food and beverage

Remember the one-on-every corner dimly lit brew pub or tavern
beer-soaked carpeting and Joe the Bartender
a long row of customers with their glasses of watery mass-produced beer
all staring at a flickering television? Versions of these drinking establishments certainly still exist but their heyday as the gathering place of choice is over. In fact this rather depressing era was only a hiatus in America’s rich brew pub history.

In 1634 the Puritans licensed the first brew pub in New England with ale brewed on the premises. Their idea was to steer drinkers away from the higher alcohol content of rum and whiskey. During this period
they also passed legislation ensuring the quality of the product. This tradition of local beer brewing paired with brewing excellence continued until the time of prohibition in the 1920’s. European immigrants were the driving force behind this tradition
not only in transporting time-honored recipes and methods
but also in flavoring the atmosphere of their taverns with the customs and d้cor of their home countries. The Dutch and the English
then the Germans in the 19th century brought the family atmosphere of the old world to their adopted land.

Post-prohibition
the traditions and style of immigrant brewing were disappearing. By the end of the 1970’s only light lager was selling in any significant volume
driven by big business marketing campaigns. At that point there were only 44 breweries in the United States. Yet a movement was on the way that would reverse this trend.

In the 1970’s people were traveling in great numbers. It was the in thing to do and Europe was the inexpensive destination. These travelers returned to America with a taste for real beer and an appreciation of quaffing in agreeable
charming surroundings. With a sneer of disapproval at the state of watering holes in their native land
many opened their own breweries and brew pubs in the European style. In 1982 U.S. legislation finally allowed food to be served in breweries and the brew pub was ‘reborn’.

Our brew pubs today represent a resurgence of tradition and ambience reminiscent of earlier times. As beer is once again brewed on the premises or in partnership with microbreweries
twinned with pubs in which to serve their products
brew pubs have taken new pride
not only in the beverages they create but also in the brew pub venue itself. No longer supplied by wholesalers of mass-produced products
these are generally owner-operated businesses with a reputation to protect.

The European beer garden was and is an oasis in working life
a neighborhood gathering focal point offering more than just a place to drink beer. This healthy
social atmosphere is reflected in the modern brew pub. Polished mirrors
exposed beams
glasses and bottles proudly displayed
revolving ceiling fans
and menus full of imaginative twists on traditional pub fare – the modern brew pub is a showcase for the brewery’s products.

If you find yourself in the position of a stranger in a strange town
dropping in to your neighborhood brew pub might be the answer. Here is a social setting ideal for meeting the locals
playing a game of darts and sampling fine quality beers
ales and ciders. If you are traveling with the family
by-pass the fast food chains and seek out the local brew pub. Many are family run and family friendly
reasonably priced with an emphasis on responsible enjoyment
and with food a cut above the cardboard box brigade. Operating as restaurants
brew pubs rarely have an age restriction.

Some of you may remember George Orwell’s famous review of his favorite public house
“The Moon under Water”. Though completely fictional
he describes with affection the ten best qualities of the place
from the ornamental mirrors behind the bar to the sound of children’s laughter. Says Mr. Orwell
“If you are asked why you favour a particular public house
it would seem natural to put the beer first
but the thing that most appeals to me about “The Moon under Water” is what people call its “atmosphere”. Given the quality and ambience of today’s brew pubs
I believe George would be pleased.