The Bad
The words are flying fast and furious and the s**t is piling higher and deeper. Foobooz has an update to the update on The Bookstore, Fork & Barrel, Tap & Table soap opera. The spicy part of all this drama are the comments following the post. Hmmm, so how do you really feel about this restaurateur? I see lawyers in someones future. I guess he can always concentrate on his more positive endeavour at 1113 Walnut Street.
The Good and Tasty
The Mysterious Kelleigh and Ms. Bex accompanied me to the Evil Twin Brewing launch at The Farmers' Cabinet (1113 Walnut Street) on Tuesday night. The ladies arrived first and I drifted in around half an hour before the official start time. Perfect time to get settled, check the surroundings and peruse the menu.
Stepping into the place is like stepping back in time. The whole speakeasy vibe is 100% in effect. Thankfully not in a corny Disney way. Instead the rustic interior is a hip nod to the past. First, the place is dark. There's recessed lighting but most of the illumination is from oil lamps and candles. Not a problem once your eyes adjust. If you need it small flashlights are available to make menu reading easier. Dark wood, long communal tables, ceiling height curtains, live jazz, barrel tables, hidden rooms and vintage furniture all create a proper hideaway.
As wonderful as the surroundings were it was the beer that coaxed us out of the burbs on a week night. After some words from Brian Ewing owner of 12% Imports and Brewer Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergso (pictured above) of Evil Twin Brewing, we were served a flight of five beers. All were impressive (full review on the way) however, Yin a 10% Imperial Stout and Disco Beer a 10.5% IPA/Chardonnay blend were standouts.
Of the five beers Disco Beer (above, 1st from the left) offered the most unique ride. The hop bitterness and grape sweetness created a complimenting well balanced blend. The fruit factor was big in the aroma, while the hops popped more during the first sip. That hoppiness then tones down at the midway point allowing the sweetness to come in. It all finished with a wine like dryness and more hop bite. Very well done.
I could easily get more into the beer and the food, especially the Bourbon Braised Escargot, but if all goes as planned those details will come from a new contributor. Lets just say I Am Beer Wise is seeking a more feminine voice. Someone to balance my rough and cynical side. Interesting changes are on the horizon.
Meantime seek out Evil Twin and slip into The Farmers' Cabinet. Both should impress. Rumor has it that a certain Thursday night crew straight outta 422 way will be paying the place a visit at the end of the week. I certainly have no problem going another round at The Farmers' Cabinet.
Update
Over at Beer Advocate there's a thread about brewer Terry Hawbaker and what he has planned for The Farmers' Cabinet. Sounds like the first beer to come out of the two-barrel system will be an, "uber-hoppy IPA". More on this here.
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