Brewfest 2011

Have you ever been to a beer tasting?  Ever been to one at the Zoo?

The Utica Zoo has a “Brewfest” every year.  Over 40 micro brews to taste.  Local food from The Bistro, Celtic Harp, Tony’s, The Vineyard.  Music by China Pig.  What a great event!

It was a rainy night but since we had heard so much about Brewfest and had never been, we were determined to overcome the weather and see what all the hoopla was about.

Beer tents were set up all around the zoo.  We grabbed our first tasting (they were pouring full glasses!) and made tracks to the food tent.

Hummus, Baba Ganoush, flat bread, olive tapenade smeared crostini, crudités, fruit, tomato pie, tabouli.  If you enjoy meat, they were offering pulled pork sandwiches as well.

The hummus was a bit on the salty side and very garlicky.  As long as we only talked to each other, or anyone else who ate the hummus, we would be ok.

Live music kept everyone entertained as the sampling of one beer after another continued.

I could only do so much tasting especially since I don’t usually drink more than one or two sips of beer. The first sip always tastes the best but after that, I’d rather have wine.

There was a silent auction going on.  I bid on three items and won none. 

We met a few people we knew, chit chatted, kept our distance so as not to offend (really bad garlic breath!)     then decided to walk along one of the  paths to see the animals.

We saw quite a few other animals: The Red Fox, The Mexican Wolf, The Zebra, The Ostrich.  All those animals in cages reminded me of why I don’t enjoy visiting the zoo. So sad.  I’d much rather be on a safari and see the animals in their natural habitat.  Oh well. 

We had a great time at Brewfest and all the money benefits the zoo.  It’s all good.

Beer tasting or wine tasting, what’s your preference?