Sunday, January 15, 2012 at 11:50AM If you ever visit Las Vegas, my instructions are as follows:
I couldn't get enough of the texture and the flavor. Just look at it! Doesn't it look exciting and new? I can't even look at it without feeling hungry. I'll be back.
Food Wednesday, January 11, 2012 at 9:00AM In terms of professional recognition, are there any honors higher than those awarded by peers? For brewers in the United States, the largest peer judged competition would have to be the Great American Beer Festival. Hundreds of breweries enter thousands of beers to be judged in a blind tasting by judges carefully picked from the beer industry.
If you've watched similar industry competitions, like the Academy Awards, you might imagine evening gowns, tuxedos, and drinks that call for an extended pinky finger. At GABF, folks are a bit more down to earth, even if they feel every bit as excited. Check out these winners:
The folks who wear the medals are hot stuff, yet all you really need to meet them and try their beer is a ticket to GABF. Isn't the beer industry great? High five!
Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 5:29PM Some foodie friends and I recently shared a meal at Taste of Ethiopia in Pflugerville. We shared huge platters of Ethiopian food, ate with our hands, and participated in a traditional coffee ceremony with freshly roasted coffee and frankincense.
This was my first experience at an Ethiopian restaurant. I'm eager to have many more.
Monday, January 2, 2012 at 1:14PM 
Beer themed art fills New Belgium's brewery. I have a theory that most folks would be happier working in an environment filled with art rather than a more plain environment, even if art-free means more expensive fixtures and finish. Since New Belgium has both art and really nice buildings it doesn't really prove my theory, but people working here sure seem to enjoy life.
This lenghty light fixture made of beer bottles fills a stair well at New Belgium. I'm not sure if my photo has the same effect, but the actual installation stopped me in my tracks. I really like the sense of motion it conveys.
Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 2:11PM On the second day of GABF, I was able to join the crews from (512) Brewing Company and Live Oak Brewing Company for a trip to Fort Collins, Colorado. Our first stop was New Belgium Brewing, almost certainly the most beautiful brewery I've ever visited. Not only are the grounds and structures gorgeous, but the folks working there seemed incredibly happy.
This is where we signed in to our VIP tour at New Belgium. Check out the table made from bicycle wheels. Bikes, art, and unusual sculptures are a theme here.
You get a nice, big tasting glass inside the visitor center. Along the tour, taps seem to sprout everywhere. Like I said: fantastic place.
New Belgium has a nice keg sculpture featuring some of their values. I don't see too many businesses putting such effort in building their culture. I love it!
Finally, a mosaic surrounding one of their brew vessels. Delicious beer only tastes better in such fantastic surroundings. Beautiful!
Thanks to (512) Brewing Company for driving me out to Ft. Collins and letting me join them on their tour. Thanks again to Independence Brewery for making it possible to attend GABF!
More to come...