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Micro fest is a macro good time
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Saturday, a tradition is resurrected when Penn Brewery holds the 14th Pennsylvania Microbrewers Fest.
The North Side brewery wasn't brewing its own beer last year, nor was the restaurant open, and so the big festival wasn't held. The area's oldest and biggest comes back with two three-hour sessions -- 3 to 6 and 7 to 10 p.m. -- during which time attendees can sample the wares of 26 craft breweries, plus Penn's. The $40 admission includes the souvenir glass, a meal and live music. Get tickets at the restaurant or via pennbrew.com, where you can find the full list of participating breweries.
Brewers new to the event include three from Ohio: Fat Head's, Main Street Grille and Rust Belt. Fat Head's brewer Matthew Cole helped plan the first fest when he was working at Penn Brewery in 1995 so, "It's kind of a reunion for me!"
The Church Brew Works in Lawrenceville celebrates its 14th Patiofest through Sunday; sip in the outdoor Hopgarden a Heavenly Hefeweizen or try Brant Dubovick's Coconut Stout (churchbrew.com).
The new Sharp Edge "Bistro -- 922 Penn," Downtown, opens Monday! (sharpedgebeer.com).
The Summer Beer Dinner at Point Brugge Cafe in Point Breeze features the imports of Merchant du Vin. The event starts with a reception at 6 p.m. on Monday. Cost is $85 per person; reserve at 412-441-3334.
Gateway Lodge up in Cook Forest is holding a Father's Day Brewfest Weekend. For $499, get two nights in a fireside Jacuzzi suite, a workshop by Great Lakes Brewing Co., a beer-tasting dinner, plus two breakfasts. Or just go to the dinner at 5:30 or 8 p.m. June 19 for $99 per couple, plus the beer pairings (gatewaylodge.com or 1-814-744-8017).
Philly Beer Week boasts of more than 860 events that run Friday through June 13. Marvel at it at phillybeerweek.org.
Fat Head's holds a Firkin Friday tomorrow and taps casks of its own Head Hunter IPA and dry-hopped Pack-A-Wallop Pale Ale (fatheads.com).
East End Brewing Co. plans to release its Illustration Ale, featuring six labels by local cartoonists, on June 19 at Downtown's ToonSeum. Details in next week's beer column.
First Published June 3, 2010 12:00 am
