Thursday, December 21, 2017

Interstellar Ginger Beer & Exploration Company "Outta This World"

Imagine after thousands of dollars in tuition payments, your kid comes home and tells you that he's decided to be a beer scientist.

Well guess what? It could happen.
Dr. Shane Kelley & Daniel Sims, a pair of long time friends decided to develop a concept that would put the production of ginger beer smack dab in the middle of Alabama and leave an imprint in the brewing world.

According to their website, Shane’s biology background and brewing expertise and Daniel’s sharp business sense, made  Interstellar Beer & Exploration Company  match made in space-heaven!

"Since our launch date of September 9, 2017, Interstellar has been Alabaster’s hot spot for craft brews and good times. Our goal is to provide our community with creative, high quality beers and a lively place to gather on the weekends. We have expanded the brewing universe by offering ginger beers inspired by famous drinks.  We take an innovative “where no man has gone before” approach to recipe creation with two offerings that glow in the dark and we believe we have created something truly unique.  We are not another brewery. 
 We are THE ginger beer brewery."
"Our beers are light and refreshing and they can pack an unexpected punch at 6.5% ABV on average.  They are gluten free and made with 3-stage filtered water, fresh cold-pressed ginger, fresh squeezed citrus juice, and other real ingredients."   
During my visit, Dr. Shane was gracious enough to give us the extensive tour  of the brewery and explain their very impressive  production process & all of the equipment & science that actually goes into creating the distinct flavors of their product line. 



 After the tour & education, we were presented with a flying saucer styled beer flight.
 We tried the Sunspot, Space Mule, Ginger Colada, First Contact &  Zeppelin Ace. All were outstanding! My favorite is the Space Mule. This would pair excellently with Thai food.



 When you visit Interstellar, a must have is their infamous "Sunspot or the Blue Nebula", two beers that actually glow in the dark under  a black light.



Aside from offering a unique beer experience, Interstellar Ginger Beer & Exploration Company offers a fun environment including food trucks, open mic night and other fun activities.

Interested in bringing your entourage? They are available for private events as well.
Currently Groupon is offering a Tour & Tasting Experience at Interstellar.
Visit the link here for the Interstellar Tour & Tasting Experience 
Also visit their facebook page for updated information https://www.facebook.com/interstellarginger/

Thanks for reading & sharing!
~The Birmingham Restaurant Raider
#RaidBHam

Interstellar Ginger Beer & Exploration Co.
260 Regency Park Drive
Alabaster, AL 35007
http://interstellarginger.com/



Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Great Holiday Specials At Perry's Steakhouse

The Holidays are in Full Swing at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille in Birmingham
with a New Cocktail, Special Offers


Throughout the month of December in Bar 79 at Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille (4 Perimeter Park S. in Birmingham), guests can enjoy a special holiday cocktail, the Holiday Wine Thyme, for just $9. This festive off-menu cocktail features the newly released Perry’s Reserve Cabernet, Hennessy VS Cognac and fresh lemon juice, garnished with fresh thyme.
During November and December, guests will receive a complimentary $25 reward card for every $125 in Perry's gift cards you purchase.Perry's gift cards are redeemable at any location, have no fees and never expire. The $25 reward card is valid Jan. 2 through June 30, 2018 excluding holidays. The offer is valid for up to $500 in reward cards. All rewards cards are mailed directly to the purchaser separate from the original purchase.
Perry’s Steakhouse also has four private dining spaces to host holiday parties and accommodate parties up to 120. The exquisite dining spaces at Perry’s and the restaurant’s experienced event team take the stress of planning off your plate for holiday luncheons or dinners, Monday through Sunday. More on Birmingham’s private dining rooms can be found at www.perryssteakhouse.com/menu-locations/alabama/birmingham/#private-dining.
Perry’s Christmas Eve hours for the dining room and Bar 79 are 4 to 10 p.m., and the restaurant will be closed Christmas Day. The regular three-course Pork Chop Sunday Special will not be available on Christmas Eve. Reservations may be made online or by calling 205-968-1597.

Monday, December 11, 2017

Visit the new home of Tropicaleo Puerto Rican Kitchen






FINALLY! One of Birmingham's favorite pop-up kitchens has a permanent home.

I was recently invited to view the new location of Tropicaleo, an authentic Puerto Rican restaurant located in the Avondale community. They use as many locally sourced ingredients as possible in their recipes. Many of their beverage choices, brews, soda's & coffee's are from local vendors as well.

For quite sometime, the amazing food creations of Tropicaleo has been featured around town with their pop-up kitchen at many breweries and outdoor markets as they showcased their authentic cuisine. They now have a place to call home and everyone is invited for the Puerto Rican experience.

*Click photos for larger images*


 I started out with an order of their infamous Plantain Chips w/ vegan mayo. This is a great appetizer. I'm not the biggest mayo fan, but it's an excellent compliment to the plantains. (pictured below)







Next I was treated with a serving of bruschetta topped with locally sourced goat cheese & a drizzle of house made vinaigrette. Loved it!!! Hopefully this will become a part of the permanent menu.




The 3rd item consisted of a delicious serving of  Puerto Rican alcapurrias or (fritters).
 These are pretty solid. Definitely loved the flavor. A must have.







Then there was a "different" kind of fritter. These are made of fried corn grits and might I add they are truly delicious!!



Next up was an entree of beans & rice accompanied by succulent fried pork. This my friends is definitely a "stick- to- your ribs" dish. Put a couple of spoon fulls of their rice on top of the beans and it's heaven in your mouth!


But Wait! There's more!

Even though I was STUFFED from all of the tasting, no Tropicaleo meal experience is complete without a deliciously sweet piece of their authentic flan for dessert.This is some of the best in Birmingham.


Having been previously featured in a previous write up on The Birmingham Restaurant Raider, the team at Tropicaleo, continues to impress with each visit.They even have hand made Vejigante masks as their featured wall art.




If you are looking for a unique experience, great food and a welcoming environment, stop by Tropicaleo! They offer drink specials, a fantastic weekend brunch and stellar catering! Look for them at your local food festivals as well. 

 For more information please visit their website at http://www.tropicaleo.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tropicaleobham/

Twitter: @tropicaleobham 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tropicaleobham/

Tropicaleo
4426 4th Ave S
Birmingham AL 35222
(205) 643-5956

Tweet  photos of your experience using the tag #RaidBham
Thanks for reading & sharing!