Here’s a good deal for the frugal minded out there. South Philadelphia’s 1601 Cafe offers Wit Wednesdays with $2.50 PBC Walt Wits starting at 7pm.

1601 Cafe [Official Site]
Philadelphia Brewing Co. [Official Site]

Philadelphia Brewing Co. has released the first of its seasonal brews, Fleur de Lehigh.

This brew is a nod to old tyme beverages – the kind of styles being re-invigorated by Belgians and Italians and foresighted Americans. The emphasis is on a unique line up of herbs and spices. If you must conform to styles think Belgian Pale … with herbs and spices: Cardamom, Ginger, Lemongrass, Rose hips, and Rhubarb root.

Available only on draught and only while supplies last. Here’s who has it so far:

• The Abbaye
• Atlantis The Lost Bar
• Chaucer’s
• Devil’s Den
• The Dive
• Grey Lodge
• The Khyber
• London Grill
• Memphis Taproom
• POPE (Pub On Passyunk East)
• Standard Tap

Philadelphia Brewing Co. [Official Site]

We received a note that the Philadelphia Brewing Company has its first and so far only neon sign hanging in the window at the Khyber.

That got us thinking about another piece of local beer trivia. Sly Fox only has one neon sign. In what window can you find it?

John Rehm of Art & Industry has the lowdown on the first seasonal offering from the Philadelphia Brewing Co. The unnamed beer sounds like a herb-infused take on a Belgian pale ale. It should be available on draft in a week or two

We start with a base of excellent lightly toasted malts on a foundation of Canadian 2 row (pils) from our silo: Weyermann (German) CaraHell, Acidulated malt, Wheat, whole flaked Oats, French aromatic, and a touch of French CaraMunich for a nice golden color.

Hops are light – just enough for balance and some Willamette late in the boil for a subtle earthiness.

Now the good stuff… Cardamom, Ginger, Lemongrass, Rose hips, Rhubarb root.

Sounds pretty good to us. They don’t have a name though. Any suggestions?

Natural Herbal Enhancement [Art & Industry]
Philadelphia Brewing Co. [Official Site]

A quick tour around the RSS reader reveals that spring has gotten people out and checking out spots all around the area.

The Beer Lounge has the beer highlights at Villanova’s Maia. Allagash, Ayinger, Founders and more among the draught headliners.

Chicken-Fried Caviar says there is such a thing as too much bacon in their peek into Time.

Food Country drops two reviews for the price of one at John’s Roast Pork.

There are plenty of food photos to gawk at in Foodaphilia’s birthday bash at Las Bugambilias.

Foodzings points out that Blackfish in Conshy serves a lot more than just seafood.

The Beer Lass gets a tour of the Philadelphia Brewing Co. brewery and even gets to scope where they make those slick tap handles.

Turns out the raves for Memphis Taproom extend to their vegetarian options as well.

McDuff heeds the call of the burger at the Good Dog.

David Moore and his wife dine at Collingswood’s Joe Pesce with a delicious rosé.

Philadining heads to El Balconcito in the Northeast for some Peruvian and Portuguese cuisine at reasonable prices.

Why not try a Philadelphia Brewing Co. beer by the bottle. We had the Walt Wit last night at Grace Tavern and really enjoyed it.

Les Bon Temps is set to open Friday, April, 4th. A recent peek in the window revealed and impressive space. The Clog has the menu. [The Clog]

Earth Bread + Brewery is looking for a May opening on Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy. Drew Lazor reports  there will be a new version of Heavyweight’s Biere d’Art on tap. We guess that explains brewer, Tom Baker’s attendance of Tria Fermentation School’s Farmhouse Ales class. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Quick blurb in Ice Pack pushes back the opening of Union Trust till around Labor Day. [Icepack, City Paper]

Can Time really be just a week out? That’s what Vintage owner, Jason Evenchik says it will take to get the former Ludwig’s up and running. [Feeding Frenzy, City Paper]

Head to your distributor. Philadelphia Brewing Company is now available in bottles.

O.N.E at the Rittenhouse, formerly The Mansion officially opens this Saturday. [Icepack, City Paper]

Enjoy the first keg of Philadelphia Brewing Company’s Kenzinger off the line tonight at the Green Rock Tavern on Lehigh Avenue. There will be $1 pints from 7 to 8pm tonight.

Philadelphia Brewing Co. [Official Site]
Green Rock Tavern [MySpace]

What soon to be released beer will be pouring from a tap handle shaped like a pencil, complete with real eraser?

Answer after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s a special Monday edition of Quick Bites with lots of news and notes.

Ashoka Palace is the new spot taking a run at 38 S 19th St. It will serve northern Indian cuisine. We wish owner Kinder Jit Singh better luck than what met Bootsie’s, Sabor and Cha Cha Sushi. [Food & Drinq]

The Clog has the rundown on Fishtown’s Memphis Taproom from the taps (American craft, Belgian, German and English) to the food (it is a Polish neighborhood isn’t it?). Get a sneak preview of sorts this Saturday as Memphis Taproom will be pouring the beer at Unbridaled, an interesting bridal expo this weekend. [The Clog]

The restaurant at the Victory Brewing Co. has temporarily gotten smaller as they continue to renovate the brewery and brew pub. More photos at their site. [Victory Brewing Co. via The Brew Lounge]

The first Philadelphia Brewing Co. beer has made it into the fermenter. Brewer Deane Browne has the details. [Fermental]

Zahav has a logo. Check it out. [The Making of Zahav]

And finally, today’s the day Ugly American gets their draft system installed.