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Posted

My friend Thor Cheston, who is a manager at Paradiso, is going to be heading up this project of theirs. Thor is a beer enthusiast of the first order, and this should be exciting! Drop by and say, "Hello!" and have a great beer on draught and some of this city's best pizza.

3282 M St., NW Washington, DC 202-337-1245

Pizzeria Paradiso Georgetown is proud to introduce Birreria Paradiso, a sixteen tap draft bar featuring 80 bottled selections of microbrews, artisinal and handcrafted beers from around the world. Enjoy pilsners, ales, lagers, and stouts in our newly renovated lower level dining room and bar, where you will be able to feast on our Quattro Formaggi Pizza and a Belgian tripel like Gouden Carolus, or a Bosco Pizza and a Saison Dupont on draft. Then, top off your meal with our vanilla gelato paired with North Coast's Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout. We will be offering our complete menu, wine list, and a full bar in addition to the new selection of beers. Most of our longtime favorites are available, including Rogue's Dead Guy Ale, Dogfish Head's 60-minute IPA on tap, and Moretti and Amstel Light in bottles. We will also be serving some standards like Corona,, Miller Lite and Samuel Adams. All of the new beers will also be available in the main dining room upstairs.

Posted
I'd like to know how they fit Miller Lite into that PR though .

It'll be in the "We pretty much have to" section of the menu. :lol: Seen bottles of Miller go by at the Brick even. It is true what they say: You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink decent beer.

This is very exciting, though.

Posted

I believe the "Birreria Paradiso" is on the lower level of the current Pizzeria.

I had an incredible German Doppelbock with my Atomica Pizza this past Friday night. Our waitress said that the staff there has undergone extensive training (two evenings of tasting 40+ beers!!!) to become knowledgeable about the various brews that will be available. Wasn't open that night - I think tonight is the opening....

(Luckily I work in Georgetown!!!) :lol:

Posted

Pretty good crowd for the first night. Seemed like many were friends of the staff, but hey it is a Monday night. Nice space with a fireplace with seats and a coffee type table in front of it. Sat at the bar and enjoyed a variety of beers with a starter of a bean and tuna salad and finished with some pizza. I started with a large pour Rouge Shakespeare Stout (Some of the beers are offered in 10 oz. and 20 oz. pours) before realizing that they have a cask on tap. Tonight's flavor was the Clipper City Uber Pils on cask that was fresh and wonderful.

They will be rotating beers on the cask as they said that they have some European kegs ordered. Overall a decent looking beer list but I will leave the details to Shogun as he has more knowledge in this area than I. This is going to be a great spot for a DR.com HH.

Joe R -- Thor says hi!

Posted (edited)

Amazing. Just...beautiful. This is half way to fsck the Brickskeller. If The Brick is 'Here are 700 beers from around the world', B.P. is 'here are 96 of the best ~200 beers in the world." The beer list is well represented (maybe even wighted-to a bit) by Belgians and Belgian-styles (Allegash, Ommegangs). There is also a beer-engine/cask special. Today was a hand-pull of Clipper City 'Small Craft Warning'. Very nice room. Seating at the bar plus tables, and nice chairs around a fireplace.

Edited for: Details?! Alright, details tomorrow.

Edited by shogun
Posted

How cool of a name is Thor! It's like being named Zeus!

"I lifted weights for two hours yesterday, and when I woke up this morning, I was really Thor."

17 drafts, with the astonishing Clipper City Small Craft Warning pulled from the pump.

56 ales, divided into 16 useful and informative categories.

14 lagers in 3 categories.

Alert, alert: go to Birreria Paradiso NOW, because it's the best place in town to drink beer. What a great bar! 10 seats, with another 25-or-so in the surrounding area.

It's going to be overrun by crowds (remember I said this), but for the next few days or weeks, it's just a fabulous venue for beer lovers.

When the Clipper City cask expires - probably in about five days - they're going to be replacing it with something from Victory. Make sure to remind Thor not to shake the next cask up before tapping into it. :lol:

I'm not sure I've ever had a better Weizen Bock than his recommended Schneider and Sohn "Aventinus."

Thor loves Belgian-style Saison, and was raving about the Brasserie DuPont "Saison DuPont Vielle[sic?] Reserve." I often find the banana aromas in these beers offputting, but that's strictly personal preference (*).

When I asked for a beer list, Thor left his busy station and disappeared for several minutes - then emerged, beer list in hand, hot off the presses. And I mean that almost literally: He was kind enough to go and print me out a copy, and it was still warm from the printer.

Cheers!

Rocks

(*) Once upon a time, there was a small child who took spearmint-flavored pills twice a day for several years, and as an adult, still can't cozy up to the flavors of spearmint. The banana aromas - which come from the specific yeasts used in the brewing process - remind me of what I sometimes used to find in the inexplicably and terminally overrated wines from Georges Duboeuf - The Whore Of Beaujolais.

Posted (edited)
Thor loves Belgian-style Saison, and was raving about the Brasserie DuPont "Saison DuPont Vielle[sic?] Reserve."  I often find the banana aromas in these beers offputting, but that's strictly personal preference (*).

That was just about my exact quote on Monday night. This Friday's HH must be here! I was not a fan of the Aventius myself, but my friend loved it.

Should we be expecting Thor 'God of Thunder' to become a new member soon?

BTW, how many times did Thor hit is head on the ceiling?

Edited by mdt
Posted

That does it, I'm headed here for my b-day tomorrow. Hopefully today's mention in the WP blog won't pack the place. Now if it only wasn't all the way over on the far side of G'town ...

Posted
Hopefully today's mention in the WP blog won't pack the place.

I'm pretty sure the comment surrounding the stove (being gas not wood-burning)is accurate... I hope they know what sort of insectae they've invited into their bar by having all that wood out there drying out :lol: My wife noticed a few ants running around.

This place is great and is sure to become a popular place to dodge tourists very soon. Wish they took amex.

Posted
Can anybody who's been there report on how smokey it is, or if somking is even permitted?  Thanks.

On night number one I don't remember seeing anyone smoking at all. If I had to guess I would say it is non-smoking.

Posted
today's mention in the WP blog
Ah crap, here we go... :lol:

Yeah, I don't recall there being ashtrays at the bar. Could be an oversight of the first night, so don't get your hopes up or down just yet! Editorialized to add: I can't imagine having a couple smokers in that little room...it'd have nowhere to go! :huh:

Posted
Ah crap, here we go... :lol:

Yeah, I don't recall there being ashtrays at the bar.  Could be an oversight of the first night, so don't get your hopes up or down just yet!  Editorialized to add: I can't imagine having a couple smokers in that little room...it'd have nowhere to go!  :)

I will bring a cigar on Friday and see what happens. Could be a good way to thin the potential crowds! :huh:

Posted

Stopped in last night after reading about the bar here. I have to say the beer was delicious. I had the Saison DuPont Vielle Reserve and the Clipper City Uber Pils draughts. Mmmm. Mmmmmm Good ! The bar looked nice, I didn't sit at it due to talking my wife into going out for dinner, but I could imagine some nice quality time there. The room was fairly ordinary, wooden table and chairs, exposed ceiling, a small area for the fireplace. Unfortunately pizza service wasn't good. First we were brought someone else's order which we began to eat, then when we were going to question what was brought to us, our pizza was brought out. Our pizza was burnt in areas on the top, and not in a good way

Wife was not happy, I was reveling in the beer. Thor waited on us and seemed a young affable fellow.

I'd say on first glance that the bar and the beer are the place to be.

BD

PS I noticed no smoke in the place from tobacco.

Posted
Stopped in last night after reading about the bar here. I have to say the beer was delicious. I had the Saison DuPont Vielle Reserve and the Clipper City Uber Pils draughts. Mmmm. Mmmmmm Good ! The bar looked nice, I didn't sit at it due to talking my wife into going out for dinner, but I could imagine some nice quality time there. The room was fairly ordinary, wooden table and chairs, exposed ceiling, a small area for the fireplace. Unfortunately pizza service wasn't good. First we were brought someone else's order which we began to eat, then when we were going to question what was brought to us, our pizza was brought out. Our pizza was burnt in areas on the top, and not in a good way

Wife was not happy, I was reveling in the beer. Thor waited on us and seemed a young affable fellow.

I'd say on first glance that the bar and the beer are the place to be.

BD

PS I noticed no smoke in the place from tobacco.

The pizzas on Monday were pretty darn good and we will be conducting more QC studies tomorrow evening.

Posted (edited)
My friend Thor Cheston, who is a manager at Paradiso, is going to be heading up this project of theirs.  Thor is a beer enthusiast of the first order, and this should be exciting! Drop by and say, "Hello!" and have a great beer on draught and some of this city's best pizza.

3282 M St., NW Washington, DC 202-337-1245

Joe. Thank you for sharing with us what is easily now the best beer bar in DC. I'd sooner shove a an umbrella up my ass and open it than drink at Brickskeller and RFD and I would be honored if PP/BP decided to run an ad that said: "Crescentfresh is one of the 4 out of 5 beer drinkers who would rather shove an umbrella up his ass and open it than drink at DA's places."

Ok. There is nothing else in this city or within 50 miles (and probably more) touching this joint. Dave Alexander, I hope you're reading this because you should be embarrassed as all shit. This two-week old operation has surpassed you on every level except quantity. BP is now the KING of all that is mixed of hops, malt, yeast and water.

So, now that I'm done with my unsurprising blast on that shit bar on 23rd street, here's what I like about BP. Two things. 1) Their cask beer from the beer engine is pulled at 55 degrees. Cellar temperature. 2) Thor Cheston. I've talked to him a couple times now in his bar. Assessing knowledge, interest, vision, taste. Thor is the real deal and he wants to do it right. I think he takes all comments and suggestions very seriously.

I wish only a few things for BP. I wish you were ground level. I want to look out the window and not feel like i'm in some dude's basement. I wish you'd charge a couple more dollars for your Miller Lite and its ilk and drop the price of a serious pint by a buck. Those fuckers drinking Bud in your bar should be subsidizing my beer.

And THE SALMON ARE RUNNING!

Edited by CrescentFresh
Posted
Ok.  There is nothing else in this city or within 50 miles (and probably more) touching this joint.  Dave Alexander, I hope you're reading this because you should be embarrassed as all shit. 

This is most definately a great place and by far the best place in D.C.. However if we are talking within 50 miles, there are are at least 3-4 places in Baltimore, that this place could not hold a candle to. Have you been to Max's on Broadway, Brewer's Art, Mahaffey's, Wharf Rat, etc..

I agree that DA's places are both really subpar establishments, but D.C. is just not a very good beer town.

Posted
This is most definately a great place and by far the best place in D.C..  However if we are talking within 50 miles, there are are at least 3-4 places in Baltimore, that this place could not hold a candle to.  Have you been to Max's on Broadway, Brewer's Art, Mahaffey's, Wharf Rat, etc.. 

I agree that DA's places are both really subpar establishments, but D.C. is just not a very good beer town.

Point taken. Haven't sampled Baltimore. So let's say that BP is king inside the beltway.

Posted
How cool of a name is Thor!  It's like being named Zeus!

"I lifted weights for two hours yesterday, and when I woke up this morning, I was really Thor."

Thor gets tired of hanging out in Vlahalla and decides to go clubbing one Friday night. Being a Norse deity and all he is in the arms of a comely brunetter within minutes and back at her place within the hour. They go at it hammer and tong for hours, days even, until finally during a smoke break he remembers his manners and decides to introduce himself. "I just wanted to let you know, I'm Thor," he says.

"You're thore? I'm tho thore I can hardly pith."

Posted (edited)
ok that guy Thor; Cool! Will post more when i sober up

Why wait? There's an hallowed tradition of Pissed Posting to uphold on dr.com. Followed, of course by the judicious but restrained use of the "Edit" button the next morning. Or not. Exhibit A Edited by crackers
Posted

Man, that's good beer.

The Duchesse and the Saison were lovely, but the real hit at our table was the Bluebird Bitter. And the ability to do the 3- or 4-beer flight was a hit as well.

Really glad we decided to check it out at 6 on a Saturday because it was packed-and-a-half by the time we left. They must send folks down from upstairs to wait for upstairs tables because the number of children present was, well, higher than you'd expect in a bar.

Posted

CrescentFresh and I were there on Friday night around 7:30. It was pretty busy, and somewhat understaffed. We waited 10 minutes before we could even get a bartender's attention, but then a couple of seats opened up at the bar, and we were fine from there.

Definitely a quality beer list, if a little too weighted towards the Belgians. However, the HAND PUMP WAS EMPTY, leaving us to the regular taps for our brew.

My only complaint is that it is in Georgetown, which means it is neither parking nor Metro friendly, which is a PITA for us suburbanites. Since I'm far more likely to be at the MCI Center than Georgetown, I'll probably land up patronizing RFD more than BP.

Clearly I don't hate Bricks and RFP as much as CrescentFresh...

Posted

Jlock and I were there Friday as well, and overall had a wonderful experience. I am not really a beer person, but I greatly enjoyed the Belgian tasting before moving back to my standard red wine. Jlock enjoyed all of his beers but I believe the Bluebird Bitter was also his favorite. The pizza was good as always. And, we also enjoyed speaking with DanielK and CresentFresh.

My only complaint is that they are understaffed. There was only one bartender working at 7:30 on Friday night. He was excellent when he had the chance to turn to us, but he was so busy that we went long periods without a drink even at the bar.

Posted
Man, that's good beer.

The Duchesse and the Saison were lovely, but the real hit at our table was the Bluebird Bitter. And the ability to do the 3- or 4-beer flight was a hit as well.

Really glad we decided to check it out at 6 on a Saturday because it was packed-and-a-half by the time we left. They must send folks down from upstairs to wait for upstairs tables because the number of children present was, well, higher than you'd expect in a bar.

You have hit on a problem that I think they have with that space. First off, the beer selection is excellent and I will gladly return for that. But...the space is too small to be used as a waiting area for seating. I think the should remove all the tables and replace them with the tall bar tables on a first come first served basis. Why can't they use the upstairs bar for that? They should reserve the downstairs for people that want to enjoy the beer and grab a bite to eat. Of course why should they change, I am sure that they are making money hand over fish. It is just a selfish wish that I have.

Posted
I think the should remove all the tables and replace them with the tall bar tables on a first come first served basis. 

Says the guy who is 9 feet tall. Those of us whose legs aren't quite as long can't stand those tall tables :lol:
Posted
Says the guy who is 9 feet tall.  Those of us whose legs aren't quite as long can't stand those tall tables :lol:

I think that's your million-dollar-idea: SHORT tall bar tables!

I think the point was just to remove the booths, 4-tops, and chairs, which take up too much space per person in that small room.

They could turn the divider into a bar/rail with stools, and do the same all around the outside of the room, and the number of people that space could hold would double.

Of course, they'd then actually have to hire some waitstaff to work the room...

Posted
I think that's your million-dollar-idea: SHORT tall bar tables!

I think the point was just to remove the booths, 4-tops, and chairs, which take up too much space per person in that small room.

They could turn the divider into a bar/rail with stools, and do the same all around the outside of the room, and the number of people that space could hold would double.

Of course, they'd then actually have to hire some waitstaff to work the room...

Exactly. I don't care what they are replaced with, but to use the tables down there as part of the regular restaurant does not make sense to me if you are marketing it as a beer lovers paradise. I overheard a couple of people talking about how they love the beer selection, but hate the fact that a seat cannot be found.

Posted
Of course why should they change, I am sure that they are making money hand over fish. 

Well, the way I see it, by having BP downstairs they've now converted themselves into two different destinations at one location. Now they're bringing in people, like me, who go there because it's a beer destination and the pizza is a nice bonus. However, the apparent lack of effort or interest in making a distinction between upstairs and downstairs, except for the beer variety available downstairs, will quickly turn the place into a downer for me. My most recent visit was one where I left with a negative rather than positive feeling about the place. The Bluebird does kick ass. Won best beer in Britain a number of years ago, although it's poured differently there.

As for service? Wow. Suck-a-roni. Bartender was deep in the weeds and no help or backup to be found. And not only was the dude working the customer bar, he was also working the service bar. And when you're only one guy, and you've got customers ordering mixed drinks, too.......My, where does the time and patience go?

To quote a friend who was there recently, "Way too many fucking GTown yipsters in that place." That's the truth. And I hope they charged $6 to that kid drinking the Yuengling the other night!

With luck BP will show signs of changing the direction it's going. I sure hope so. If they want to make it a place that celebrates great beer, I'll go regularly. If they want to make it an overflow lounge for the pizza operation, I'm going to Rustica (opening in March :lol: ).

Posted
However, the apparent lack of effort or interest in making a distinction between upstairs and downstairs, except for the beer variety available downstairs, will quickly turn the place into a downer for me. 

I'm pretty sure they said that even the special taps that exist only downstairs can still be ordered from the upstairs dining room.

Posted

How is the glassware situation at BP? Are the beers poured in their proper glasses?

One of the thing that really annoys me about places like Brickskellar is the serious disregard for putting beer in its proper glass. I want my Leffe in a Leffe glass, my Chimay in a Chimay glass and so on.

Posted
How is the glassware situation at BP?  Are the beers poured in their proper glasses? 

One of the thing that really annoys me about places like Brickskellar is the serious disregard for putting beer in its proper glass.  I want my Leffe in a Leffe glass, my Chimay in a Chimay glass and so on.

That is one thing that they do very well.

Posted
  I overheard a couple of people talking about how they love the beer selection, but hate the fact that a seat cannot be found.

Last Sunday the place was pretty dead around 7:30ish. But perhaps that was a Washingtonian snow freak out and was a misrepresentation of how it should have been.

I was thinking: Maybe there should be a night (or certain hours) dedicated to the more serious beer geeks. A night where all the professors of beer stalk the losers walking from the Rhino with all that Bud on their breath...and chase them down to Caddy's Alley and burp in their face, and say, 'How's the pee, yippie?"

I'm more of a wino myself, but I certainly do have an appreciation for good thoughfully selected and actually stocked beer.

No pun intended, but I found it to be drafty in there. I'm tired of eating dinner in my damn jacket.

Posted

Well, a thousand lashes with a wet mung-rag to me for not getting down there sooner, but tonight I FINALLY made it down there, and I'm ashamed that I haven't been sooner.

Thor was on hand to provide excellent direction on the beer choices. I decided to do a tour of 8 of the 12 draught beers currently available downstairs.

I began with Saison Dupont, the perfect beer to cleanse the palate and get started with. It's exceedingly well-made.

Then the Gouden Carolus Tripel - one of the most freaking GORGEOUS beers I've ever had! Beautiful aroma, medium bodied and incredible balance on the palate. I could drink this all night long.

Then Russian River Brewing Company "Pliny the Elder". Very tasty.

Then Liefman's Kriek, an awesome brew with the most balanced cherry flavors in any cherry flavored beer I've ever had. The aromas were heavenly. I have a serious jones for this beer now.

Then Beer Republic Red Rocket Ale. By now I was a little schwilly, but this was awfully good stuff.

Then Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA. Yum. I'm such a hop-head, this was quite the treat.

Then Ommegang Hennepin, which I've enjoyed in bottles but on draught it took on a whole new dimension. Belgium beer done right here in Cooperstown, NY.

Finally, Weinheinstephan Hefeweisen. It isn't for nothing that Napoleon called these beers the "Champagne of the North" when he marched through Bavaria. With a little lemon around the rim, it was summer in a glass. Just heavenly.

I had all of this with a pannini and some meats and cheeses and olives. My stomach was very grateful.

I am SUCH a happy man tonight, and I can't wait to go back. The non-draught beer list is so extensive, I can't imagine that anyone who even occasionally enjoys a beer can't find something to love.

Please drop by if you haven't been yet and say "hello" to Thor and Darrel. They will guide you on a beer safari if you allow them to. Well worth the trip.

Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I got dropped off there by a friend and I departed Georgetown by taxi :lol:

Posted
Oh, and in case anyone is wondering, I got dropped off there by a friend and I departed Georgetown by taxi  :lol:

You mean you actually DRANK all that and didn't spit it out??? Or, is the spitting part just for wine geeks?
Posted
You mean you actually DRANK all that and didn't spit it out???  Or, is the spitting part just for wine geeks?

(Ha!) Barbara, I'm 6'2" and 225 lbs. I drank all of that, at least 5.5 oz. of each beer. When I'm relaxing (and paying for it!) I refuse to spit.

I had bothersome lower back pain when I got there, but not when I departed :lol:

Posted

For those who don't subscribe to the BP email, the message below just came out. You can probably just send an email to info@eatyourpizza.com to subscribe. Fritz Hahn's column in today's weekend section of the Post was probably the first time I ever thought Hahn to be 100% right on about a place I'd been to. In a nutshell he says, BP is a serious beer place for serious beer people....as long as you go on a weekday. Don't even bother on a weekend.

------------------------------------

Hello everyone,

This week we have a really cool tap line up that includes Chimay Cinq

Cents, Unibroue Maudite, Ommegang Hennepin, Saison DuPont, DFH 60

Minute, DFH 90 Minute, Weihenstephan Hefewiezen, Bear Republic Red

Rocket Ale, Rogue Shakespeare Stout, Old Rasputin Russian Imperial

Stout, Rogue Dead Guy Ale, Russian River Pliny the Elder, Jever

Pilsner, Liefmans Kriek, Gouden Carolus Tripel (refermented in the

keg) and pouring from our cask engine is Clipper City Loose Cannon.

On tap soon we will have Anderson Valley Winter Solstice, St.

Bernardus Abt. 12, Duchesse de Bourgogne and Ommegang Three Philosophers

We just got our own Randall the Enamel Animal from Dogfish Head. I

will let everyone know when we get it up and running.

I hope you all get a chance to see our write up in the Weekend

section of the Washington Post today.

See you all soon, and have a great weekend!!!

**************

Thor Cheston

Manager

Paradise Too, LLC

Birreria Paradiso

3282 M Street, NW

Washington, DC 20007

Dupont Circle: (202) 223 1245

Georgetown: (202) 337 1245

Administrative Office: (202) 337 4936

Fax: (202) 337 4935

info@eatyourpizza.com

Posted
Coming soon to Birreria Paradiso: Half price draft happy hour from 5-7:00 starting April 18th!

Unfrigginbelievable. So much for trying to go running after work.

Posted

No cask on my last visit. I will need to learn to call ahead and check. It would also be nice if they could perhaps put a little cask on their webpage that's green for when it's on or red for when it's off. Kinda like the food disk at Fogo de Chao, but for mass quantities of beer rather than meat.

Posted
No cask on my last visit.  I will need to learn to call ahead and check.  It would also be nice if they could perhaps put a little cask on their webpage that's green for when it's on or red for when it's off.  Kinda like the food disk at Fogo de Chao, but for mass quantities of beer rather than meat.

Oh yeah, like it is a problem considering the huge number of other great beers that they have. :)

Posted

I've never been there before, but their website sure is appetizing. I'm thinking of heading there tonight.

Is it worth the trek into G-Town at 6:30 on a Friday?

Posted
I've never been there before, but their website sure is appetizing. I'm thinking of heading there tonight.

Is it worth the trek into G-Town at 6:30 on a Friday?

What do you want more. Good beer or pizza? Beer head to the GT location, pizza either.

Posted

Given the choice between locations I would always choose G'town, unless you live, like, next to the Dupont location. It is teeny and always manages to be crowded. In G'town, even if the Birreria is crowded (which it will be on a Friday at 6:30) you can eat a pizza by yourself at the pizza bar on the main floor, and watch them clean the oven with a flaming broom for entertainment.

Posted

Had dinner at the Dupont restaurant tonight. Surprisingly, not a long wait. I really enjoyed the antipasto platter, the prosciutto in particular. Also had the tuna/white bean salad, which is better, to my mind, than its too-salty and too-cold counterpart at 2 Amys. The pizza was basil/mushroom/onion with a delightfully fluffy crust. The basil was fresh and fragrant, though the onions were not up to their usual sweetness. I know it's up for debate around DC whether 2 Amys or Paradiso takes the crown. But I think lately the dough at Paradiso is more flavorful, and it's always well drizzled with olive oil to add depth to the last few bites. They've also got a good Lambic on the specials menu right now; but serious beer drinkers ought rather to trek to G-town.

Posted

Met my freshmen year college roommate, who is in town for a conference, here last night. I'm not sure why, but basement level bars seem to lend themselves to drinking way more than you should. The just tapped Smuttynose "Special Selection" (or somesuch) IPA is quite nice-- very hoppy, but well balanced. Small Craft Warning was just put back on tap, but not on the engine. The engine is flowing with Cap City Pale Ale right now, but I didn't try it, as the quality of their brews seems to have gone downhill.

Posted
The engine is flowing with Cap City Pale Ale right now, but I didn't try it, as the quality of their brews seems to have gone downhill.
It was actually good once?
Posted

On the Engine: Clipper City's Loose Cannon (hoppy and delicious)

On Tap: Kwak (served in that brewery's crazy 'foot' glass, complete with its own stand*)

That half-price happy hour on all taps is bordering on charity-- even the bartender did a double-take when he saw how low our check was.

*I used to work with a guy from Belgium. Everytime we went to a bar (in the US), he would become livid: "You guys drink every beer from the SAME GLASS! It's madness!"

Posted

Hello from a "long-time lurker, first-time member and poster." I had a great happy hour at the Dupont Pizzeria Paradiso a few days ago, and wanted to share what I think are some great deals (weeknights 4 to 6:30):

$4.25 pizzas - One half of selected eight-inch pizzas

Antipasto plates - Your choice of three of our altre cose, small plate $6.95 and large plate $12.95

$3.50 draft beer, $3 select bottled beer

Not sure what the Georgetown location is up to (I really need to get over there...everyone says it's the better location), but if you're in the Dupont area after work, it's really good food for really not a lot of money.

Here's to the first of what is sure to be many carb-focused posts...

Posted
Hello from a "long-time lurker, first-time member and poster." I had a great happy hour at the Dupont Pizzeria Paradiso a few days ago, and wanted to share what I think are some great deals (weeknights 4 to 6:30):

$4.25 pizzas - One half of selected eight-inch pizzas

Antipasto plates - Your choice of three of our altre cose, small plate $6.95 and large plate $12.95

$3.50 draft beer, $3 select bottled beer

Not sure what the Georgetown location is up to (I really need to get over there...everyone says it's the better location), but if you're in the Dupont area after work, it's really good food for really not a lot of money.

Here's to the first of what is sure to be many carb-focused posts...

Great first post, Laura, and welcome to the boards! :unsure:

I still haven't made it over there. Happy hour in G-Town just never sounded very relaxing to me.

Posted
Great first post, Laura, and welcome to the boards! :unsure:

I still haven't made it over there. Happy hour in G-Town just never sounded very relaxing to me.

If you enjoy good beer there are not many other places to be.

Posted

I'm so happy. Hitachino White Nest Ale was just tapped at BP. One of the bartenders said that he's only drinking the owl 'till its gone. They also have a tasting menu and rare beer pairing. I know nothing about rare beer, so it could be a put on for all I know. Has anyone tried it?

Posted

I had some of that fine Hitachino on Friday night....mmm, sweet like candy!

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of ordering some food and lost the taste of it.

I'm hoping I can get back this week before it's all gone.

And. just. drink. (beer.)

Posted

Finally made my first visit to Birreria Paradiso, spurred on by mention here of the Hitachino White. I can't believe I waited so long to make it to this place--very nice draft list (in addition to the Hitachino, I was particularly impressed with the Maharaja double IPA--the malt rises to the challenge of the hops, resulting in a creamy, well-balanced IPA that just about knocked my socks off).

Good beer-drinking atmosphere, for my tastes, with no annoying TVs. All it needs is a foosball table, maybe a bar pool table, and I'd probably move in. It's small enough that I imagine Friday nights are pretty packed with Paradiso overflow, but for weeknight beer drinking it is ideal.

Posted

Currently on cask is a very tasty dark, Proletary Ale, from Brewer's Art in Baltimore. I also enjoyed a class of Hop Rod Rye from Bear Republic Brewing out of CA. It is an American IPA with 20% rye malt that starts off hoppy and has a malty sweetness to it.

Posted
Currently on cask is a very tasty dark, Proletary Ale, from Brewer's Art in Baltimore. I also enjoyed a class of Hop Rod Rye from Bear Republic Brewing out of CA. It is an American IPA with 20% rye malt that starts off hoppy and has a malty sweetness to it.

Man, I gotta get over to this place. Still haven't been.

Posted
Man, I gotta get over to this place. Still haven't been.

Yes you do! :) They have HH on Tuesday and Wednesday until 7pm where all beers on tap are 1/2 price, plus some food deals.

Posted
Currently on cask is a very tasty dark, Proletary Ale, from Brewer's Art in Baltimore. I also enjoyed a class of Hop Rod Rye from Bear Republic Brewing out of CA. It is an American IPA with 20% rye malt that starts off hoppy and has a malty sweetness to it.

Meant to post something about that Hop Rod Rye-- really nice stuff. Also, the Avery Maharaja double IPA (on tap now as well) is worth getting. HUGE fresh hop aroma on that one.

I had some of that fine Hitachino on Friday night....mmm, sweet like candy!

Unfortunately, I made the mistake of ordering some food and lost the taste of it.

I too made the mistake of trying to eat food with it, which didn't work. This beer is too subtle in flavor for anything but the mildest dish.

Posted
And in the grand battle of balance between hops and malt, where would you say this beer can be found?

It is more malt than hops.

Posted

Mmm. I love Pizzeria Paradiso. Previously I had a tough time deciding in the battle of 2Amys vs. Paradiso. I liked Paradiso's pizza better, but enjoyed the various appetizers and desserts at Amys so much that I couldn't give pick. I like the bar at 2Amys, but Paradiso's is nice AND it's not such a stroller set hangout (at least the Georgetown one isn't). And then there's the beer.

My SO and I went to G'town last night and enjoyed a three-beer sampler. I believe it was described in the menu as 5 oz of each Unibroue Chambly Noir, Gouden Carolus Tripel and Duchesse de Bourgogne (which I have had before and really enjoyed), however there was a substitution for the last beer that I cannot recall. Either way, I really enjoyed all three; +1 really doesn't like beers that are remotely dark (WHAT??? That's crazy talk) so we swapped his Chambly Noir for most of my Tripel.

My starter was a special crostini with prosciutto and bufala mozzarella. Fantastic. The bread was moderately oiled and rubbed with garlic. A sprinkling of salt and pepper brought it all together. His starter was the simple mixed green salad with balsamic viniagrette. Of course, the waiter tried to give me, a woman, the sala. :)

I also ordered a special for my pizza: gorgonzola cheese, a hint of tomato, parsley and red onion. When I asked to skip the onion, they offered the ability to substitute another ingredient. I picked salami. :) For me, it was a great combination. He had the Bosco and devoured it (and the last piece of my pizza too).

We both had the whole wheat crusts. I liked it, but think the regular crust is even better. He was lukewarm on the whole wheat and will probably skip it in the future.

Our server was pleasant and never disappeared.

Nothing jumped out at us from the dessert menu, and we were pretty full anyway. Total damage: slightly less than $60 plus tip. An inexpensive nice time.

Posted

Come to Birreria Paradiso this Friday from 6:00 - 8:00pm and meet:

Charles Leclef

beer genius and owner of the Belgian brewery

Brouwerij Het Anker

producer of such great beers as Gouden Carolus Classic, Triple and Grand Cru of the Emperor

Mr. Leclef will be visiting our bar this Friday to meet with customers and to chat with you about his beers.

Enjoy half-priced pints of Gouden Carolus Triple from 6-8pm.

Posted
Come to Birreria Paradiso this Friday from 6:00 - 8:00pm and meet:

Charles Leclef

beer genius and owner of the Belgian brewery

Brouwerij Het Anker

producer of such great beers as Gouden Carolus Classic, Triple and Grand Cru of the Emperor

Mr. Leclef will be visiting our bar this Friday to meet with customers and to chat with you about his beers.

Enjoy half-priced pints of Gouden Carolus Triple from 6-8pm.

He also owns a second brewery right off the Belgian coast called Brouweij Dropp Anker.

Posted
He also owns a second brewery right off the Belgian coast called Brouweij Dropp Anker.

Is it bad that I immediately went "really? I've never heard of that brewery"...It wasn't until I was typing in "Dropp Anker" that I got it. rocks: 1. me: 0.

Posted

Russian River's Pliny the Elder is on tap (or at least was earlier this week). Nice balance of bittering and aroma hops ('balance' meaning a ton of both, though). If you enjoy this over-the-top style (double IPA), it's great.

Posted

Me again. Posting about yesterday's pretty perfect lunch at Paradiso in Georgetown.

Joined by my family, whose company I very much enjoy, I started with a sampler of three five-oz beers and ensured that one of my tastes would be the Duchesse de Bourgogne. I love that stuff. If you know where I can buy it, PM me. :)

My lightweight visiting uncle George also got a sampler and by the end of just 15 oz of beer, he was staring happily out the window at the Georgetown scene, proclaiming "I love Georgetown" before dissolving into a guffaw. True, it was a gorgeous fall day outside so we couldn't disagree with him.

For our meals, four of us had pizzas and Uncle George had the tuna sandwich which earned raves around the table. His wife had considered ordering it, but went all nervous nelly about the kitchen's inability to prepare it without capers or anchovies (I know, I know). Upon tasting her husband sandwich, her plain pizza no longer tasted as good. My mother also snatched a big chunk of the sandwich and nodded with approval.

My pizza? Fantastic. I had planned to order an 8 inch atomica, but switched at the very last minute to a quattro formaggi with prosciutto. Our server asked if I wanted the prosciutto added after cooking or before; I went with the latter and had no regrets. What a pizza! I loved the roasted garlic flavor and the bits of gorgonzola I found. I ate showly, savoring every bite and was the last one eating. Great, great lunch.

Posted

Those beer samplers are great, especially if you are one of the "so many beers, so little time" people. A do-it-yourself beer festival.

I assume this is something they only have at the Georgetown location?

Posted

Thumbs up for Pliny the Elder. Still on tap as of last night, piney and bright and delicious. Might be good to combine in a flight with other options -- the cumulative sharpness started to get to me halfway through the pint. Great flavor, though.

Posted

Nice upcoming events here:

Join us for the

Birreria Paradiso Beer Tasting Series

every Monday in November from 6pm to 7:30pm

for a tour of the world's major beer producing countries.

You will be guided through the beer styles of Belgium, England, Germany and the United States

by enjoy a sampling of the world's most fascinating beers that best illustrate the various qualities of each style.

Belgium, November 6

We will begin our trip in the beer lover's paradise of Belgium, a country the size of Maryland, which boasts more than 120 breweries, making more than 500 different beers, including flavors of chocolate, exotic spices, fruit and malt.

England, November 13

Next our Beer Tasting Series travels to England to explore the wonderful world of light-in-alcohol-but-full-of-flavor British beers and stories of the British Colonies and Russian Czars.

Germany, November 20

Then it's off to Germany, famous for lagers and wheat ales, many of which are brewed in adherence to strict laws dating back to 1516, and featuring a dizzying array of tastes and strengths.

United States, November 27

We return home to the United States, the most exciting place for beer on earth, where irreverence and fine craftsmanship have combined to create beers that defy your senses with towering levels of alcohol and mind blowing ingredients, including a finish of whole hops.

Each Tasting Event includes a three-course meal and a sampling of approximately 15 beers

Price: $60 per tasting event, or $220 for all four if you sign up in advance

Participation is limited so sign up early by emailing at

info@eatyourpizza.com or by calling 202-337-4936.

In your email, please provide your full name, desired event(s),

a daytime phone number and the number of people in your party.

Hope to see you!

Birreria Paradiso

only at

Pizzeria Paradiso Georgetown

3282 M Street, NW

Washington, DC 20007

Posted
Also I wanted to take the opportunity to say goodbye to everyone. I

am leaving Pizzeria/Birreria Paradiso and moving to Philadelphia at

the end of this month. I want to thank everyone here in DC for being

so good to me and making Birreria Paradiso a success. My replacement

will be Greg Jasgur one of our long time bartenders. He is a real fan

of all those hoppy westcoast beers so for everyone who was getting

tired of my obsession with Belgian beers he will be a welcome change.

Again thank you!

Noooo!! :):)
Posted
Noooo!! :):)

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

GTFO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

NFW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope Greg Jasgur is the dude who left recently for the West coast?

If he's not the Mets fan I'm thinking of.......

If he is..... we're in good hands....albeit not Thor's.

If not.......

I need a keg of Old Stoatwobbler.

Posted

Lunched on Saturday at the Georgetown location, and while I have a limited sample from which to judge, I have to say that this pizza pimp slaps Two Amys. I had the Atomica while my wife had the Bosco and we loved them both, especially the fantastic crust. Once you add the incredible beer list, it's a hard to beat combo. While I haven't had many of the small plate or dessert options from Two Amys that people rave about, I can't imagine enjoying them more than the special crostini we had at PP with fresh buffalo mozzarella and prosciutto di Parma. This was one of those rare lovely occasions where I came in with moderate expectations and was blown away by the quality.

Posted
Those beer samplers are great, especially if you are one of the "so many beers, so little time" people. A do-it-yourself beer festival.

I assume this is something they only have at the Georgetown location?

There is only one tap at the Dupont location, so yes, I believe the samplers would have to be limited to G-town, unless you have enough people to grab several bottles and do your own sampler at the Dupont location. Dupont has a pretty decent beer list, but nothing that comes close to rivalling the Birreria.

Posted
Anyone been lately and can advise whats good on tap now? I am going there around 6 tonight. Thanks.

We were there last Friday, and if they still have La Gnomette it is a must try. It's an IPA offering from Garrett Oliver (Brooklyn Brewery) in conjunction with the d'Achouffe folks; basically a Belgian interpretation of an American Imperial IPA using Belgian yeast. Outstanding. Bartender said there were a couple kegs left last weekend, so you should be in luck. I normally try not to repeat orders when there are so many good beers on tap, but this one required a second glass.

Edit: Crap, sorry, saw you were going last night.

Posted
We were there last Friday, and if they still have La Gnomette it is a must try. It's an IPA offering from Garrett Oliver (Brooklyn Brewery) in conjunction with the d'Achouffe folks; basically a Belgian interpretation of an American Imperial IPA using Belgian yeast. Outstanding. Bartender said there were a couple kegs left last weekend, so you should be in luck. I normally try not to repeat orders when there are so many good beers on tap, but this one required a second glass.

Edit: Crap, sorry, saw you were going last night.

Must everything be a damn hop bomb?

Take an India Pale Ale and feed it steroids, ergo the term Double IPA. Although open to the same interpretation as its sister styles, you should expect something robust, malty, alcoholic and with a hop profile that might rip your tongue out. The Imperial usage comes from Russian Imperial stout, a style of strong stout originally brewed in England for the Russian Imperial Court of the late 1700s. Its application to an unrelated style makes little sense to many, so Double IPA is quickly becoming the preferred name.
Posted
Must everything be a damn hop bomb?

Yes.

Left out of the "Thor leaving us" discussion is that he has plans to open up a Belgian-centric bar in Philly. Best o' luck to him. There's already some well established Belgian-themed beer bars up there, but Philly is thirsty so he should do well.

Good luck to Greg, too: I look forward to having whatever crazy West Coast beers you can get yer mitts on.

I just hope Thor's departure doesn't jeopardize the DuPont BP's plan to do a beer bar in the basement along the same lines as the Gtown experiment. They bought the store underneath them and that's what Thor told me a few months ago, well before he told me he was leaving.

Posted
Must everything be a damn hop bomb?

It actually wasn't a "damn hop bomb", which is what made it so great. Not all Imperial IPAs are Stone Ruination clones, although many are in the ever-increasing brewery pissing contests. I think the descriptor here was more for the alcohol content (it was intended to be an IPA/dubbel hybrid). The additional malt body and the Belgian yeast characteristics provided some great balance.

Posted
It actually wasn't a "damn hop bomb", which is what made it so great. Not all Imperial IPAs are Stone Ruination clones, although many are in the ever-increasing brewery pissing contests. I think the descriptor here was more for the alcohol content (it was intended to be an IPA/dubbel hybrid). The additional malt body and the Belgian yeast characteristics provided some great balance.

Good to know. Hopefully I will be able to get there and try it out.

Posted
We were there last Friday, and if they still have La Gnomette it is a must try. It's an IPA offering from Garrett Oliver (Brooklyn Brewery) in conjunction with the d'Achouffe folks; basically a Belgian interpretation of an American Imperial IPA using Belgian yeast. Outstanding. Bartender said there were a couple kegs left last weekend, so you should be in luck. I normally try not to repeat orders when there are so many good beers on tap, but this one required a second glass.

Edit: Crap, sorry, saw you were going last night.

I actually had that last night..it was fantastic

Posted

Taps update... On Tues, we had:

Victory Harvest (see the nice description of it by ManekiNeko in the beer thread)

Victory Hop Wallop (mdt beware. Others, give this hop bomb a try)

Petrus Oud Bruin (sour Flemish brown. I enjoy this in small quantities, but not a style for everyone)

Kostrizer Schwartzbier

Anderson Valley Oatmeal Stout

On the engine: Brewer's Art Resurrection

Best happy hour in DC. Apparently the word is out, as it was packed.

Posted
Petrus Oud Bruin (sour Flemish brown. I enjoy this in small quantities, but not a style for everyone)
I believe this is considered the gold standard Oud Bruin, no? So it's at least worthy of...ah...study :lol: .
Posted
Kostrizer Schwartzbier

Obligatory tangent tale:

I was at the Brickskeller tasting years ago when Michael Jackson, the Beer Hunter, poured this for probably the first time ever in DC. He told an amusing tale of his efforts to obtain and sample the fabled Kostritzer Schwarzbier prior to the fall of communism in East Germany, because this style did not exist anywhere else. The East German authorities' level of paranoia was so high that when he inquired about the brewery and the possibility of obtaining a travel visa, they responded only with a terse "yes, we agree that there [exists] a Bad Kostritz."

Personally, I think it tastes like the syrupy malted beverage they feed old folks in Bavarian retirement homes, but fermented.

Posted
Obligatory tangent tale:

I was at the Brickskeller tasting years ago when Michael Jackson, the Beer Hunter, poured this for probably the first time ever in DC. He told an amusing tale of his efforts to obtain and sample the fabled Kostritzer Schwarzbier prior to the fall of communism in East Germany, because this style did not exist anywhere else. The East German authorities' level of paranoia was so high that when he inquired about the brewery and the possibility of obtaining a travel visa, they responded only with a terse "yes, we agree that there [exists] a Bad Kostritz."

Personally, I think it tastes like the syrupy malted beverage they feed old folks in Bavarian retirement homes, but fermented.

Really? I rather liked my glass that I had last night and it got better as it warmed up from the frosty temperature at which they keep the kegs. It was not as smokey as I like, but enjoyable.

The Brewer's Art Resurrection on the otherhand was excellent!

Posted
The Brewer's Art Resurrection on the otherhand was excellent!

Indeed it was, akin to Rochefort 6, but drier. I hope Greg maintains the practice of getting casks of the local brewpubs on a regular basis. While the rosemary garlic fries are to die for, I don't get to Charm City often enough to enjoy Brewer's Art.

Posted
Indeed it was, akin to Rochefort 6, but drier. I hope Greg maintains the practice of getting casks of the local brewpubs on a regular basis. While the rosemary garlic fries are to die for, I don't get to Charm City often enough to enjoy Brewer's Art.

I would love to see him get some casks from England, but was told by that it is cost prohibitive. CrescentFresh still thinks it is possible, but I don't remember the details.

Posted
I would love to see him get some casks from England, but was told by that it is cost prohibitive. CrescentFresh still thinks it is possible, but I don't remember the details.

I say why bother when there are locals making stuff just as worthy of praise, if not more. Besides, cask ale is kinda fragile: the less travelling it has to do, the better. BP will do a much better job of it than Brick or RFD's since they are able to move the product faster, though.

Posted
I believe this is considered the gold standard Oud Bruin, no?
I'd probably say that would be Goudenband, which they may carry at Birreria (I rarely look past the taps).
Posted
I'd probably say that would be Goudenband, which they may carry at Birreria (I rarely look past the taps).

They do carry Goudenband, and the peeps at BeerAdvocate would agree with your opinion. Petrus doesn't get shabby marks though. I, too, rarely look past the taps but the wife loves her some Cantillon so we have to see what they have in the way of old school lambics.

Posted
I'd probably say that would be Goudenband, which they may carry at Birreria (I rarely look past the taps).

Goudenband is indeed considered the standard (I think Petrus is better though). RFD has a stock of aged Goudenband (20year old IIRC) that is on offer at a pretty decent price. Almost worth a visit. Lovely stuff.

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