By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Courtney Apple

Otto’s BMW general manager Michael Vadasz with his guest Ashleigh Wilson. Otto’s was the corporate sponsor of Be Mine on the Main Line II.

Be Mine on the Main Line II, AML’s second annual winter fundraiser which aims to raise funds and awareness for a local animal charity brought out over 200 partygoers for a fantastic night of fundraising for Philadoptables. The festive night, on Thursday February 4th, hosted by the popular bar and nightclub Spamps in Conshohocken, was sponsored by AroundMainLine.com client Otto’s BMW. “Be Mine on the Main Line was a very successful event with great food, drinks, and conversation. Otto’s BMW is proud to have been part of such a great event that supports such a wonderful cause – Philadoptables,” said Otto’s general manager Michael Vadasz.

Spamps, Conshohocken’s most popular nightclub, was transformed into a festive and fun Valentine’s-themed space thanks to major Be Mine sponsors Beautiful Blooms boutique and Eclatante Event Design—both of Northern Liberties. In addition, Blue Bell’s Secrets Limousine provided transportation for the AroundMainLine.com staff and family in the form of an elegant Asanti Charger limo.

The friendly and talented staff at Spamps made Be Mine a great success for all the partygoers!

The most important focus of the night was for the chosen local animal charity, Philadoptables. Profits raised at Be Mine will support this new local nonprofit, which was formed to assist in alleviating the overwhelming needs of Philadelphia Animal Control. Also known as ACCT, the West Philadelphia headquarters sees over 34,000 animals a year-from stray and abandoned animals to ones that have been surrendered by their owners for personal or financial reasons.

Formed in January of 2010, Philadoptables is an independent non-profit corporation that promotes and provides support for adoption, welfare, and outreach programs that benefit the 30,000+ animals received each year by the Philadelphia animal control shelter, the Delaware Valley Region’s largest open-door municipal animal shelter. By working with volunteers, animal welfare groups, organizations outside the animal network, and communities throughout the Delaware Valley Region, Philadoptables’ goal is to save lives and to build a better community for people and animals alike by increasing the number of adoptions, fosters, and rescues from the Philadelphia animal control shelter; improving conditions at the shelter by supporting essential services not funded by the city’s animal control budget; and educating the public and generating community involvement with the shelter and the animals in its care.

Special thanks to our premium sponsors below who generously contributed to the success of Be Mine on the Main Line II.

Beautiful Blooms boutique
www.beautifulblooms.com
Beautiful Blooms is a full service floral and décor design company based in Northern Liberties. Donna O’Brien and her team at Beautiful Blooms create events ranging from dream weddings, stylish large scale corporate events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, corporate décor, intimate dinner parties and more. Beautiful Blooms accented the focal point of the restaurant, the main bar at Spamps, with two beautiful, dramatic centerpieces.

Maryellen Bowers, West Chester’s renowned cupcake queen, and official ‘rock star’ of every AML event, wowed the guests again with her delicious display of over 600 mini gourmet cupcakes.

Cakes and Candies by Maryellen
www.cakesandcandiesbymaryellen.com
West Chester chocolatier and baker Maryellen Bowers wowed our guests once again with her delicious, gourmet mini cupcakes.

Eclatante Event Design
www.eclatantedesign.com
Eclatante Event Design is an event design and coordination firm dedicated to providing highly personalized service with matchless grace and panache. Owner Kendall Brown has been involved in creating some of the Philadelphia region’s most renowned social events.

Secrets Limousine
www.secretslimo.com
Secrets Limousine company is the official limo company of AroundMainLine.com. Look for the fantastic limos and staff at our upcoming parties and events across the Main Line and beyond.

Two Paperdolls
www.twopaperdolls.com
Wayne’s Two Paperdolls designed the fantastic logo for Be Mine on the Main Line and assisted with postcard and poster promotions around the region. Two Paperdolls, founded by owner Vanessa Kreckel, has a booming letterpress, stationery and design business catering to the region’s most discriminating brides and local businesses.

Verdi Spumante Champagne
www.chibrands.com/verdi_spumante.php
The fine folks and awesome AML friends from Verdi Spumante provided delicious sparkling beverages for Be Mine on the Main Line II. In keeping with the Valentine-themed annual event, guests were served fun cocktails with the brand’s Raspberry Sparkletini. As one of America’s most recognized names in the champagne industry, Verdi Spumante is the official sparkling beverage brand of AroundMainLine.com.

Weyerbacher Brewery
www.weyerbacherbrewery.com
Weyerbacher Brewery is the official craft brewery of AroundMainLine.com. Attendees of Be Mine on the Main Line II at Spamps were treated to $2 bottles of Merry Monks’ and Hops Infusion. Weyerbacher, based out of Easton, PA, has worked with AML from our inception-helping us serve delicious craft beer to our loyal fans.

AML would like to offer a very special thank you to Philadoptables board member Kim Wolf for her awesome friendship and tireless efforts on behalf of the region’s most deserving furry friends. Kim has been an instrumental part of Be Mine’s success the past two years. Thank you Kim Wolf!

By AML Publisher
Photos courtesy of Courtney Apple Photography

Be Mine on the Main Line is Thursday, Feb 4th at Spamps Restaurant in Conshohocken. RSVP is highly recommended so we can plan accordingly.

Be Mine on the Main Line, AroundMainLine.com’s annual winter fundraiser, is back! In its second year, Be Mine focuses on bringing hundreds of Main Liners and animal lovers together from across the Delaware Valley to raise money and awareness for a local animal charity. On Thursday, February 4th, Conshohocken’s hottest restaurant Spamps will play host to hundreds of locals for a festive and sophisticated Valentine’s-themed party. AML will have the entire spacious restaurant dedicated to Be Mine—to welcome the Main Line and region’s finest for an important night of awareness and fundraising.

This year’s beneficiary of the proceeds of Be Mine on the Main Line II is Philadoptables (philadoptables.org). A brand new nonprofit that was formed over the past few months to address the overwhelming needs of Philadelphia Animal Control, also known as ACCT, Philadoptables’ goal is to bring awareness and funding for the 34,000 animals a year who are brought through the doors of ACCT. A visit to Philadelphia’s animal control a few weeks ago with Philadoptables board of directors’ member Kim Wolf really drove home the overwhelming need of what Wolf describes as “Philadelphia’s best and worst kept secret.” Cage after cage of hundreds of fabulous faces and furry friends were staring back at us as we walked the aisles—a shelter that is clearly overwhelmed with the city’s stray animals, abused dogs, and pets that owners have surrendered to ACCT due to personal or financial hardships.

Over 34,000 animals a year come through the doors of Philadelphia’s animal control.

Be Mine on the Main Line II is proud to be working with Otto’s BMW, the official corporate sponsor of this year’s party. Michael Vadasz, General Sales Manager of Otto’s, is part of one of the region’s most successful family businesses with locations in West Chester and Exton. Otto’s reputation for quality customer service spans over 40 years. “Otto’s, since the beginning, has always been known as the ‘place to go’ for all automotive enthusiasts. We have a knowledgeable staff that shares the same passion for these vehicles as our customers. Being a family-owned business, our atmosphere lends itself to be a more comfortable environment to purchase and service your car. We pride ourselves on having a customer-focused relationship not only during the sale but mainly the service experience after the sale,” explained Vadasz.

Otto’s chose to support AML’s annual fundraiser because animal causes and community awareness is an important part of their mission, said Vadasz. “Otto’s is and always has been a pet-friendly facility. When we were growing up, my parents would bring their German Shepherd to work every day. My parents always believed in giving back to the community in which we operate and part of that giving has included helping animals since they really don’t have a voice of their own.”

Be Mine on the Main Line II Event Details

What: AroundMainLine.com’s Annual Winter Fundraiser

Beneficiary: Philadoptables (philadoptables.org) is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare and adoption of the 30,000+ animals that arrive each year at the Philadelphia animal control shelter, the region’s largest open-admission, high volume, public facility. They are the only charitable organization whose mission is dedicated solely to these animals and to serving as an independent resource for the community at large. A portion of the proceeds of Be Mine on the Main Line II will benefit Philadoptables.

Corporate Sponsor: Otto’s BMW (ottosbmw.com)

When: Thursday, February 4th, 2010 6p.m. to 10p.m.

Where: Spamps Restaurant, Conshohocken, 16 East First Avenue (spampsrestaurant.com)

Music: One of Delaware Valley’s best known DJ companies, Lansdowne’s Ryan Rhythm, will be rocking out the evening with great dance music!

Courtney Apple, a Philadelphia-based photographer who has generously donated her time and photos to AML, is one of the official sponsors of Be Mine.

Drink Specials: Weyerbacher Brewery is the official craft beer sponsor of Be Mine. Spamps will be offering specials on bottles of Merry Monks’ and Hops Infusion, two of Weyerbacher’s most popular ales. In addition, fun and delicious champagne cocktails will be served with Verdi Spumante sparkling champagne, a major event sponsor.

Faire: Spamps will be offering a special discounted menu for all attendees. A complimentary gourmet cupcake table courtesy of Cakes and Candies by Maryellen will satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth!

RSVP: RSVP is highly recommended but not required. Please RSVP via our rsvp@aroundmainline.com

Facebook: Check out our event listing on Facebook and forward to your friends!

‘Fly Away’ Early Birds: Doors will open promptly at 6 p.m. AML will be working with Eclatante Event Design and Beautiful Blooms, Northern Liberties dynamic event duo, to decorate the restaurant and prepare for the party. Please do not arrive before 6 p.m. so our teams can have sufficient time and space for event setup. Thank You!

Northern Liberties’ dynamic event duo of Eclatante Event Design and Beautiful Blooms Boutique will be transforming Spamps into a festive, Valentine’s-themed atmosphere you do not want to miss! Photo courtesy of Marie Labbancz

Attire: It is a sophisticated party atmosphere! Show your ‘Valentine colors’ by sporting red or pink attire. Our motto for Be Mine is: Dress to Impress, Donate to Make a Difference^TM

Cover: $10 cover, Cash Only. Additional contributions over the cover charge at the door will support the fundraising efforts of Be Mine for Philadoptables.

Restrictions: This event is strictly 21 and over, no children or pets permitted.

Door Prize: Bring your business cards! One attendee who provides a business card complete with email address will win dinner for two courtesy of Spamps. Winner will be chosen Friday Feb 5th and announced on AML’s Facebook Fan Page.

Supporting Sponsors: Eclatante Event Design, Beautiful Blooms, Two Paperdolls, Courtney Apple Photography, Cakes and Candies by Maryellen, Secrets Limousine, Weyerbacher Brewery, Verdi Spumante, Elite Training Sports, Kiss and Makeup Boutique

AML goes one-on-one with Kim Wolf, a board member of Philadoptables, to learn about the incredible needs and realities of the tens of thousands of animals at ACCT.

AroundMainLine.com: Let’s talk about your mission at Philadoptables.

Kim Wolf: There are a number of amazing groups out there that advocate on behalf of a specific shelter or rescue group, but one of the biggest gaps we found was that there was no way to assist the animals coming through animal control. That is how, and why, we formed Philadoptables.

AML: We talked about the numbers, which are simply mind-boggling to me. Where do the 34,000 plus animals that are part of animal control come from?

KW: These are the stray animals that you see roaming around the city. These are the animals that an owner drops off because they no longer want the dog or cat, or they are moving away, they were evicted from their house, or they can’t afford them anymore. These are also animals that may have been abused or neglected and many times there’s no way to trace the owner. It’s a mix of all very sad circumstances.

AML is encouraging all our Facebook fans to forward our event listing on Facebook to their friends to make Be Mine II a fantastic success.

AML: Kim, when we toured Animal Control a few weeks ago, I was really taken aback. I don’t know if you can put into words, for those who have not been there, the emotion that runs through the shelter. I was particularly moved by the positive, smiling volunteers. Talk about a group of very special people!

KW: I can’t stress enough that the volunteers are the lifeblood of a shelter. They are the ones that champion for the animals and work with them to give them the best chance of being adopted—who walk the dogs, who help market them to the public via a blog. That is why it is so important.

AML: I am very thankful to be working with you, Kim and up until about a month ago I had never even heard of ACCT. So, I hope that Be Mine really brings the work of the volunteers, the mission of Philadoptables, to many people.It’s a very sad situation, which most people will deduce from our conversation, but there is great hope for these animals now thanks to your board and the vision of Philadoptables!

KW: This is Philadelphia’s ‘best’ and ‘worst’ kept secret. ‘Best’ in the sense for whatever reason people just do not know about it. But, it is the ‘worst’ kept secret because they should know about it. This is the where the majority of adoptable animals across the Philadelphia region come. It truly is a treasure chest of awesome dogs and cats who would make amazing pets for thousands of families.

The ACCT shelter is located at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia, PA, 19140. They are open for adoptions 7 days a week! Adoption hours are: Monday through Thursday, 4 to 7 pm; Friday, 12 to 7 pm; and Saturday & Sunday, 12 to 5 pm. Visit philadoptables.blogspot.com for more info.

“I am really surprised about how cool the beer scene is in the ‘burbs, it blows me away,” enthused Tom Peters, co-founder of Philly Beer Week. Pictured: Bartender Steve Keenan of The Oakmont Pub, Havertown

On this morning of the eve of what has become America’s largest beer festival, there is a feeling of the calm before the storm. A storm that entails a tsunami of suds that is steering its way to the Philadelphia and Main Line region. Philly Beer Week 2009, in only its second year, is just shy of 700 individual events spread throughout its ten day gargantuan celebration of the region’s, the nation’s and the world’s best beer. PBW 2009 will kickoff with an amazing celebration at The Comcast Center lobby and Winter Garden tonight—and be followed by a flurry of fun for anyone and everyone who loves lager. From food and beer pairings, to a 5k Sunday run, beer brunches and lunches, lumberjack contests, a refined ‘Meet the Brewer’ cocktail party at The Four Seasons’ Swann Lounge and more, PBW offers something for everyone. With almost 70 events a day to choose from, it’s a most dizzying selection for any beer lover near or far.

Where did this smorgasbord of suds suddenly arise from? The three founding fathers of Philly Beer Week, who are now heralded for their ingenious idea across the city of Brotherly Love, are Tom Peters, owner of Philly’s Monk’s Café which is considered one of the greatest Belgian taverns in the country, Don Russell (best known as Daily News columnist Joe Sixpack) and Bruce Nichols, President of the Penn Museum Catering Company. In 2007, the three compatriots had just finished a very successful annual beer weekend with internationally-renowned beer aficionado Michael Jackson at the Penn Museum. The trio took note that a city-wide event called The Book and The Cook, an annual foodie festival and fair, had seen waning interest.

Philly Beer Week will bring a nation of beer lovers, and international industry experts, together to toast a love of lagers. Main Liners can experience America’s biggest beer festival right in their own backyard as dozens of events are planned in the suburban region.

Jackson, known in the industry as The Beer Hunter and now deceased, had presided over the beer dinner and weekend organized by Nichols for seventeen years. With a strong following of beer enthusiasts (who had participated in the Jackson event) established and a beer-drinking city primed for a new, exciting annual celebration, the three friends saw a window of opportunity. Thus, the inauguaral Philly Beer Week 2008 drew over 15,000 participants and boasted no less than 100 events over the 10-day city-wide celebration.

One of the area’s of greatest expansion, besides a beer gut or ‘Milwaukee tumor’ as they call them south of the Mason Dixon line, is the increased participation from the Main Line and suburban bars. “This year the suburbs have really stepped up! It’s amazing how many people are participating and the range of events totally blows me away. It’s now not just a city event. The surrounding region is fully participating and I could not be more pleased,” said Tom Peters. “Some of the restaurants, like Wayne’s Teresa’s Next Door, participated in our inaugural event last year. And, I think many of them thought it was more Center City centric. But Teresa’s, TJ’s Everyday (Paoli) and Capone’s (in Norristown) sold out every single one of their events in ’08 so that’s when we (and our participating restaurants) realized it was going to evolve into a more regional event the second time around,” explained Peters.

Philly Beer Week cofounders Don Russell (far right) and Tom Peters (second from right) with the staff of Gullifty’s in Rosemont. AroundMainLine.com is hosting one of the eight PBW events at the restaurant: Beer and Pizza Bites Night Thursday March 12th from 7-9pm.

Matt Guyer, of Wayne’s popular beer distributor The Beer Yard, echoed Peters’ sentiments. “It is amazing how big this has gotten in just one year. Last year, it was bigger than they thought it would be and this year it is just going to be insane! Hopefully, PBW ‘09 will get people to try new places and their old favorites. A big goal of Beer Week is to bring people in town—it’s a nice opportunity to bring friends into Philly or to visit in the burbs and show them around. I think it will get people to try new places and go back to their favorite neighborhood haunts,” said Guyer.

With a seamless and sensationally successful first event in ’08, this fall at the fifth annual Great American Beer Festival in Denver (which boasted 46,000 attendees), Philly Beer Week was all the buzz. “When we got out to Denver, it had really sunk in. People were talking and asking us how we did it the first time around,” Nichols said. The Denver festival is a weekend event confined to the Denver Convention Center and it’s the biggest judged beer festival in the world. Russell explained that the concept behind Philly Beer Week was to capture the culture of a region– from the city to the suburbs and everywhere in between. “What made PBW so unique (the first time around) is that it celebrated the tavern culture in Philadelphia and the suburbs. For the first time, people were realizing just how many places you can go in the city and just outside Philly to get a beer. I wrote a book about this last year (Joe Sixpack’s Philly Beer Guide: A Reporter’s Notes on the Best Beer-Drinking City in America , Camino, 2007), and I managed to put together a list of over 400 locations in this area that lend themselves to a sensational bar scene. Philadelphia is Belgium USA, we have world-class Belgian bars here right in the city—bars that would be right at home in Brugge or Antwerp or Brussels,” enthused Russell.

Teresa’s Next Door in Wayne is one of the great spots Main Liners can party responsibly with Septa’s Sip Safely campaign, a new initiative with PBW 2009. If Teresa patrons show their Septa tickets, they will qualify for special discounts during the ten day celebration. Pictured here third from left and in orange: Suzanne Woods (beerlass.com) with her In Pursuit of Ale Club.

PBW 2009 promises to bring tens of thousands to the city and surrounding region within the next ten days. As for Main Liners and suburbanites, with the new campaign SEPTA Sips Safely, many can stay right in their neighborhoods and travel safely along the R5 to have a fulfilling and fun Philly Beer Week in the burbs. Gullifty’s in Rosemont is hosting eight PBW events and has creatively taken the idea of March Madness and developed a ‘Beer Menu Madness’ where patrons get to vote on their favorite beer (via their pocketbook) and the best selling brews advance to the next round or bracket. “I do think you can spend a week looking at all the events trying to decide where to go! Teresa’s Next Door and The Flying Pig are doing great events and many others. I think the SEPTA sips safely pass not only is a good, responsibility promotion for the suburbs, but it will also encourage those in Center City to hop on the train and check out what the suburbs have to offer. And, there is plenty going on in and around the Main Line region. I am really surprised about how cool the beer scene is in the burbs, it blows me away,” said Peters.

While a few local restaurants participated last year, that number has skyrocketed as younger chefs have become intrigued with beer and food pairings, Nichols explained. And, now that PBW has a cult following and a vested interest in becoming known as a regional event, the suburbs are an integral part of a successful second run. “The breweries know they have a strong following in the suburbs and its awesome branding for them to be at a local corner bar with the brewery owner themselves meeting and greeting patrons who love their beer. That’s got a great, positive feel for everyone. And, there are seven other cities across America trying to duplicate what we have going on here. So, as they say, ‘imitation is the best form of flattery,’” said Russell. As for a nation, and now a founding city, psyched about a booming beer culture…Peters offered his take. “The beer world is so different than the wine world. There is a great camaraderie in this industry and a lack of competition. If any brewery has a problem, another brewer will pitch in and help out without asking for anything in return, I think that is why there is a communal friendship in this industry. And, its one reason why this culture thrives. When the river rises, we all go up with it!”

Philly Beer Week Highlights for Main Line and Philadelphia Suburban Restaurants (listed in alphabetical order)

Boathouse Restaurant, Conshohocken & Wayne

Conshohocken location, Saturday March 7th 1pm-5pm
Victory Brewing Company’s Conshohocken Mini-Bar Crawl
Bring your friends to one of Conshy’s great neighborhood bars for an afternoon mini-crawl as Wild Devil will be flowing all day long.

Conshohocken location, Friday March 13th 5pm-7pm
Sierra Nevada Happy Hour
Featuring Sierra’s Imperial Smoked Porter, ESB, and Pale Ale—plus word on the street something even fresher may be served. Can someone say Stout Cask?

Wayne location, Monday March 9th 7:30pm
Meet The Brewery Rep, Anchor Steam
Former Phillies announcer Andy Musser brings in his Anchor Steam Small Batch to hook up at the Boathouse’s newest locale in downtown Wayne! Musser is the man if you have anything baseball (or beer) related to chat about.

Capone’s, Norristown

Sunday, March 8th 10:30 am
Meet the Brewer for Brunch: Patrick Rue of The Bruery
Start your first Sunday of PBW 2009 off right with one of the newest Belgian-style American brewers, Patrick Rue. Rue will have on hand some of his finest craft creations.

Saturday, March 14th 11:00 am
Meet the Brewer: Rob Tod of Allagash
Come meet Rob Tod at Capone’s as you head down the homestretch of your best Beer Week excursions. Tod will be featuring many of his award-winning beers on draft, including lots of Belgian-styles and some aged beers soured with Brettanomyces yeast.

Flying Pig Saloon, Malvern

Wednesday, March 11th 7-9pm
Meet the Brewery Owner: Bruce Pia of Erie Brewing Company
AroundMainLine.com is sponsoring the great Erie Brewing Company, makers of some of Pennsylvania’s best craft beers, as Bruce Pia and Erie Sales Manager Jim Hicks hang at ‘The Pig.’ Attendees will have a chance to spin a prize wheel and walk away with free Erie t-shirts and six-packs of some of their finest brews.

General Lafayette Inn, Lafayette Hill

Monday, March 9th, 7pm
General Lafayette Inn/Green Flash Beer Dinner $69 per person
Enjoy a six-course beer dinner with Brewmasters Chris Leonard of General Lafayette Inn and Chuck Silva of Green Flash in a clash of coasts and brewing styles. A six-course comfort food cuisine will be served. Silva and Leonard are old acquaintances as Silva served as Leonard’s apprentice at a San Diego brewpub. Both are graduates of The American Brewers Guild, located outside of Sacramento.

Gullifty’s Pizza Grille & Bar, Rosemont

Monday, March 9th
Meet the Brewers
7-9pm, Weyerbacher : With 27 beers, and counting, Weyerbacher Brewery (Easton, PA) has poured their passion into their beers. Come out and let them stoke (or incite) your passions!
9-11pm, Victory: We’ll hear from one of the multiple-award-winning Victory’s representatives and have an opportunity to find out why they have experienced so many victories in the beer world. Wednesday,

Wednesday, March 11th 7pm
Meet and Greet With Joe Sixpack
Meet the real Joe Sixpack, Daily News columnist, beer author and aficionado Don Russell who will be on hand to chat it up with Gullifty’s great patrons and beer lovers. Enjoy a few of Russell’s favorite hops and take home an autographed book with you!

Thursday, March 12th 7pm
AroundMainLine.com Beer And Pizza Bites Night
AroundMainLine.com will host a great night of complimentary brick-oven pizza appetizers paired with Gullifty’s great selection of craft brews—at one of the Main Line’s staple neighborhood restaurants.

Oakmont National Pub, Havertown

Friday, March 6th 7pm
Cheese, Chocolates & Craft Beer
Enjoy complimentary Cabot cheeses and chocolates served with Sam Adams Double Bock on draft at The Oakmont and tastings of Imperial White and Stout with free glassware!

Saturday, March 7th 7pm
All Aboard At The Oakmont!
AroundMainLine.com is hosting a highly anticipated Saturday night event at the Oakmont, as Erie Brewing Company brings their award-winning Scottish Ale, Railbender Ale to Havertown. The party and giveaways start at 7pm sharp tomorrow night followed by fantastic live music and great food and company—all at The Oakmont!

Phoenixville Bar Crawl

Saturday, March 14th 1pm-5pm
Details Courtesy of MainStreetPhoenixville.com

Main Street Phoenixville has gathered their restaurants and bars together for a one-day Pub Crawl/Meet the Brewer event to be held on Saturday, March 14th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The event will give beer-lovers a chance to both sample the latest and greatest brews and meet their creators, all while getting a taste for Phoenixville’s beer scene. Among the brewers participating in the day’s events will be famed Guinness brew master Fergal Murray as well as Weyerbacher’s Chris Lampe, Flying Fish’s Drew Perry and Southampton’s Spencer Niebuhr.

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (130 E. Bridge Street): “HEAVY MEDALS.”Throughout the day, Iron Hill will offer all six of their 2008 Great American Beer Festival medal winning brews. Come by and taste the beers and meet the brewers who created them.

Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery (519 Kimberton Road): “Meet the Brewer,” with Sly Fox Brewmaster Brian O’Reilly and Standard Tap owner and former brewer William Reed. The pair will be featuring their collaboration beer-Standard Ale, a 5.6% cask-conditioned brew.

Columbia Bar & Grille (148 E. Bridge Street): “Meet the Brewer,” featuring Lancaster Brewing Company’s, Bill Moore.

101 Bridge ( 101 Bridge Street ): “Meet the Brewer,” featuring Stoudt’s Brewing Company.

Molly Maguire’s Irish Restaurant (195 Bridge Street): “Meet the Brewer,” featuring Guinness and Victory. Pay as you go with Guinness brew master Fergal Murray – 1 p.m-3 p.m. and Victory Brewing Company’s, Bill Covaleski 3 p.m.-5 p.m.

Pickering Creek Inn (37 Bridge Street): “Meet the Brewer,” with Weyerbacher Brewing Company’s Chris Lampe. The Inn’s event will also feature Southampton Brewery’s Spencer Neibuhr.

PJ Ryan’s (231 Bridge Street): “Meet the Brewer,” with Flying Fish Brewing Company’s Drew Perry. Troegs Brewing Company will also be featured.

Epicurean Restaurant & Bar (902 Kimberton Road): “Meet the Brewer,” featuring Yard’s Brewing Company and Dogfish Head Brewery.

Teresa’s Next Door, Wayne

Friday, March 6th 7pm
Meet the Brewer Curt Cameron of Thomas Hooker
A keg of 2007 Old Marley Barleywine has been hiding in Teresa’s cellars for just this event! Thomas Hooker Liberator and Imperial Porter on draft as well for all to enjoy.

Saturday, March 7th Noon
Basement Blowout!
Teresa’s is bringing up some of their favorite cellared gems to share with the lucky crowd who can get in—starting at noon sharp. Many rare, vintage beers will be on hand to purchase and treasure.

Tuesday, March 10th 12:30pm
Luncheon with Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery
Enjoy a five-course lunch paired with some of Sam’s most sought-after, strange and off-the-wall beers. Expect this event to sell out!

Friday, March 13th 7pm
Second Annual Chimay Night with Bobo
Another night with Bobo, the best personality in the business! Enjoy all three Chimay beers paired with some of Philadelphia’s most fantastic Belgian cuisine.

TJ Drinkery’s, Paoli

Monday, March 9th 7pm-9pm
Meet the Brewers Night-Suburbs

This is the night that PBW and the suburban bar owners deemed “Meet the Brewers Night – Suburbs”. TJ’s is hosting the brewer from Brewery Ommegang out of New York. (Ommegang is under the same corporate umbrella as D’Achouffe and Duvel.) TJ’s will be featuring some fantastic D’Achouffe products as well as the premiere of Duvel Green on draft–Duvel Green is the single fermented version of the popular Duvel “original.”

Publisher’s Note: The two appetizers pictured within this feature are not gluten-free. However, the Spanish octupus appetizer highlighted on the AML homepage is a gluten-free appetizer available at Blackfish.

Blackfish’s Signature Appetizer
House smoked Scottish Salmon, crispy potatoes, deep fried egg, crème fraiche

Blackfish owner and head chef Chip Roman is considered one of the Main Line’s top culinary geniuses. The shy, baby-faced 29-year-old Fishtown native and St. Joe’s Prep alum trained under George Perrier and Mark Vetri before starting Roman Catering at age 23—a business that would rapidly evolve into one of the Main Line’s most beloved BYOBS. Roman invited AML into his kitchen for a rare chat (he usually turns down interviews) on a recent December evening. The quaint, simply designed space in the heart of Conshohocken is constantly humming with couples and parties dining by candlelight.

Roman is known for keeping his clientele on their toes…changing his menu weekly to keep Main Liners coming back for more. Blackfish also prides themselves on individual service and will accommodate food allergies and intolerances, no matter how stringent the diet, how specific the request. Recently an AML couple tested the Blackfish kitchen and requested a gluten-free friendly menu— resulting in rave reviews. Our secret food critics reported that the staff was very accommodating; the food guaranteed gluten-free, gourmet and delectable. It’s great news for local celiacs!

This summer Roman opened up a second Blackfish in Avalon to much acclaim. He gave AML the scoop on his next venture: a hotel is in the works by his team – but he is keeping quiet (for now) about when and where. Speaking of quiet, on the night of our interview the kitchen is surprisingly calm, the staff discreet as Roman and I chat in the back corner near the walk-in fridge. His staff huddles with intensity over the precise presentation of a Spanish Octopus appetizer, gently placing parsley and cherry tomatoes on the plate. Meanwhile, the strikingly handsome top chef with piercing green eyes kicks back with me for a little tet a tet. Not a bad gig for a Saturday night!

AroundMainLine.com: Your background is amazing, everyone knows you worked under the esteemed Mark Vetri and [George] Perrier and trained at LeBec Fin. Explain what your philosophy is for Blackfish and how you have established a successful, growing name at such a young age.

Chef Roman: We started the catering business in 2003 first, Roman Catering, and it worked out well. Then it evolved into the restaurant. And, that came about fairly quickly. So, this is an established BYOB now, but I don’t think we really run it as a traditional BYOB is run. It started out of necessity to make money, and that’s not the focus anymore.

Chip Roman’s Blackfish
Conshohocken, PA

The philosophy changes every other day – when we first opened we might have shied away from more expensive items but that has changed. Now, we incorporate a lot of higher end ingredients and I don’t structure the menu anymore. Sometimes there is not always steak on the menu—that’s how we operate. I try my best to hire very talented people to surround me. Everyone’s name is on the menu so people don’t feel like it is all about me, and that’s my philosophy and how I run my business, a team approach.

AML: This kitchen is definitely one of the most controlled environments I have ever been in—usually you have some tension in this environment, this is not the show Top Chef with everyone flipping out!

CR: I am calm, this is a calm and controlled environment and it all starts with me. There’s no use in getting into fist fights over food. We have the menu, we have our customers and I am not nervous anymore and the clientele returns.

AML: As soon as you opened, there was a lot of buzz about you on the Main Line. You are young, you catapulted to the top of the local restaurant scene and Blackfish took off. How did that all come together so seamlessly?

CR: It’s the people here, again not me. I will acknowledge I do have an eye for talent and what type of people will support my vision and be as passionate as I am about my restaurants. And, we have been able to sustain almost the exact same staff here since we opened which, as you know, is very difficult in the restaurant business. When we first opened this place, I was the oldest guy who worked here.

AML: What can people who have not had the pleasure of dining at Blackfish expect when they come here or go to your new Avalon locale?

CR: A friendly environment and a group that is dedicated to giving you the best experience possible. Our menu is pretty ambitious which is challenging with a small staff. It’s never about us–it is about the customer. And, any request a customer makes we will accommodate that with no excuses.

AML: Thanks for the great segue which brings me to my next topic and very important focus. We are excited to highlight Blackfish as part of AroundMainLine’s gluten-free recipe series. Not every restaurant understands the importance of accommodating food allergies and intolerances. And, I have a few close friends who have celiac disease and have dined here and just raved about how seriously your staff took their requests! And, most importantly, how fantastic their gluten-free dining experience was.

Parmesan panna cotta is accented with roasted ruby beets, balsamic vinaigrette and pistachios

CR: We have a celiac customer coming in tonight in fact. She called ahead and besides a gluten intolerance (Chef Roman gets out the piece of paper from his pocket which he personally planned her menu on) the customer has a lactose intolerance, and many other specific allergies and restrictions. So, the other day I created a custom menu for her and it’s important that she knows she can come here, relax and enjoy a great dinner without worrying she will get sick or have a reaction.

AML: That is great and we will spread the word. There are many restaurants in the city that have gluten-free menus as part of their regular nightly options, but not so much out here on the Main Line. Everyone should not have to traipse into the city to enjoy a great meal just because they have dietary restrictions, correct?

CR: Absolutely not, and we are more than happy to cater to those restrictions. We also want our customers to feel comfortable in those requests. I have a customer who comes in here once a week, has been a regular customer since we opened and he has strict kosher dietary guidelines. I honestly do not know much about a kosher diet other than what he has taught me to serve him. It’s not really a big deal to us [to cater to our dining room].

AML: A little bird passed on the fact, not rumor, George Perrier dines here on a regular basis. So, I’m super curious, what is he really like and what in the world does he order when he comes in here?

CR: I think he is a very passionate, intense and an incredible businessman. Some people do not understand that intensity if they don’t have that type of drive. As far as what he orders…it is simple, simple—he usually orders roasted chicken and a Caesar salad.

AML: That’s so funny because…I can verify this story with my mother’s experience. Anyone who knows my mom (and she deserves a plug since she is a fantastic cook) knows my mom was Martha Stewart before Martha Stewart was Martha Stewart—you know what I mean?!

CR: I know those moms, they are great cooks!

AML: That’s my mother, a consummate gourmet. Well, a few months ago my mom was in Food Source in Bryn Mawr behind Perrier at the check out counter and she came home very excited. So, I asked her what in the world was he buying, because I LOVE that place and I wanted to pretend I was ‘in the know’ next time I went in. My mom said he had a roasted chicken and a bag of baby greens! So, I believe you, I’ll take that as a fact.

CR: That’s George Perrier.

AML: That’s your teacher, cool. So, tempt me with what you ‘whipped up’ tonight. I saw a celery concoction that looked intriguing.

CR: It’s called a study in celery: celery root taken in various forms. One is a puree; one is a juice, basically ten different variations of celery on one plate. I like to push the edge on the traditional and my chefs embrace that too—you just can’t do it for the entire menu, but we like to experiment and our customer base appreciates that.

AML: I am so hungry, what else?

Simple elegance
www.blackfishrestaurant.com

CR: We have octopus, veal trotter, cavatelli, chicken…it’s always changing. I do not want to come across in anyway too proud of what we have going on here. There is always going to be someone better, so we keep it in flux. We never act like we have something ‘going on’ so we try to reinvent, change, evolve.

AML: You take the accomplished chef, the one the media has made into a sex symbol, a super star and television personality—you name it—and you just make it real, normal. That’s why you are good and people like you, want to work for you, stay here and hang in with your business vision. I can see it with your staff here in the back corner of your kitchen, it’s obvious.

CR: (Waitress yells, ‘Chip, you are THE best!’ and Roman blushes) At the end of the day, this is just food and a phenomenal passion I enjoy…so other chefs who buy into that hype and chit chat have to get real. The deal is I just love what I do, I’ve had a fantastic young career right now but this will not be my legacy–this kitchen. I want to be known as a great dad to Charlie and Carolyn (Roman’s children are 1 and 2) and loyal husband and friend. As far as my life, I’m just getting started.

Za’atar- crusted Tuna
Gluten-Free Recipe Provided by Chef Chip Roman
Blackfish, Conshohocken, PA

Merguez Sausage is a spicy lamb sausage. Blackfish purchases their merguez sausage from D’Angelo Bros. Meat Market on 9th Street in Philadelphia (www.deangelobros.com). AroundMainLine.com found a comparable lamb sausage mildly seasoned at Heebner Meats in the Lancaster County Farmers Market in Wayne. Za’atar is a Lebanese mixed spice. Semann’s Homemade Specialties, specializing in Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine, carries za’atar. Semann’s is also located at the Wayne Farmers Market.

For tomatoes
12 plum tomatoes
¼ c. olive oil
1 ½ tsp. paprika
2 tsp. kosher salt
1 ½ tsp. chopped garlic
2 Tbsp. chopped shallots
1 tsp. chopped thyme
¼ c. chopped basil

For vinaigrette
½ lb. merguez sausage, casing removed
¼ c. sherry vinegar
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. chopped shallots
1 Tbsp. capers
1 Tbsp. tomato sauce
½ tsp. kosher salt
¼ tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. chopped chives

For fish
3 Tbsp. canola oil
4 6-oz. portions tuna
Kosher salt and black pepper, for seasoning
1 c. za’atar

Chef Chip Roman of Blackfish uses bold flavors to spice up the winter months. The dish comes together quickly, but the tangy oven-dried tomatoes take some time.

Preheat oven to 200 degrees. In a mixing bowl, toss whole tomatoes with ¼ cup olive oil, paprika, salt, garlic, 2 tablespoons shallots, thyme and basil. Spread on a sheet pan and place in oven for 4 hours. In a sauté pan over medium-high heat, sauté sausage until nicely browned (it will crumble as you cook), about 10 minutes. Remove sausage and set aside. Drain all but 2 tablespoons of fat from pan, return pan to medium heat, and add vinegar to deglaze, scraping up browned bits, about 1 minute. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon shallots, capers and tomato sauce; mix to incorporate, and then remove from heat. Season with salt, pepper and chives, and return sausage to pan. Meanwhile, heat a cast iron pan over high heat with canola oil until smoking. Season tuna with salt and pepper, then roll in za’atar on all sides, until well covered. Sear tuna, 1 minute on each side for rare. Evenly divide tomatoes and tuna among plates and lightly sauce; serve immediately. Serves 4.

Blackfish BYOB and Restaurant is located at 119 Fayette Street in Conshohocken, PA. Visit blackfishrestaurant.com for hours of operation or call 610-397-0888. Blackfish is also available for private parties.