A patio pint at Red Truck

We finally ventured over the the much anticipated Red Truck Brewery. With promises of an opening for what seemed like a year they finally opened their doors the summer of 2015.

The "truck stop" is designed as a '50's-era diner complete with an iconic and fully functioning 8 foot water tower.

Serving a truck stop inspired menu. I ordered the beef burger and fries, each sold separately. The burger was excellent. A basic home made patty for an excellent price. And their garlic fries, they're a must try.

The place was rockin' on a Thursday night and they kept up with all the beer and food orders.

I would absolutly recommend a visit to the Red Truck Brewery.

~ Colleen

BrassNeck

The décor here is simple, with a mix of natural wood and a bit of an industrial feel. Large tables so great for larger groups, and there is always a place to sit.

With a great selection of beer, there will be something that everyone will like. usually 8 to 10 beers to pick from. Available in a flight or pints. We picked a variety of flights so we were able to taste everything.

Who gets to pick these great names ? "I'd like a flight of Passive Aggressive, Mr. Personality, Old Money and some Magic Beans, please"

The Klutz (Kolsch at 5%) was our tables over pick, a traditional German-style golden ale, without the skunk taste, it was followed closely by Mr. Personality (Pound able Amber 5%)

Also available are some funky snacks, Jerky, pepperoni of all types as well as flavored twists (cheese n' bacon anyone?)

more photos here

Main Street

Just off Main Street, you'll find past an apartment building along 7th street, the Main Street Brewing Company. The building was a former warehouse and they have kept the high ceiling and large windows. With a giant tasting room, there should always be a place to sit. Their growler filling station is next door, and also very large.

Their selection of beers was small, and seemed a little more pricey than some of the other breweries we've visited. They only had 6 beers to pick from. 3 regular and 3 casks (being much the same style of beer) However, it was a bit fun to compare. And with no surprise the cask beers seemed to be the favorites.

Try the their cask of golden Kellerbier (a German Style "cellar beer") it was the pick of our table.

more photos here

Postmark

Did you know there is a Railtown in Vancouver?  I don’t feel like much of a Vancouverite because I didn’t know that, and I’ve lived here all my life! It is located East of Gastown and North of Chinatown. It is mostly an industrial area, with great funky coffee and sandwich shops in and around. And this is where you’ll find Postmark.

Postmark started out as a Fresh Tap winery with a dream of “one day” opening a brew pub. After talking to Steve a dream is what it was.  He never in his wildest dreams thought it would come true, but the stars aligned and on June 17^th Postmark opened their doors.

They have an amazing set up, elegant and classy yet it is not pretentious or stuffy. As you walk towards this incredible building, built in 1921, look to your left and you’ll see there sort of outdoor growler filling station (you’ll understand when you arrive). A large open window will allow you to get your growler filled and not have to get congested with the guests enjoying flights inside. Make sure to look up, the light fixture is an old farm wheel.

As you walk through the giant doors, standing about 12 feet high you’ll notice large steel tanks where all the fantastic beer is being brewed.  Enter into the tasting room where there are several tables and cozy couches to settle into to enjoy a flight, pint or even a glass of fresh tap wine.

Behind the bar are beautiful chalk boards showing off the lists of wine and beers available, as well the creations the chef is preparing.

At their opening, which I was lucky to attend, they had 2 beers available Red IPA, as well as Saison. Both were excellent and I recommend a trip into Railtown to sample.  By the end of July they will have a Stout and a Hefe available. The Hefe is what I am looking forward, described as a dry Bavarian style Weiss beer brewed with lemon zest and local raspberries!


Thanks to Kate, Mike, Steve & the rest of the staff for a great night, I look forward to sampling your future beers, and even some fresh tap. 

 

~ Colleen

 

more photos here

  

Sea to Summit hike, follow by beer at Howe Sound

A few weeks ago the gondola opened in Squamish, with mixed reviews about if this was a good thing to cut down trees and make it a tourist attraction, we put our views aside to check it out.

With clouds in the forecast and potential rain for the entire day, we still put on our hiking boots and rain coats on an adventure up a new trail to a new peak behind the Squamish Chief.

We were a group of 8, all in good spirits! Starting out early we all met a the parking lot. The FREE lot at Darrell Bay, walking past Shannon falls and onto the Sea to Summit trail.

The trail starts off as the same trail as the Chief, so be prepared for a good 20 minute hike UP (like the grouse grind.) It then tapers off giving you a chance to catch your breath before heading up again, this time not quite so steep.

The trail is lovely passing all sorts of different terrain. Big stair like rocks, squishy dirt pathway, there is even a chain as well as a rope pull yourself up near the top.

Near the top, at marker 332, the trail splits. You can go right or you can go left along Wrinkle Rock Trail (this is the way we took).

We finally arrived to the top wet and dirty, after about 3 1/2 hours. There were no views that day, we could not even see across the suspension bridge. Not wanting to get a chill we bought our download ticket ($10 plus tax) and squeeze into the gondola (it holds 8) for the ride down.

It looked like a great place to spend the day on a sunny afternoon. There is a lookout at the chief after a small walk, a few other trails to explore. The suspension bridge and a great big patio for a nice pint on a sunny day.

You're able to take your dog in the gondola, or even buy them a pass. Complete with their own headshot!

We'll be doing this again for sure !

With a quick change we headed off to the pub for some Howe Sound flights and food. We'd worked up a great thirst!

Beer tasting

Have you ever had a taste of Banana Bread Beer, Sticky Toffee Pudding Ale, or any type of fruit beer? We picked up a few with some great names and started to sample.

Dough Head Gingerbread Ale, was the seasonal pick and
Lindemans Framboise was the pick for favorite fruit beer.

What are your favorites?