2 Upcoming PG Events: FIRST FRIDAY (NOV 4th) & LEARN TO BREW DAY (NOV 5th)

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First Friday November 4th at Naja’s Place

A local favorite and frequent watering hole of many PG members, Naja’s Place offers up 88 taps of beer right on the Redondo Pier.  If you have never been then this First Friday is a must!  Though cooler nights and shorter days will have set in by early November, join us for an amazing beer selection, great food and good company to keep you warm.  Our neighbors, The Strand Brewers Club will also be joining us for some friendly beer drinking & discussions.

Beer:  So many choices!  Happy hour is from 4-6pm with $2 off pints & large glasses and $3 off pitchers.  The constantly rotating taps are listed on giant white boards above the bar and an updated picture is featured on their website: www.najasplace.com

Food: There is a section of pub-type appetizers and burgers. 

Music: There is a house band, The Land Sharks, that play every Friday evening beginning at 9pm featuring covers of your favorite rock ’n roll songs.

Time: First Fridays begin between 6-7pm, but feel free to arrive early and enjoy happy hour at the pier!

Address: 154 International Boardwalk, Redondo Beach, CA 90277

Parking: It is generally easiest to park in the structure at the end of N Pacific Ave.  Many club members also find it convenient to ride their bikes to Naja’s.  For more info about getting to Naja’s by public transportation or bike and for more info on parking near the pier see: http://www.redondopier.com/?link=mapsdirections

Join us at Naja’s for beer, food and good company with your fellow PG & Strand Brewers!

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LEARN TO BREW DAY – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5th

Learn to Brew Day (formerly Teach a Friend to Homebrew Day), a nationwide AHA event will take place the first Saturday in November – so, come join us on Saturday, November 5th.  The event will be held at Neil Saund’s duplex. This is a great opportunity to brew outdoors, learn some new brewing techniques and to enjoy the company of your fellow brewers!

BREW INFO:

Neil Saund will be doing an all grain demo.

Victor Macias will be doing a extract batch.

Dave Mauceli & Kurt Periolat will be doing a partial mash demo

In addition to the demonstration brews, there is space for additional brewers, so bring your equipment and come brew. Please send an email to us [email protected], if you want to be added to the signup sheet.

BEER:
Bring some. Kegs, bottles, commercial beers are all welcome.

TIME:
Brew begins at 10am, and ends when the place is cleaned up, usually around 5 or 6.

ADDRESS:
The address is 12966 Rubens Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90066

First Friday October 7th at Venice Ale House

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After a fun First Friday last year at the newly opened Venice Alehouse, we’ll be returning this year for our October First Friday on the 7th!  It is located right on the Venice Boardwalk at the end of Rose Ave and provides wonderful people watching and beautiful sunsets over the ocean.  By October the summer crowds should be gone and we’ll be able to enjoy great beers on the patio!

Beer: Venice Ale House takes pride in offering beers from exclusively from the Western States, many from brewers with strong sustainability practices.  They have 18 taps of West Coast oriented customer favorites and 10 other rotating taps of seasonal & specialty brews.  Both pints and pitchers are available, as well as “Skates” of 4 or 6 beer tasters.  See their website for a sample of beers on tap: www.venicealehouse.com

Food: There is a simple but satisfying organic menu featuring tapas, tacos, salads, sandwiches & burgers or even brunch offerings that are served all day. 

Time: First Fridays begin between 6-7pm, but feel free to arrive early and take advantage of the late afternoon sun on the boardwalk!

Address: 2 Rose Avenue, Venice, CA 90291

 Parking: There is street parking available in the neighborhood or in the nearby parking lots next to the beach.  For those of you who are local enough or up for the ride, bikes and skateboards are also very welcome!

Come join us this Friday on the boardwalk in Venice for beer, food and good company with your fellow PGers!

-Audrey & Mimi

Activities Directors

September First Friday (Sept 2nd) @ Broadway Alehouse

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Come kick off your Labor Day weekend at Pacific Gravity’s First Friday gathering on September 2nd.

We will be enjoying a hidden gem in Santa Monica: BROADWAY ALEHOUSE (aka FIFTH AMENDMENT).

 Address:  129 Broadway (on the corner of 2nd and Broadway), Santa Monica, CA 90401

 Website:    http://www.pleadfifth.com/

Our usual start time for First Fridays is at 7pm but many people arrive early to get a head start on the weekend and the beers!

Parking Info:  Many lots in Santa Monica in easy walking distance. Or try the Broadway Alehouse’s suggestions for free parking:  (There are two pseudo-optimal ways to get free parking.  First, park in public parking on 2nd and Broadway before 6pm and leave before 2 hours free.  Second, park in public parking anytime and leave after 1:30am — the parking attendant is usually asleep with the gate up.)

 The beers at Broadway Alehouse were one of the highlights on the May PG Bus Pub Crawl….we stayed over the “allotted” time since we had to try all the excellent beers! The owners have promised to have some interesting beers (20 taps) for our visit on September 2nd. 

 Note: Broadway Alehouse doesn’t serve food but there are many, many great restaurants within easy walking distance (i.e. West 4th & Jane is only a block or so away) … so feel free to stop for food before or after our First Friday event or you can even take a break in the middle and come back for more excellent beers and good PG company.

 Looking forward to seeing you on Friday (Sept 2) at Broadway Alehouse.

August 5th – PG’s First Friday at Brewster’s Pool Bar

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Come join us for our August First Friday at the new poolside bar at the FourPoints by Sheraton/LAX on Friday, August 5th.

Some quick facts:
Date: Friday, August 5th
Time: 7pm to 10pm (but you are welcome to go any time Friday afternoon/evening!)
Location: Brewster’s Pool Bar at the Four Points by Sheraton LAX Hotel
Address: 9750 Airport Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90045
Website: http://www.fourpointslax.com/BestBrews

Parking: FREE (you can have your parking ticket validated at the bar)

Brewster’s Pool Bar just opened and has received a bunch of “thumbs up” from some of our fellow PGers!

Local southern California breweries on draft…only $5! They have 6 taps, plus many more beers available at the indoor Brewster’s bar.
Their slogan: “ DRINK LOCAL….BEER SO FRESH YOU HAVE TO SLAP IT”!

Here’s what they had on tap in early June:
– 24th St. Pale Ale (Strand)
– Solidarity Black & Mild (Eagle Rock)
– El Toro Trio Haferweizen (Cismontane)
– Happy Pils (Tustin)
– Golden Chaos (Bootlegger’s)
– Bavarian Style Wheat Ale (Black Market)

Food specials (all night): $2 FISH TACOS & 25% ALL OTHER FOOD

NOTES:
* Official start time is 7pm but the poolside bar opens at 1pm for anyone on a summer break! The outside bar will be open til 10pm — just for us for this night only (the poolside bar normally closes at 7pm). If you wish to stay past 10pm, we just need to move to Brewster’s Bar indoors…as a courtesy to hotel guests with rooms over the pool.

* There may be some heaters on the patio but bring a jacket or sweater if the evening weather looks to be cool…or another option is to move indoors.

Looking forward to seeing you all on August 5th!

June First Friday June 3rd at Dan’s Carriage House

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We once again have the pleasure of being entertained at The Carriage House, AKA the home of Dan and Anne Hakes.  As usual, the event officially begins at 7:00pm, ends when Dan and Anne kick the last one of us out (around 11).

Dan has the best home “tavern” in the club, and welcomes all PG members to partake of his hospitality.  Guest kegs are welcome, but if you plan to bring a keg, let Dan know ([email protected]) and he will set up a jockey box.  Bring homebrew, commercial beer, and anything else you would like to drink.

Our hosts will graciously prepare some food but this First Friday is a pot-luck so please bring something to share, finger food is especially great.

There is a dart board (feel free to bring your own darts if you like!) and a fire pit that may get lit up later in the evening.  We will be out in the backyard for what is hopefully a warm spring evening, but jackets are recommended after the sun goes down.

Address: 2379 W. 21st St., L.A 90051

Phone: 323-730-1003

Directions:

Take the 10 freeway to Arlington Exit
Head North to Washington (from the West, make a Left at the exit – about 4 short blocks).
21st Street is closed to entry from Arlington, so enter the neighborhood from Washington at Cimerron (Right 1 long block on Washington)
Right on Cimmaron to 21st St.

(click on map to enlarge)

Park anywhere in the neighborhood, and walk to Dan’s, though parking can be tough, so carpool if possible.  A designated driver is also recommended.

Hope to see you all there!

-Audrey & Mimi

PG Co-Activities Directors

 

PG First Friday, May 6th at Richmond Bar & Grill

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Please come join us for our May First Friday at one of our favorite spots in town: The Richmond Bar & Grill in El Segundo. A few special beers will be awaiting us! And, as is becoming PG tradition, we will gather in the private room in the back with its own private patio. 

Beer is served in pitchers for our group and we will pay as we leave. Recently, Michael & Luis went on a “scouting mission” (ok just their excuse to have some beer and chat with Jeff & Patty, the owners) and to discuss the beer wish list for our May First Friday.

The wish list includes: Porterhouse Oyster Stout, Alesmith’s Old Numbskull, Speedway Stout & Wee Heavy, Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA, Oskar Blues Ten Fidy, Lenny’s Rye IPA and a few more. 

The food is excellent and moderately priced with most everything less than $10. Tasty pub grub fare: burgers, dogs, sandwiches and salads. And, of course, their delicious homemade chips served with most entrees.  

Please note that the Richmond Bar & Grill is CASH ONLY! No credit cards. They do have an ATM on the premises.  

Our official start time is 7pm but feel free to arrive early to get the party started!

Please note: Early Birds will pay for their pints individually before the group event gets started.  

For those new to Richmond Bar & Grill, it’s located in downtown El Segundo – convenient to the westside and the beach cities. Plus, parking is hassle-free!  

The details: 

Richmond Bar & Grill

145 Richmond Street

El Segundo, CA 90245

www.richmondbarandgrill.com

310.322.7397

 Looking forward to seeing you all on May 6th.

Cheers!

Audrey & Mimi, PG Activities Directors

A Garten of Beery Delights

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PG is holding our April First Friday at Steingarten LA.

Countering the trend of new tavern openings in Hollywood, downtown L.A. and the Eastside, an excellent new beer bar/restaurant just opened on the Westside, in the previously craft brew-deprived Pico Boulevard corridor in Rancho Park, just west of the 20th Century Fox Studio lot and Century City. Steingarten LA, in the re-designed space formerly occupied by Kay ‘n Dave’s Cantina, had its soft opening in early March (and was packed on opening night, despite only word-of- mouth and foodie bloggery), and will have its official grand opening in early April.

Steingarten LA bartender Lucy Martire and beverage directors Dave Watrous, center, and Luke Wederbrook covet the beer fridge. Photo by Tomm Carroll

Despite its moniker, the gorgeous space is more European-looking than traditional German, although there are some long, communal tables of dark wood. The “steingarten” is the outside area behind the restaurant, nicely tiled and landscaped, with tables, booths and a fire pit. There’s also a retractable skylight/sunroof in the large main room. Many of the menu items are also German-inspired, including the sausages –– Steingarten LA’s specialty –– ranging from the traditional (Bratwurst, Polish) to the exotic (Wild Boar, Bison). Burgers, sandwiches, tapas and salads are also served.

Even though there are some German and German-style beers on the 18-tap draught list and the 40-plus-and-growing bottle list, Belgian and American craft beers dominate. One look at the selection (Ballast Point Victory at Sea, New Belgium’s La Terroir, De Ranke Saison, Cantillon Rose de Gambrinus…) and you can probably guess that the beer guy is the seemingly ubiquitous Dave Watrous –– the Zelig of L.A.’s craft beer scene –– who has worked at almost every great beer bar in this city, and is the co-organizer of the Woodshop series of rare beer events.

Hard liquor is given the same attention as beer at Steingarten LA, as spirits specialist Luke Wederbrook –– who shares the beverage director and bar manager titles with Watrous –– will be rotating seasonal distilled beverages. One interesting, and rare, clear whiskey sampled was Double & Twisted, a 99-proof distilled version of Anderson Valley Brewing’s Hop Ottin’ IPA that was hopped again after distilling (although no hop bitterness was detectable).

Watrous points out that the glass-walled beer and wine cooler (chilled to 55º) behind the dark wood bar will soon have small lockers that patrons can rent to age their beers and wines at cellar temperature. Also, brewery dinners, tastings and beer-education events in the private front room, with a window overlooking the street, will soon become a regular part of the Steingarten LA experience. Prost!

Steingarten LA
10543 Pico Blvd.
West L.A., CA 90064
310-441-0441
SteingartenLA.com

April Fools First Friday on April 1st

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Don’t forget to come out and celebrate PG’s April Fools First Friday at newly opened Steingarten LA.  Their 20 taps provide a great selection of Craft beers with the West Coast heavily represented and over 30 bottled beers from Germany, Belgium, and the USA to further satisfy your palate on a Friday evening!

Steingarten has become known for its sausage and tapas selections that pair well with their beer offerings, but also has a great selection of burgers, sandwiches and salads for reasonable prices.  We have a private room reserved thanks to beverage manager Dave Watrous who has also arranged for complimentary appetizers to be served from 5:30-7pm.   He will also be tapping 2 specialty kegs he has been cellaring to share with us and celebrate Steingarten’s recent grand opening.

There is free street parking and meters available in the surrounding area.  Most meters end at 6pm and take credit cards either on Pico Blvd or on any of the surrounding side streets.  There is also a lot available on Prosser just north of Pico.

Steingarten LA is located at:

10543 W Pico Blvd

Los Angeles, CA  90064

 

You can check out more about Steingarten LA as well as their menu at:www.steingartenla.com

Looking forward to a wonderful and fun evening, bring your friends and join us all on April 1st!

 


 

PG April First Friday on April 1st

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Come out and celebrate PG’s April Fool’s Day First Friday with your fellow Gravitiers at newly opened Steingarten LA.

Steingarten has opened to glowing reviews for their 20 taps of mostly Craft and German beers as well as their array of hand-picked bottles of German, Belgian & Sour beers.  Food offerings range from various sausages, tapas, burgers, sandwiches and salads.

We’re kicking off this First Friday a bit early thanks to Beverage Manager Dave Watrous who has kindly helped to reserve a private room for us from 5-9pm.  Complimentary appetizers will be served from 5:30-7pm and 2 specialty kegs he has been cellaring will be tapped during the evening.  For those of you who are tempted to delve into your own private selections, corkage fees (within reason) will be waived from 5-9pm, as long as you thank Dave for his hospitality by sharing a pour with him as well!

There is free street parking and meters available in the surrounding area.  Most meters end at 6pm and take credit cards either on Pico Blvd or on any of the surrounding side streets.  There is also a lot available on Prosser just north of Pico.

 

Steingarten LA is located at:

10543 W Pico Blvd

Los Angeles, CA  90064

(310) 441-0441

 

You can check out more about Steingarten LA as well as their menu at: www.steingartenla.com

Looking forward to a wonderful and fun evening & see you all on April 1st!

 

 

PG’s March First Friday: IRISH TIMES! (March 4th)

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If it’s March, it MUST be Irish Times!  PG tradition is to start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at Irish Times on 1st Friday which is THIS Friday, March 4th!  So, please come out and join us for a pint or three!

 For those of you who have never been there, Irish Times is one of the premier Irish bars on the West Side. They have been recognized for their “Perfect Pour” of Guinness. It takes a 2 full minutes, and the wait is well worth the time. The food menu is moderately priced, with the usual pub grub…fish & chips, burgers, sandwiches, salads, etc.

 Official start time is 7pm, but if feel free to get there earlier to participate in their newly announced Happy Hour from 4pm to 7pm. Food and drink specials/discounts available during happy hour, including $3 bottles, $4 drafts & $5.50 Guinness.

 Irish Times is conveniently located at 3267 Motor Ave, just North of the corner of Motor Ave & National Blvd.

 Street parking or, if you are lucky, they have a small parking lot.

 Hope to see you all on Friday at IRISH TIMES!

Beannachtam na Feile Padraig!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

 Mimi & Audrey

PG Activities Directors