Jason Henry

SF Weekly Letters

Sour Beer, Barrel-Aged Cocktails, Rogue Wineries, and More in Our 2013 DRINK Issue

Hey there. Did you know that in addition to the usual restaurant review and food stories, this week's issue of SF Weekly had a special pullout section devoted to boozing? There are some great stories in it: SFoodie beer writer Jason Henry dives into the recent craze for sour beer, including some det ... More >>

Drink 2013: The Only Constant in S.F. Nightlife is Change

Jasper's Rolls Out Seasonal Beer Cocktails

Concocting beer cocktails is kind of like creating DJ music. Not only are you setting the pace and flow of your guests' night, but you're also mashing up and integrating disparate elements into a cohesive whole. Mixing beer with liquor isn't an easy task. The bartender must understand the flavor pro ... More >>

Praise for Bay Area Brewers and Chefs at the Great American Beer Festival

Disney may have already trademarked the phrase, but we're pretty sure that Denver's Great American Beer Festival is actually the "happiest place on Earth." As soon as the doors open, thousands of wide-eyed beer aficionados storm the enormous hall, gleefully hustling to their favorite brewery booth f ... More >>

Sample Beer and Burgers at SliderBar, Opening Tomorrow

Tomorrow Palo Alto's SliderBar Cafe will celebrate the grand opening of its second location in the former Criolla Kitchen space at Market and 16th. When we discovered that the beer menu was crafted by Certified Cicerone Eric Cripe (of the Jug Shop), we hustled over to the Castro for some beer and sl ... More >>

Beers of the Week: Almanac California Table Beers (Release Party Tonight!)

It's hard to believe that Almanac Beer Co. is only a year old. The brewery was born into the world fully-formed with a concept that ties into Bay Area food culture and bottle artwork that keeps aspiring graphic designers up at night. In the first phase of their operation, Almanac stuck to a firmly s ... More >>

Steep Brew: A Whole Foods Beer Bar

​When asked, "what would improve your grocery shopping experience?", we typically reply, "16 taps of fresh craft beer with a local focus." Evidently, Whole Foods Potrero was listening. Friday brings the opening of Steep Brew, a destination beer bar tucked beneath the grocery store at 17th St. and ... More >>

Photo Slideshow: Making Beer with Brewlab

As part of a series of photo essays on the people who make food and drink in San Francisco, Iann Ivy has just put together a slideshow about Brewlab, the year-old homebrew club (SFoodie beer correspondent Jason Henry wrote about Brewlab a few months back). The club meets regularly to exchange member ... More >>

Late-Night Food Programming and Chocolate Gifts: This Week in Food Bloggery

Generik11/SF Weekly Flickr pool​Highlights from the blog this week: 1. Some of you are spending your afternoons ignoring your work in favor of stressing over what you're going to be sending to the folks back home for the holidays. Laura Beck has done some of the work for you, IDing seven loca ... More >>

The Great American Beer Festival: Bay Area Brewers and Chefs Bring the Brew

In 1982, the inaugural Great American Beer Festival showcased 47 beers from 24 breweries. The lucky 800 attendees had a fair shot at trying every beer in the room. Thirty years later, even the most hardened liver shudders in fear of how the festival has grown. With 466 breweries pouring 2,400 beers ... More >>

New California Law Gives Brewery Tasting Rooms a Break

Jason HenryDrake's Barrel House in San Leandro was built expensively under the old law​You walk into a brewery tasting room and order a sample. The beer is delicious, but you can't help noticing that the brewery doesn't have washable tile flooring and the cashier isn't far from the dishwasher. ... More >>

Drake's Barrel House: Barrel-Aged Beer Tasting Oasis

Photos by Jason Henry​Barrel-aged beer has proven to be more than a passing fad, but tap versions of these wood-aged beers can be elusive or destructive to your wallet. Enter Drake's Barrel House, a one-stop shop for your oaky fix. This beery oasis is hiding in plain sight behind a San Leand ... More >>

World Foods and World-Class Beers at Moroccan Restaurant Tanjia

Jason HenryDrake's 1500 and chicken bastilla at Tanjia.​When you want to have a good meal paired with quality beer, the same roster of usual suspects tends to emerge: Monk's Kettle, Alembic, Magnolia, and other spots that taught you the term "gastropub" (we know; the word sounds like some sort ... More >>

Bay Area Beer Personalities Shine at National Homebrewer's Conference

Jason HenryOld Hangtown's Ale Camino.​Homebrewers are an interesting demographic. Get two of them together at a barbecue and you're bound to overhear chatter about proper fermentation temperatures and yeast preference. Get 2000 homebrewers in a room together and you're in for a party and years ... More >>

Almanac Beer Debuts Bottles, Parties Hard

Jason HenryAn alternate use for an Almanac bottle.​We've been waiting with bated breath for the inaugural release from San Francisco's Almanac Beer Co. and our zen-like patience is about to pay off in a big way. At the end of the month, all 309 cases of the Summer 2010 Vintage Blackberry Ale w ... More >>

Curry-Leaf Gin, Vegan Smoothies, and Rice Plates: This Week in Food Bloggery

Citizen Cake's pride cookie, $3.​Highlights from the blog this week:1. Jake Swearingen delivers some very important news from Mayor "Run" Ed Lee: 2011 is Soda Free Summer in San Francisco. From a public health perspective, this is very good news, though it sounds about as dreary as the Inner Sun ... More >>

SFoodie Bloggers: Behind the Music

Artist's rendition of the SFoodie blog team.​Before I started writing for SFoodie, I imagined the bloggers as a tight-knit team of scallywags, palling around town and sharing robust food adventures. Thus I was scandalized when former SFoodie editor John Birdsall told me many of the bloggers ha ... More >>

This Month in Tasting Blind: Rating Sour Beers

Jason HenryOur sour beer lineup.​ After we recently offered up a sour beer primer, we decided the category was ripe for our recurring blind beer taste test. This month's panel was treated to a variety of sour beer styles from the United States, Belgium, and Italy. For a genre that generates de ... More >>

Monk's Kettle Readies the Abbot's Cellar, Continues Beer Dinner Program

Jason HenryA roasted veal loin makes great beer cuisine.​It's clear that the folks at Monk's Kettle care about beer. A cellar beneath the ground holds a treasure trove of unique and vintage beers. A staggering array of goblets and chalices makes us want to run away and pursue a career in glass ... More >>

Cochon 555 Brings Porcine Pleasures to San Francisco

Jason HenryRavi Kapur's Game Plan includes chocolate blood cake.​On Sunday, June 5, a sold out crowd of pig enthusiasts descended upon Cochon 555 to enjoy upwards of 50 different dead pig preparations and crown S.F.'s Prince of Pork. Pig-shaped balloons led the way into the Julia Morgan Ballro ... More >>

Meet the Bloggers: Jesse Hirsch

You read them here, now find out who the hell they are: We give you the diverse group of men and women who cover the local food and drink scene for you on SFoodie. Name: Jesse Hirsch Blogs about: Events and Happenings Richard Reyes​Having moved here from Queens, New York, last October, Jess ... More >>

A Full List of the 92 Best Dishes in S.F. for Fresh Eats

Chef-Crushing on London, Discovering Anda Piroshki: This Week in Food Bloggery

Nick Vasilopoulos/StoqqGialina's Atomica.​ Highlights from the blog this week:1. Laura Beck eats at Ubuntu, faints, then interviews chef Aaron London as soon as she recovers. London reveals that he does indeed work 100 hours a week and strives to make every part of the artichoke edible, which is p ... More >>

City Beer Store Celebrates Five Boozy Years

Jason HenryWanderer, Rouge Baril Baltique, and Open Container, all brewed to mark City Beer Store's fifth anniversary.​With the proliferation of local beer bars, gastropubs, and grassroots brewing operations, it's easy to forget how much our beery landscape has changed in five short years. The ... More >>

Cold Ice, Hot Tofu, and Fresh Croissants: This Week in Food Bloggery

John BirdsallStarter Bakery croissants.​Highlights from the blog this week:1. SFoodie bloggers locate two dishes I've been curious about for a while: Luis Chong finds Taiwanese-style shaved ice in the Outer Sunset, just in time for a mini heat wave, and Sean Timberlake writes an SF92 post about th ... More >>

Meet the Bloggers: Jason Henry

Jesse HirschJason Henry really, really loves beer.​You read them here, now find out who the hell they are: We give you the diverse group of men and women who cover the local food and drink scene for you on SFoodie. Jason Henry Blogs about: beer Jason Henry swears he isn't beer-obsessed. Pat ... More >>

Truck Backlash, Buffet Busting, & Rum School: This Week in Food Bloggery

Lou BustamanteStudy hall at Smuggler's Cove. ​Highlights from the blog this week: 1. When Martin Cate first announced his 200-rum tasting program at Smugglers' Cove, it seemed almost inconceivable that three people would make it through the full list, let alone so quickly. Lou Bustamante intervie ... More >>

Drink to the Giants' Return with These Opening Day Brews

Moylan's Giants tribute beer, a black ale flavored with orange zest.​Peanuts and Cracker Jacks are just swell, but if you're like SFoodie, you'd rather celebrate your Giants pride with a festive beverage. As of today, the torture is over! In honor of our reigning champs' home opener, Public Ho ... More >>

How to Crash the Craft Brewers Conference

agahran/FlickrTonight: Twenty taps of Deschutes at Beer Revolution.​The Craft Brewers Conference ― an annual event that starts today ― is a time to rejoice. Spring is in the air, and brewers from around the world converge in one place for four days of boozy revelry. Unfortunately, sprin ... More >>

Balls Out in Boston: NorCal Brewers at the 2011 Extreme Beer Fest

Jason HenrySierra Nevada showed up with a Saison brewed with Jelly Bellys.​The trend toward boundary-pushing extreme beer has gained momentum in recent years, as shelves continue to swell with brews featuring unique ingredients and brewing methods. If there's one festival that champions this ... More >>

Drink 2011: Brewers Join Forces -- Beer Ensues

Shmaltz Brewing Graduates to the Hard Stuff

Jason HenryA Buffalo Trace bourbon barrel, future home of a distillate made from blends of Jewbelation beer.​Shmaltz Brewing was born in a San Francisco apartment in 1996; fourteen years later, San Francisco Business Times included Shmaltz in its "Top 20 Fastest Growing Bay Area Companies." H ... More >>

On Day 10 of Beer Week, a Last Gasp of Liver Abuse

bittermelon/FlickrAll-day beer cocktails at the Alembic.​Sunday, Feb. 20 ​Your training regimen paid off! You've survived to the last day of SF Beer Week. Everything you sip today is just gravy. Begin your victory lap at 21st Amendment: Brewers' Sunday Tea Where: 21st Amendment Brew ... More >>

Beer 'Week' Ends Sunday. Begin Your Grand Finale Today, Day 9

bittermelon/FlickrMaster cicerone Rich Higgins, left, hoists one at the Nanobreweries of Tomorrow event.​Saturday, Feb. 19 Bracing for the crowds when Toronado opens its doors for the legendary Barleywine Festival? It's okay, there are other ways to prove the strength of your liver. Drinking ... More >>

Pulling an All-Nighter, All Day: Beer Week Gets Brainy on Day 8

bittermelon/FlickrOffice hours: Cramming at City Beer Store.​Friday, Feb. 18 You've been wearing your party hat all week. On Day Eight of SF Beer Week, it's time to prove you're a gentle(wo)man and a scholar. Throw on that tweed jacket with suede elbow pads ― today's all about taking a scho ... More >>

Oh, Like You Needed to Be at That Meeting: Guide to Day 7 of SF Beer Week

Barbary Coast Ranger/FlickrPi Bar, site of your 3 o'clock "appointment."​Thursday, Feb. 17 We advised you to play hooky yesterday, so we'll assume you're gracing the office with your hungover presence on Day Seven of SF Beer Week. That doesn't mean you can't "have an appointment" that causes ... More >>

It's Beer Week Humpday ― Take It Easy

Jared Zimmerman/FlickrHoisting one gently at Bloodhound.​Wednesday, Feb. 16 It's Day Six of SF Beer Week, otherwise known as humpday. Today should be all about beer-event efficiency. Get an early start (leave now), then frame the rest of your day through the bottom of a beer glass: ​Be ... More >>

Flesh and Aphrodisiacs: Guide to Day 5 of SF Beer Week

bittermelon/FlickrHold on to that lovin' feeling: V-Day redux, with oysters, at Magnolia Pub.​Tuesday, Feb. 15 The glow of Valentine's Day is behind us, and a thick gloom has replaced our early summer weather. Before you let the doldrums take hold, remember that the SF Beer Week cup is still ... More >>

Beer is for Lovers: Guide to Day 4 of SF Beer Week

greenwithevil/FlickrDear Russian River Brewing: We heart you.​Monday, Feb. 14 Hey there, Casanova. Sipping wine on Valentine's Day is played out. You don't want to be predictable, do you? This year, treat your date to one of these beery adventures, offered on Day Four of SF Beer Week. ​ ... More >>

Beer Week Spotlights Gypsies, Nanobrewers

seanosh/FlickrA taste of Noe Valley nanobrewer Elizabeth Street Brewery.​Nanobrewers, gypsy brewers: Are they space cadets, nomads? Nah ― they're the future of microbrewing, on display for SF Beer Week. ​All professional brewers can trace their roots back to a common hobby - homebrew ... More >>

Saturday Report: Where to Go on Day 2 of Beer Week

bittermelon/FlickrSo many beers, so few hours.​Saturday, Feb. 12 ​It's Day Two. The gloves are off, and the beer beckons. If you're not venturing to Hayward for the 11th Annual Double IPA Festival, local options abound. Ease into your weekend Saturday with an afternoon happy hour of exc ... More >>

Guide to SF Beer Week's Food Brew Pairings, Part 2

bittermelon/FlickrFatted Calf dinner at Magnolia.​You've read part one of our SF Beer Week dinner roundup. Pair your beer with food during the second half of the week here: Wednesday, Feb. 16 Drake's Sau and Brau Dinner Where: Drake's Brewing Co., 1933 Davis (at Phillips), #177, San Leandro ... More >>

SF Beer Week Begins Friday. Here's What to Do on Day 1

bittermelon/FlickrEasy, bro ― you've got nine more days to go.​Pat yourself on the back: Your long, hard nights of liver training are about to pay off. Tomorrow, Feb. 11, you'll begin a 10-day journey of grueling beer consumption known as SF Beer Week. This is your time to shine. If you're i ... More >>

Guide to SF Beer Week's Food Brew Pairings, Part 1

bittermelon/FlickrBeer Week supper at the Alembic.​Stories abound of Belgian monks who toiled through laborious days with nothing to nourish them but low-alcohol beers designed for sustenance. But you're no monk. You're a hungry beer geek. Luckily, multiple beer dinners and pairing seminars ar ... More >>

Prime Your Liver: SF Beer Week Returns, Feb. 11-20

San Francisco Brewers Guild​In just a few short weeks, San Francisco will transform into a beer-soaked playground for SF Beer Week, Feb. 11-20. During the 10-day "week," he Bay Area becomes ground zero for brewers and craft beer aficionados spoiled for choice among hundreds of events. If your ... More >>

New Monk's Kettle Chef Adam Dulye Spikes the Pot

culinaryschoolrockies/FlickrBrew chef Adam Dulye.​Monk's Kettle has been a gastropub since its inception. The biblically proportioned beer menu has served as a strong foundation to explore pairings with the upscale pub grub that emerged from the kitchen of departed chef Kevin Kroger. And while ... More >>

Brews, with Booze: Our Favorite Beer Cocktails

Jason HenryThe Alembic's Vice Grip.​"You got your chocolate in my peanut butter!" "You got your peanut butter in my chocolate!" Sometimes the sum of a culinary collision is greater than its parts. Over the past couple years, this concept has been thoroughly explored in S.F.'s thriving cockta ... More >>

Great American Beer Festival Takes Over Denver, with Plenty of Bay Area Contenders

Brian YaegerS.F. beer geek Jason Henry volunteering at the Cascade Brewing booth at last year's GABF.​Thursday marks the beginning of the three-day, mind-blowing, liver-busting, gut-expanding extravaganza known as the Great American Beer Festival, now in its 29th year. Sponsored by the Brewers ... More >>

Tasting Blind: Our Panel of Local Brew Experts Rates India Pale Ales

Brian Yaeger​For this month's blind beer tasting, we're tackling India Pale Ales. Though IPAs originated in 18th century England, the style was shanghaied by American craft brewers who kicked up the hops for walloping bitterness and pungency. For comparison's sake, at last year's Great Americ ... More >>