rstarobi

I liked the non-alphabetical more - I was number 1 there!

Just to re-update, I'm bringing a few beers.

I've seen nearly all of them in Happy Deli (48th & 8th). I haven't looked in any of the other beeraterias for them yet.

I've tried the Pine and Elderberry. Both were alright, though I liked the Elderberry more.

Nina, My section of the booze is probably going to be either a few German Wheat beers, or a few Belgian Lambics (maybe fruited).

Wow, Suvir it looks like you've set us up an incredible meal. I'm really grateful to you for organizing this.

With the temperature beginning to edge towards freezing, my thoughts have turned to warm drinks. Since my favorite drink happens to be beer, does anyone know of any beers that are meant to be mulled? I remember reading of one in a Michael Jackson book, but I haven't dug through it yet.

Close, but no cigar - lagers are fermented with a different form of yeast than ales. This yeast propagates better at cooler temperatures (40-44 degrees fahrenheit), whereas Ale yeasts work better at around 55-60 degrees.

Nell, I think we've settled on November 20th at 7:30 PM as a when. The where is a well-kept secret known only to Suvir at this point.

Has Al opened up for the fall yet?

Nina, I think you can get Kingfisher (or Taj Mahal) at most of the beer specialty stores in Manhattan - I wasn't planning on bringing Indian beer, as most are generic lagers - not too different from American lager. I'm probably going to bring a couple of German or Belgian beers. B & E Quality Beverage at 511 West 23nd street has a good selection of beers at reasonable price. They'd likely have Kingfisher and Taj Mahal. NYC Beer.org has an incomplete listing of many NY beer specialty stores.

Moustache Pitza in New York's East Village (10th St. between 1st and A) serves Loomi - had it last afternoon for the first time. Interesting flavor - not as tart as I would have expected for a citrus drink. I enjoyed it, but I'm not sure it's going to be a favorite of mine.

I guess I was the exception - I was mostly drinking Heineken as my low-end beer in college, and I would make forays into Belgian, German and Scottish beers fairly regularly (having access to a store with several hundred varieties within walking distance didn't hurt, though..)

Jason, Nina, et al. I didn't end up going to DiFara's due to a few events beyond my control, but I did visit La Pizza Fresca on Friday. Had an excellent Pizza Margherita there. Also had a Moretti La Rosa - very nice dark beer. Excellent flavor. My girlfriend had an excellent Gnocchi dish with lobster in a cream sauce. The pizza had a nice crust (though a bit soggy for type) and amazing cheese. The tomato sauce was also good, but a bit overwhelmed by the cheese flavoring.

I think I might have the market cornered on young - but in any case, I'll bring a few beers for the non-wine drinkers out there. Maybe even a bottle of my first batch of homebrew for any masochists.

Worst beer in and of itself - Natty Ice Worst beer ever - particularly skunky Bud. Worst gourmet beer - Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier - tasted like liquid beef jerky.

I have no problems with anything - I'm OK for heavy veggie or heavy meat/fish - I also agree that individual service is probably better than a buffet.

Jason, Nina - I'm going to DiFara's this weekend - I'll throw my essentially weightless opinion on this discussion

Gotta start reading more boards than just New York and beer... :)

Saw this on the "other" food site. http://www.newyorkmetro.com/urban/articles...ants/batali.htm

And don't forget me!

Works for me, if it's late enough; ie - after 6:30, preferably.

I would definitely love to get in on this, as long as its after the 13th of November - I'll be in London until then.

In fairness, you have to try Anchor Old Foghorn before you can write the brewery off completely.

No clue, but I think I can peg the book as being either Michael Jackson's Beer Encyclopedia or his 500 Great Beers. I'll take a closer look later tonight.