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	<title>AroundMainLine.com - The Philadelphia Region&#039;s First Online Main Line Magazine &#187; Phoenixville</title>
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		<title>Buzz: Black Walnut Winery&#8217;s Phoenixville Grand Opening</title>
		<link>http://aroundmainline.com/food/buzz-black-walnut-winerys-phoenixville-grand-opening.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 08 Oct 2010 16:37:47 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Beer and Wine]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Phoenixville]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Black Walnut Winery is hosting a fun grand opening of their new Phoenixville tasting room Friday, October 15th.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>By AML Publisher<br />
Photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.offtheleashportraits.com" target="new">Candice DeTore</a></em></p>
<div id="attachment_1017" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/black-walnut-opening-1.jpg"><img src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/black-walnut-opening-1.jpg" alt="Lance and Val Castle of Black Walnut Winery toast to their success!" title="Lance and Val Castle of Black Walnut Winery toast to their success!" width="360" height="239" class="size-full wp-image-1017" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Lance and Val Castle of Black Walnut Winery toast to their success!</p></div>
<p>Lance and Valerie Castle did not realize just how fortuitous of a purchase they had made. The couple bought a charming Kimberton home over a decade ago&#8212;a sprawling country property shaded by dozens of Black Walnut trees.  Soon the Castles, a business model fermenting in their minds, found themselves destemming, by hand, 500 pounds of local Hopewell Vineyards grapes.  “We started making wine at home and it was in the fall, so these black walnuts were falling thirty to forty feet from the tree.  We always joked that someone was going to get knocked out from the walnuts.  Our friends and family started asking for ‘that black walnut wine’ so the name stuck.  We were producing 300 gallons of wine and decided it was time to make this a full time business.  And the rest, as they say, is history” explained Lance.<span id="more-1016"></span></p>
<div id="attachment_1018" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 316px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/black-walnut-opening-2.jpg"><img src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/black-walnut-opening-2.jpg" alt="Black Walnut has received industry accolades: a bronze medal at the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show for their Chardonnay 2007 and another bronze win at the 2010 Pennsylvania Wine Competition for their Merlot 2007." title="Black Walnut has received industry accolades: a bronze medal at the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show for their Chardonnay 2007 and another bronze win at the 2010 Pennsylvania Wine Competition for their Merlot 2007." width="306" height="459" class="size-full wp-image-1018" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Black Walnut has received industry accolades: a bronze medal at the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show for their Chardonnay 2007 and another bronze win at the 2010 Pennsylvania Wine Competition for their Merlot 2007.</p></div>
<p>Black Walnut Winery opened in July 2009 at a thoroughly renovated, and fabulously charming, 200-year-old Chester County bank barn on Lincoln Highway in Sadsburyille. Over the past year, the winery has received industry accolades-a bronze medal at the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show for their Chardonnay 2007 and another bronze win at the 2010 Pennsylvania Wine Competition for their Merlot 2007. “Every winery has their own style of how they want to produce their wine.  I tend to focus on making dry wines because that is my personal preference, but I understand we need to have a variety.  We produce a handful of wines that are off-dry and some that are a little sweet, but the majority of our wines here are favorably dry,” explained Lance.</p>
<p>Today Lance, along with wife Val, and business partners Jack and Karen Kuhn have expanded to a brand new Phoenixville tasting room where both wine novices and connoisseurs can sample one of their seventeen varieties.  On Friday, October 15th the Castles and Kuhns will celebrate their success with an extravagant grand opening open to the public. The walnut, as they have learned, does not fall far from the tree.</p>
<p><strong>Grand Opening<br />
Black Walnut Winery’s Phoenixville Tasting Room</strong></p>
<div id="attachment_1019" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/black-walnut-opening-3.jpg"><img src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/black-walnut-opening-3.jpg" alt="Black Walnut Winery’s new Phoenixville tasting room opens with much aplomb Friday, October 15th." title="Black Walnut Winery’s new Phoenixville tasting room opens with much aplomb Friday, October 15th." width="360" height="240" class="size-full wp-image-1019" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Black Walnut Winery’s new Phoenixville tasting room opens with much aplomb Friday, October 15th.</p></div>
<p><strong>When: </strong>Friday, October 15th 5pm-10pm</p>
<p><strong>Where:</strong> 260 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA</p>
<p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p>
<p><strong>Details:</strong> Join Black Walnut Winery and the rest of Phoenixville in celebrating the grand opening of their Bridge Street Tasting Room&#8212;complete with red carpet entry, free wine tastings paired with some of the best local artisan chocolates and cheeses, live music, discounted wine bottles and other great giveaways throughout the evening.  Situated at a beautifully-renovated property on the corner of Bridge and Gay streets in the heart of downtown Phoenixville, guests will be treated to a wide-array of festivities planned during the Grand Opening. </p>
<p>Free tastings and amazing food pairings are the order of the evening. Wine-lovers are encouraged to arrive at the top of the hour, noting a 50-person maximum to each hour&#8217;s tasting.</p>
<p><strong>Website:</strong> <a href="http://www.blackwalnutwinery.com" target="new">blackwalnutwinery.com</a></p>
<p><strong>5pm</strong><br />
General Wine Tasting of Black Walnut&#8217;s wide array of wines.</p>
<p><strong>6pm</strong><br />
Wine and Cheese Tasting with Local Artisan Goat Cheeses.</p>
<p><strong>7pm</strong><br />
Wine and Chocolate Tasting</p>
<p><strong>8pm</strong><br />
Fall Harvest Tasting with Hot Apple Wine, Brick Oven Breads, Strawberry Fields&#8217; oat bars and ginger snaps.</p>
<p><strong>9pm</strong><br />
Wine and International Cheese Tasting with Brick Oven artisan cheeses.</p>
<p>Every hour, one lucky guest will win a gift certificate for a private wine, cheese and chocolate tasting to the Sadsburyville winery, and another guest will head home with a free bottle of Black Walnut Wine. Participants will also find discounts on bottles of wine including: buy 6 bottles get 1 bottle free and buy 4 bottles get 2 free tasting cards. The evening&#8217;s grand prize giveaway will feature a private Wine Tasting and Catered Dinner for four.</p>
<p><strong>Black Walnut Winery&#8217;s Tasting Room is located at 260 Bridge Street of Phoenixville. The regular hours of operation are: Wednesdays and Thursdays 4pm – 9pm, Fridays 4pm – 10pm, Saturdays 11am – 10pm, and Sundays 1pm – 8pm. For more information, visit <a href="http://www.blackwalnutwinery.com" target="new">www.blackwalnutwinery.com</a>.</strong></p>
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		<title>Sensational Single: Max Shiffler</title>
		<link>http://aroundmainline.com/living/sensational-single-max-shiffler.html</link>
		<comments>http://aroundmainline.com/living/sensational-single-max-shiffler.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:16:54 +0000</pubDate>
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				<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Living]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Singles]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://aroundmainline.com/?p=729</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[He’s a momma’s boy with a mega-watt smile and the Marines in his future. Meet Phoenixville’s most eligible, and most adorable, bachelor Max Shiffler. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By AML Publisher<br />
Photos courtesy of <a href="http://www.jubilee-photography.com" target="new">Jubilee Photography</a><br />
Photo Shoot Locale: <a href="http://www.firecreek-restaurant.com" target="new">Firecreek Bar &amp; Restaurant</a>, Downingtown<br />
Men’s Fashion: Provided by Jon Segal, <a href="http://www.shop-pants.com" target="new">Pants Men’s Boutique</a>, Bryn Mawr, PA</p>
<div id="attachment_730" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 318px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/max1.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-730" title="Shiffler’s clothes courtesy of Bryn Mawr’s popular men’s boutique, Pants." src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/max1.jpg" alt="Shiffler’s clothes courtesy of Bryn Mawr’s popular men’s boutique, Pants." width="308" height="464" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Shiffler’s clothes courtesy of Bryn Mawr’s popular men’s boutique, Pants.</p></div>
<p>Twenty-four year old Maxamillion Shiffler, a.k.a. Max, is looking for a best friend and a woman who does not live for the party scene. The handsome, blond union carpenter and Phoenixville native is a young man with quite a head on his shoulders. While most guys (his age) are hitting the local bars all weekend long, Max is focused on staying in shape and sticking with his priorities: family, friends and fitness. He is considering enrolling in the Marines in the spring of 2010. But, with piercing blue eyes and a gorgeous ‘million’ dollar grin, this blue-collar catch is not afraid to embrace his feminine side. “I get my eyebrows waxed and go tanning and I am not afraid to let everyone know! And, I work out a lot. Taking care of myself and staying in shape is really important to me,” explained Shiffler.</p>
<p>We came across Shiffler via a strong recommendation from an AML Facebook Fan who had highly suggested we consider the David Beckham lookalike as a sensational local single to celebrate. A brief conference call with &#8216;Beckham&#8217;s&#8217; best friend Dave Wakeley confirmed we had discovered one great suburban gem of a guy. “Max is a no-nonsense kind of guy. He is very honest and trustworthy-very hard working and cherishes his friendships. We need to find Max a great woman with no baggage who appreciates what a great guy he is. He has a wonderful family and Max deserves the best. Whoever Max meets, they are going to cash in big,” explained Wakeley.<br />
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<div id="attachment_731" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/max2.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-731" title="Shiffler’s best friend describes him as: no-nonsense type of guy." src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/max2.jpg" alt="Shiffler’s best friend describes him as: no-nonsense type of guy." width="360" height="239" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Shiffler’s best friend describes him as: no-nonsense type of guy.</p></div>
<p><strong>Get To Know Max</strong></p>
<p><strong>Full Name: </strong>Maxamillion Michael Shiffler</p>
<p><strong>Age:</strong> 24</p>
<p><strong>Occupation: </strong>Philadelphia Union Carpenter Local 1595</p>
<p><strong>Career Aspiration:</strong> Model</p>
<p><strong>Mantra:</strong> Power Up!</p>
<p><strong>Height:</strong> 5’11</p>
<p><strong>Hair Color:</strong> Dirty Blonde</p>
<p><strong>Eye Color:</strong> Green</p>
<p><strong>Nationality:</strong> German/ Hungarian</p>
<p><strong>Faith:</strong> Roman Catholic</p>
<p><strong>Hometown:</strong> Phoenixville</p>
<p><strong>Currently Resides:</strong> Phoenixville</p>
<p><strong>High School: </strong>Phoenixville Area High School</p>
<p><strong>College: </strong>United brotherhood of carpenters and joiners of America Apprentice School</p>
<p><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/max3.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-732" src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/max3.jpg" alt="" width="308" height="473" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Sign:</strong> Virgo</p>
<p><strong>Bend it Like Beckham:</strong> Shiffler bears an uncanny resemblance to international soccer star David Beckham.</p>
<p><strong>Conquering Tall Buildings with a Single Bound:</strong> Shiffler does a lot of scaffolding work as a carpenter and is not afraid of heights. One of his projects included working at the top of Center City’s Comcast Building-harnessed 1,000 feet in the air.</p>
<p><strong>Animal Lover:</strong> I had 3 year old German Sheppard name Honz who I recently just lost to kidney cancer. I love German Sheppards.</p>
<p><strong>Ideal Woman:</strong> I am looking for a hard working woman. Someone who is very loyal, trust worthy, and knows what she wants. No drama allowed! I am not a big fan of drama or party girls-I would like to live a stress free life.</p>
<p><strong>Ideal First Date:</strong> My idea of a perfect date is a nice candle light dinner at a nice place that both mutually agree too…. With some cocktails and dancing to end the night… and maybe a good night kiss…</p>
<p><strong>Last Relationship Ended:</strong> June 2009</p>
<p><strong>First Time Heart Was Broken:</strong> Recently in June :(</p>
<p><strong>Female Celebrity Dream Date:</strong> Amy Smart</p>
<p><strong>Favorite Philly Sports Team:</strong> Eagles</p>
<p><strong>Secret Date Spot in The City:</strong> I love Cubra Libre In Old City because mojito’s are one of my favorite drinks.</p>
<p><strong>Date Deal Breaker:</strong> Girls that text or are always on their phones during a date</p>
<p><strong>Best Place to Hang in the Burbs:</strong> I believe the Phoenixville downtown bar area is by far the best in the burbs…great friends, food and beer.</p>
<p><strong>Favorite Jersey Shore Town:</strong> Bradley Beach</p>
<div id="attachment_733" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 318px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/max4.jpg"><img class="size-full wp-image-733" title="Shiffler is a union carpenter who is contemplating a spring stint in the Marine Corp." src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/max4.jpg" alt="Shiffler is a union carpenter who is contemplating a spring stint in the Marine Corp." width="308" height="464" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Shiffler is a union carpenter who is contemplating a spring stint in the Marine Corp.</p></div>
<p><strong>My Mother Would Say:</strong> I am a hard working, sensitive loving person</p>
<p><strong>My Friends Would Describe Me As:</strong> Hardworking, loyal… good person that comes from a good family</p>
<p><strong>Kiss on A First Date?</strong> If the mood and time was right</p>
<p><strong>Favorite Clothing Store:</strong> Armani Exchange</p>
<p><strong>Morning Radio Station:</strong> 104.5</p>
<p><strong>I Can’t Stand Women Who:</strong> Who can’t let go of the past and want to talk about ex-boyfriends. I also think women should split the tab and offer to pay the bill themselves sometimes.</p>
<p><strong>I Love Women Who:</strong> Ask questions and are curious. And, I love a woman who respects the hard working blue-collar man.</p>
<p><strong>Favorite Food:</strong> Cheese quesadillas</p>
<p><strong>Favorite Cocktail:</strong> Mojito</p>
<p><strong>Favorite Beer: </strong>Landshark</p>
<p><strong>Marriage? </strong>I am 24 now, I hope when I’m around 26 or 27</p>
<p><strong>Kids?</strong> I want 3 kids</p>
<p><strong>Wheels:</strong> 2008 GMC Duramax diesel lifted monster truck</p>
<p><strong>Signature Cologne:</strong> I can’t tell my secrets</p>
<p><strong>Favorite Perfume on a Woman:</strong> Polo Blue</p>
<p><strong>Best Bar to Share a Beer with the Buddies:</strong> PJ Ryan’s in Phoenixville, the owners and management makes you feel like you are home.</p>
<p><strong>I Make a Great Catch Because:</strong> I am the one and only Max. I will always make u laugh, I’m loyal, trustworthy, I know what I want in life, and I’m fair.</p>
<p><strong>Favorite TV Show: </strong>Saved By the Bell</p>
<p><strong>Geno&#8217;s or Pats?</strong> Pat’s</p>
<p><strong>Special thanks to our good friends at Downingtown’s Firecreek Restaurant &amp; Bar for their generosity and accommodations for our photo shoot. Visit their website, <a href="http://www.firecreek-restaurant.com" target="new">firecreek-restaurant.com</a> for seasonal menus and upcoming events.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Jon Segal, owner of Pants men’s boutique in Bryn Mawr, provided the fashion for Max Shiffler. Looking for great holiday fashion for yourself or your favorite guy? Head over to Pants, located at 931 Lancaster Avenue in Bryn Mawr, on the second floor above Skirt. Call 610-527-6900 or visit their website, <a href="http://www.shop-pants.com" target="new">www.shop-pants.com</a>.</strong></p>
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		<title>Food Bites: Que Chula es Puebla and XIX (Nineteen)</title>
		<link>http://aroundmainline.com/living/food-bites-que-chula-es-puebla-and-xix-nineteen.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 17:27:39 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Roof herb gardens, retro diners and healthy smoothies coming to a street near you.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>By Kailyn Finnegan<br />
AroundPhilly.com</em></p>
<p><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/foodbites1.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-486" title="Funky Lil Kitchen" src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/foodbites1.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="198" /></a></p>
<p>Chula es Puebla is Philadelphia’s newest Mexican taqueria, whipping up some delicious entrées off an extensive and flavorful menu. Located on 1356 North Second Street, this eatery offers everything from the common Mexican dishes, such as nachos and quesadillas, to the more sophisticated plates such as campechanos and mole poblano. Next time you have a craving for some tasty tacos, sculpted with the freshest ingredients, be sure to grab a few friends and a six-pack of Dos Equis and head over to Que Chula es Puebla for an unforgettable meal.</p>
<p>Whether it’s going green or cutting out the carbs, social trends dictate the lifestyles we lead. For restaurant, XIX (Nineteen) at Park Hyatt at the Bellevue, it’s health-conscious drinks and smoothies that are the buzz. Brazilian Nutritionist, Patricia Teixeira, developed the tasty beverages with the intention to help travelers recover from travel stresses and exhaustion. Each smoothie specifically targets certain areas in the body. Patricia Teixeira’s Healthy Smoothie&#8211; made with banana, orange juice, strawberries, mint leaf, soy milk and almonds&#8211;was created to reduce heart tension. Try out each smoothie variation for $10.</p>
<p><a href="http://aroundphilly.com/may-food-bites-philadelphia-dine-restaurants/a-5419" target="new">[CLICK HERE TO READ MORE]</a></p>
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		<title>Best of Beer Week in the Burbs</title>
		<link>http://aroundmainline.com/living/best-of-beer-week-in-the-burbs.html</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Mar 2009 20:18:42 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[AroundMainLine.com primes local beer lovers for the best events in and around the Main Line and suburban region for the second annual Philly Beer Week.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em>By AML Publisher<br />
Photos courtesy of Kevin E. McPherson and Mimi Janosy (www.mimiprophoto.com)<br />
</em><br />
<div id="attachment_355" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 318px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pbwburbs1.jpg"><img src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pbwburbs1.jpg" alt="“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" title="“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" width="308" height="462" class="size-full wp-image-355" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">“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</p></div></p>
<p>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.<br />
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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 <em>The Book and The Cook</em>, an annual foodie festival and fair, had seen waning interest.<br />
<div id="attachment_356" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pbwburbs2.jpg"><img src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pbwburbs2.jpg" alt="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." title="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." width="360" height="239" class="size-full wp-image-356" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">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.</p></div></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<div id="attachment_357" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pbwburbs3.jpg"><img src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pbwburbs3.jpg" alt="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." title="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." width="360" height="240" class="size-full wp-image-357" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">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.</p></div>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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&#8211; 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 (<em>Joe Sixpack’s Philly Beer Guide: A Reporter’s Notes on the Best Beer-Drinking City in America </em>, 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.</p>
<div id="attachment_358" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 370px"><a href="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pbwburbs4.jpg"><img src="http://aroundmainline.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/pbwburbs4.jpg" alt="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." title="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." width="360" height="239" class="size-full wp-image-358" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">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.</p></div>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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&#8230;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!”</p>
<p><strong>Philly Beer Week Highlights for Main Line and Philadelphia Suburban Restaurants (listed in alphabetical order)</strong></p>
<p><strong>Boathouse Restaurant, Conshohocken &#038; Wayne</strong></p>
<p>Conshohocken location, Saturday March 7th  1pm-5pm<br />
<em>Victory Brewing Company’s Conshohocken Mini-Bar Crawl</em><br />
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.</p>
<p>Conshohocken location,  Friday March 13th 5pm-7pm<br />
<em>Sierra Nevada Happy Hour</em><br />
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?</p>
<p>Wayne location, Monday March 9th 7:30pm<br />
<em>Meet The Brewery Rep, Anchor Steam</em><br />
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.</p>
<p><strong>Capone’s, Norristown </strong></p>
<p>Sunday, March 8th 10:30 am<br />
<em>Meet the Brewer for Brunch: Patrick Rue of The Bruery</em><br />
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.</p>
<p>Saturday, March 14th 11:00 am<br />
<em>Meet the Brewer: Rob Tod of Allagash</em><br />
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.</p>
<p><strong>Flying Pig Saloon, Malvern </strong></p>
<p>Wednesday, March 11th   7-9pm<br />
<em>Meet the Brewery Owner: Bruce Pia of Erie Brewing Company</em><br />
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.</p>
<p><strong>General Lafayette Inn, Lafayette Hill </strong></p>
<p>Monday, March 9th, 7pm<br />
<em>General Lafayette Inn/Green Flash Beer Dinner $69 per person</em><br />
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.</p>
<p><strong>Gullifty’s Pizza Grille &#038; Bar, Rosemont</strong></p>
<p>Monday, March 9th<br />
<em>Meet the Brewers </em><br />
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!<br />
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, </p>
<p>Wednesday, March 11th  7pm<br />
<em>Meet and Greet With Joe Sixpack</em><br />
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!</p>
<p>Thursday, March 12th 7pm<br />
<em>AroundMainLine.com Beer And Pizza Bites Night</em><br />
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.</p>
<p><strong>Oakmont National Pub, Havertown </strong></p>
<p>Friday, March 6th 7pm<br />
<em>Cheese, Chocolates &#038; Craft Beer</em><br />
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!  </p>
<p>Saturday, March 7th 7pm<br />
<em>All Aboard At The Oakmont!</em><br />
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!</p>
<p><strong>Phoenixville Bar Crawl</strong></p>
<p>Saturday, March 14th 1pm-5pm<br />
Details Courtesy of <a href="http://www.MainStreetPhoenixville.com" target="_blank">MainStreetPhoenixville.com</a></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>Iron Hill Brewery &#038; Restaurant</em> (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. </p>
<p><em>Sly Fox Brewhouse &#038; Eatery</em> (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. </p>
<p><em>Columbia Bar &#038; Grille</em> (148 E. Bridge Street): “Meet the Brewer,” featuring Lancaster Brewing Company’s, Bill Moore. </p>
<p><em>101 Bridge</em>  ( 101 Bridge Street ): “Meet the Brewer,” featuring Stoudt’s Brewing Company.<br />
<em><br />
Molly Maguire’s Irish Restaurant</em> (195 Bridge Street): “Meet the Brewer,” featuring Guinness and                  Victory. Pay as you go with Guinness brew master Fergal Murray &#8211; 1 p.m-3 p.m. and Victory Brewing Company’s, Bill Covaleski  3 p.m.-5 p.m.</p>
<p><em>Pickering Creek Inn</em> (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. </p>
<p><em>PJ Ryan’s</em> (231 Bridge Street): “Meet the Brewer,” with Flying Fish Brewing Company’s Drew Perry. Troegs Brewing Company will also be featured. </p>
<p><em>Epicurean Restaurant &#038; Bar</em> (902 Kimberton Road): “Meet the Brewer,” featuring Yard’s Brewing Company and Dogfish Head Brewery. </p>
<p><strong>Teresa’s Next Door, Wayne </strong></p>
<p>Friday, March 6th 7pm<br />
<em>Meet the Brewer Curt Cameron of Thomas Hooker</em><br />
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.</p>
<p>Saturday, March 7th Noon<br />
<em>Basement Blowout!</em><br />
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.</p>
<p>Tuesday, March 10th 12:30pm<br />
<em>Luncheon with Sam Calagione of Dogfish Head Brewery</em><br />
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!</p>
<p>Friday, March 13th 7pm<br />
<em>Second Annual Chimay Night with Bobo</em><br />
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.</p>
<p><strong>TJ Drinkery’s, Paoli </strong></p>
<p>Monday, March 9th 7pm-9pm<br />
<em>Meet the Brewers Night-Suburbs</em></p>
<p>This is the night that PBW and the suburban bar owners deemed &#8220;Meet the Brewers Night &#8211; Suburbs&#8221;. TJ&#8217;s is hosting the brewer from Brewery Ommegang out of New York. (Ommegang is under the same corporate umbrella as D&#8217;Achouffe and Duvel.) TJ’s will be featuring some fantastic D&#8217;Achouffe products as well as the premiere of Duvel Green on draft&#8211;Duvel Green is the single fermented version of the popular Duvel &#8220;original.”</p>
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