Hoptron Brewtique's offerings brings artisanal beer to Patchogue...

Lynn and I are not big beer drinkers, however, the Hoptron Brewtique in Patchogue has been intriguing to us for several months.  Lynn and I are always drawn to the visuals of a place and HB has a sleek and inviting environment with architectural interiors, artful lighting and comfortable furniture. There are a plethora of beers there, many, if not most seemed to be local and/or New York State offerings.  The many selections could be overwhelming but the knowledgeable and engaged staff there helped tailor our flight toward our usual tastes as well as helping direct us toward more adventurous stuff that might expand our palate.

My favorite was one of Port Jefferson Brewery's offerings. I can't remember the beer's name because I lost my notes but I do remember it was pretty good.  Lynn loved the Long Ireland Pale Ale which is crisp with some notes of bitter and sweet.   There are a lot of beers we didn't try so we will be back...

Mark and Lynn hit the Queens Kickshaw in Astoria and get a great meal and a parking ticket...

Lynn and I were in Astoria earlier this fall and ducked into The Queens Kickshaw after I had a yoga class at the Anthea Yoga Center.  Unlike some of our other pursuits this was pure accident, we were tired of walking and ducked into the first place we thought we might like.  We lucked out as we loved the rustic interiors which looked like re-claimed wood paired artful lighting (a design detail that a lot of restaurants overlook).  It was well past lunchtime and we were tired and hungry so the comforting interior, warm efficient service and inexpensive menu were particularly welcome .  For the sake of my current yoga training I stuck with the Kitchen Sink Salad which was somehow satisfyingly healthy and brawny with savory pickled vegetables helping set it apart from the everyday. .  Lynn had the Manchego and Ricotta Grilled Cheese with pillowy bread and a generous helping of manchego.  The Kickshaw had an innovative beer and cider menu and Lynn I split a very satisfying Belgium beer that unseasonably hot day.  We had such a good time that the 35.00 parking ticket we subsequently found plastered to our windshield couldn't dampen our spirits.