MSPeconomist

Bitte, ein Bit!

Tomorrow is <wait for it> ***International Beer Day.***

mattp1987

I have not yet visited the brewery, but I’ve heard good things about the tour. The town of Bitburg is very close to Spangdahlem Air Base.

Good to know! I have a retirement ceremony to attend tomorrow, and the reception is being held at the Belgian Bistro which of course has Belgian beers on tap and in bottles.

ATOBTTR

Hmmm. Normally not as much of a beer drinker but maybe I’ll have to get a beer in F on my flight from DAY to ATL tomorrow.

MSPeconomist

I've been in Bitburg too, but not in the brewery.

Belgian framboise (beer) is very refreshing on a hot day, although it can be more alcoholic than you think.

A Belgian bistro might serve rabbit or chicken braised in beer, sometimes the dark cherry beer. It seems to be their special national comfort food. Of course, it's not the same as American beer can chicken.

kipper

Thanks. I went to urgent care because I hit my head in the impact and am generally sore. I don't have a concussion, although they think I did strain my neck.

I could enjoy a Bitburger or two.
Today is National IPA Day.

jrl767

ugh, bummer, you have had an inordinately rough year so far

🍺🍺 and on that note, it’s time to decide on my IPA for HH (I think I may actually have four from which to choose, which is a good problem to have)🍺🍺

kipper

It's been challenging at times. The good news is that we're both generally fine (I'll be sore tomorrow, I'm sure, and I'm already in pain), and my mother still managed to get her Evusheld infusion today.

I'm drinking Victory Festbier tonight before I call it a night.

MSPeconomist

I hope you're both doing as well as possible in the circumstances.

The zoo was fun, but getting there was a pain. Just as I was about to leave, I heard that there was shooting at the Mall of America and therefore a heavy police presence, with a lockdown expected. Since I would normally drive right past it on my way to the zoo, I had to regroup and figure out some other route. As a result, I got there later than I had wanted. Traffic and parking was a big mess. I think they sold a lot more tickets than for previous versions of adults night out at the zoo. There were lots of food trucks and eight bands this time. Getting home was relatively easy; MOA was empty with no signs of police, not even around the airport hotel that seems to have been the focus of the search for the shooter.

Does anyone want to do HH Part II tonight? I'm in the zoom room.

mattp1987

I actually confused two places. This is at the Belgian bar which is run by the Belgian Support Unit and serves very inexpensive beers, typically on Thursday afternoons. Since this is a special event the beers might even be free for guests today, but I’ll only have one since I’ll have to drive.

There’s another place nearby that is called Belgian Bistro and is an actual restaurant. I’ve only been there for an event with a buffet, so I’m not sure what Belgian specialties they offer. For a place with an extensive high alcohol beer selection, it’s unfortunate that it’s nowhere near public transit options. It is, however, along a bike path and at the top of a hill so you can get a workout getting there and coast down.

MSPeconomist

Good mooooorning Vietnam Germany! It sounds like the Belgians know where to put a restaurant, if not how to party. Does the place have lace curtains?

Wouldn't you expect a retirement celebration reception (especially in Europe) to have free alcohol, of course with the understanding that people behave responsibly if the guests are military officers? Is this something that you're expected (volunteered by someone up the food chain) to attend? Please report back.

BTW, chocolate and red wine is a good combination; chocolate and beer, not recommended.

GW McLintock

I actually ended up having a couple of friends stay over when their Delta Connection flight canceled last night, and we went out for dinner. Turns out I left one of my credit cards in Manhattan, along with the extra Diet Coke New card is already on the way but I'm pretty bummed about the soda.

-J.

SuperG1955

Sorry I missed HH but I was busy grilling dinner. I almost hate to ruin a Filet Mignon by subjecting it to fire but I did remove a substantial chunk to eat raw, which is the best way to have a Filet. Think of it as Beef Sushi.

SuperG1955

kipper, I agree with jrl, I hope that the year improves for you.

GW McLintock

Finally catching up on the thread. Hope everyone had fun last night. I just got back from LGA -- new new departures lane is nice in that there's actually space to pull over, though I didn't enjoy having "get out and go!" yelled at us every 10 seconds. Also drove by the old terminal C check-in area (the final vestige of the old LGA, not including the MAT).

Glad you are okay. That's all that matters at the end of the day.

-J.

kipper

Thanks. It's time for my morning Advil.

Glad you had fun at the zoo, but that trip home sounds rough.
Thanks.
Thanks.

I'm waiting to hear from the insurance company today.