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You are here: Home / Charlottesville / Mmmmm….Beeeeer

September 11, 2010

Mmmmm….Beeeeer

Holy moly I don’t even know where to begin!!!!

Perhaps with walking to the beer festival? It took us 2.5 miles and about 45 minutes, but it was worth it. It was a lovely walk!

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Do not underestimate fall!

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We stumbled upon some kind of festival on our way to the …festival.

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And then we were downtown

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With a long line till the festival opened!

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I smuggled in a coconut water but I didn’t end up needing it. I was thinking worst case scenario!

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Once we were in, first thing’s first!!

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After a quick Punkin taste, I got to work on my game plan: NERD ALERT! I highlighted the beers I wanted to try so I could stay on track. I pretty much did stay on track for most of the festival. Things got a little fuzzy for a while, but it could have been a lot worse!

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And then here’s a good visual of what I tried in my tiny mug:

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Best Of Show

Avery Ellie’s Brown Ale (8/10)

Dogfish Punkin (9/10)

Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout (9/10)

–> Hoppin’ Frog BORIS The Crusher Imperial Stout (10/10!)

Legend Oktoberfest Amber (9/10)

Brooklyn Brewery Oktoberfest (9/10)

–> North Coast Brother Thelonious (10/10!)

–> Old Dominion Millennium Barleywine (10/10!)

Yards Brawler Ale (9/10)

After all that, we STILL had tickets left to taste! Ended up throwing them up the air!

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Matt + Andrew got celebrity sighted! This blog reader friend recognized them but couldn’t place where. Then she spotted me and put 2 and 2 together. She thought they were band members at first! The KERF Band 😉

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Steve from Highland!! He gave us a tour back in 2009!

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Pensive Pencil-ive

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The munchies hit around 6PM and we got some pizza from Mellow Mushroom

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Some of the best pizza ever!! [Clearly in the moment 🙂 ]

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Around 6:30 we decided we’d had enough beer (gasp!) and headed back on foot to The Corner. Sadly it started raining on us and we had to call Karen to pick us up. Thanks for the ride Karen!

We had planned a burger dinner at the Cville-famous Boylan Heights burger joint. MILLIONS of bloggers have recommended this place to me as “the best burgers (and veggie burgers) and sweet potato fries in town.”

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Sadly, we were not impressed. Very slow service. Pretty wimpy salad bowls 🙁

Karen, Matt and Andrew got versions of burgers – bison, beef, etc. on various buns with various sides. They were all just OK. I got a burger in a bowl that was literally a burger in a bowl. Not much salad at all! The bleu cheese was quite good but the veggie burger, which everyone has raved about, seemed to be a big blob of quinoa. I was quite sad 🙁

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I had sweet potato fries on the side – which are supposed to be world famous – but I didn’t think they were any better than Big Daddy’s in Charlotte (which has the best black bean burger and SP fries in the world)

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Dare I say this was the first Cville restaurant experience we were disappointed in?! I had extremely high expectations that were not quite met…

I was dying for a bit of gooey brownie upon leaving, but our group seemed to walk past without acknowledging my request. Guess that’s a good thing!

Instead, I had a big bowl of granola with milk when I got home. The carbs were calling.

‘Twas a super fun day, and I THINK I may have escaped without a hangover!

Beer is delicious.

Filed Under: Charlottesville

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Comments

  1. Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says

    September 11, 2010 at 8:58 pm

    Oh. my. goodness. That matrix of beer photos is hilarious. I love you.

    Reply
    • Kath says

      September 11, 2010 at 9:04 pm

      🙂

      Reply
  2. Maria @ Oh Healthy Day says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    Someone is going to sleep so well tonight 🙂 What a fun day.

    I agree, Big Daddy’s has always been my hands down favorite C-ville restaurant. When we were kids, we’d always go there after football games. Memories!

    Reply
  3. Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:03 pm

    Those are the best photos ever. I wish we had a beer festival.

    Reply
  4. Sportsgirl says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:09 pm

    That is like my ideal day! I love the first photo of the train tracks. I love the top you’re wearing too, very simple but pretty and flattering.

    Reply
  5. Jess says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:09 pm

    Haha great photos! Looks like a fun day – apart from the burger fail. 🙂

    Reply
  6. Eileen says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:10 pm

    This is a very funny post! I love your nerdiness colliding with the big fun side of your personality. I can definitely see myself working away with a highlighter, too.

    Reply
  7. holly @ couchpotatoathlete says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:10 pm

    I love the big grid of shots — and I am so jealous of your little mug 🙂

    Andrew and Matt (I know they are brothers…) but they have the exact same smile!!! What a riot.

    Too bad about the sweet potato fries/burger — they looked sad so I can only imagine how disappointing they tasted!

    Reply
  8. Dynamics says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:11 pm

    Derby Girls!!! Do you have Roller Derby?

    Reply
    • Jessica says

      September 12, 2010 at 7:31 am

      I was thinking the same thing. I totally thing Kath should join the local team. Roller derby is so much fun and great exercise.

      Reply
  9. Jillian@ ReshapeYourLife says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    It looks like ya’ll had fun! I need to get out and do more fun things in town!

    Reply
  10. Estela @ Weekly Bite says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:17 pm

    Great pics! Love the all those photos!!

    Reply
  11. stacey-healthylife says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:19 pm

    Glad you found some 10 out of 10 beers. That is disappointing about the burger place. That salad was pittiful. “)

    Reply
  12. Bee Goes Bananas says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:29 pm

    Pizza and beer? How could you go wrong?

    Reply
  13. Emmalinda says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:33 pm

    1) Glad Andrew wore his Magic Hat shirt to the brew festival

    2) Yay for Avery Brewing Co–from my state of Colorado!

    Great American Beer Fest (the biggest beer fest in the nation) is next weekend. I’ve attended the past two years, but I’m taking a break this year. Unlimited tastings. Craziness, and such a blast. I highly recommend attending (I’m sure Matt knows about this festival, since he is so into beer)!

    Reply
  14. Mary @ Bites and Bliss says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:33 pm

    Whheeewww that’s a whole lotta beer! Looks like an awesome time! 😉

    Reply
  15. Melissa says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:45 pm

    Love the beer collage! That looks like lots of fun, although I am not a fan of beer.

    Reply
  16. Hannah says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:49 pm

    Ah well, a wimpy salad can be overcome with gooey brownie frozen yoghurt sometimes, right? 😉

    Reply
  17. Stacie @ Imperfectly Healthy says

    September 11, 2010 at 9:52 pm

    I always feel a little let down when the other people in my group don’t want dessert after dinner. But I, like you, try to take is as a sign that it wasn’t meant to be! 🙂

    Reply
  18. Rhea (Greek Feaster) says

    September 11, 2010 at 10:06 pm

    Damn, I had a beer today for the first time in months! Left Hand Milk Stout. Mmmmm. All of your tastes sound delicioso!

    Reply
  19. Sana says

    September 11, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    Blog sightings are awesome! You are basically a celeb after all!

    Reply
  20. Carrie says

    September 11, 2010 at 10:14 pm

    I always *love* imperial stouts and barleywine. I had a great barleywine last night, Flyer’s Cab Ride, really delicious. Had my very first pumpkin beer too, not a fan. But maybe it was just the brewery?

    Reply
  21. lynn (The Actors Diet) says

    September 11, 2010 at 10:22 pm

    festival upon festival!

    Reply
  22. Christina @ Food.Fun.Fabulous says

    September 11, 2010 at 10:25 pm

    I hate when I have such high expectations and then get let down. I think it’s better to go in without any expectations at all!

    Reply
  23. Paige @Running Around Normal says

    September 11, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    LOL @ pencil-ive 🙂 I love beer festivals! Sounds like you three had such a fun evening!

    Reply
  24. Katherine says

    September 11, 2010 at 10:32 pm

    Looks like an awesome day! I need to go buy some pumpkin beer, STAT!

    Reply
  25. Jae says

    September 11, 2010 at 10:37 pm

    Kath, you’re so pretty!

    Reply
  26. J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says

    September 11, 2010 at 10:45 pm

    Looks like a totally fun day! Sorry your burger wasn’t that great, hate when that happens. 🙁 That pizza looks delish, though! Just like NY style, the only proper way to eat pizza. 😉 hehe

    Jenn

    Reply
  27. Alexa @ The Girl In Chucks says

    September 11, 2010 at 11:03 pm

    Boy, I love beer. Your post looks delicious! 😀

    I almost bought a 4-pack of the Dogfish Head Pumpkin Ale tonight….but I was on foot and couldn’t carry it. Sadness. It looks so happy.

    Reply
  28. Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says

    September 11, 2010 at 11:03 pm

    Looks like you had a fantastic time at the festival! The pictures are hilarious! KERF band, haha

    Sorry you had a not so great dining experience. 🙁 I hate when I hear good reviews and then come out totally underwhelmed.

    Reply
  29. Amber K says

    September 11, 2010 at 11:13 pm

    I think sometimes when I expect too much out of a place it just can’t live up to the expectations I had. At least you had fun with the beer!

    Reply
  30. Kelsey @ CleanTeenKelsey says

    September 11, 2010 at 11:21 pm

    Lol, good luck with not having a hangover. Too bad about that restaurant. 🙁

    Reply
  31. Ashley @ Nourishing the Soul says

    September 11, 2010 at 11:24 pm

    Since you brought up coconut water, it reminded me of a conversation my hubby and I were having the other day. We were just curious if there was anything “special” in terms of nutrition about coconut water, or if it’s more just a taste thing?

    Reply
    • SallyH says

      September 12, 2010 at 9:10 am

      @Ashley – Coconut water is super good for you. Mainly for rehydration–tons of electrolytes.

      Reply
  32. Katie says

    September 11, 2010 at 11:31 pm

    That beer mug is the cutest thing ever.

    Reply
  33. Nicole says

    September 11, 2010 at 11:58 pm

    Yeah, Brooklyn representing!!! I need to hunt down and try the dogfish pumpkin ale, I’m sure I”ll love it!!!

    Reply
  34. Freya (Brit Chick Runs) says

    September 12, 2010 at 1:55 am

    So much beer!!
    I love the celebrity spotting thing – that’s amazing! You must’ve felt so proud :p

    Reply
  35. Wei-Wei says

    September 12, 2010 at 3:20 am

    SO much fun! And you guys do kinda look like a band 😉

    Reply
  36. Stacey (The Habit of Healthy) says

    September 12, 2010 at 4:11 am

    Wow, that looks like a fun festival – so much beer!! I love that you had a game plan for your beer tasting!

    Reply
  37. sarah (the SHU box) says

    September 12, 2010 at 5:48 am

    LOVE your list! i’m bringing it with me tonight (we’re going to milltown – belgian beer bar spectacular). looks like a super fun afternoon 🙂

    Reply
  38. Simply Life says

    September 12, 2010 at 6:07 am

    sounds like such a fun time!

    Reply
  39. Sophie says

    September 12, 2010 at 6:39 am

    Love Top of the Hops! Must be a national tour type thing because we had Top of the Hops a couple of weeks ago here (the logos and everything are the same but they must feature regional brews) and it was awesome!

    Reply
  40. Kathryn says

    September 12, 2010 at 6:41 am

    That looks like such a fun day. Our town had its brew fest last weekend, and I definitely was nowhere near as organized as you. I’ve spent some time in NC and absolutely think that Mellow Mushroom pizza is pretty amazing- even when you’re sober.

    Reply
  41. Lauren at KeepItSweet says

    September 12, 2010 at 6:44 am

    looks like a blast! nice job sticking to your plan!

    Reply
  42. Cara Craves... says

    September 12, 2010 at 7:11 am

    Maybe the restaurant was a disappoint cause you had such high expectations going in?
    I know that happens to me when people sometimes recommend a movie to me…they say it’s brilliant and I end up completely disappointed at the recommendation and feel it’s a waste of time/money.

    Reply
  43. Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says

    September 12, 2010 at 7:20 am

    That looks like a great time! Love the nerd part with the list to try. I think my husband would have gone crazy and just tried it all! I hate that your dinner experience was bad. That stinks at the end of all that goodness! There is really nothing worse than a wimpy veggie burger on a wimpy salad that probably cost you more than a regular burger. That always irritates me.

    Reply
  44. lauri (RedHeadRecipes.com) says

    September 12, 2010 at 7:28 am

    You’ve got me wanting pumpkin (punkin) beer! I bought the harvest moon pumpkin ale yesterday and thought it was pretty good–> but I wanna try MORE!! Looks like y’all had a blast!

    Reply
  45. steph @ goeatapeach says

    September 12, 2010 at 7:41 am

    I’m surprised people raved to you so much about Boylan- that restaurant was five minutes walk from my apartment and I only ate there twice. I will say the first time I went I really liked the veggie burger, then the second time it was awful and I never went back. Plus, once we waited over an hour and a half for food! So many better dining options in Cville. If you’re going to the corner, try Basil, Rev Soup, The Backyard (I used to work here!) or Michael’s Bistro- great beer selection here too!

    Reply
  46. steph @ goeatapeach says

    September 12, 2010 at 7:41 am

    PS I’ve already expressed my jealousy/sadness about missing Top of the Hops, but I’m glad you had such a great time 🙂

    Reply
  47. Susan Mc says

    September 12, 2010 at 8:18 am

    I love that you used a pumpkin-colored highlighter!!

    Reply
  48. barefootgirl says

    September 12, 2010 at 8:41 am

    GREAT POST!! Ironically, my hubby & I bought the dogfish punkin Ale yesterday after receiving pumpkin in our CSA share.. .. it just felt right. OMG.. we Loved it!! It’s nice to see the you rated it so highly as well.. .great minds 😉

    Reply
  49. Sara says

    September 12, 2010 at 8:43 am

    kath I love your bag in the first few pics! I love the utilitarian look- what is the brand??

    Reply
    • Kath says

      September 12, 2010 at 2:08 pm

      Thanks. It’s a Lowepro camera bag

      Reply
  50. Jaci says

    September 12, 2010 at 9:03 am

    I love that you guys are able to walk/bike so many places! I live in the suburbs of Des Moines and have to drive 4 miles to get “into town” and then everything is so spread out, it’s hardly logical to go on foot. I used to live downtown and could walk EVERYWHERE! Just wanted to say good for you guys for saving energy when you can 🙂

    Reply
  51. Fallon says

    September 12, 2010 at 9:57 am

    I like your attempt at a tasting event. Very smart!

    Reply
  52. kirsten says

    September 12, 2010 at 10:22 am

    looks like an awesome time!

    Reply
  53. Jess says

    September 12, 2010 at 10:39 am

    i am so jealous of your beer tasting!!! i’ve tried the hoppin’ frog stout once before and it.was.awesome. definitely deserving of its high score. i can’t wait to dive into fall pumpkin ales in the next coming months!

    Reply
  54. faith @ gracefulfitness says

    September 12, 2010 at 11:20 am

    Hear, hear! Beer is delicious! I nearly forgot that while living out of the country for a year and a half, in Asia and South America beer all tastes the same and is a bit boring to me (I luv the hops). But I was quickly reminded upon returning to the great States and sipping on my first draft in to long. DELICIOUS!
    Where is the best selection of beers on tap in C’ville? Beer Run?

    Reply
    • Kath says

      September 12, 2010 at 2:09 pm

      Def. Beer Run!

      Reply
  55. Brianne (beautythroughbalance.wordpress.com) says

    September 12, 2010 at 12:43 pm

    Mellow Mushroom’s Veggie pizza is AMAZING!!

    Reply
  56. coconut water says

    September 12, 2010 at 1:15 pm

    :)) I see you smuggled coconut water… is ONE your favorite brand? Have you tried others?

    Reply
    • Kath says

      September 12, 2010 at 2:09 pm

      🙂

      Vitacoco actually is!

      Reply
      • Zico says

        September 19, 2010 at 8:54 am

        OK, how about Zico coconut water, do you like it?

        Reply
        • Kath says

          September 19, 2010 at 8:56 am

          Zico is a little too thick for me – but I do like it, evidenced here: https://www.katheats.com/soak-it-to-me/

          Reply
          • Zico says

            October 1, 2010 at 7:06 am

            Yes, I see. Cool!

            Reply
  57. Razberri says

    September 12, 2010 at 3:46 pm

    Matt’s brother is super totally hot : )~ I’m moving to New Orleans soon and I’m gonna track him down like a cougar! Do you know where he lives??!! I’m gonna get me some of that. Ohhhhh mamacita. Puuurrrrr (gasp!)…… WHOA!!!!! 8 )~~~~~~

    Reply
  58. Aneesha says

    September 12, 2010 at 10:54 pm

    HAHA looks like you all had a ton of fun! did Andrew write the above comment??? just a guess 🙂

    Reply
  59. Karen says

    September 13, 2010 at 8:30 am

    My favorite veggie burger of charlottesville is at Trinity on the corner. It has very interesting flavor – squash, hazelnut, and quinoa. I’ve never had anything quite like it – I Definitely recommend. The one at Boylan is very messy and has a bit too much going on.

    Reply
  60. Meghann says

    September 13, 2010 at 11:03 am

    STEVE!!!!

    YAy for Highlands!!! I still think of you guys when ever I see that beer in the store 🙂 Aww… memories

    Reply
  61. Kara Watson says

    May 1, 2011 at 8:53 pm

    Hi Kath,
    I’ve been reading your blog for a few months and love it! It just occurred to me tonight to search the kerf archives and see if you’ve eaten at our restaurant, Boylan Heights. I am so sorry that you had such a bad experience. I am going to send you a gift certificate tomorrow, as I would do with any dissatisfied customer, in hopes that we can exceed your expectations next time. My husband and I have been following your progress and are excited to try your restaurant when it opens. We love to support other locally owned businesses. Please give us another try!
    Sincerely your neighbors,
    Kara and Andrew Watson

    Reply
    • KathEats says

      May 1, 2011 at 8:57 pm

      Hey Kara! Aww now I feel bad…perhaps I was too critical! I’m sure it was a busy night. I will definitely come back!

      Reply
  62. Mike says

    September 2, 2012 at 10:20 am

    Hey I don’t blame you I’d bring coconut water with me to! My health is very important to me. I won’t compromise it for anything.

    Reply

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