Craft beer, fine food
HodgePodge by Charlie Hodge
It’s too hot to garden.
In fact, it’s even too hot to cook on the barbecue.
Tez and I have decided it’s time to get smart and play life’s survival game like many people do when it gets too hot – work or play inside. We further decided to take that thought process a step further and simply combine work with play. Cooking at home is work. It’s far more like play when someone else does it for you. If I can find someone to cook a meal and serve us a drink, and then I can write about it, that folds in the work concept as well.
The end goal is printing some HodgePodge’s throughout the summer both locals and tourists can use as fun, food and frivolity guides. It was Brian who further suggested I take our new beer experiences, combined with food exploits, and tell readers. A tourist guide to craft beer and pub foods. It was Brian who suggested we only research craft beers to begin with.
So with the (s)willing skills and help of best friends Curtis, Brian (aka Beers with Brian), and wife Tez (wine and seafood expert) we took our work and play plan to the next level.
Work and play where?
Curtis, Brian and I like a cold beer while Tez’s arm can be twisted for a quality white wine. All four of us enjoy being served a quality meal at a reasonable price. Regardless – the quest of the adventures is always to include pub food or a full meal with quality craft beer and high end service.
Brian’s comment regarding “‘craft beer’ only” was top notch. Wow, what a superb suggestion and eye opener. I was not even close in comprehending what an impressive, burgeoning business the craft beer industry has turned into. The Okanagan, and Kelowna in particular, hosts an impressive, flourishing and diverse craft brewing bonanza, with facilities of all shapes and sizes springing up in some unique and thoughtful locations
Our first soggy suds sojourn suggestion is to park your boat at Turtle Bay Marina. One of the coziest, enjoyable pubs around, enhanced naturally by being a marina on a gorgeous section of the lake Turtle Bay also boasts a yummy, varied, and reasonably priced menu. While it may lack in a large selection of craft beers it does offer one of the more famous local species – Okanagan Springs 1516. Naturally the pub has a nice selection of wine for Tez and or any other wine connoisseurs.
Farther down the road in beautiful Lake Country Curtis and I popped into Britannia’s for some true craft beer ambience. The Britannia Brewing Company provides a plethora of craft choices including ales, malts, and stouts. We both opted for a set of ‘flights’ which is four samplings of different beers. It’s a brilliant marketing idea and a great way for a customer to search out a taste, style, and strength of beer they may like. Great suggestion by Kenna serving customers at Britannia, Thanks Kenna.
Surprise of the week for me was adventuring into the newly expanded and renovated Freddy’s Brew Pub.
Though the major expansion and renovations took place a while ago I had not visited for, well, obviously too long. Regardless the facility boasts a huge outdoor deck which can be used for live music, dance floor, or expanded dining. Their menu is large and varied and, as the name would indicate, lots of craft beers to select from. I’m heading back for another visit again soon
My favourite was the Hawk Rider Red Lager and the Grand Poohbah Nitro Stout. On the cocktail side server Lila claims their Mojitos are raved about as are Peach Bourbon Sour and Freddy’s Lemonade. Freddy’s also offers a Saturday ‘brecky’ and Sunday brunch from 11-2.
So there’s a few places for you to check out. My mighty research team and I shall report back soon with thoughts on Barn Owl Brewing, The Office, Railside Brewing, Grey Fox, Jack Knife, Unleashed and others. If you have a brew pub you think I should check out let me know. Just email hodgepodge at charliehodge333@gmail.com
Just so you know, we do not drive impaired. Curtis often drinks the ‘pretend’ beer and Tez always watches the limits.
Until next week – enjoy the beautiful place we live. Wear your hat.
