I started off the weekend by meeting some friends and my son just outside of Charlottesville at Carter Mountain to do a little apple picking. After walking up and down the trails, some apple cider donuts and 21 lbs of apples we needed some dinner. Being where we were I made several suggestions and we decided to venture to South Street Brewery. South Street is an old building in the downtown heart of Charlottesville, minutes from UVA. When you get there you walk into a large room, with a wonderful fireplace, couches and chairs in the middle. Dining tables fill the floor, there is huge bar in front of their beautiful stainless steel brewing system, which is behind glass. I have been to South Street once before for lunch and it was fantastic. I was looking forward to having dinner, and sampling more of their beers.
We started our meal with a tall Oktoberfest Lager (5.3% ABV), wings, calamari, and veggie wonchos(kind of like chips and dip). The wings had a nice rub and were not too spicy so the kids were able to enjoy. The calamari was perfectly cooked and seasoned. It just the right amount of spiciness and flavor and was another big hit with the kids. My favorite had to be the veggie wonchos. These were fried wonton chips served with a bowl of vegetarian chili. The chili was amazing, it wasn't spicy it was more of a sweetness which went perfect with the Oktoberfest Lager.
For dinner I had the Duo of Pork which is pork belly and a honey chipotle pork tenderloin, served with probably the best creamed corn I have probably ever had. The pork belly was cooked to perfection and the tenderloin was melt in your mouth tender. After dinner was over my buddy and I ordered a flight to finish the night off.
The flight consisted of:
Bumper Crop- Fresh hop ale using wet Nelson County Cascade hops. Has an 8.3% ABV and incalculable IBU's. Sweet up front with floral hints and nice earthy hops at end.
Anastasia's Chocolate Fantasy- Russian Imperial Stout. This dark stout has 10.5% ABV and 40 IBU's. This stout has a wonderful chocolaty flavor with a nice roasted barley and malt flavor.
Bar Hopper- American IPA. Which has a 6.8% ABV 60 IBU's. A little bit hoppier than I normal like, but it had a great caramel wheat flavor.
Fruit Lups- American Wheat Ale, with a 6.5% ABV and 33 IBU's. I was looking forward to this one and it did not disappoint. Nice golden color with a fruity honey flavor. I didn't think it was to bitter at all.
Satan's Pony- Amber Ale with 5.3% ABV and a very low 12 IBU's. One of their most popular beers and I can understand why. Great flavor and not very filling at all. Low ABV and IBU means you can have a few of these.
JP Ale- Pale Ale with a 5.0% ABV and 30 IBU's. Had a nice fruitiness flavor and little bitterness which comes from the Centennial and Cascade Hops.
Overall my experience at South Street Brewery was a great one. The food was excellent and the beer was delicious. For the non beer fans they also have wine and some selected mixed drinks. Also for those of you who didn't know South Street is part of the Blue Mountain family. I would suggest this brewery to anyone that is visiting or wants to visit Charlottesville and wants to have a great meal and some great beer.
This was just the beginning to my weekend. I will have a couple of more posts later this week.
As always, drink up and eat well!
