Author: Chris Elliott

Orlando Suburban Brews

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, RestaurantsLeave a comment

I love traveling for work. It’s easily one of my favorite parts about the industry I’m in. A few weeks ago, I was in LA but due to the restrictions there I didn’t get to any breweries. Florida though is the land of freedom.

While I was down in the Orlando area, I visited three breweries. The first was Sanford Brewing Company. Located in downtown Sanford, the city has a bit of an alternative vibe to it, the brewing company had some really good food and a couple of good beers. The Beri Tart was a really good sour beer and I started out my week of pretending I was a food blogger (my insta story was full of food pics that week) by eating a chicken sandwich with herb, garlic and white cheddar. Trying to eat somewhat healthy.

My second brewery stop was Orange County Brewers. A couple of solid IPAs there and a taco with Mac and Cheese in it had me feeling good on a Monday.

The last stop was the Ravenous Pig, located in Winter Park. My favorite Orlando city. I had actually been there before back in 2014. I can’t afford to live in Winter Park but I wouldn’t mind living there.

Anyways, the Ravenous Pig is where I had my favorite beer of the trip. I started with a solid sour called Of The Earth. My next beer was really something special. It was an ale and the beer was s’mores flavored. Camping Weather won top beer of the trip.

Let’s face it Orlando is a tourist trap. It’s too much Disney and cheap T-shirts. However, get a little further away from the city and you can find good food and beer.

2021 Tribe Roster Version Two: Spring Training

On By Chris ElliottIn baseballLeave a comment

Camp is starting and the Indians actually signed a few new faces who will surely make the opening day roster. The whole country is going through a snow storm so it seems like a good time to update my roster prediction. Hopefully, this brings some hope for warmer weather soon.

I’m making a switch here. My first four is staying steady but I’m switching Plutko for Quantrill. It sounds like the tribe love him and he wants to start. I think he snags that 5th spot.

  1. Shane Bieber
  2. Zach Plesac
  3. Aaron Civale
  4. Triston McKenzie
  5. Cal Quantril

In the bullpen I’ll go with 8 arms. The Indians signed a bunch of veterans with camp invites. At least one will make the roster. Hembree is my pick. I think the tribe will help him bounce back and Carl Willis is familiar with him. I am keeping Gose and subbing out Cam Hill here. Plutko moves to the pen from the rotation too. Scott Moss, Logan Allen, and Kyle Nelson all have good shots at making this pen too. Please no Bryan Shaw.

  1. Emmanuel Clase
  2. James Karinchak
  3. Nick Wittgren
  4. Adam Plutko
  5. Phil Maton
  6. Anthony Gose
  7. Trevor Stephan
  8. Heath Hembree

The strength of this team: Catchers. No change here.

  1. Roberto Perez
  2. Austin Hedges

This next section has a lot of questions and I am making some changes here. A lot of guys here can play many positions which should give them roster flexibility. I am dropping Andres Gimenez. They are going to manipulate that service time. Obviously Rosario (Eddie) and Cesar Hernandez will now make the team. I also originally had Bobby Bradley and Bradley Zimmer on this team. I have changed my mind there. I think Jake Bauers will be kept up because he is out of options and can play some outfield. I also think Ben Gamel will make this roster. Lastly, as much as I don’t want him starting in AAA, I think Daniel Johnson will end up there. If Gamel, Luplow, or Bauers does not hit well quickly, expect DJ to get the quick call up. If Billy Hamilton makes it, then Tito is just trying to recreate the Austin Jackson/Rajai Davis magic that just isn’t there.

  1. Jose Ramirez
  2. Ahmed Rosario
  3. Cesar Hernandez
  4. Eddie Rosario
  5. Yu Chang
  6. Josh Naylor
  7. Franmil Reyes
  8. Oscar Mercado
  9. Ben Gamel
  10. Jordan Luplow
  11. Jake Bauers

Cornerstone Brewing

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, RestaurantsLeave a comment

Cornerstone Brewing Company has been a long standing establishment in Berea, Ohio, located just 20 minutes from my house. Yet, Saturday was my first trip. Not sure what took me so long.

I have been wanting to try this place out for some time and I finally made the effort to. We stopped in for dinner and some beer. Not only was the food very good (try the pretzel), but the beer was delicious. I was really pleased with both the Erie Blu (fruit beer) and the Seven (IPA). Both had great flavor, but I’d say I prefer the Seven. A really strong rendition of an IPA. I really enjoyed their take of a West Coast style blended with an East Coast style IPA. Additionally, Berea had a nice little downtown that I would go back to. An underrated city and brewery.

2021 Tribe Roster Prediction

On By Chris ElliottIn baseballLeave a comment

It’s January, Cleveland pretty much does not see sun for months, and the Indians finally traded away their generational star talent at Shortstop and I have had time to process that loss. I feel like its a great time for an early 2021 Indians Roster Prediction.

There is still so much uncertainty with baseball for next year but I am going to operate under the assumption that there will a full season and they will play with a 26 man roster. The cloud of Lindor’s impending trade finally cleared and with his departure he took Carlos Carrasco with him. The payroll is just above the minimum possible level. There are a lot of names people are not super familiar with on this roster, but there is still some talent, especially in the rotation. Let’s get into it.

Let’s start with easiest piece, Starting Pitching. The Indians will live and die with the rotation. These guys are studs up and down the rotation except for maybe Plutko. The other options here are Cal Quantril, Scott Moss, & Logan Allen.

  1. Shane Bieber
  2. Zach Plesac
  3. Aaron Civale
  4. Triston McKenzie
  5. Adam Plutko

Next up, the Bullpen. Tito loves arms. I will carry 8 here, but I could easily see 7. Gose is my surprise pick here. If he can get his control in order, he could be electric. Scott Moss, Logan Allen, and Kyle Nelson all have good shots at making this pen too.

  1. Emmanuel Clase
  2. James Karinchak
  3. Nick Wittgren
  4. Cal Quantril
  5. Phil Maton
  6. Anthony Gose
  7. Trevor Stephan
  8. Can Hill

Another strength of this team: Catchers.

  1. Roberto Perez
  2. Austin Hedges

This next section has a lot of questions. They have a potential MVP candidate but also lost the franchise player here. Who plays first base is unknown. Additionally, I could see Tito carrying one less guy in the field here and having another pitcher up. A lot of guys here can play many positions which should give them roster flexibility. Do not be surprised if Jake Bauers somehow finds his way on this roster as he is out of options. Nolan Jones will be up once as the service time manipulation is done too.

  1. Jose Ramirez
  2. Ahmed Rosario
  3. Andres Gimenez
  4. Yu Chang
  5. Bobbie Bradley
  6. Josh Naylor
  7. Franmil Reyes
  8. Oscar Mercado
  9. Daniel Johnson
  10. Jordan Luplow
  11. Bradley Zimmer

New Year, New Beer

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Restaurants, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment
Hollywood Brewing on Las Olas

Time to turn the pages on what most people would say is the worst year of their life. To celebrate the year ending, or maybe just to get away from the Cleveland cold, I went to Fort Lauderdale for New Years. While most of my time was spent on the beach, I did manage to get in a few brewery visits.

I have been all over the sunshine state, but this was my first trip to Fort Lauderdale. The three breweries we stopped into were Invasive Species, Hollywood Brewing, and Orchestrated Minds.

Invasive Species was our first stop. I tried out several beers via a flight and had a pint. The brewery tap room is a smaller bar with a decent sized patio out back filled with metal picnic tables. Here was where I had the best individual beer of the trip. The Slurps (a sour beer) was like drinking a beer smoothie. I could have this for breakfast with a side of eggs and bacon. Incredibly delicious.

Next up, on New Years Eve before dinner at Louie Bossi, which is an incredible Italian restaurant by the way, we got a drink at Hollywood Brewing at their Las Olas location. Las Olas is the main strip in the downtown area of For Lauderdale. Filled with higher end restaurants and shops. Hollywood was solid from a beer perspective. Nothing amazing but nothing bad. I wish they had some rotational beers on tap, but they did not. I tried the Brew Hefner Wheat and the Locals Only Light Lager for your reference.

The last brewery visit was Orchestrated Minds. The depth of beer quality here was impressive. I had three really good beers plus a sip of a 4th from the owner when I was checking out. That 4th was incredible and almost made me decide to have one more. It was another sour and I wish I had remembered the name. This place was my favorite of the three from an overall standpoint. Very good beer and the owner was their working in the small tap room making sure each customer was enjoying the beer. The personal touch was appreciated and I would go back in a heartbeat.

Orchestrated Minds Tap Room

Besides the beer, the food at many locations was amazing. Though we did honestly have some slow service at many points and some bizarre waiters. It seemed that every restaurant was short staffed. Pandemic related? Maybe. Regardless, the food was great. Some of my favorites were Shooters, Louie Bossi (mentioned above), Nanou (awesome French bakery), Tinta and Lona Cocina. Here is to more good beer and food in 2021. Now, time to burn this trip off in the gym.

Nanou: I couldn’t pick one meal

Beer in Amish Country

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Restaurants, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment

I went down to Amish country on Saturday where I gorged myself on four plates filled with fried chicken, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, noodles and enchiladas at Mrs. Yoder’s kitchen. Surprisingly the Amish like Mexican food. Did not see that one coming.

After that, we stopped at Millersburg Brewing Company. Located in downtown Millerburg, which for those that don’t know is the county seat of Holmes County Ohio. Knowledge is power.

The brewery is in an old brick building and maintains a lot of the building’s character from the exposed brick to the old bar top. The food menu appears delicious but after my Amish buffet destruction I don’t think I could fit any more food in my belly. However, we always have room for beer.

I went with a beer flight to give myself a good variety since I knew I was not going to be able to down multiple full beers at this point. All 4 tastings were very good, but I have to say the Edgy Elf was my favorite. A sweet winter warmer beer that they even put cinnamon on the beer flight glass. That was a nice touch.

The other beers I tried included Belouded (NEIPA), Jolene Jolie (Red Ale), and Haskins 1819 (Blackberry Tart) and were all really solid beers that I would have again. It’s a bit of a drive for me from Cleveland, but I would definitely go here again and would like to sooner rather than later.

Wuh-Ster Day Trip

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Distillery, Restaurants, Trips, vacations, whiskeyLeave a comment

Personally, I think this pronunciation of Wooster, Ohio is idiotic. It should be Woo!-Ster like a drunk girl shouting at a bar. However, the locals prefer the WUH so I’ll roll with it.

This past Saturday we took a day trip down to Wooster and walked around the town, had a burger and indulged in some beverages. Traveling during the Covid, is weird. A day trip is easy enough and Ohio has a lot to offer.

First off we visited Muddy’s where I had the cheesiest of cheese burgers. If you have a lactose sensitivity, stay away.

After Muddy’s, the main reason for this trip was to visit the JAFB taproom. Just Another Fucking Brewery, is a pretty spacious taproom and I was able to try several brews. My favorite of the ones I had was the Hefeweizen, though the Summer Forever (New England IPA) was very good as well. The Hefeweizen is a good solid rendition of this beer style with just enough banana taste. I really enjoyed this one. I was told after that I need to try the Apricot one, so next time I’ll give that one a taste.

After the brewery, we had two more stops to make. First off was Minglewood Distilling Company. I am by no means an expert on bourbon but I’m starting to get into it more. They had a variety of alcohols and I did a tasting. I wish the tours were open but again the virus got in the way. I picked up a bottle of the bourbon to take home. Then one last stop at Hartzlers Dairy Farm for some ice cream. Perfect dessert to end the day.

Brewery 33

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment

This will be a quick post. I really don’t have a lot to say because I wasn’t there long and only had one beer. Took a few days to head down to Hocking Hills down in Southern Ohio. I love a good hike and with all the craziness out there in the world, it was good to get away from it all.

It wasn’t my first trip to Hocking Hills but it was my first visit to Brewery 33. Named after the main road through Logan, Ohio. I stopped in for a growler and went with the Gateway Gose. It was a solid beer and nothing spectacular. Wasn’t bad, just seemed to have almost no carbonation.

The brewery itself was small inside from what I saw, but that could have been I just didn’t walk around enough. They did look to have a nice little outdoor spot. Bartender was great, very friendly and helpful. I would like to get back there at some point when I can actually sit down and enjoy the place.

Covid Brewery Trips in GR

On By Chris ElliottIn Alcohol, Brewery, Restaurants, Trips, vacationsLeave a comment

Did I travel during a pandemic? Bet your ass I did. Took a trip up to Grand Rapids this past weekend to visit a good buddy of mine. On Friday, before meeting up with him I stopped at two Breweries in town.

First up was Brewery Vivant. Now this place had the smallest food menu. A regular burger, a veggie burger and some appetizers. They would only cook the burger well done too. Honestly, I am not a fan of red meat unless it’s bleeding. The sauce they put on the burger (a chipotle type sauce with more of a hearty kick) was delicious though and they had some good beer. I really enjoyed the Straw Barb, a strawberry sour. I just wish the food menu had a few more items. Throw a chicken sandwich on there.

Straw Barb at Brewery Vivant

After Brewery Vivant, I meandered over to ELK Brewing and had a couple more beers. The Mango Summer Wheat and Blonde Express were both solid beers. I would say I preferred the Mango Summer Wheat and I’m not a big mango guy. After that, I wrapped up and went to my buddy’s, but it was a couple good brewery visits for a Friday afternoon trip to the Mitten. Have to get back up there to visit the rest of GR. Maybe I’ll wait for this Covid stuff to pass to really enjoy the city.

Mango Summer Wheat from Ell Brewing

Top 5 Baseball Players I Wish I Could Have Seen Play

On By Chris ElliottIn baseballLeave a comment

Today’s athletes are far superior to anything that was out there 20 years ago, let alone 50, 60 or 70 years ago. The general training and development we have now is just on a different level. Despite that, there are still guys in each generation that amazed the world with what they could do on the field. Their natural ability out shined those around them. Guys that were just far better than those around them. I sent this list out in a tweet recently, but given the lack of sports in the world, I thought I would expand on why these five players are the top guys I wish I could have seen play live and in person.

  1. Babe Ruth

The Sultan of Swat, the Great Bambino, the Caliph of Clout. As portrayed in the cult classic Sandlot, this man had a lot of nicknames. The only thing he had more of was home runs. He hit more home runs than entire teams in some seasons. The Babe was special. Could he hit today’s 96 MPH cutters? Probably not right away but the man lived on a diet of hot dogs and beers. Get him some training and just imagine what he can do. He was the god of baseball. Easily tops on this list.

2. Satchel Paige

Much of Satchel’s true stats are unknown. Given the time period he played, much of his career was in the Negro Leagues. He didn’t play in the majors till he was a spry 42 year old rookie. That didn’t stop Satchel from being elite and helping the tribe take the World Series title in 1948 (Cleveland hasn’t had one since and I could really use it in my lifetime). Satchel played well past that age 42 season even throwing three scoreless inning for Kansas City at 59 years old. I can only imagine how much better he was than everyone at say 32 years old. Buy me a ticket back the early 1940s so I can what this wizard could do on a mound.

3. Josh Gibson

The only man that may have been better at hitting home runs than Babe Ruth was Josh Gibson. If you ever look at a picture of Josh Gibson, you can take one look at his forearms and tell just how much of beast he was. It was rumored between the barnstorming games and the Negro Leagues, he hit over 800 career home runs. Astronomical numbers. Oh and he did this as a catcher, the most physically demanding position on the field. Josh had his demons and health issues and he past away before his 40th birthday. Its a shame no one ever got to see him in a full major league season and not just a few exhibition games.

4. Willie Mays

The Say Hey Kid. Just a pure athlete. Willie was faster, stronger and just about better than everyone on the field. He played forever as well, all the way to his age 42 season. Logging over 600 home runs, 3000 hits, and 1900 RBIs, Willie is near the top of all the major statistical categories. He covered an absurd amount of ground in the outfield, making the historic over the shoulder catch. I gladly take a trip to the ballpark to see what he could do on a Sunday afternoon.

5. Lou Gehrig

This last one is a bit of a personal preference than the obviously best talent at the time. Lou Gehrig was obviously a talented ball player. Hitting almost 500 home runs and 2000 RBIs despite having his career dramatically cut short by ALS, now famously called Lou Gehrig’s disease. The reason he makes my list though is because as a little kid I did a project on Gehrig and fell in love with the way he played the game, never missing a day in the office. The Iron Horse got his chance and never looked back in fear that someone may take his spot. He believed everyday he should go out and do his job. In today’s world where “load management” is a common phrase, I would enjoy seeing a top talent taking his job seriously and showing up every day. A breath of fresh air and a good way to end this list.