fit with the character of downtown — out of place, jarring, ugly,” wrote the Argus Leader editorial board in July 2005 in a piece supporting the location.

Sounds like they’ve changed their tune! Read more at the Argus Leader. (And if you’re hitting your “free article” wall, just subscribe already. Digital is dirt cheap, and supporting local journalism is the responsible thing to do!)

They’ve been teasing us for years, scouting locations and testing the waters, but local news sources have confirmed: Chipotle is coming to Sioux Falls. They’ve got a spot reserved at Empire Place – a new retail strip expansion at the Empire Mall.

Although Chipotle is sure to do well – there’s nothing quite like their barbacoa and cilantro-lime rice – they might be a little late. Sioux Falls has learned how to get its burrito on over the last few years. We’re already well served by a few established chains, and fans of local favorites such as Giliberto’s, Jacky’s, and Nikki’s won’t be switching loyalties anytime soon.

But more burritos is always better burritos, right? Be sure to give them a big welcome this fall when they open their doors on 41st St.

Full disclosure: Your correspondent didn’t not complete the task before him, but he did put on a few pounds trying. This year’s Burger Battle, sponsored as always by DTSF, wrapped up January 31st with Parker’s Bistro taking home the crown.

Lot of great contenders out there, and with 16 great burgers to choose from the competition was tight. Fan favorites also included The Market, Haskett’s, and the Treasury.

Start training now – next year will be here before you know it.