Tap 'N' Run

Hmmmm.... anyone interested?

The Tap 'N' Run is coming to DALLAS!


We would love to give your readers a taste of what they can expect Saturday March 9th at 5p.m.; a lot of outrageous costumes, beer chugging and foot racing. We also want to see if Dallas Beer Snobs would like to join in on the fun?!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COEPzho3EBY

TAP ‘N’ RUN 4K BEER RUN MAKES INAUGURAL TAP IN DALLAS

A 4K Complete with Beer, Costumes, and Fun

LOUISVILLE, KY. (February 20th, 2013) - Outrageous costumes, beer chugging and foot racing will reign supreme as the Tap ‘N’ Run 4K makes its inaugural tap in Dallas on Saturday, March 9th at 5 p.m.

Tap ‘N’ Run 4K combines participants’ love of beer and running for a unique “one of a kind” run/walk race totaling 2.4 miles throughout “Beach Ellum” in Deep Ellum. Participants are encouraged to dress in costumes and run with teams, friends and family of legal drinking age. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the local charity, Operation Kindness “Pet Rescue”.
Operated by Louisville, KY-based JAM Active, Tap ‘N’ Run encourages participants to run, jog, walk, hop, skip or crawl to four different “chug stations” along the course. The “chug stations” will have participants chugging a four-ounce sample of beer before continuing along the race route. At the finish line, participants will receive a full beer and the chance to win one of many awards (including Best Mustache, Best Belcher, Most Original Team Concept, Hot Mess, among others) at the After Party.
“This will mark Tap ‘N’ Run’s first time in Dallas, and so far, the response has been strong,” said Matt Roberts, JAM Active Executive Director. “The allure of the event, some say, is the uniqueness of being able to drink mid-run. Other races have beer at the end, but Tap ‘N’ Run provides it right along the race route. It’s a ridiculously good time with friends, family, costumes, teams and of course,beer.”
CONTACT:

Melanie Niemann
O: 502-653-4938
C: 502-994-0913
F: 502-266-6614
Melanie@jamactive.com

COME JOIN IN ON THE FUN!!!

Restaurant Review - 3 Stacks Smoke and Tap House

3 Stacks Smoke and Tap House - Frisco, Texas

Ever go to Frisco?  No?  If it weren't for Ikea and FC Dallas I can't think of one reason to ever visit.  Welcome to chain store hell. *shudder*  So why would I want to go to Frisco to try a  new restaurant?  Well, because I was invited, that's why.  Besides, did you see the word 'Tap' in the name?  Yeah, I am rather fond of that word ... and free, I like that word, too. 

This coming Saturday is the grand opening of 3 Stacks located on Preston Road, just behind Hooters (I kind of like that word, too)  in Frisco.  Now if you, like me, hear that a new BBQ restaurant is opening in Dallas you are a bit short of enthusiasm.  There is a plethora of mediocre BBQ here and I have been disappointed far to many times to get excited about another cow added to the herd.  But Trace Arnold, you know, that dude from The Rib Whisperer on the History Channel, is determined to make a splash in the oh so crowded tank.

There is an odd mixture of service here with cafeteria style service or table service if you prefer.  Many of the items on the table menu are not available through the line and visa versa.  It really depends on your eating style ... want a pizza?  Table.  Want 3 pounds of ribs?  Line. 

The large cavernous space is peppered with several TV's so that you can watch the game while you pretend to be interested in what your spouse is saying.  The acoustics are bad enough that if you have an aversion to screaming brats and mothers talking too loudly about how their child is sooooo much smarter that the average child, and trust me, in Frisco there will be lots, you may wish to bring ear-plugs.

The Meats
The ribs, which you would expect from The Rib Whisperer to be amazing ... are.  Tender, crusty, a bit salty ... superb.  Brisket with a beautiful pink smoke ring, moist and delicious.  Pulled pork with a pre-applied mustard sauce (1 demerit, let me taste the pig) and smokey, moist turkey are available for those who wish to eat a bit lighter.  Pretty frigging tough to find moist turkey and chicken that has been smoked.

The Sides
Yeah, yeah, sweet potatoes, bacon wrapped grilled corn, squash .... lots of nice things, but the macaroni and cheese, man, do you hear me?  The macaroni and cheese is the king!  Dude, they pour additional melty cheese over the top of the serving.  The mexican cornbread is worth a try as well but the biscuits need some work, dry as a popcorn fart. 

The Desserts
The Warm Apple Crumble is Apple Crisp with a scoop of Blue Bell on top, divine.  Skip the Brownie.





Now, let's get to the important part ... The beer.  36 domestic beers, with several being the predictable crappy mass market beers needed to make money and several being local beers that proudly represent the best of Dallas brewing.  Franconia, Deep Ellum, Peticolas are all here and pair oh so well with BBQ.  You can also choose to kill your palate if you wish with a full bar, or if you just need your senses numbed. 

I am not so sure that I would drive all the way to Vanillaville to eat at 3 Stacks, but you can be sure that it will be a preferred destination when we are in the area.  Next time you are in the area you should try it, too.

3 Stacks Smoke and Tap House
4226 Preston Road
Frisco, TX
http://www.3stacksbbq.com/

Beer Review - Ranger Creek Small Batch #2

Ranger Creek Brewing and Distilling Small Batch #2 Farmhouse Ale - 7.7% ABV

I have not really had an opportunity to try any of the beers from Ranger Creek, so when I saw this special little brew with the wax dipped bottle I couldn't refrain any longer.  If this is any indication of the quality of their offerings this certainly won't be the last that I try.  Draft magazine recognized this beer of one of the top 25 beers of 2012. High praise indeed.

"Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling is the only combined brewery/distillery in Texas, proudly
located in San Antonio where they handcraft beer and bourbon one batch at a time. They are the
only microbrewery in San Antonio, one of a few combined brewery/distilleries in the U.S., and
the only combined operation making both beer and bourbon. They focus on interesting recipes
and use local ingredients from the state of Texas as much as possible. The company uses much of
the same equipment to make both beer and bourbon, which is possible because in order to make
bourbon, beer must be made first."

Brewed in the style of a French farmhouse ale, the beer pours with a huge head, virtually filling the glass with suds that thankfully dissapated quickly.  As you may notice in the photo the first part of the pour was a clear golden looking ale, but as the pour progressed the color darkened and lots of yeast and floaty bits from the second fermentation appeared.   The nose was subtle, leading me to the unjustified conclusion that this would be more water mass market swill.  But the flavor was immediately stunning, and powerful.  Banana, cloves, citrus, earthy and not much in the way of hops.  Really frigging good beer. 

Do what?  They make bourbon too!  Holy poop on a stick, anyone up for a road trip to San Antonio?

Ranger Creek Brewing & Distilling
4834 Whirlwind Dr.
San Antonio, TX 78217
http://www.drinkrangercreek.com/