Chocolate, Cheese and Beer (Back with a Vengeance!)

Jimmy's No. 43 and Saxelby Cheesemongers present the Chocolate, Cheese and Beer Tasting, which will take place on Tuesday, September 30 in the Tasting Room at Jimmy's No. 43. The evening will feature chocolate from Nunu's in Brooklyn, Craft Beers from across the globe, and cheese from Anne Saxelby. Two seatings are available at 6:30 and 8:30 PM. Visit Jimmysno43.com for more information and buy tickets or call 212 982 3006 to make reservations.

Great Belgian Beer Night

On Wednesday, September 24, Jimmy's No. 43 is celebrating Belgian beers. The Strong Buzz has put out the word that we will feature great Belgian beers that are typical to their style and region. From Nostradamus (a warm, rich brown ale) to St. Bernardus Dubbel (fruity with a touch of bitterness- highly drinkable!) to St. Bernardus Wit (white beer- tart, spicy and sweet) you will find so much to tempt your palate.

We will be pouring Belgian all week, starting Monday the 22nd. Come by on Wednesday night if you want to be part of the show! Until then, read more about the beer importer, D and V, whose beers will be featured this week.

Bacon Tasting Reviews

I like to share a good thing, whether it be good food or a person who knows good food and can share that knowledge with others. That's what the tastings at Jimmy's No. 43 are all about. One of my favorite tastings is the Bacon and Beer Tasting guided by Josh Ozersky, aka "Mr. Cutlets". Who can resist the succulent flavors of smoky, crisp bacon? Few can deny the allure of a fine bacon paired with a good beer.

Case in point, Mary Izett wrote in great detail about last year's bacon tasting. Bust Magazine has a blog that featured the Bacon and Beer Tasting that took place just last week.

In addition to several beer selections from Sixpoint Craft Ales, last week's tasting featured bacons from Oscar Mayer (USA), Flying Pig Farm (NY state), Violet Hill Farm (NY state), Nodine's (Connecticut) and Benton's (Tennessee).

Enjoy the bacon tasting reviews then go to the greenmarket, talk to the farmers, buy bacon!

Captain Lawrence Dinner

The NYC Craft Beer Week starts on September 12. In conjunction with NYC Craft Beer Week, Jimmy's No. 43 will create a dinner to complement the beers from Captain Lawrence Brewing Company, a local brewer in Pleasantville, NY. This special dinner will take place on September 15.

I had the chance to ask some questions of Captain Lawrence brewmaster Scott Vaccaro (he's the one on the right) in anticipation of the September 15 dinner.

How did you first become involved in brewing?

I became involved with brewing my third year in high school after going over to my friends house and seeing his father brewing on the stove. I asked if he would show me how to brew and that was it for me... I wanted to be a brewer.

What style of beers do you hope to emulate?

I brew beers I like to drink. I will not brew a beer that I don't want to sit down and drink any day of the week.

Are you the pride of westchester?

I sure hope the people of Westchester are proud to have us. I know we are proud to be brewing our beers in Westchester County.

Why is the smoked porter so good?

Because it tasted like beer and smells reminiscent of roasted meats...two of my favorite things.

Thank you, Scott, for your time and for sharing your brewing talents. For further information about the Captain Lawrence Dinner, see the Jimmy's No. 43 website.

Bacon and Beer Tasting Tonight

The Strong Buzz recommends tonight's (September 8) Bacon and Beer Tasting at Jimmy's No. 43. Tonight's tasting features some of the finest bacons paired with select Sixpoint Craft Ales and will be hosted by Grub Street's Josh Ozersky, aka "Mr. Cutlets". Two seatings are available- 6:30 and 8:30. Event tickets and further information are available at www.jimmysno43.com.