Archives for April 2021

Great Lakes Brewing Named Best Brewery in Cleveland in the 2021 Silver Spoon Awards. Thank you to the readers of Cleveland Magazine for naming us the best brewery in Cleveland! It’s been an honor to brew for the city we love since 1988.

2021 Reader-Selected Silver Spoon Award Winners
These are Cleveland Magazine readers’ favorite restaurants of the year.
New Restaurant
1. Home Bistro
2. Edwins Too
3. 17 River Grille

Downtown Restaurant
1. Marble Room
2. Blue Point Grille
3. Adega

East Side Restaurant
1. Zhug
2. Hook & Hoof
3. The Pompadour

South Side Restaurant
1. DBA
2. LockKeepers
3. Don’s Pomeroy House

West Side Restaurant
1. Salt
2. Thyme Table
3. Fahrenheit

Local Chef
1. Michael Symon
2. Douglas Katz
3. Jill Vedaa

Fine Dining
1. Marble Room
2. Luca Italian Cuisine
3. L’Albatros Brasserie & Bar

Food Truck
1. Barrio
2. Cocky’s Bagels
3. Manna Truck

Cheap Eats
1. Happy Dog
2. Swenson’s Drive-In
3. La Plaza Supermarket

Seafood
1. Pier W
2. Blu, the Restaurant
3. Alley Cat Oyster Bar

French
1. L’Albatros Brasserie & Bar
2. Chez Francois
3. Edwins Restaurant

Italian
1. Mama Roberto’s
2. Luca Italian Cuisine
3. Lago

Indian
1. Cafe Tandoor
2. India Garden
3. Saffron Patch

Chinese
1. King Wah
2. Li Wah
3. LJ Shanghai

Japanese
1. Ginko
2. Shuhei
3. Shinto Japanese Steakhouse

Vietnamese/Cambodian
1. Minh Anh
2. Phnom Penh
3. #1 Pho

Thai
1. Peppermint Thai Cuisine
2. Brown Sugar Thai Cuisine
3. Thai Thai

Mexican
1. Momocho
2. Hola Tacos
3. Nuevo Acapulco

Greek
1. Astoria Cafe & Market
2. Taki’s Greek Kitchen
3. Niko’s Bar & Gyros

Middle Eastern
1. Aladdin’s Eatery
2. Anatolia Cafe
3. Zaytoon Lebanese Kitchen

Central European
1. Der Braumeister
2. Balaton Restaurant
3. Das Schnitzel Haus

Spanish/Portuguese
1. Mallorca
2. Sangria y Tapas
3. Sol

Caribbean/Puerto Rican/Latin American
1. Barroco Arepa Bar
2. Irie Jamaican Kitchen
3. Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar

Ribs/Barbecue
1. Mabel’s BBQ
2. Oak & Embers Tavern
3. Landmark Smokehouse

Steakhouse
1. Red, the Steakhouse
2. Cabin Club
3. Strip Steakhouse

Pizza
1. Saucy Brew Works
2. Angelo’s Pizza
3. Il Rione Pizzeria

Burgers
1. Heck’s Cafe
2. Buckeye Beer Engine
3. Flip Side

Appetizers/Small Plates
1. Salt
2. The Pompadour
3. Felice Urban Cafe

Desserts
1. Thyme Table
2. Rood Food & Pie
3. Flour

Sandwiches
1. Slyman’s Restaurant
2. Herb’n Twine
3. Larder Delicatessen & Bakery

Soups
1. Souper Market
2. Susy’s Soup & Deli
3. Yours Truly

Vegan/Vegetarian
1. Tommy’s
2. Cleveland Vegan
3. Boaz Fresh Lebanese

Wine List
1. Humble Wine Bar
2. Flight Cleveland
3. 750mL Wines

Cocktails
1. The Spotted Owl
2. Porco Lounge & Tiki Room
3. Cloak & Dagger

Brewery
1. Great Lakes Brewing Co.
2. Saucy Brew Works
3. Fat Head’s Brewery

Beer Selection
1. Winking Lizard Tavern
2. Tremont Taphouse
3. Banter

Happy Hour
1. Luxe Kitchen & Lounge
2. Burntwood Tavern
3. The Fairmount

Brunch
1. Pier W
2. Lucky’s Cafe
3. Sol

Sports Bar
1. Winking Lizard Tavern
2. Panini’s Bar & Grill
3. Old Angle Tavern

Gastropub
1. Pub Frato
2. Tremont Taphouse
3. Sauced Taproom & Kitchen

Outdoor Dining
1. Felice Urban Cafe
2. Lindey’s Lake House
3. Chez Francois

View
1. Alley Cat Oyster Bar
2. Nuevo Modern Mexican & Tequila Bar
3. 17 River Grille

Deli
1. Larder Delicatessen & Bakery
2. Slyman’s Restaurant
3. Corky & Lenny’s

Pastry Shop
1. Luna Bakery & Cafe
2. Blackbird Baking Co.
3. Corbo’s Bakery

Bread
1. On the Rise Artisan Breads
2. Breadsmith
3. Brimfield Bread Oven

Cheese Selections
1. Old Brooklyn Cheese Co.
2. Heinen’s
3. Astoria Cafe & Market

Wine Store
1. Rozi’s Wine House
2. World Wines and Liquor
3. The Wine Spot

 

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EUGENE, Ore. – Ninkasi Brewing Company is excited to launch Stratascope IPA, a new limited-edition beer for spring and summer 2021. Stratascope IPA strongly features the strata hop and is available now on draft, in 6-packs and 12-packs of 12oz. bottles, and in a 19.2oz. can throughout Ninkasi’s distribution footprint.

Stratascope IPA is just one recent success from Ninkasi Brewing’s new 5-barrel Pilot system. This beer was originally brewed on their innovative small-batch system in February 2020 and then scaled up to production levels for this release throughout their distribution channels.

“Our pilot brewing system has allowed us to innovate in new ways,” said Director of Brewing Operations Dr. Daniel Sharp. “It’s fun to experiment with these new hops to create some delicious new beers with the complex aroma and flavor profiles they emit.”

Stratascope IPA was preceded by Galaxy Trippin’ Stellar IPA, another limited-edition beer showcasing the complex flavors of a single hop (in Galaxy Trippin’s case, the galaxy hop). This seasonal IPA will stay on shelves until Ninkasi’s winter 2021 seasonal.

Ninkasi’s year-round lineup offers a full spectrum of beer styles, including their flagship Total Domination Northwest IPA alongside Tricerahops Double IPA, Prismatic Juicy IPA, Oatis Oatmeal Stout, Pilsner Cold Fermented Lager, Dawn of the Red IPA, Heart and Science West Coast IPA, Juicy Domination Tropical IPA, Velocihoptor Guardian IPA, and Megalodom Legendary IPA.

For all Ninkasibeers, including seasonal offerings, visit ninkasibrewing.com/beers.

Stratascope IPA

Every so often, a hop comes along that shines unlike any other variety before it. Strata’s hop character of stone fruits like apricot and peach dance with passionfruit and grapefruit atop a light dank platform to create a powerful geometry that’s readyto dazzle from within. Crack open a Stratascope and discover the depth of flavors the strata hop presents. For more information visit https://ninkasibrewing.com/

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Stowe, Vermont – von Trapp of Stowe, Vermont is set to release Radler Trail Bier, a grapefruit infused lager.

With warmer days ahead, von Trapp® Brewing is excited to debut it’s summer offering, Radler Trail Bier, a grapefruit infused lager. This 3.9% low calorie – high carb beer is a blend of light lager with zesty grapefruit, coming soon throughout our distribution footprint in 12 ounce 6-pack cans and draft.

A true summer session beer, Radler Trail Bier is perfect for indulging after any outdoor activity or a hard day’s work. The von Trapp Radler Trail Bier is a thirst-quenching beverage originally named Radlermass (cyclist liter) by innkeeper Franz Kugler in the small town of Deisenhofen, just outside of Munich.

“This release was scaled down in 2020 due to the pandemic, and only sold in Vermont, now our team is very excited to share this light lager with our supporters,” Michael Whitty, Director of Sales and Marketing, von Trapp® Brewing.

One of the best ways to explore the Vermont countryside is to get out and ride. The Trapp Family Lodge’s 2,600 acres feature an extensive mountain bike trail network with two skills parks. Ride our 8 miles of expert and intermediate single track, or more than 20 miles of double-track through mountains, fields and forests. Ride the Hop Over and Lager Lane trails to the von Trapp® Bierhall… the best trailhead there is!

About von Trapp® Brewing

von Trapp® Brewing is part of Trapp Family Lodge, a 2,600-acre resort owned and operated by the von Trapp family. von Trapp® Brewing is the brewery started in 2010 by the family that inspired “The Sound of Music.” Based in Stowe, Vermont, von Trapp® Brewing specializes in authentic Austrian style lagers and are brewed with pure Vermont spring water sourced from the Trapp Family Lodge property. Following the family heritage, the brewery incorporates the German Beer Purity Laws, “Reinheitsgebot”, while crafting their unique lagers with inspiration from “a little of Austria, a lot of Vermont” ®. von Trapp® Brewing distributes in Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia.

For More Information:
http://www.vontrappbrewing.com

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ST. LOUIS – Schlafly Beer, the original independent craft brewery in St. Louis, announces the return of a seasonal favorite, Summer Lager (4.5% ABV). With 48-ounces more than a standard 12-pack, the fan-favorite beer is available now in 12-packs of 16-ounce cans. Summer Lager is available across Schlafly’s distribution as well as the Schlafly brewpubs in the St. Louis region: Schlafly Tap Room in downtown St. Louis, Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood and Schlafly Bankside in St. Charles.

“Summer Lager is a warm weather favorite, so we’re excited to offer it in larger format cans,” says Founding Brewer Stephen Hale. “I’ve always found cans to be ideal for summertime drinking, and with folks heading safely to parks, pools and beaches this year, Summer Lager can be enjoyed as it was intended – outdoors with friends and family.”

The Helles-Style Summer Lager offers a smooth, maltier and hoppier alternative to light lagers. Summer lager is a bright, golden beer, wholly representative of what summertime should taste like. The malt imparts a fresh grain character, while the German hops lend notes of spice and lemon.

“We use German hops to brew a true light lager and create an easy-to-drink beer that’s refreshing with subtle notes of citrus. You can drink this beer while basking in the summer rays, and now with its return in cans, Summer Lager will be the ultimate portable pint for summer activities,” continued Hale.

Summer Lager is available for $17.99 in 12-pack, 16-ounce cans.

Schlafly Beer also offers online ordering for curbside pick-up at all three of their brewpubs in the St. Louis region: Schlafly Tap Room in downtown St. Louis, Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood and Schlafly Bankside in St. Charles.

About Schlafly Beer:

Schlafly Beer, St. Louis’ original independent craft brewery, proudly brews a diverse collection of beers throughout the year. Our brewers utilize numerous hop varietals, malts, grains, fruits, natural ingredients and yeast strains from around the world to make every Schlafly beer unique. As part of our commitment to sustainability, and our communities we work with local suppliers and neighborhood partners. Schlafly is a go-to across the Midwest and East Coast, and is a staple at countless fine establishments, backyards and basement bars. Join us at The Schlafly Tap Room, Schlafly Bottleworks and Schlafly Bankside.

For More Information:
https://www.schlafly.com

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Brooklyn, New York – Following up on the success of its initial February 2021 launch, Threes Brewing has re-released Lifeworld, marking the second consecutive Czech pilsner release from the brewery this month. This rich, hoppy pilsner has notes of rustic barley and candied orange peel and is brewed with 100% Czech ingredients, including yeast sourced from a small Czech microbrewery.

“We recommend sampling Lifeworld alongside other Czech and even German lagers, to truly appreciate the range and potential of the style,” says Head Brewer Matt Levy. “Whereas Vliet, our flagship pilsner, is crisp, bitter and dry, Lifeworld is hoppy and balanced. It tastes rich, and finishes full and luscious.”

ABOUT THREES BREWING

Threes Brewing is a Brooklyn-based brewery known for crafting approachable beers that balance simplicity and complexity, with a focus on lagers, hop-forward American ales, and mixed culture beers. Having brewed over 250 beers spanning a wide variety of styles, in both 2017 and 2018 Threes beat hundreds of entries from across New York State in a blind taste test to win Best Overall Beer at the statewide Craft Beer Competition, first for their signature Pilsner Vliet and the following year for their Grisette, Passing Time. In 2019, flagship beer Logical Conclusion won the Gold Medal for Hazy IPA, the most competitive category. Threes Brewing owns and operates two Brooklyn locations, a non-traditional taproom in Gowanus and a more intimate bar in Greenpoint, along with a seasonal outpost on Governors Island, and new tap room and bottle shop in Huntington, Long Island. They are proud to have been named the “Best Brewery and Beer Bar” in NYC by bon appétit magazine. In April 2020, Threes launched Threes To You, a direct-to-consumer beer delivery company.

For More Information:
https://shop.threesbrewing.com/collections/lager/products/lifeworld-4-pack-12-plato-czech-pilsner

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SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – Ready-to-drink micheladas are now a Cinco de Mayo party staple thanks to California’s Tio Rodrigo. With no mixers and no mess, consumers can celebrate without the fuss of making the classic beer cocktail from scratch.

“We set out to craft the best canned michelada on the market,” said co-founder Rodney Cegelski. “The secret behind Tio Rodrigo’s unbeatable flavor lies with time and quality ingredients.”

Tangy and spicy, Tio Rodrigo Micheladas pair a refreshing mix of real tomato juice, crisp lime and natural spices with classic craft beer from the long-standing Central Coast brewery, SLO Brew. Available in two varieties, Original and Mango, the fiery drinks can be enjoyed straight up or garnished creatively with a chamoy-chili rim, fresh fruit, shrimp or chicharones.

Joining the core lineup of micheladas, Tio Rodrigo’s new Cerveza Clara is available in the all new Fiesta 12-pack. The mexican-style lager is cold fermented with a clean yeast to produce a light and refreshing finish and was recently awarded a 95 point score from Wine Enthusiast.

The celebration doesn’t stop there. Crafted in partnership with Tio Rodrigo and California chip company Taco Works, the world’s first tortilla chip beer is returning to select retailers exclusively for Cinco de Mayo. Brewed from over 400lbs of steaming chips and finished with hints of lime, Taco Works Tortilla Chip Lager has been a fast-favorite, previously selling-out just two-weeks after its release.

Year-round, craft beer outlets and major retailers like Walmart, BevMo! and Total Wine will be stocking their fridges with Tio Rodrigo Original and Mango 12oz 6-packs, and Fiesta Variety 12oz 12-packs throughout California, Arizona and Texas. For those on the Central Coast, stop by SLO Brew Rock to celebrate on 5/5 as Tio Rodrigo kicks off the new releases for Cinco de Mayo.

ABOUT TIO RODRIGO

Tio Rodrigo brings the bold and authentic flavors of Mexico to a new generation of craft drinkers. The flagship micheladas pair a refreshing mix of real tomato juice, crisp lime and natural spices with classic craft beer from the long-standing Central Coast brewery, SLO Brew. Find the top rated canned micheladas in stores throughout California, Arizona, and Texas. For more information please visit http://tiorodrigo.com

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Longmont, Colo. – Oskar Blues Brewery announces the taproom-only release of S.M.A.S.H. for Stache (6.9% ABV), a double dry-hopped, heavily Sabro-infused SMaSH (stands for “single malt and single hop”) IPA. A portion of proceeds from sales of S.M.A.S.H. for Stache will benefit StacheStrong, an organization that raises funds for brain cancer research. S.M.A.S.H. for Stache will be available on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans starting May 1 at all Oskar Blues taprooms – Longmont and Boulder, CO; Brevard, NC; and Austin, TX, locations.

In S.M.A.S.H. for Stache IPA, award-winning Pale Genie malt, donated by Root Shoot malting, plays nice with a LArGE amount of Sabro hops. Sabro shows off with flashy notes of tangerine, lime, pineapple and coconut with hints of mint and cedar. S.M.A.S.H. for Stache IPA will be available during the month of May, Brain Cancer Awareness Month, while supplies last.

StacheStrong is a 501(c)3 charity devoted to raising funds and awareness for brain cancer research. For the first time, 150+ breweries all over the nation are brewing beers to battle brain cancer alongside StacheStrong as part of the inaugural #BrewStacheStrong program. Oskar Blues has supported StacheStrong since 2018 and is proud to participate in this year’s initiative among some of the nation’s most esteemed craft breweries.

Oskar Blues Head Brewer Juice Drapeau said, “We’ve been brewing SMaSH beers over the last four years as a way to R&D new hop varieties to see how they translate in a finished product. The Sabro Hop variety was a huge hit with staff and a fan favorite so we decided to rock this out for our friends at StacheStrong.” Find S.M.A.S.H. for Stache IPA at Oskar Blues taproom locations in Crowlers, on draft and in 6-packs of 12 oz. cans.

About Oskar Blues Brewery

Founded by Dale Katechis in 1997 in Lyons, Colorado, Oskar Blues Brewery launched the craft-beer-in-a-can apocalypse with their hand-canned flagship brew, Dale’s Pale Ale. Today, Oskar Blues operates breweries in Colorado, North Carolina and Texas featuring Dale’s Pale Ale as the nation’s #3 top-selling craft can six-pack at U.S. supermarkets. Oskar Blues is available nationwide in the US and in over 20 countries. Oskar Blues Brewery is a proud member of CANarchy, a disruptive collective of like-minded craft brewers dedicated to bringing high-quality, innovative flavors to drinkers in the name of independent craft beer. For more info visit https://www.oskarblues.com/

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Denver, CO – Denver Metro breweries have teamed up to brew a gluten-free Brut IPA in honor of Celiac Awareness Month, a month centered around advocacy of Celiac Disease, which affects around 3 million individuals in the U.S.

Participating breweries include Holidaily Brewing Company, Timnath Beerwerks, Broken Compass Brewing, Welcome Home Brewery, Joyride Brewing Company, Over Yonder Brewing Company, Peak View Brewing Company, Sparge Brewing, Elizabeth Brewing Company and Two22 Brew.

Brut Together Brut IPA was brewed with local, certified gluten-free millet and buckwheat malts, rather than traditional wheat and barley malts.

This crisp and light beer is characterized by a dry Brut flavor bursting with hops and fruity notes from fresh mango puree, pineapple, and oranges.

“Showcasing our combined inventiveness was particularly important in the design and crafting of this recipe,” said Alan Windhausen, Head Brewer at Holidaily Brewing. “The result is a tasty and flavorful brew that dispels preconceptions of both light and gluten-free beers.”

Brut Together Brut IPA was brewed at the Holidaily Brewing Company’s gluten-free facility to ensure a safe product void of cross contamination.

“Celiac Awareness Month is important to us because it affects many people in our community,” said Karen Hertz, founder of Holidaily Brewing. “Our beer is made with 100% gluten-free ingredients so even the most gluten-sensitive consumers can enjoy a delicious craft beer.”

“Collaborating on this beer was fun and educational,” said Matt Cobb, General Manager of Two22 Brew. “We can’t wait to share this new beer with our patrons.”

Brut Together Brut IPA will be released on draft at participating brewery taprooms on May 5th and 6th. Check with the individual breweries for their release dates.

For more information please visit https://www.facebook.com/events/2009950092479288

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Worcester, MA – Wormtown Brewery is releasing four new hard seltzer flavors as part of a 12 can 12oz mix-pack for distribution. The flavors will be Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, Cran-Apple, and Orange Zest.

The mix packs are planned to hit shelves on May 3rd, 2021 just in time for the warm summer months and can be found in most of Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and well as eastern Connecticut to kick off distribution.

This is Wormtown’s first release of hard seltzer outside of their taproom exclusives.

“We know we aren’t the first to the party but we want to offer that gluten-free lower calorie option our customers have been asking for. We have been experimenting with different flavors in our taprooms and our new distributed mixed 12-packs allow us to reach our customers who can’t always make it to one of our taproom locations” said Katrina Shabo, Marketing Director.

Consumers can find the 12-packs in stores through the Beer Finder on Wormtown’s website.

About Wormtown Brewery:

Founded in 2010, Wormtown Brewery is committed to brewing world-class beers using locally sourced ingredients regardless of cost. Our motto “A Piece of Mass in Every Glass” means our beers are crafted with the freshest ingredients for the freshest beer. This dedication to quality over quantity has earned us over 160 awards worldwide for a vast collection of recipes; but if it’s a premier IPA you are looking for, we know how to make you Be Hoppy! For more information please visit http://www.wormtownbrewery.com

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Dust Bowl Brewing Co. continues to build momentum with the release of Kash Crop Raspberry Fruited Blonde Ale. The latest addition to the Northern California craft brewery’s year-round portfolio, Kash Crop Raspberry arrives just in time for the warmer summertime weather.

“Fruited blonde ales work well with our hot Central Valley climate,” reflects Don Oliver, Brewmaster, Dust Bowl Brewing Co. “It’s an easy-drinking beer with great fruit character and a little tartness that adds to the refreshing character.”

At 4.5% ABV and 10 IBU, Kash Crop Raspberry is an approachable, sessionable beer appealing to a wide range of beer lovers. Rolling out this month, Kash Crop Raspberry is available in 12oz. / 6 pack cans as well as 5.2 gal and 15.5 gal kegs. Consumers may recognize the label as it’s similar to Dust Bowl’s earlier release of Kash Crop Orange Mango Blonde Ale. Kash Crop Raspberry will be primarily distributed in California through Dust Bowl’s wholesaler network.

In addition to off-premise options, consumers can experience the full portfolio of beers at Dust Bowl Brewing Co. taprooms located in Turlock and Monterey, California. The Turlock location boasts wide-open views into the brewery set on an expansive property, while the Monterey site showcases a picturesque backdrop against the Pacific Ocean, near Fisherman’s Wharf. Both locations are back open for indoor and outdoor seating. Packaged beer, growlers and Crowlers are available. Shipping within California is also available from the company’s website, http://www.dustbowlbrewing.com/

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