Considering that Sen. Joan Carter Conway was instrumental in not allowing the bill to get out of committee last year, this is great news.
Conway later states the obvious…..
"We’re going to give you something," Conway told the group. "It might not be something you’re all going to be happy with."
Stay tuned.
This article from the BBJ says that Baltimore City, Baltimore County and Frederick County all support this effort. I’m all for it, but doubt it will get the traction it needs to really happen.
The simple fact is that the restaurant association is against this because this is cutting into their highest profit margins. It is a reality that restaurants charge 2-3x the wholesale cost they are paying for liquor, wine & beer.
Just a small note that it isn’t wise to leave a full Corny keg of sanitizing liquid outside during freezing weather. Yeah – it’s ruined. 
Stephen Beaumont has a great post today – Lessons on Beer Style From Keef
The BA’s categories do work well in the role for which they have been fashioned, specifically to provide medal categories for the Great American Beer Festival and the World Beer Cup. But in using them for anything beyond that purpose, we’d be wise to recall that one person’s jazz is another’s blues
My take: beer categories are a good reference point so that we can communicate about a beer. Outside of that context, they really are bullsh*t – right up there with the 100 point rating system on wines.
Maryland’s Comptroller finally released his report about the state of buying wine on-line. There are mixed reviews because he basically says that its OK to buy wine directly from a winery, but doesn’t think that local retailers can compete with out-of-state retailers.
I’ll let you judge that for yourself.
So – can I get beer shipped to me directly from breweries. I don’t think so. It’s difficult to believe that this is still an issue.
| We went to a party last night where it’s always fun to bring a dish. This was a real winner! The author calls it a cake, but it is really bread pudding.
Guinness + eggs + cream + sugar + chocolate = Delicious! |
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This article from the Baltimore Sun has some real gems in it.
“When one of Maryland’s most famous chefs (presently featured with his brother Michael Voltaggio in two-page spread in the Williams-Sonoma catalogue) and the nation’s most famous wine connoisseur get together and the resulting meal is somehow regarded as a violation of the law, then there’s a problem with the law.”
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“Just as wine lovers should have the right to have wine legally shipped to their door, customers ought to be able to bring it with them to lunch or dinner at a restaurant that’s willing to allow such a practice.”
My commentary: while the law is beyond stupid, we shouldn’t lose focus that this affects good beer too.
Maryland has found a new voice in the debate and this time it’s a Top Chef. Hopefully the entire Restaurant Association will catch on.
| The newest place try drink quality craft beer in Baltimore! 40 taps – proper glassware and a nice bottle list sets this place apart from other venues (Pictures attached below).
I had a burger (my standard test). It was delicious, juicy and overall a high quality offering. The fries were also great, and obviously fresh. If had to complain about anything, the food menu is small and may be a little too fancy. Can this place stay open where at least 2 others have already failed? – Time will tell. I’ll be back. Other reviews here. |
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