This is something you really need to know about, and I’m giving you a good 10-day heads-up. I’m talking about Silicon Valley Beer Week (July 28-Aug 3), which resembles a mashup between a beerfest and the sponsored after-work talks/mixers that are so popular here in the Southbay and Peninsula. Which means both fun and educational, and better than just a big rented hall with a bunch of folding tables and empty taps too often found at other beerfests. Continue reading Silicon Valley Beer Week: too much of a good thing can be a good thing
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Craneway’s Chocolate & Beer fest, minus the beer
What’s up Chocolate & Beer festival? How come you advertise 10 beer companies, but when I drive all the way out to Richmond I only count five. And when I walk up to the table of another, Lost Coast, they’re already out of beer and packing up to leave, and it’s only 3:30. Don’t get me wrong, I like beer, and I’m happy with what you did have*, and for the sunny day by the water at Craneway Pavilion. But that was a lot of money to shell out for an entrance fee, and the price of a beer on top, for just four lousy beer companies. I could’ve had more choices and paid less at pretty much any of my local beer joints, and driven out to Beach Chalet if I wanted a water view. I couldn’t even get a good happy beer buzz. I know you tried to spice it up with the chocolatiers and live music and the jumpy house for the kids, but just like your neighbor to the south, there was no there, there. The whole event was just one big shrug. I’m not unhappy I went, but I doubt I’ll be back next year, especially with a number of other beer fests +.
*Drakes from San Leandro had a variety of beers on tap. Moksha, a craft brew from India though brewed locally, had bottles of their full-bodied amber lager. Trumer Pils had their usual. And Rosie’s Shipyard Ale brewed by Assemble (formerly the Boilerhouse Restaurant) adjacent to the pavilion may have been my favorite. And that was it.