NYC Tastes

Today's New Brew Friday comes directly from Side Project Brewing where Mr. T and I spent most of the past weekend.  This place was honestly one of the best breweries I've visited.  The beer list was loaded with some of their highest rated bottles, the staff were incredible friendly and knowledgeable and the space was so clean and comfortable I just wanted to spend the entire weekend relaxing in the tap room. Beer Barrel Time is Side Project's non-adjunct blend of Barrel Aged Stouts; which means there's no added flavors to this beer like vanilla or coffee beans.  It's just pure stout goodness that really showcases the Heaven Hills Bourbon Barrels they select for each batch.  This was rich and silky with a smooth oak and caramel finish that was incredibly drinkable for the 15% ABV.  I was almost ready to order another one when the new beer menu came out for the evening. Apparently we got one of the very last bottles!  So happy to have gotten to try ...

Mr. T was in St. Louis for work last week so I decided to join him for a quick 24 hour trip.  On the agenda- hanging out Side Project Brewery and getting some delicious regional eats starting at The Blue Duck.    This sprawling tavern in Maplewood specializes in American comfort food with hearty starters like the delicious crock of roaster cauliflower with butter, cheese and fried sage alongside a plate of homemade cornbread served with smoked apple butter sauce and whipped honey butter. I honestly love anything with the word "honey butter" attached but this cornbread was especially wonderful.  The top outer shell was crisp and buttery while the insides stayed light and almost creamy in texture.   Since comfort food seemed to be the name of this game I went all out with some Macaroni & Cheese and the Grilled Chicken Club sandwich. This sandwich was far beyond an ordinary chicken club with thick cut Swiss Cheese,...