Top Brews

Sometimes my job is just a job that involves too many hours, too much work, and stress. Other times it definitely has its perks and I get to do some pretty cool things!

Recently we helped sponsor the New Jersey Beer Festival, which our distributor in North NJ organizes. So it's not the whole state of NJ and its only the beers that they distribute...but it draws a big crowd and has a great selection of events and beers. It's hosted in a really nice part of the state...yes there are nice parts of new jersey! Far north and west...in a small town of Hamburg is a gorgeous ski/golf resort and spa, Crystal Springs. It has many hotels, restaurants, lodging options, golf courses, and other activities. 

one of the golf course holes Nick played at Crystal Springs

Friday night we were part of a food and beer event with the top New Jersey chefs. A real Top Chef was paired with Sam Adams! Kevin Sbraga who won season 7 Of Bravos's Top Chef in Washington DC, served a delicious salmon sashimi with a mango jicama salsa, nitrogen frozen yogurt and topped with chili oil. It was paired with Sam Adams Summer Ale which was a great pairing! Kevin talked about and served his dish while I served and talked about the beer. He was super nice and fun to hang out with for the evening. Since I have literally watched Top Chef since season 1, I was pretty psyched to hang out with him.

Kevin with his dish and a Sam Summer

plating

one of my reps, Melissa, myself and Kevin

a top chef plating!

 Saturday was the big beer festival...under a tent, filled with beer and food tables with an awesome Philly cover band (Lima Bean Riot) for entertainment. The weather was beautiful, not too hot. My team had 3 tables for our 3 Boston Beer brands, Sam Adams, Angry Orchard, and Twisted Tea. We set up, poured, and talked to beer fest goers all afternoon. It was definitely fun! 

my NJ team! At the festival...Rob, Melissa and myself. sweet cooler turned cold plate.

our lovely Sam Adams table...takes skill to decorate like this :)

pregnant lady taking a break...some non-pregnant drunk stole my chair.

I've used cases of beer as a seat more times than I count...always sturdy.

8 months pregnant and pouring beer...so appropriate.  people were actually

so nice..."you look great!" "when are you due?" "having children is the best thing in the world!"

Tip for all you beer lovers...the big thing with beer this summer is cans...most craft breweries are canning thier beers which is great for the pool, beach, boat and golf course. Try leinenkeugals summer canned variety pack...summer shandy is pretty good. Favorites like Harpoon and Sierra Nevadad are in cans this summer, along with one of my favorite brews, Kona Longboard Lager. 

Cheers from New Jersey!