I wouldn't wish this on my worst Enemy

Imagine waking up one day and not enjoying the taste of beer. After years of enjoying beer, you now can't even stand the smell of it. For beer lovers like me, that would be my ultimately nightmare. One that I NEVER want to experience, nor wish upon anyone. I went to dinner with my Grandmother the other night at the Tortilla Press Fajita Night and found out she no longer loves beer, and thinks it taste like a "bar floor." For over 30 years she drank her 6 ounce Budweiser's from a can. While some drink tea before bed, my grandmother considers a small beer her treat. Unfortunately that is no longer the case. Whenever I go to the Tortilla Press I always ask the server what they have on tap, wishing one time she'll mention something that spikes my interest. As she was listing the beers I noticed they had a Summer Seasonal that wasn't Sam Adam's. I thought for sure I would go with this beer until I learned it was a Bock beer. Because I was enjoying Mexican food I went with the Modelo Lager which is a nice fine dark Mexican brew. It was then that I learned of my Grandmother's "condition." While enjoying my beer, she asked to take a sip, but didn't enjoy it. Although she didn't enjoy it that doesn't mean I didn't, and thankfully I went another day enjoying beer.

For Once, Tequilla Over Beer

My ride to New Jersey Thursday evening was horrible, and was some of the worst traffic I've driven in some time. Normally I don't care about traffic, however as I had an important meeting with the bank at 6 I didn't want to be late. I left work at 4 thinking I would have enough time to get to Vorhees. Unfortunately, two hours later I was still stuck in my vehicle. The traffic alone was enough to make me drink.

I love leaving work at a normal time, because I get to eat dinner out with my parents and Lauren. The past few weeks I've been craving Tortilla Press so when it came time to make a decision that was my suggestion. We got to the restaurant and realized Chef Mark was having his cooking/dinner class which closed off the restaurant area. Because of his class we sat in the bar area, which turned out to be an awesome experience. I looked over the beer list and saw the taps in front of me; I noticed a Bock beer on tap. Just like Belgian beers, Bock beers are not something I normally drink. As I was uncertain about this beer, I decided to ask for a sample, and I'm glad I did. After the sample, I realized this was not something I could drink as the taste reminded me of a Bourbon. When I drink beer I want it to be refreshing and cold, not dry and warm.

As I was eating Mexican, I went with the Dark Modela beer. Unlike the Bock beer, I've had this beer and knew what to expect with the taste. While sitting in the bar, we got the opportunity to hang with an exciting and crazy bartender, who was like a mad scientist with her drinks. Her first suggestion was a pineapple Mojito, which Lauren and my father ordered. As much as I love beers, a tall Mojito really hits the spot assuming they were made correct. Thankfully, she knew what she was doing,

I finished my first beer, and it was time to get another drink. Instead of grabbing a second beer, I went a different route, and inquired about what Margarita she could whip up. After hearing what she could make I decided on a Mango-Pomegranate Margarita. When I drink Margaritas I order them on the rocks with salt on the rim. I can't remember the last time I drank a Margarita and think this was one of the betters ones I've had. As much as I love beer, and I do mean LOVE beer, I do prefer the occasional mix drink. Especially if those mix drinks include tequilla.

A Relaxing Sunday

Last Sunday reminded me how happy I am that I work Monday thru Friday. Not sure how many of you don't work weekends, but I'm certain you'll agree that it's a great feeling waking up Saturday or Sunday and having nothing to do. After a late Saturday night, I spent the majority of my Sunday morning/afternoon sleeping, laying on the couch, and watching movies all while still in my northface sweatpants. After being hungover for most of my day I went to the Tortilla Press in Pennsauken for dinner as they were offering their Fajita Family Night. For $11.95 per person, we were served chips with homemade queso, salad, a taco, and a huge portion of chicken fajitas with all the fixings. I know this is a beer blog, but I would like to praise Chef Mark's fajitas, as they are some of the best I've ever had. Sunday night was the first time I had the chicken fajitas, as I normally order the shrimp. I have no idea what he marinates the meat, peppers, and onions in but it's out of this world. Before we got to the restaurant I questioned if I would order a beer. After some serious thinking I actually opted to stick with ice tea until I saw another patron in the restaurant enjoying a Dos Equis XX. Our server gave me the option to order the lager or amber version, I chose the amber. As I drank my beer, I couldn't help but think about the commercials and ads I've seen about the most interesting man in the world. I tried picturing myself hanging at his table, and getting some valuable advice on how to live my life. Unfortunately, when reality set in I realized I wasn't as cool as him drinking this beer. My favorite Most Interesting Man ad is the one where he talks about wingmen and lets us know that it doesn't take more than one guy to talk to women. What's your favorite most interesting man ad?

Mexican Beer at a Mexican Restaurant

One of my favorite types of food would have to be Mexican. Over the past 6 months my family has become regulars at one of the local establishments in Pennsauken: The Tortilla Press. Not sure how many of you reading are in South Jersey area, however if you have never tried this restaurant please do yourself a favor and try it out. Tell Chef Mark I sent you, and I promise you will not be disappointed.

After another late night at work I was in the mood for some Chef Mark's cooking and joined my two favorite ladies: Lauren and my Mom for dinner. Most times my drink of choice would be margaritas on the rocks with salt on the rim, but as I posted in my previous blog I was craving a cold brew or two. I decided to keep up with the Mexican theme and ordered two Negra Modela Dark Beers. Honestly, my love for Mexican food usually doesn't extend to their beers. Although I will drink these beer types, I don't think I have ever ordered a Corona or Dos Equis, except when I was in Mexico or at Disney's Epcot. The ony times I tend to drink these would be at a party or when its offered for free. The beer was good and paired well with my shrimp fajitas, but I don't plan on going to the beer store anytime soon to pick up a 6 pack.

Thinking about it, is Negra Modela even brewed in Mexico?