Spring is finally here and it doesn't even feel like I've waited that long for it's arrival. I know some people will think I'm crazy, but I must say I love the weather in Upstate NY, it's diversified, full of suprises and wonderment. I often compare the weather to a person with cycling moods. YOu know the type... one minute they're super happy and the next they're explosive with anger or sadness, often with no notice of the pending change ~ THAT'S upstate NY.

This week has been a bit slow, but that's out of choice. I needed a bit of a "Around Town ROC" break after such a crazy bit of time working on the Rochester Twestival. What a fantastic event with some fabulous folks, but dear me was it busy! I'm sure attending the Tap VS Lovin Cup Keg Race the day before didn't help, but how could I have missed such an event?

Something to look forward to is another impromptu Roc Beer social event that we're putting together for Monday (4/5) at Donnelly's Pub in Fairport. They have been flaunting their exceptional draft selection and bar specials so much how could we NOT head there to check it out. I am really looking forward to this event and to share the experience with my dear Roc Beer friends.

I wont talk long today, but I must leave you with this... be good to yourselves, show kindness to your body, heart, and soul and that kindness & calm will spread to all of those around you.

Thanks to Rochester Twestival volunteer and social media enthusiast Susan Bebee for sharing her thoughts about why YOU should be involved with this years Twestival.



Thank you to 33U Productions and LightPost Productions for volunteering for this years Twestival and to Lovin Cup Bistro for hosting the event this Thursday, March 25th 6pm+.

The first promo video for the 2010 Rochester Twestival. Thank you to 33U Productions and Lightpost Productions for their hard work and great energy in putting this together. We would LOVE you to join us on March 25th at Lovin Cup Bistro for this years Twestival, but if you can't make it be sure to catch us live on Ustream.

wanted to drop a quick note to invite you to the event I've been working so hard on all of these weeks; Rochester Twestival. This event has been a lot of fun and some serious work, but all of it is worth it because it supports a worthy cause...Concern Worldwide.


Here are the deets:
What: 2010 Rochester Twestival at Lovin’ Cup (at Park Point, RIT)
When: Thursday 25th March at from 6pm +
Who: All ages!!
The Happenings: There is a great line-up of local bands, and one of MY favorites The Moho Collective. (I may be a bit biased, but I certainly don't get a commission), a raffle w/ fantastic local prizes, and Dundee Beer, Damiani Wine, and even a Stoli Martini Luge.

If you aren't quite sure what a Twestival is check out this video... it's an easy and informative explanation.




If you're into checking out video's here is the Concern Worldwide video...




You can buy tickets in advance here


Being a week night I can understand if you're unable to attend, but I hope you will still consider making a contribution to the event – 100% of the proceeds go directly to Concern Worldwide, to support their work in children’s education around the world. (Last year, Rochester ranked 18th among 200 cities around the world in terms of amount of $ raised and we hope to do even better this time) and TUNE in to our USTREAM online all evening from Lovin Cup!


If you are interested in a sponsorship we would LOVE that too...you'll get a ton of promotion (print, all media outlets, and complimentary tickets).


If you have any questions or are interested in being part of the action drop me an email anytime!! Thanks for checking out this event that I've become so passionate about.


Jaime
barclay.jaime@gmail.com

"not your typical pub" this is the tagline Scotland Yard uses to describe their establishment. I must say it's not all THAT new, but certainly I became aware of its existance w/in the last year. I had it in my mind that I wanted to try someplace new last night and since Hose 22 is closed on Monday's Scotland Yard was the place.

I invited a couple of friends to join us, since trying out someplace new is always better w/ a group. Let me tell you a bit about the group and then a bit about Scotland Yard.

The Group:
4 males & 1 female
(1) 40+
(3) 30-40
(1) <30>














The Environment:
Parking: free (after 6) on street parking, they will have valet some time, but for now you must take your chances on the street and/or in a neighboring lot. This was okay for a Monday, prob not okay for a weekend evening.
Exterior: adorable, truly unique in this part of the St. Paul Quarter. Very well done.
Interior: I was blown away by some of the details that these brothers thought of in order to put this place together. The layout is very conducive to sitting around and chatting ( intimate armed chair grouping in the front), hanging at the long wooden bar, or having a casual dinner at one of their many tables in the back. The exposed brick, wood fire grill, and very warm colors make you feel instantly at home. My favorite part of the interior (aside from the exposed brick) is the lighting hanging in the front window, absolutely stunning--even if you don't go in, walk by to check out the presentation.
Entertainment: They have gaming, without making it seem distracting. A dart board that has it's own elevated, railed location that will keep players out of the walking space and the walkers out of the players space. great idea. They also have a wii with FOUR controllers. I use all caps because the bartender made sure to indicated that they have enough for four people to play w/o sharing controllers. There is a pool table, a neon, paid jukebox near the front of the bar and some televisions.
Bar: Okay, to be honest this is what we came for. the plan was to check out the "scene" and see if their beer menu could keep up w/ their ambiance. Here are some of my thoughts:

• website listed $2 domestic drafts. They had 3 domestic drafts on (Shock Top, Rohrbach's Blueberry and Rohrbach's Scotch Ale) and when we confirmed the special we were told that the special was referring to Labatt Blue Light. I understand it's "local" now that North American Breweries is in town, but this is definitely stretching considering Rohrbach's was started here and has always been here and Labatt's is from Canada. this is okay, but wish the advertised special matched what they were willing to offer.
• they had Victory Hop Devil and Anchor Steam in bottles.
• 3 of the guys in the group ordered Hop Devil bottles, none were offered glasses
• the bartender (even though he wasn't knowledgeable about beer) he was super super nice and was a brother to the two owners.
• the wine list and beer list shared a paper menu (see pic below) the wine list had prices on all items, the beer list did not. I realized, after the fact, that I paid $5 for a 12oz bottle of Anchor Steam beer and $3.75 for a 16oz Rohrbach's Scotch Ale.
• we had our choice of any seat at the bar, it was quiet and empty in this beautiful space. we could truly make it our own and spread out. if there was better beer this would DEFINITELY become our newest weekday hang out. COME ON they have the wii...with FOUR controllers.
  

OVERALL

on Beer: the menu was limited, but there were a few old standby options which made me think that they care enough to at least carry some beers they might not sell very often.

Overall: I think these guys truly care about the details or their space wouldn't have been so beautiful. I'm looking forward to trying it again (especially when I hear their beer menu has expanded.) If you are in the neighborhood it is a "must stop by" maybe not for Rocbeer, but simply for something different and a beautiful, warm and inviting, evening on the town.