Meatballs!
They're a favorite comfort food for many of us in the United States, and in New York in particular it's pretty difficult to walk a two-block radius without finding a restaurant that has them on the menu. Although many people automatically associate meatballs with checkered table cloths, a bottle of red wine, and a big dish of spaghetti, the history of this beloved food is as long and as varied as any other part of culinary history.
No one can say with 100% certainty where the initial meatball recipe came from. Countries all over the world can lay claim to their own traditions, ingredients and monikers. Whether it's called the "kofta," the "k"ttbulle," the "polpette," or simply the "meatball," the varieties and possibilities of what one can do with this collective staple food are endless. In fact, as Americans we have our own claim to fame in this department because the whole concept of "spaghetti and meatballs" isn't an Italian tradition at all, but an American one. These two dishes were served separately until American diners started frequenting Italian restaurants and wanted meat with their pasta. But they're not just served with pasta- they can be fried and include onion and mint leaves like in Greece, could be made with anchovies or salted herring like in Germany or served with pickled cucumbers and lingonberry sauce like in Sweden-the possibilities are truly endless. And with all the creativity and flavors you can deliver with meatballs, we at Get Real are reminded of what else…beer!
So with that in mind, we'll be pairing 10 of New York City's best meatball chefs with some of the best craft beers on the planet. Come explore how different spices can be highlighted by the perfect brew or how a refreshingly carbonated beer can cut through a hearty spicy dish like nothing you've had before. What could be more comforting than the combination of meatballs and beer? If you think of something let us know, otherwise we'll see you April 7th at Beer Balls.
Additional Info & Tickets: www.getrealny.com
product:
Self-Defined Style:
American IPA
The Sculpin is a testament to our humble beginnings as Home Brew Mart. It showcases bright flavors and aromas of apricot, peach, mango & lemon. The lighter body also brings out the crispness of the hops. This delicious Ballast Point Ale won a gold medal at the World Beer Cup 2010 in the International Pale Ale category. The Sculpin fish has poisonous spikes on it’s fins that can give a strong sting.
Awards:
2009 Great American Beer Festival - Silver Medal - American-Style India Pale Ale
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Double Red
Strength (ABV):
10.0% ABV
Bitterness (IBU):
100 IBU
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Imperial Stout
Big, roasted malt character, lingering finish. "A doggone good stout!"
Best With:
Rich foods such as oysters and chocolate mud cake provide an excellent food pairing with this hearty beer.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
A rare English Style Dark Mild
‘Dark Mild’ English style session beer with the ABV and color of an Irish Stout but a nuttier, softer mouthfeel from crystal and chocolate malts, and a finishing dryness from aroma hops. Brewed for drinkability to extract the maximum complexity and flavor from a relatively ‘light’ beer, warm fermented to accentuate dark fruit and roast malt notes. Conceived for cask and perfect served as a Real Ale. Hopped with Cluster and Perle.
Best With:
Dark meat barbecue plates, charcuterie, and any other unctuous dishes (this is a dry, palate cleansing beer with flavor strong enough to stand up to the food). Also a refreshing alternative to your morning coffee! Kegerator required for the latter.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
English Barley Wine
Strength (ABV):
10.6% ABV
RUDE MAN
English Barley Wine
Status: Occasional
ABV: 10.6%
Introduction date: February 2012
Best With:
great with boldly flavored foods such as stinky (such as Stilton and blue) cheeses, charcuterie, olives and dark chocolate.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Belgian Tripel
Golden hued, deep, complex palate including hints of banana and honey, long, soothing alcohol laced finish.
Best With:
A complex brew is a perfect choice as an aperitif or with crab cakes, scallops or mussels or an assertive cheese such as Roquefort or Stilton; particularly delightful with asparagus. The perfect accompaniment to a fruit dessert, crepes or wonderful on its own as a digestif.
Awards:
Silver Medal - 2009 Great American Beer Festival - Belgian-Style Abbey Ale
product:
Self-Defined Style:
American Cream Ale
Smooth. Our Summer Solstice Seasonal Ale is a slightly sweet, malty session beer with a creamy mouth feel and clean finish. With hints of caramel in the nose and a touch of spice, it’s become affectionately known as “cream soda for adults”. The unique flavors and superior drinkability make for the ultimate refreshment on a hot summer day.
MALTS: Pale Two-Row, Crystal (40L and 80L)
HOPS: Bravo
Best With:
FOOD PAIRINGS: Sweet potato fries, barbecue chicken, ginger beef kabobs, S’mores
CHEESE PAIRINGS: Mascarpone, Brie
Awards:
Gold, 2012 Asia Beer Awards
product:
Self-Defined Style:
American Porter
Ballast Point Black Marlin Porter is a rich, dark chocolatey porter with a distinctive American hop character. Creamy and velvety smooth. It is a great beer to go with hearty foods and is surprisingly one of the few beers that goes well with dessert.
Best With:
One of our favorite combinations here at Ballast Point is Black Marlin Porter with apple pie a la mode.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Imperial Stout
Strength (ABV):
10.0% ABV
Sea Monster Imperial Stout is a new version of an old favorite. This hearty stout is black as the abyss and clocks in at a whopping 10% ABV, a real monster. The flavors of roasted coffee and bittersweet chocolate are complamented by a velvety smoothness from the addition of un-malted barley and oats. Colombus and Amarillo hops help to balance out the huge malt character of this flavor bomb. Be careful the alcohol is well hidden and will sneak up on you if you don’t watch out. Like most scary monsters, it can be a little intimidating, but have no fear.
Best With:
The roasted and burnt malt notes of stout and its typical hearty nature make it an exceptional compliment to raw or steamed oysters, however stout is also at home with most chocolate or cream based desserts.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Blueberry Ale
Blue Point fresh Blueberry Ale offers an unusual twist on brewing that turns out to be just perfect. A wonderful blend of fresh blueberries matched with a thirst quenching distinctive ale. We carefully add 132 lbs of blueberries to each special batch. Brewed with 100% American ingredients. Enjoy a truly unique flavorful brew!
Best With:
This specialty beer is great on its own or with salads, fruits and light cheeses. This beer would work well with sweetbreads, light cakes and tarts.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
India Pale Ale
This IPA won the Bronze Medal at The 2005 Great American Beer Festival. It was also named the best IPA at The 2005 United States Beer Tasting Championship. This classic American style IPA features a rare hop exclusively grown on a farm in Oregon. One taste of the Hoptical Illusion and you'll know why Blue Point bought the entire crop. A generous amount of the select hop balances out malty backbone of this delicious golden beer.
Best With:
This IPA would have a wonderful relationship with a hearty meal of steaks, stews and chili's. Strong and sharp cheeses, like the Roquefort or Stilton would pair nicely.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Copper Ale
Blue Point Brewing Company's Spring Fling is a perfectly balanced amber ale crafted from a unique blend of malts resulting in an extremely easy to drink brew. Subtle flavors of honey and nut combined with a delicate hop aroma deliver the perfect pairing for your spring fever. Just like any spring fling, ours is here today and gone tomorrow.
Best With:
This springtime treat would be fantastic with medium weight meals such as glazed hams, cured meats, smoked fish, chicken, turkey and Cornish hen dishes.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Belgian Farmhouse Ale / Saison
The classic example of the Saison Style. A pleasing pale straw-color with a dense, creamy head. The nose is estery with citrus and spice notes. Full-bodied and malty, it sparkles on the palate and finishes with a zesty hop and citrus attack.
Best With:
This beer is a miracle with food. Enjoy it with salmon steaks, Thai food, spicy Mexican dishes, Vietnamese food, steaks, Cajun dishes, and well aged Gouda cheese. Great with barbecue or gumbos.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Hard Cider
Farnum Hill Dooryard Batch #1214 - This is a still cider with an aroma of citrus and sweet florals. There is a high percentage of Golden Russet apples in this batch, giving a full mouthfeel with fruity sweetness, grapefruit, sour cherry and quinine. The long finish carries the citrus notes through and even brings some citrus peel in the late finish.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Biere de Garde
Proving the French may actually know something we don't... Garde Dog is a traditional French Biere de Garde or "beer for keeping". This classic farmhouse ale was brewed in March for drinking during the spring and summer months. With its toasted aroma and spicy, malty sweetness Garde Dog will liberate you from the winter doldrums.
Best With:
Garde Dog goes well with lighter fare, seafood/shellfish, salads, cheeses, Middle Eastern/Indian food
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Red Ale
Resinous hop character and bitterness balance the rich carmel malt base. We took it a step further and Amarillo dry-hopped the brew to 45 ibu's, creating refreshing and savory hop flavors and aromas. Is it red IPA? That's your call.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Double IPA
Bitterness (IBU):
100 IBU
Palate Wrecker was originally brewed for the Hamilton’s Tavern 2nd Anniversary celebration. It’s the most complicated West Coast–inspired IPA we have ever brewed—mashing and sparging with hopped wort, in addition to our hop layering regimen for IPA. By popular demand, it is now released for the world to enjoy.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
West Coast-Style India Pale Ale
This West Coast-Style India Pale Ale is extravagantly hopped, full flavored, medium bodied and copper colored. A menagerie of hops is combined throughout the brewing process to impart specific characteristics. Hops used include Simcoe for a unique fruitiness and grapefruit zest, Columbus for strong hop pungency, Centennial for pine and citrus notes, and Cascade for floral aroma.
Best With:
Great with spicy Thai, Mexican, or Caribbean cuisine.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Belgian Style Saison
A farmhouse style ale that showcases the spicy characteristics of French Saison yeast, rye malt, and saaz hops. Hoppy and Fruity with a dry finish.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Eisbock
The world-classic Kulmbacher Reichelbräu Eisbock is back! The world's first and most authentic ice beer was given the highest rating by Michael Jackson, then mysteriously disappeared, but it's in stock now, and a heavyweight beauty at 9.2% abv. Not at all like those silly "ice" beers that big American breweries are pushing, this one is actually made the original way - by freezing and then removing the ice to intensify the alcohol and the flavor.
Best With:
This intensely malty Eisbock is suitable on its own as a nightcap, or can pair well with a hearty cigar.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Dopple Weizen
A Brand-Spankin' New Beer Inspired by Rolec: The Builders of our New Brewing System. They Sent Us a Traditional Yeast Sent From Their Friends in Bavaria & We Way-Overfed It To Take It All Up A Bit!
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Fruit Beer
In Greek mythology, Aphrodite rises from the foam of the waves of the sea, enchanting all who see her, and inciting thoughts of love and lust where ever she goes. We could hardly say it more eloquently. Our Limited Edition Aphrodite Ale is ethereal, intriguing and mysterious – as the Goddess Aphrodite must have been. Aphrodite has champagne-like carbonation, much as the foam of the waves of the sea. Plus enchanting flavors with whispers of raspberry and pear, and hints of funk and tartness created by the Brett yeast.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Belgian Pale Ale
This fine pale ale has citrus and tropical fruit aromatic shared with a well-balanced – yet abundant – hop character. It uses our own Belgian yeast, five malts, two hops, and plenty of patience. Finishing touches include dry-hopping with Cascade hops and warm-cellaring.
Best With:
Generally speaking, Belgian ale is a gastronomic miracle. The delicate spicy and fruity nature of these ales, accentuated by the distinctive Belgian yeast strains, pairs beautifully with lamb, mussels, and semi-soft cheeses such as gouda, havarti, and tilsit.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Belgian-Style Wheat or White ale
Ommegang Witte is our take on a Belgian-white, or Witbier. Adhering closely to traditional ingredients and flavor profiles, Witte proved its worth at the 2010 and 2008 World Beer Cup by capturing Silver in its category amongst the best in the world. Initially the first Ommegang beer available on draft, Witte is now featured as the Summer Seasonal in our featured-seasonal draft rotation. Though available for year-round enjoyment in 750 ml and 12 oz bottles, summer is the ideal time to enjoy a Witte draft at your favorite warm weather, draft beer destinations.
Imagine...
Best With:
A picnic with light summer foods, appetizers, salads, and barbeques. Or while sitting on the beach, watching clouds drift by.
Awards:
2011 Gold - Belgian Style Wheat Ale - Great American Beer Fest
2010 Silver - Belgian Style Wheat Ale - World Beer Cup
2009 Silver - Belgian Style Wheat Ale - World Beer Cup
product:
Self-Defined Style:
India Pale Ale
Aggressively dry-hopped with Columbus hops. Unfiltered Dale’s Pale Ale with a deviant twist.
Best With:
With a bold emphasis on hop bitterness, India pale ales are the ultimate beverage pairing for spicy dishes. The sharp hop presence in most India pale ales can stand up to even the most devilish of spices in Cajun, Malaysian, Japanese, Indian, and Mexican cuisine.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Pilsner
Our new canned good is a delicious, small-batch version of the beer that made Pilsen, Czechoslovakia famous. Mama’s is made with hearty amounts of pale malt, German specialty malts, and traditional (Saaz) and 21st century Bavarian hops. It’s the perfect antidote for the watered-down, cornfed versions of pilsner clogging America’s shelves. Our first canned lager, it’s also fermented at cool temperatures with a German yeast. While it’s rich with Czeched-out flavor, Mama’s gentle hopping (about 35 IBUs) and low ABV (just 5.3%) makes it a luxurious but low-dose beer.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Hefeweizen
Kellerweis is one of the only American Hefeweizens made using the traditional Bavarian style of open fermentation. This difficult and labor-intensive technique adds uncommon depth and flavor complexity. Our hazy-golden hefeweizen is deeply flavorful, refreshing and perfect for a sunny day. To serve, pour two-thirds into a glass, swirl and pour the rest.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
American Wheat Ale
Pour Hop Sun Summer Wheat Beer into a pint glass, give it a long whiff and you'll realize that this isn't your average wheat beer. Filtered to a golden clarity and dry hopped to perfection, Hop Sun is a fantastic session ale in which flavors of wheat, barley and hops commingle to a refreshing and zesty conclusion. Hints of lemon and sweet malts waft to the fore as a touch of bitterness contributes to Hop Sun's bright finish. Enjoy Hop Sun all summer long as a perfect balance to your outdoor recreation. Summer never tasted so good.
Best With:
This wheat beer pairs great with lighter fare, particularly salads with a citrus dressing. For a change of pace, try this wheat beer with a wedge of lemon or orange.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Kölsch
Our new spring seasonal beer, Karnival Kolsch is arriving just in time for our Fasching Karneval . We are very excited about the release of this beer. For the first time in Stoudt’s history, we are releasing a brand new beer that has already received a medal at the Great American Beer Festival. This refreshing German-style ale was brewed using 2-row malt, a small amount of red wheat malt, and all German hops for bittering and aroma. This straw colored ale is smooth like a lager due to the colder fermentation temperature and extended cellaring time.
Best With:
Most hybrid styles tend to pair well with grilled or seared fish and poultry.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
American Pale Ale
The Bitter End is a classic American pale ale that has a subtle malt character and noticeable hop flavor and aroma. We use three American hop varieties to add a citrus and floral hop complexity making this an incredibly drinkable beer.
Best With:
This American pale ale's fragrant bouquet and spicy flavor lend to this beer's ideal match with generously spiced foods such as Southern barbeque, wasabi crusted Japanese dishes, and curry based Indian dishes. This beer is also the perfect complement to grilled meats, particularly burgers, and pizza.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Hopped-up Red Rye Ale
This unique red rye beer is full of hop flavor and aroma. We add 70 pounds of Thai palm sugar to each batch. The sugar does not add much sweetness to the beer, but rather a fruity and vanilla-like flavor. A new hop variety call Summit is really showcased here. This 18% alpha hop is also very aromatic which gives a pungent citrus aroma. Then we heavily dryhopped the beer with Simcoe. Original, yes and that is no sin.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Keller Pils
Like great jazz improvisation, there are endless opportunities when crafting malt, water, hops and yeast into beer. Varying only the variety of hops employed each time we brew Braumeister Pils, we get to enjoy this pleasure of possibilities. Expect dry, quenching character as the often subtle, sometimes assertive signatures of great hop varieties lead this brewer's quartet. Cold conditioned for maximum refinement, it is always offered unfiltered. Varies between 4.7% & 5.4% ABV.
Best With:
Hand Tossed Pretzel; Pastrami; Liguria Pizza.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Belgian-Style Tripel
Best With:
A complex brew is a perfect choice as an aperitif with crab cakes, scallops or mussels or an assertive cheese such as a Roquefort or a Stilton; particularly delightful with asparagus. The perfect accompaniment to a fruit dessert, crepes or wonderful on its own as a digestif.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
German Pilsner
Heaps of hops give this pale lager a bracing, herbal bite over layers of soft and smooth malt flavor. This refreshing combination of tastes makes Prima a classy quencher in the tradition of the great pilsners of Europe. Dry and delightful, this is an elegant beer.
Best With:
A great gold pilsner will always work with all seafood dishes, brothy soups, tapas, and just about anything off the backyard grill. This brew also lends itself nicely jambalaya, falafels, and certain Caribbean dishes. Fried pub fare is also a fine accompaniment to German pilsener.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Hard Raspberry Apple Cider
Fresh raspberries are added to Doc's Draft Hard Apple Cider and re-fermented to create a delicious spin on traditional cider. We think you'll agree that you can really taste the fresh fruit used in making this cider.
Best With:
The subtle notes of raspberry in this cider make it harmonize with a wide range of fruit and cream based desserts. Also a great quencher on a hot summer's day.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Abbey-Style Quadruple
Strength (ABV):
11.8% ABV
Big and delicious, QUAD is an elegant dark ale. Rich with complexity and flavor, try savoring it with a fine dinner. You also might enjoy it as an aperitif or as an accompaniment to a dessert, but QUAD stands alone quite well. We recommend enjoying QUAD in a brandy snifter or wineglass so you can drink in the aroma of this fine ale.
Best With:
This rich Belgian style ale is best with creamy cheeses, chocolate desserts, or as a digestif.
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Dry Apple Cider
Newtown Pippin Single Heirloom Varietal
“The Prince of Apples”
Fermented to dryness, the tart cider's light fizz strikes a balance with the yeastiness of Champagne yeast and a low residual sugar content. Clean and tasting faintly of lemons, it cuts through fish or even Indian takeout
First harvested in 1740 in Queens, NY.
Coveted by George Washington and Thomas Jeferson and planted in their personal estates.
Benjamin Franklin had Newtown Pippins shipped to him in London in 1759.
Credited with establishing the U.S. fruit export industry.
Best With:
Indian Takeout
product:
Self-Defined Style:
Apple Cider Flavored with Cherries
Our Cherry Tree cider combines the finest American heirloom apples, which were popular in the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries, with tart cherries. The finished product has the clean, rich flavor of fresh cherries with the depth and elegance that comes from using freshly pressed U.S. heirloom cider apples.
Golden and Russet apples are blended with the juice of tart cherries for a heavier, richer cider. The sweet, rosy pink cider is beautiful in the glass and an ideal match with a hunk of cheddar or served alongside a duck breast. We're nominating it as our rosé of fall.
Best With:
Cheddar Cheese, Duck Breast
