I suppose it was preordained that would eventually become a beer lover, because from early childhood I have been a lover of pretzels. For some reason, beer and pretzels simply go together. There are some crazy theories, but it seems pretty simple to me – pretzels are salty and delicious, making one thirsty for something else delicious, and beer fits that bill.
Unfortunately, I’m sitting here in the state which manufactures 80% of the US’s total pretzel supply and which has a long history of pretzel baking, but my pantry has only the most mediocre of pretzels. Ok, not the most …read more

\r\n\r\nI\’ve mentioned it here and here, but I have always enjoyed Augustiner\’s beers. For those of you who have spent any time in Munich, you\’ll know that Augustiner is not nearly as well represented across the city as Paulaner, Löwenbräu and Spaten, but when you get the chance to order one, do (preferably an Edelstoff, don\’t ask, just order it). Like most Munich beers, the traditional Augustiner is a Munich Helles, so it\’s neither overly hoppy nor heavily malted, but it\’s a crisp, refreshing and eminently drinkable beer.\r\n\r\nSo it was that I ended up at one of the Augustiner tents …read more