And so the adventure began. Although the bus didn't leave until 10:00 from Brouwer's Cafe in Fremont, we decided to take the 7:55 ferry so that we could get over there a little early and have a bite of breakfast. I usually don't like going over to Seattle on my days off because I spend so much time on commuting during the week, but I knew the day would be really fun. Got to Fremont around 9:00 and looked around for a place to have brekkie. Found Roxy's - the perfect place. I'm a little surprised they let us in though since everyone else had a tattoo. But, they did and were super friendly to boot. They don't have a website but they're located at 462 N 36th St, (206) 632-3963. They had exactly the breakfast I wanted, two eggs (over easy) buttered toast, and hash browns. I kept it simple but J added the bacon and then gave me a piece. Was just saying the other day that I never eat a hearty breakfast but when you're going on a beer bus tour, it just seemed like it would make sense to have something in our belly.
Baaacon - yum.
Now, I could write pages and pages about the tour - it was such a blast - wonderful people and fantastic beer, but I'll keep it to a minimum and let the pics speak for me. First though I want to mention that one of our hosts Skip, has just started brewing his own beer (formerly brewed at Boundary Bay). The brewery is called BreakAway Brewery and it's in Edmonds. He has a few kegs around town and if you want to get in touch with him to find out where I'm pretty sure he'd be happy to let you know. His e-mail address is BreakAwayBrewery@gmail.com. We had his IPA on the bus and was it ever tasty. I also want to send huge thanks to our other host, Jim Parker of Chuckanut in Bellingham. They were really the reason the trip was such a success. Oh, and also want to say thank you to their wives for putting up with us all - very gracious.
First stop Chuckanut. http://www.chuckanutbreweryandkitchen.com/
J had the brat.
I had the burger.
Next stop Boundary Bay. http://www.bbaybrewery.com/We ended up leaving Chuckanut a little late, so lazy, lazy took the bus the 6 blocks. Most people walked.
Really lovely space outside - wanted to try a pretzel and didn't get the chance. If anyone does let me know how it is.
Back on the bus and headed to Skookum. I have absolutely no idea where we were but was it amazing. If you can make it there you really should try - gorgeous outdoor space and we met some really wonderful people there - such fun. http://www.skookumbrewing.com/
Final stop was Lazy Boy. http://www.lazyboybrewing.com/Shawn was amazing, allowing all of us to crowd into his brewery, letting us taste his awesome brew even though he had another commitment. I've mentioned before that Schultzy's has Lazy Boy - I know there are tons of other places as well, so seek it out - great stuff.
So inspired by yesterday's tour, I'm off to brew a batch of my own with Dad - Hale's Moss Bay Extra - very full bodied, dark amber beer with a slightly bitter finish and a pungent, citrusy aroma from the Centennial hops (the description from Bill's site http://www.olybrew.com/). Should be good!
