"Beck is Back" - a review of one of my favorite places in DC (for District Fray)

I've been going to Brasserie Beck for well over a decade, and finally got to feature them in an article for Fray. 

https://districtfray.com/articles/brasserie-beck-is-back/

You may recall I also interview Dean Myers, then-beverage director, back in 2017: https://vinesandleaves.blogspot.com/2017/03/field-trip-interview-with-dean-myers.html

L to R: their coconut-encrusted espresso martini; and the "Atlantic Boulevard", a strawberry-basil-infused margarita. Both are great! 

 All photos courtesy of Brasserie Beck.

SAVOR DC is not returning

I recently read that SAVOR DC, the all-you-can-drink food and beer pairing event, won't be coming back to DC this year. I'm of two minds on this: on one hand, I very much enjoyed (most) of the times I went. SAVOR was my first big event to which I was invited, and holds a special place in my heart for that reason. Pre-pandemic, it was held at the historic National Building Museum and was always such a good time: I got to enjoy some amazing beers, meet some interesting folks, and try breweries I've never heard of. The food was always tasty and there were even pre-event parties with brewers at places like Meridian Pint. We'd always leave with bags full of free samples. 

Last year, the event moved to the Anthem, and while I enjoyed it, there were some issues. Besides getting Covid-19 from the event last year, I had an unfortunate experience with Brewer's Association staff. I'm normally a pretty relaxed kind of guy, but I felt unfairly treated. While a follow-up call did a lot to smooth out those ruffled feathers, including a promise to change some procedures, it looks like they opted not to do the entire thing.

I do hope another event takes its place and gives the good people of the DC area a chance to enjoy delicious food and beer in such an august setting. While the craft beer movement has moved somewhat away from its heyday, when breweries would push the envelope and create crazy-good beers, there's still an opportunity for brewers to showcase their products and reach new customers. Let's hope something like that still happens in DC. 

Afternoon Cocktail: Pineapple Coconut Pisco Sour

 
The inspiration for today's cocktail came from both an open bottle of pisco in my home bar, and a can of Lemoncocco I grabbed from Nido Market here in Mt. Pleasant. I wanted to make a fun twist on the pisco sour, and thought the addition of the coconut would give it a fun twist.

To make this, you'll need:

• 1.5oz pisco
• 2oz Lemoncocco (or lemon soda)
• .10oz lime juice
• .25oz simple syrup
• 6 dashes Angostura bitters
• 1 egg white
• a few grinds of black salt

Add in all ingredients except egg whites into a set of mixing cups. Stir. Then add the egg whites, shake vigorously to foam the eggs, and strain into coupe glasses. You could garnish with herbs or a slice of lime if you wish.