Happy Birthday Gram

It was my Grandmother's birthday the other week, so this past Saturday the family took her to her favorite place: Bertucci's. Since I've began this blog, I've mentioned going here multiple times, and I'm certain it won't surprise you that I ordered a draft of the Harpoon IPA. Actually, I ended up drinking two of them as this is the staple of my meal at this restaurant. There isn't much to report about this beer other than it's an IPA that goes well with the Italian food genre and the fact that it's served in a cool Harpoon IPA mug glass is a nice touch. I went with a BBQ chicken pizza, and the menu suggested pairing this with a Boston Sam Adam's Lager. This is good marketing by Bertucci's as it gives those that don't drink beer an idea what kind of beer they should order. Although, I didn't take Bertucci's suggestion, I did find my IPA washed down the pizza well.

A Classy Beer

I drank a Harpoon IPA tonight. Not only did I drink what I consider a "classy" beer, but I got to drink it out of a really cool pint glass. I went to Bertucci's tonight for dinner, and can list their beer draft list without even looking at the beer menu. Not that I expect a large selection from an Italian chain restaurant, but the choices they do offer is decent and reasonable. If I didn't go with the IPA I would have ordered the Sam Adam's seasonal draft. Although the Harpoon IPA is an IPA I don't think of this beer as your typical IPA. This beer is lighter than most IPAs I've tried, and it doesn't have that hoppy bite. The beer does pair well with Italian food, so I do understand why it's offered there, but to me this beer resembles more of a Pale Ale. Regardless the beer was enjoyable, and whenever I go to Bertucci's this is my beer choice. Give it a Try.

Did TGI Friday's Get the Memo?

The other morning I was getting ready for work and saw a commercial for TGI Fridays that advertised they are now serving craft beers. The voice over then stated they had included a new menu that had dishes inspired and cook with beer. While watching the commercial I noticed they partnered with Harpoon brewery and were pushing their IPA which can be found at Bertucci chains. I worked late all week, and decided to catch dinner with my parents Thursday evening. Ironically, their choice was to go to TGI Fridays which I did not object due to the commercial I saw earlier this week. Perhaps I was brainwashed by the commercial.

I met my parents who were seated in the bar section, which gave me the opportunity to to see what was on tap. Looking over the taps, I didn't really see anything out of the normal, which was disappointing. They had the "typical" lighter beers consisting of Miller Light, Heineken, Amstel light, and they had the "typical" darker beers such as Sam Adam's and Yeungling Lager. I guess their idea of serving craft beers is Hapoon IPA and Blue Moon Seasonal Honey Moon. Let me stop, I do enjoy the last two beer I mentioned, however when I hear a restaurant is wanting to cater to craft beer lovers I expect to see local and non local beers favorites. As there wasn't any beer I never had before, I ordered a Harpoon IPA which was served in a really cool beer mug specific for that beer. I will give credit to Fridays for not only getting this beer on tap, but getting their beer glasses made for the beer your drinking. I've had this IPA before, and can see why Friday's would choose this IPA over possible options. From my experience, you either hate IPAs, or you love them. As this is a lighter IPA this beer gives the non IPA drinker the opportunity to try one that isn't too strong. I consider the Harpoon IPA to be more of a "fancy" beer and can see how it pairs well with Italian dishes, but it's not something that pairs well with a rack of ribs.