We are thinking about adding downloadable PDFs of all the recipes.  What do you think? Write to us! tracy@smokeandcelluloid.com

Saturday, November 12th was a pretty amazing day.  We arrived at Guadalupe Park Plaza to a giant blow-up dinosaur, not knowing what to expect of our second event as Smoke & Celluloid to cover as members of the press.  We left Monsters of Beer with our bellies full of beer, a ton a great coverage, smiles on our faces, and new friends.  A huge thank you goes out to Live It Big, Inc. for putting on an event to remember.  We also want to thank No Label Brewing, Rahr Brewing, Homebrewt, Whole Foods, and Friday Harbour.  We are grateful for your willingness to be on camera and to share your knowledge, your organizations, and your experiences with us.  Being able to cover such a wonderful industry so willing to share is what we are all about and we are fortunate to be a part of the craft beer industry.

It was a little windy that day, but full of good beer, music, smile, and laughter.  Over 30 breweries were there to share at least two special brews each.  And the shear number of volunteers who showed up to serve all of us was tremendous. And these volounteers knew their stuff, fielding my million and one questions about each brew.

The Whole Foods beer infusion table was one of my favorite parts.  I tried each and every one.  The beer that was chose for the base was Saint Arnold. Each pitcher of beer had a fusion spoon traditionally used for tea with the spice inside.  The spoons were submerged for over an hour before being set out for the public to taste test.  I have to admit the salt beer was probably my least favorite, a little too bitter for my taste.  But the cinnamon infused fit right in with the season.  I can’t wait to try a few of these infusions as part of my pairing for all of you.

Another highlight of the event was being able to be a part of the tapping of a keg of Rahr & Sons Winter Warmer.  Thank you, Tony, it is always a pleasure for us to be a part of Rahr beer history.

Finally, I want to talk about Friday Harbour, one of the wonderful charities that the proceeds from Monsters of Beer goes to.  Friday Harbour provides comfortable housing to families of cancer patients undergoing treatment at MD Anderson and Texas Children’s Cancer Center.  Thinking about the great work this organization does make me tear up.  It is an organization that truly cares about who they help.  Thank you for all you do for these families.  I can’t stress enough that suporting this organization should be on your list of things to do.

Smoke & Celluloid will be taking a little break from our weekly shows over this holiday season.  We will be around attending events, blogging, and reviewing.  We are pulling together a very special show, our Holiday/Christmas Special packed full of wonderful interviews and a couple surprises.  Be sure to join us on Facebook, Twitter, or YouTube!