Monday, June 30, 2008

Second First Draft

Time flies. Sorry to lead with such a cliche, but I can't think of a more creative way to say it. I can't believe this weekend is already July 4th. What happened to the summer? Before we know it, summer will be gone and it will be October. Which might not be such a bad thing, because you know what happens in October?

Tulsa Press Club hosts their annual fundraiser, First Draft. Last year was the first time I attended this event, and I have to slap myself on the hand for missing the previous years. If you like beer, well....I think you know where this is going.

The date is a mere 94 days away, on October 3rd. This year they've moved the day from Thursday night to a Friday night. Perhaps it's to accomodate those that work Friday morning and were tired of facing their boss hungover, with alcohol seeping out of their skin. Good for the nine-to-fivers, bad for me (and other bar employees).

How cool is First Draft? Cool enough to have a myspace. Yeah!

Monday, June 23, 2008

Mori-what-o?

Over the past couple weeks, I've gone to two different restaurants and encountered a 'confusion,' shall I say, over a particular beer. The beer responsible for the misunderstandings here is Morimoto Soba Ale. I figured since this beer is capable of confusing restaurant owners and bartenders, it was worth writing about in order to add some clarification.

I suppose the name could be a bit misleading in regards to its' origin. Morimoto....sounds Japanese, yes? The beer is actually brewed by Rogue Brewery in Oregon; one in a series in which Rogue collaborated with Japanese chef, Masaharu Morimoto to create a new line of beers. Other beers in this series include Morimoto Black Obi Soba and Moriomoto Imperial Pilsner. The elegant 22 ounce bottle features Rogue's signature screenprint design, only rather than the typical portraits Rogue generally depicts, this label presents artistic Japanese lettering.

According to Rogue's website, soba, also known as buckwheat, is a fruit commonly found in Japanese cuisine. Wikipedia lists soba as a type of Japanese noodle made from buckwheat flour. Not really sure which one I should deem more credible. Anyhow, it's origin is Japanese, at least that part is consistent. I assume it's for these reasons this beer is often found at Asian-themed restaurants.

For the beer itself, this is one I particularly enjoy. Yes, I must admit, part of it is because I'm a sucker for pretty packaging. The taste is very light, clean, crisp, and faintly sweet. It's one of those beers that I could drink on any occasion. I could drink it in the rain. And in the dark. And on a train. And in a car. And in a tree. It is so good, so good, you see!

So there I was, trying to order this beer at restaurant "A," let us call it. I believe I asked for the "Rogue Morimoto." I watched as our server walked behind the bar and grabbed a bottle which turned to be a Rogue Mocha Porter. Arriving at the table, he explained that this was the only Rogue beer they carried, and figured I must have been confused when I ordered my beer. When I pointed to Morimoto on their menu, he said, yes, they had it, but it wasn't Rogue. He proceeded to tell me I would like the Mocha Porter, because it was very similar to the Morimoto. Um, yeah. Fortunately for this guy, I'm not one who enjoys calling people out when they're dead wrong. I told him thanks, but, I really did prefer to drink the Morimoto. When he brought out the correct beer, I believe he noticed it was indeed, labeled as Rogue, yet seemed unwilling to admit his mistake.

Onto restaurant "B," another Asian bistro in town. Clearly demonstrated by the ornate exterior of the building and the elaborate interior, much attention to detail has gone into this place. What was overlooked, however, was their drink menu, where they have Morimoto labeled as a French beer. Not sure how they let this one slide by, a seemingly minor mistake in the scheme of things, but come on, how hard is it to see this beer is clearly not from France?

Everyone makes their share of mistakes. The moral of the story, as Confucius say: a man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it, is committing another mistake.

Thursday, June 19, 2008

Oklahoma City McNellies Open!

It's officially official: the new store in Oklahoma City is open! Some people have been looking for more information, so here's what I know. The address and phone number: 1100 Classen Drive, 405-601-PINT(7468). Beer selection is just as vast as the Tulsa location, with 360 varieties; the biggest selection in Oklahoma City. They're planning the same specials as the Tulsa store, such as the infamous $3 burger nights on Wednesdays and Pint Nights. They'll also be selling those pesky mugs you've seen or own hanging in the Tulsa store. So if you're one of those who is severely dissapointed you can't order one in Tulsa (we ran out of space for them) you have a chance to get your name on one for OKC. I haven't been to visit the new location yet, but the feedback has been good so far. If you're in the area, stop by and check it.

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Beer University, Round II

This upcoming Tuesday, June 17th!!! Last time I checked, there were still a few spots left. Same deal as last time, only we'll be drinking weiss beers in honor of the summer months. Be there or be lame. 382-PINT.

Friday, June 13, 2008

The Little Engine That Could

Just over four years ago, Elliot Nelson opened his first business in downtown Tulsa. At the time of the opening, this area of town was almost desolate. Downtown had a bad rap; a place to avoid after dark, a haven for the homeless and criminals.

McNellies: if you build it, they will come. A massive load of funds and labor were put into renovating the old building at 1st and Elgin, which is now home to "probably Tulsa's best pub." In the short history of McNellies, the downtown that Tulsans know today has come to life with the addition of more businesses, nightlife, and the new BOK arena, due to open this fall. Maybe that homeless guy will still hassle you on the corner, but some things never change.

The success of McNellies has been so monumental that Elliot has duplicated his idea, opening a second location in downtown Oklahoma City. The new pub is in the Plaza Court building at 10th and Walker. The new location has two floors with a bar on each, and a mezzanine overlooking the first floor. The anticipation of this new pub has been building for over two years, having an original opening date targeted for St. Patrick's Day of 2007. Finally the location has opened their doors this week, and Oklahoma City locals can now enjoy what the Tulsans have been enjoying for the past few years.

I guess the only bad news about this story is that McNellies, a former one-of-a-kind Tulsa treasure, is now a chain. While two locations hardly gives it a commercialized feel, I guess we'll know we have to worry when the staff is required to wear a minimum of 15 pieces of flare.