Week-long celebrations of craft beer are occurring nation-wide all year in cities across the country. Enthusiasm for craft and local beers has been growing and these Beer Weeks give craft beer fans an opportunity to taste multiple beers from a variety of brewers and give breweries and beer businesses the opportunity to connect with fans.  Regionally, Philadelphia Beer Week will occur from June 1-10, 2012.

The Brewer’s Association, the national non-profit organization that promotes and protects small and independent American brewers in conjunction with craftbeer.com has created American Craft Beer Week (ACBW):  The Mother of All Beer Weeks as the culmination of all of the national Beer Weeks. ACBW is recognized from May 14-20, 2012 with celebrations in all 50 States.

Locally, Downingtown gem Victory Brewing Company kicked off ACBW with a tapping of a rare 2003 keg of their popular Storm King Stout. Dubbed Storm King Monday, Victory paired this vintage brew with three distinctly designed tapas in order to allow the brew to shine.

I ordered current Storm King Stout to go along with my 2003 pairing so that I could compare and contrast the two vintages. Victory describes Storm King as having a “huge, Pacific Northwest hop aroma and character upfront, which subsides into massive, roast malt complexity. Rich and substantial, it will warm your heart.”  And warm your heart it does. The 2012 version had a distinct hop aroma and had a bitter hop taste on the palate. It also tasted of bittersweet chocolate and perhaps a bit of coffee.  It is a sturdy beer that feels as if it could be the meal itself.

Contrasting that with the 2003 version, the 2012 clearly was the bolder, more in your face brew. The 2003 smelled distinctly of sweet chocolate and was very smooth with not even a hint of bitterness in either taste or aroma. This felt more like dessert rather than the 2012 “meal.”

The 2003 vintage was beautifully paired with three different tapas:

• House made angel hair pasta with carrot, zucchini and yellow squash thread
• Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with garlic celeriac puree and parsley potato tuile
• Flourless chocolate cake with dark chocolate ganache and toasted almond tuile

Each of the small tastes worked with the 2003 Storm King to highlight the flavors of both the food and the beer. The house made pasta was light and refreshing even though it was covered in buttery goodness. The bacon wrapped pork was tender and smoky and really complemented the sweet chocolate taste of the stout. The culmination of the meal, the chocolate cake, made the beer taste so intensely chocolate that it brought home my idea of this beer being able to stand alone as a dessert for beer lovers.

Although I typically enjoy the current version of Storm King Stout because of its bold hoppiness, the 2003 paired so perfectly with the meal, I would want to drink it again and again (especially with that flourless chocolate cake!).

Getting to taste the 2003 version of Storm King Stout was a rare treat. It leaves me wondering what other vintage beers are hidden at Victory Brewing Company. We can only hope that one day an old Golden Monkey or Hop Devil will come out of hiding. If they do, you can guarantee that I will be first in line.

About Ronna Dewey: Ronna is a Mom, President of the West Chester Beer Ladies and the self-proclaimed Chester County Beer Goddess. The West Chester Beer Ladies meet every 6 to 8 weeks at local establishments to socialize while tasting and learning about beer. More information can be found on WC Beer Ladies on Facebook or on Twitter.

Photographs credited to Nina Lea Photography.

Guests are invited to partake in the celebration by enjoying a light supper, cocktails and the popular ”Battle of the Berries at Brandywine” where the county’s finest restaurants will go toque to toque for the most divine dessert. Restaurants set to compete for 2012 include Amani’s BYOB, Avalon Pasta Bistro/Avalon Restaurant, Firecreek Restaurant, Northbrook MarketPlace, Station Taproom, and impressive 10 year participants, Duling-Kurtz House & Country Inn and the General Warren Inne.

The event will take place on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 from 5:30 – 8 pm at Anne and Michael Moran’s spectacular property, Applestone Farm in West Marlborough Township, the venue for the popular Pennsylvania Hunt Cup. Please note that the party is under a tent in a beautiful field – comfortable shoes are encouraged! Valet parking will be available upon entering Applestone Farm.

You can grab directions to the lovely venue HERE.

Proceeds support the foundation’s work with the Coatesville Youth Initiative and the Health Care Safety Net, providing medical, dental and behavioral health services for the uninsured and underinsured in the greater Coatesville area. Special recognition will also be given to a Coatesville Youth Initiative high school senior chosen to be the first recipient of the Harry Lewis, Jr. Scholarship.

Sponsors are always welcome. For more information visit the website or please contact Dana Heiman at 610-380-9080 ext. 102.

Photos credited to Pam Hesler Photography.

If you caught our extensive run down of Mother’s Day specials last week, you may already have the brunch/dinner plans signed, sealed and delivered. Now it’s time to go above and beyond, with a little something extra that plops the delicious cherry right on top. We’re not promising that these suggestions are equivalent to the gift of life but they will have your mother figure impressed, surprised and grateful of the stellar selection. We’re dealing out a total of five foodie-faves to choose from so find the most fitting and don’t waste any time snagging one for momma bear.

1. Food & Wine is Always Fine – Brandywine Food & Wine Festival

Treat your mom to a day of drinks, music, gourmet cuisine, and endless fun offered by the finest selection of vendors from the Brandywine Valley and surrounding Philadelphia countryside. Perhaps purchase two tickets at $10 a piece for mom and a guest of her choice to attend? Better yet, with ticket prices like that, which include 10 free tasting tickets (with ID), 1 souvenir wine glass, temporary tattoos, and eligibility to win free items throughout the day, why not purchase a handful? The event unfolds on June 9th at the Myrick Conversation Center from 12 to 6 pm. More information available HERE.

2. Fan of Beer? Get Tickets Here! – Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers Fest

You can share your love in the current contest to score free tickets but something tells me a gift to your craft beer loving mom would be more sincere if purchased. Especially with tickets only running at $45 per person, inclusive of four-hours of 25+ craft breweries pouring tasteful beverages, Iron Hill Brewery presenting limited-edition and classic brews for your pleasure, plus Brewmaster Bob Barrar of Iron Hill Media will be pouring rare, specialty beers from large, six-liter bottles several times throughout the fest. The event is taking shape on Saturday, May 19 from 1 – 5 pm at Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant of Media, Pa so there’s no better time than now to grab the gift!

3. Oils so Great to Cook and Create – A Taste of Olive

Have a mom who reminds you of Julia Child now and again? Give a perfect gift that will accent her cooking hobby and love for gourmet cuisine. A Taste of Olive, with locations in West Chester, Ardmore, and Haddonfield, NJ, offers the largest selection of Extra Virgin Olive Oils, Balsamic Vinegars and Specialty Oils & Vinegars “on tap” from all over the world! They have a variety of gift options, including personalized labels, but simply buying your mother a selection of oil & vinegars grown and pressed by artisans and small farmers, in Italy, Greece, Spain, Australia, Chile, California, Morocco and Tunisia should do the trick. Don’t you think?

4. Grab Tickets Fast for a Cooking Class – Carlino’s Specialty Foods & Catering

Maybe your mom has fun in the kitchen because she’s a hands on kind of gal. If that’s the case, snag her a few tickets to Carlino’s upcoming cooking classes. There are two chances left as of now, scheduled for Thursday, May 17th and Friday, June 8th. The classes are entirely different. Join them May 16th for pizza making at the West Chester Market from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. The cost is $65 to learn from “The DiNardo Brothers”, true artisans of the pizza-making craft. June 8th offers an outdoor grilling and entertaining class at the Ardmore location from 7 to 9 pm for $75. Review more class details HERE, then call 610-649-4046, Ext. 111 or e-mail Nick@carlinosmarket.com to make reservations for the sweetest woman in your life!

5. Something Sweet Can’t Be Beat – Eclat Chocolate

Since we gave you a run through of what to get the mom who enjoys wine, beer, and main entree preparation, the last spot had to get filled by a dessert idea to round off the bundle of foodie-fave gifts. For this Mother’s Day, the Town Dish knows a sumptuous gift from Eclat Chocolate  won’t go unnoticed. Their special Mother’s Day section and variety of other endless chocolatey offerings might have you a bit torn between options but anything you choose will be thoroughly enjoyed by the recipient! Place an order through their website or stop by the West Chester location at 24 South High Street to do it in person. We’re sure they are extra busy with Mother’s Day around the corner so pick your gift as soon as possible!

Still looking for even more ideas? Gift cards to any of our favorite Chester County restaurants are always a fabulous idea and well-received, allowing mom to score an incredible Mother’s Day Meal at her leisure. Snag restaurant recommendations by clicking here.

For this week’s Town Dish Giveaway, we’re gifting one lucky local a pair of passes to the early summer tasting affair (a value of $30), which scores you 10 complimentary tastings, a souvenir wine glass, a hands free holder, live music, and much more!

For this first-ever event, we are proudly teaming up with Brandywine Valley Wine Trail to co-present the wine-infused summer shindig, which will showcase all of the trail’s wineries among other Pennsylvania-based vineyards, plus local foods, crafts, music, and more. More than twelve wineries will be on hand to provide tastings of local Pennsylvania vintages. Participating wineries include: Black Walnut Winery, Borderland Vineyards, Chaddsford Winery, Kreutz Creek Vineyard, Paradocx Vineyard, Penns Woods Winery, Patone Cellars, Twin Brook Winery, Allegro Vineyards, Flickerwood Cellars, Galer Estate Vineyard, Grace Winery, Kog Hill Winery, and Peace Valley Winery.

Better yet, local artisans will feature a wide variety of crafts and artwork, including custom jewelry, pottery, paintings and more.  A wide variety of spectacular foods prepared by local restaurants and caterers will be available for purchase, as well. Food vendors are set to include: Triple Fresh Market, Jimmy’s BBQ, Forno Inferno, Amani’s BYOB, Dia Doce Gourmet Cupcakes, Scooped Ice Cream, Bridge Street Chocolate, and many others.

The festival will take place at an outdoor venue, and will be held rain or shine.

Want to win?

Click HERE to explore the Brandywine Food & Wine Festival’s website, spying peeks at the venue, the vendor lineup and participants, and much more. Swing by to this post and leave a comment stating why you want to lock in this event as part of your summer and share what winery you are most excited about seeing at the event.

You have until 5 pm on Wednesday, May 16, 2012 to enter. One winner will be selected at random soon after and will be announced via this post.

May the best local wine lover win!

Photographs credited to the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail.

So let’s dig in: and dig in we did, starting with Cabot Clothbound Cheddar paired with St. Boisterous. Truth be told, our beer expert, Whitney Thompson formerly of Victory and now account executive for specialty malt with Cargill, hinted that, while a fine pairing, the grassy maibock might not hold up to the big, bold and sharp cheddar as would our second taste, the mighty Hop Wallop. Of course, she was correct. Fair and refreshing, St. Boisterous brought a knife to a gun fight here, but Hop Wallop put the umami cheese back in its place.

Their featured seasonal for spring is the Whirlwind Witbier, a classic Belgian white ale brewed with imported German wheat, whole European hops, and imported Belgian yeast.  The taste is “both spicy and sublime,” and I can attest that it has a great flavor–a balance of full and sweet, with moderate body and mild finish. The pour is slightly cloudy, typical of Belgian whites, with an inviting orange color that will attract any loyal Witbier lover.

Summer Love, Victory’s seasonal summer ale, is new on tap this week. Brewed with German and American whole hop flowers and imported German malt, the pour is light yellow-orange, with moderate head separation. Flavor is mild, with a burst of refreshing lemony-citrus. Summer Love is the perfect refreshment after a hot day in the summer sun.

Another tap feature is the Eclat Cocoa Lager. This extra dark lager was created for Victory’s Sweet Sixteen birthday celebration back in February of this year. Flavor tones include Eclat’s rarest cocoa bean, the Peruvian Pure Nacional, and a touch of smoky sweetness. Though it looks and pours like a stout, with perfect head separation and extra dark color, its light finish reveals its true nature as a lager.

The draft list at Victory also includes old favorites such as Throwback Lager, Golden Monkey, HopDevil, and the Storm King Stout. Throwback Lager is light yellow in color with minimal head separation, and a mild flavor and finish. Golden Monkey combines flavors both sweet and bold into a complex Belgian ale. The pour is only slightly cloudy warm yellow-orange with moderate head separation and a smooth finish. HopDevil is certainly not for the light of heart – its biting hop flavor subsides to a smooth finish. The pour is clear and bright red in color, with moderate head separation. Storm King is an extra dark stout with distinct head separation, and a flavor that is both rich and complex.

A complete list of drafts includes: HopDevil Ale, Victory Lager, Prima Pils, Festbier, Mad King Weiss, Golden Monkey, Donnybrook Stout, Storm King Stout, Braumeister Pils, Eclat Cocoa Lager, Helles Fire, Whirlwind Witbeir, St. Boisterous Hellerbock, Throwback Lager, Saison Du Buff, Lizard Bock, Bavarian Mandarina Pale Ale, Bavarian Spalt Select IPA, Bavarian Polaris IPA, and Summer Love.

With all of these options available, any thirsty patron is likely to find what they need at the Victory Brewpub. Why not make a day of it? Victory’s extensive menu provides several healthy and vegetarian options (this coming from a fellow veggie), personal pizzas, and burgers and fries oh-my. Enjoy a delectable meal in good company, get your growler filled, or visit the in-house gift shop for a six-pack and some glasses to go. Click here for more details about the Downingtown-based brewpub.

A glass of welcome wine was placed in our hands. Greeted with the warmest smile and a Sauvignon Blanc, Kristie Sheppard, co-owner of Kieran Robinson Wines, treated my significant other and I as if we were the close friends and family who arrived before us. I’m quick to notice, and sample, a display of local cheese from Birchrun Hills, September Farm, and Amazing Acres. Amani’s is known to utilize these local ingredients when constructing items on their dynamic menu.

I recently sat down with artist Jeff Schaller over a few beers at the Iron HIll Brewery in West Chester, where he has designed the eye-catching murals that grace the restaurant. I live rather close to the Phoenixville Iron Hill, and have always admired the unique pop art vibe of his mural gracing the back wall. Schaller’s artwork has been featured in the TV show “Friends,” Philly train stations and the outside of restaurants throughout the country, and I was eager to learn more about him.

Jeff always had a fondness of art. As a kid, he often found himself focusing more on illustrations in his school reports than the actual content, he explained to me with a chuckle.

Jeff’s style evolved from his previous career as a graphic designer, and a fondness for the nostalgic. It’s easy to cite pop-artists such as Andy Warhol as influences, but Jeff was also inspired by time spent in London at art school. He regularly took the bus or walked so he could observe the surrounding culture. Finding his niche in 1997 painting with a method called encaustic, which is a mixture of wax and natural pigment, he began to establish himself as a prominent artist.

The partnership between Jeff and Iron Hill Brewery began in the mid-2000s, and his first mural was at the Wilmington location. Each mural is created using four-foot square segments and assembled on location, and each mural has a unique aspect to it. In a few of the large pieces, Jeff included some large oak squares, and many of the murals include small throwbacks to the town or area, such as the Woolworth building painted into the West Chester mural.

Each mural is digitally designed, and is then created using a combination of wood, acrylic paint, and screen printing. Jeff’s theory on art is that it should “engage and lead to conversations,” and the murals certainly do. With small homages to the original landscape murals in some of the older locations, and screen printed irons gracing a few, the cheeky style of Jeff’s work isn’t soon forgotten.

If you would like to see more of Jeff’s work, he is having an open studio tour on May 19th and 20th. You can learn more about Jeff at his website: jeffschaller.com. For more information on the murals at Iron Hill locations (and the meanings behind some of Jeff’s cheeky ideas), click here.

Photographs credited to and courtesy of Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.

Food lovers, rejoice! This spring and summer, Chester County’s culinary scene will be blossoming with a chock-full of festivities–which (of course) includes endless opportunities for you to enjoy local wine- and beer-infused activities throughout this dear county. Relax, get hungry (and thirsty) and start saving the dates!

Iron Hill Celebrates National Hamburger Month

May 1–31, 2012

8400 Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill; 30 East State Street, Media; 130 Bridge Street, Phoenixville; 3 West Gay Street, West Chester

If you are a true burger fan then you may have smelled this meaty bit of news coming from a mile away, especially since it occurs annually. The East Coast’s fastest growing collection of brewpubs, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, is thrilled to announce their annual Burger Month Menu, featuring a different burger every day in May to celebrate National Hamburger Month. The delicious burgers will be available at all nine Iron Hill locations. For guests who really love burgers, Iron Hill is offering diners “Five for $15,” eat five of the 31 burgers throughout the month, and they’ll receive a $15 gift card. Click here for the day-to-day full menu. Options include burgers such as South of the Border, Black and Blue, South Philly, Napa Valley, London Pub, and many more.

May Day, Play Day

Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 11:30 am – 11 pm

Victory Brewing Co. Brewpub, 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown

On May first, Victory Brewing Co. is celebrating May Day and the release of Summer Love Ale (our favorite summer sipper!). Visit their retail shop, buy a case of Summer Love Ale and get a free Summer Love pint glass. Cheers to that!

PJ Whelihan’s Newest Location of Dilworthtown Debuts

Tuesday, May 1, 2012, 4 pm

PJ Whelihan’s, Dilworthtown Shopping Center, Route 202, West Chester

P.J. Whelihan’s Pub and Restaurant recently announced they are opening a new location, just south of West Chester in Birmingham Township. The new restaurant will replace Bull Durham’s Texas BBQ located along Route 202 in the Dilworthtown Shopping Center. The Birmingham Whelihan’s will be approximately 6,000 square feet, smaller than the popular 10,000 square foot Downingtown location, but will feature the same great craft beer menu, sandwiches and of course, their world famous wings! Swing by on Tuesday for its official debut! More info here.

Annual Sunny Days Fundraiser for Domestic Violence Center of Chester County

Friday, May 4, 2012, 6–10 pm

Brandywine Manor, 120 Germany Hollow Road, Honey Brook

Sunny Days is not like other fundraising events. While the focus at benefits is always the cause, DVCCC recognizes that it’s important for attendees to have a good time as well. Present will be a roving magician, caricature artist, a photo booth, cigar bar, silent and live auction and much more. A luscious combination of scents will permeate the venue, drifting from culinary creations by vendors such as Jimmy’s BBQ, Avalon, Ludwigs’ Gourmet Catering, Married 2 Events, Cakes and Candies by Maryellen, Green Street Coffee and Victory Brewing Company. Guests will be able to float freely while they bop to the talented tunes of The Strangers.  As one of the hottest party dance bands to hit this area, you shouldn’t miss this incredible mix of rhythm, horn and terrific vocals. Individual tickets are $125, from which $75 is a donation to the agency.

West Chester Parks and Recreation Newest Summer Event Debuts: Vintage Garage Sale

Friday, May 4, 4–9 pm

Chestnut Street Parking Garage, 14 E. Chestnut Street, West Chester

West Chester Parks and Recreation is thrilled to announce their newest summer event, a Vintage Garage Sale (that’s actually IN a parking garage), that will coincide with First Friday in Downtown West Chester May through August. The Vintage Garage Sale Friday evening market will kick off officially on May 4 at 4 pm, providing shoppers time to peruse the vendors for vintage finds throughout the early evening with time to also walk the downtown shopping scene of First Friday and enjoy a delicious meal from any of West Chester’s premier restaurants. Park and shop ‘til you drop with vintage finds from a variety of vendors selling vintage home goods and accessories, antiques, collectibles, up-cycled, re-purposed and architectural salvage, vintage jewelry, clothing and original art and photography made with vintage components or vintage inspiration. Food vendors will also be on-site for those shoppers looking to grab a light bite before their main course in town.

May Day Festival of the Arts

Sunday, May 6, 2012, 11 am – 4 pm

Everhart Park, 100 S. Brandywine Street, West Chester

The West Chester Parks & Recreation Department’s May Day Festival of the Arts is quickly approaching. Take part in the free day-long celebration of the arts that’s perfect for the entire family at Everhart Park and weave your way through the wide assortment of quality arts and crafts booths that will offer artisan items for sale. Better yet, the festival offers  family entertainment, fresh food, childrens’ make-it and take-it activities, a moon bounce and childrens’ rides.

Ocho de Mayo Beer Dinner

Tuesday, May 8, 2012, 7 pm

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, 130 E. Bridge Street, Phoenixville

Why not continue to celebrate Cinco de Mayo past the 5th of May? Follow Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant of Phoenixville’s lead and celebrate the occasion instead on Tuesday, May 8th. Starting at 7 pm, those who reserved their spots will be able to enjoy a stellar Mexican themed menu including Red Snapper Ceviche and Mole Negro, just to name a few. Each course has been carefully paired with one of Iron Hill’s signature brews, like Hoppopotamus and Smokin Blonde, so that the fresh food flavors will be enhanced to the max. Tickets are just $70, including gratuity, for this amazing line up of gourmet Mexican cuisine and fine craft beers! Click here for the full menu.

Allagash Brewing Company Tap Takeover

Thursday, May 10, 4 pm

Chestnut7, 8201 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia

Fans of Allagash Brewing Company, craft beer advocates, enjoyers of scrumptious adult beverages, or people who just don’t have plans on Thursday, May 10, listen up! Allagash, the New England based brewery that began as a one-man operation on the outskirts of Portland, Maine, is taking over 6 drafts at Chestnut 7! The event begins at 4 pm and runs until the kegs can no longer pump out satisfying brews. Suzy Woods, the Mid-Atlantic Sales Representative at Allagash Brewing Company, will be on site to chat and answer any questions you have about the deliciousness that is Allagash. More info here.

Beer Release: West Chester Beer Ladies & Iron Hill Brewery’s Collaboration Beer, Sparrow Saison, Officially Hits the Taps

Thursday, May 10, 6 pm

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, 3 West Gay Street, West Chester

Back in mid-April, West Chester Beer Ladies teamed up with Iron Hill West Chester’s brewer to craft  the Sparrow Saison, a honey saison that will be sold to raise money for Chester County’s own Home of the Sparrow. Be the first to taste the collaboration brew during its release party on Thursday, May 10! More on their recent brewing day and Home of the Sparrow are available here.

West Chester Restaurant Week

Thursday, May 17, 2012 – Sunday, May 27, 2012

Downtown West Chester, PA

Block off your calendar for an 8 day celebration of culinary magic! Downtown West Chester will become even more of a lively area (if possible) as restaurants extend an extra welcoming hand to passerbys and locals, offering special multi-course, fixed-price menus for lunch and/or dinner. Chefs all around the block are pulling out the stops for West Chester Restaurant Week so now is the time, more than ever, for diners to experience some place new or get reacquainted with an old favorite. More details here.

29th Annual May Festival

Friday, May 18, 2012 – Sunday, May 20, 2012

The Chester County Hospital, 701 E. Marshall St., West Chester

The Chester County Hospital is proud to announce that the Annual May Festival will return to grounds of The Chester County Hospital for its 29th year from May 18 – 20, 2012. The Festival offers all the fabulous events of previous years, with a few new additions. View the hospital from high atop the Ferris wheel or test your endurance on the rock climbing wall. Enjoy amusement and activities for the entire family. This year there will be more rides than ever before, all provided by Dreamland Amusements. Kids will be able to see their favorite animals at the petting zoo along with face painting, and other special guests and activities. Be sure to snag traditional carnival fare, as well, as funnel cake, hot dogs, hamburgers, and much more will be served up. More info here.

Brandywine Valley Craft Brewers’ Festival

Saturday, May 19, 2012, 1–5 pm

Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, 30 East State Street, Media

For the 12th annual event, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has agreed to uphold the same gung-ho concept of executing the event, rain or shine. Don’t miss out on a day filled with the absolute best craft breweries in the area, live music, amazing food (pay-as-you-go), and fellow beer comrades. Breweries will pour their variety of tasteful beverages throughout the day and all proceeds go to the Media Youth Center. Click here for 2012’s lineup of participating breweries. Tickets are $45 in advance online or $50 at the door (if available).

Second Annual Wine & Jazz Festival with Penns Woods Winery

Saturday, May 19, noon – 5 pm

Penns Woods Winery, 124 Beaver Valley Road, Chadds Ford

Because the first one was just too great to forget and there are people who may have missed this wonderful event, Penns Woods Winery will host their 2nd Annual Wine & Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 19. The relaxing and fun-filled event presents a couple ticket options for festival goers. If looking to do the “day tour,” you may purchase tickets granting you access to all the great happenings from 12 to 5 pm. These are available for $20 per adult and $5 per child or designated driver. Tickets include wine sampling from many of your favorite local wineries while mingling with winemakers and shopping through local artisans. However, when the sun begins to set, some serious talent comes out for the “Jazz Under the Stars” show, lasting from 6 to 9 pm. This special, late night feature allows guests to taste and sip on their favorite Penns Woods Wines while they listen to tunes of the renowned Jazz Trio, The Tony Forliano Jazz Group. More details are available by clicking here.

2nd Annual Chester County Studio Tour

Saturday May 19, 2012, 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday May 20, 2012, noon – 5 pm

Chester County, PA

The annual, local studio tour is hitting the road on the weekend of May 19–20. Both days offer guests a chance to meet 25 distinctly different artists and experience their work at 10 studios, while enjoying a scenic drive through the woods and rolling hills of Chester County. Many award-winning artists who derive their inspirations from a variety of different sources are featured throughout the tour. The day is relaxing and educational, spent with some of the most talented artists of this area. For more information on this one of a kind event or to learn more about the artists, click here.

Brandywine Health Foundation’s Annual Garden Party

Wednesday, May 23, 2012, 5:30–8 pm

Applestone Farm, 1799 Newark Road, Kennett Square (of West Marlborough Township)

For 2012’s Annual Garden Party, enjoy a light supper, cocktails and the popular “Battle of the Berries at Brandywine” where the county’s finest restaurants will go toque to toque for the most divine dessert – with a new celebrity judge twist this year as organized by the TownDish.com, a presenting sponsor of 2012’s event! Be sure to attend, taste and vote for your favorite. Participating restaurants include Amani’s BYOB, Avalon Pasta Bistro/Avalon Restaurant, Firecreek Restaurant, Northbrook MarketPlace, Station Taproom, Duling-Kurtz House and Country Inn, and General Warren Inne. Proceeds support the foundation’s work with the Coatesville Youth Initiative and the Health Care Safety Net, providing medical, dental and behavioral health services for the uninsured and underinsured in the greater Coatesville area. For details how to secure your spot, click here.

Official Deck Opening Party at the Desmond Hotel & Conference Center

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Desmond Hotel, 1 Liberty Blvd., Malvern

Come on out to the Desmond Hotel’s Sunset Grille on May 24 for THE party of the Memorial Day Weekend. No reservations. No cover. From 6–10 p.m., you’ll be able to enjoy food and drink specials, a GREAT crowd and of course, tons of dancing as Chatterband takes the stage.  Get there early if you want to stake a table! More info here.

Devon Horse Show and Country Fair

Thursday, May 24, 2012–Sunday, June 3, 2012

Devon Horse Show Grounds, 3 Dorset Road, Devon-Berwyn

The 10-day event attracts horse lovers from around the world. As the country’s oldest and largest event of its kind, expect to spot hunters, jumpers, Saddlebreds, exhibitions and an old-fashioned fair at the Devon Show Grounds. [Did you know? The Devon Country Fair is one of the largest volunteer fundraising efforts in the country. Nearly 2000 volunteers come together each year in support of Bryn Mawr Hospital. All the info you need to know, including how to secure your horse show tickets, can be found here.

Black Walnut Winery’s 2nd Annual Blues Festival

Saturday, May 26, 2012 – Sunday, May 27, 2012

Black Walnut Winery, 3000 Lincoln Highway, Sadsburyville

Join Black Walnut Winery at their Sadsburyville HQ for their second annual blues festival!  Enjoy the blues on their outdoor deck and patio Saturday and Sunday, and do note: there is no admission fee for these afternoon concerts.  Wine tasting, wine by the glass and by the bottle will be available for purchase.  Bring your own wine glass for this free outdoor concert or purchase one of theirs. Expect live music on both Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Featured musicians include Deb Callahan Band, Sister Blue and John Costello. More info here.

40th annual Brandywine River Museum Antiques Show

Saturday, May 26, 2012 – Monday, May 28, 2012; 10 am – 5 pm, daily

Brandywine River Museum, 1 Hoffman Mill Road, Chadds Ford

Outstanding furniture, glass, metalware, ceramics, folk art, quilts and other fine antiques from across the nation (displayed from over 31 nationally-known dealers) are featured at the yearly Brandywine River Museum Antiques Show. Admission is $15 per person.  All proceeds benefit the Brandywine River Museum Volunteers’ Art Purchase Fund. Antiques are displayed in the Museum Courtyard, the second and third floor mill galleries, and the Museum Lecture Room. More info here.

40th Annual Brandywine Strawberry Festival

Thursday, May 31, 2012 – Sunday, June 3, 2012

Brandywine Hospital Grounds, 201 Reeceville Rd., Coatesville

The 40th Anniversary Strawberry Festival, presented by First Niagara and PECO, returns on May 31  to the grounds of Brandywine Hospital! The Strawberry Festival has become one of the most highly anticipated, family oriented events in our area. Each year, the beautiful grounds of the Brandywine Hospital bursts with exciting entertainment, family fun, food, laughter, music and more. Don’t skip the annual International Food Fair, featuring funnel cakes, kettle corn, cheese steaks, crab cakes, spare ribs, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and much, more more. Funds raised from the 2012 Strawberry Festival benefit the newly launched Coatesville Youth Initiative. Click here for all the details on 2012’s must-attend fest.

Opening Tap, Philly Beer Week 2012

Friday, June 1, 2012–Sunday, June 10, 2012

Philadelphia, PA

If there were ever tickets to get your hands on as soon as possible, it would be for Opening Tap Festival of the 5th Annual Philly Beer Week which includes tastes of beer from over 30 regional brewers and the ceremonial “first tapping” by Mayor Michael Nutter. The Opening Tap event kicks off every year on the first Friday in June, which happens to fall on June 1st this year. Although the title implies that this is only 7 days of beer heaven, PBW extends until June 10, giving the locals 10 full days of festivals, dinners, tours, pub crawls, tastings, and meet the brewer nights throughout the greater Philadelphia area. Click here for more details.

Up on the Roof Returns to West Chester for its 10th Year

Saturday, June 2, 2012, 7–11 pm

Chestnut Street Parking Garage, 14 E. Chestnut Street, West Chester

West Chester’s popular Up On The Roof is celebrating it’s tenth anniversary this year, and tickets are now available! The Honorary Chairperson for this year’s event is Darcie Goldberg, who founded the event ten years ago. Darcie will be honored for her contributions to Up on the Roof and her community work. This year’s event will be held on the rooftop of the Chestnut Street Garage. The main meal will be provided by Limoncello along with a “Taste of West Chester,” appetizers from the area’s best restaurants. Desserts will be provided by  Cakes and Candies by Maryellen. The complimentary bar will feature beer, wine and the popular signature drink, the Rooftop Martini. Entertainment for the night will include live music by The Donny Syracuse Band. New this year will be “Paint the Town,” a plein air art show and sale by local artists from the Chester County Art Association. Tickets are $75 per person in advance. A limited number of tickets will be available for $90 at the door. More info is available by clicking here.

13th Golfing for a Cure with Carlino’s Market

Monday, June 4, 2012

Edgmont Country Club, 5180 West Chester Pike, Edgemont, PA

Each year, the Carlino’s Family hosts an annual Golf Outing in June to raise money for the Delaware Valley Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation. Their godson, Giovanni DiMichele, was diagnosed with severe hemophilia at birth and they started this charity in his honor. They are now at their 13th year doing the charity event and they are set to reach their $1 million mark (so exciting!). Learn more on how to register your spot at the event by clicking here.

Brandywine Food & Wine Festival

Saturday, June 9, 2012, noon – 6 pm

Myrick Conservation Center, 1760 Unionville Wawaset Road, West Chester

Take part in the first annual Brandywine Food & Wine Festival! The event is co-presented by the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail and The Town Dish.  This all day event will showcase local wines, foods, crafts and music. More than twelve wineries will be on hand to provide tastings of local Pennsylvania vintages. Better yet, local artisans will feature a wide variety of crafts and artwork, including custom jewelry, pottery, paintings and more.  A wide variety of spectacular foods prepared by local restaurants and caterers will be available for purchase. Participants include Triple Fresh Market, Jimmy’s BBQ, Forno Inferno, Amani’s BYOB, Dia Doce Gourmet Cupcakes, Scooped Ice Cream, Bridge Street Chocolate, and many others. Ticket price is $10 in advance, $15 the day of the event.  The festival will take place at an outdoor venue, held rain or shine event. More info here.

Victory Brewing Co.’s Hoods in The Woods Trail Run at Paradise Farm

Sunday, June 10, 2012, noon

Paradise Farm, 1300 Valley Creek Road, Downingtown

Hoods in the Woods is a fast and challenging 5K trail run with several natural hazards and a great variety of terrain. Enjoy some BBQ, a big cold beer and a killer hoodie — all included in the registration price of $40. Continue to rock out with DJ K-Bomb and a great lineup of award-winning Victory ales and lagers flowing from Victory’s state-of-the-art mobile pub. Proceeds benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Register today!

Chester County Mac-n-Cheese Cook-off

Sunday, June 10, 2012, noon – 4 pm

Kerr Park, 1 Park Lane, Downingtown

The Downingtown and Thorndale Rotary Clubs have partnered this year to bring you the greatest Chester County Mac-n-Cheese Cook-off ever! The traditional cheesy dish in question is bound to take on unique, but delicious, forms–so clear your schedule. Local vendors, like Victory Brewing Co., will be present the day of so guests can take a break from their cheesy agenda by enjoying a refreshing brew. Event will be held rain or shine at 1 Park Lane in Downingtown. The cost is $10 per head which enables guests to sample each participant’s dish. All proceeds will benefit the Rotary Initiatives. More info here.

All American Beer Dinner at Victory Brewing Company

Thursday, June 14, 2012, 6 pm

Victory Brewing Co.’s Brewpub, 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown

Victory will be serving 5 courses, all with a special beer pairing for just $55. The meal will begin with sweet potato pancakes with pecan Storm King butter and a strawberry rhubarb sauce. Triple chocolate pate, milk chocolate mousse, dark chocolate ganache and a Baltic Thunder chocolate drop cookie will complete the meal. Get your tickets HERE!

Chester County Jazz Festival

Friday, June 29, 2012 – Sunday, July 1, 2012

West Chester, PA

Come and listen to the music that will “Soothe Your Soul” at the inaugural 2012 Chester County Jazz Festival! Produced by Sugarbaby Events, LLC., the three day event includes concerts both on the campus of West Chester University and at Hoopes Park in West Chester, PA, and features international, regional and local jazz artists performing in an open-air festival setting. Live music roster includes international icons like Peter White, Warren Hill, Ronnie Laws and Gerald Veasley, as well as various regional and local jazz performers, including B.D. Lenz, The Criterions, Tom Braxton, Karen Rodriquez Latin Jazz Ensemble and Gary Davis. More info here.

7th Annual Brandywine “Big Bang” BBQ

Saturday, June 30, 2012–Sunday, July 2, 2012

Brandywine Valley Wine Trail, Chester County, PA

From pig pickin’ to chickin’ lickin’ – Brandywine Valley Wine Trail is planning a fun BBQ & Wine outing. Beat the shore crowds and spend a rousing Fourth of July Weekend with great BBQ & Wine outings at the wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail. Six family-owned and operated regional wineries of the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail will be offering a variety of wines, food, picnicking, and music to celebrate Independence Weekend. No Passports or Tickets required to attend. Join them for a fabulous day of wine, food, and fun! More info here.

Looking into the future, we suggest you start saving the dates for the following events, as well:

3rd Annual Golf Outing for SHINE with Side Bar & Restaurant and Chester County Hospital

Monday, July 16, 2012, 11 am

Applecross Country Club, 160 Bollinger Rd. Downingtown

Side Bar & Restaurant is hosting its third annual charity golf outing in July at the Applecross Country Club. Proceeds from this great day of golf, food and drink will benefit SHINE and provide services for patients of The Cancer Program of The Chester County Hospital. You can enjoy a summer afternoon with the staff of Side Bar & Restaurant and make a difference in the lives of those battling cancer. More info here.

4th Annual Chester County SPCA BrewBQ

Saturday, August 4, 2012, noon – 4 pm

Paradise Farm, 1300 Valley Creek Road, Downingtown

Victory Brewing is looking forward to another successful year as they host the 4th Annual Victory BrewBBQ competition benefiting the Chester County SPCA. This year Paradise Farm Camps will be their hosting venue in Downingtown, allowing the brewing company to accept more competitors and expand their event space. The competition is a two-category BBQ cook-off! Each team will compete to see who can make the best chicken and ribs according to their judges. This year you will also be able to taste and vote on the People’s Pork award for participating restaurant vendors. More info here.

51st annual Philadelphia Folk Festival

August 17-19, 2012

Old Pool Farm, 1323 Salford Station Rd., Schwenksville

Philadelphia’s answer to Woodstock, attracts musicians, storytellers and craftspeople for a weekend of song and merriment at Old Pool Farm in Schwenksville. A wide variety of food and soft beverages are available at the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Food vendors are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in the concert area, and 24 hours a day in the campgrounds.

27th Annual Mushroom Festival

September 8 and 9, 2012

Historic Kennett Square, PA

Mushroom lovers across the nation speed to historic Kennett Square each year, the weekend after Labor Day for the annual Mushroom Fest. Come celebrate the humble fungi with the two-day festival of food and family fun. Be sure to taste your way through both the mushroom soup and mushroom dish competitions prepared by local restaurateurs, as well as don’t miss the star-studded lineup of celebrity chefs that’ll prep shroom-studded dishes in front of flocks of adorning fans. Kids and adults alike will love the live entertainment, the mushroom farm tours and the Growers’ Exhibit, where the secrets of mushroom cultivation are revealed. More info here.

5th Annual Bike Fresh, Bike Local

Sunday, September 23, 2012, 7 am – 2 pm

Downingtown, Chester County, PA

PASA’s 5th Annual Bike Fresh, Bike Local ride offers different route options to make this the perfect ride for those who haven’t been on their bike in a while to cyclists looking for a challenge. Get your family, friends and co-workers out to appreciate the beautiful rolling hills of Chester County and see where our food comes from! The ride starts and finishes at Chester County’s famous beer destination Victory Brewing Company. Bikes and beer can’t be beat! More info here.

Our Recommendation: Sly Fox Royal Weisse Ale

Where: P.J. Whelihan’s, 1347 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, PA.

If you’ve been to a P.J. Whelihan’s Pub, you know they always have an extensive tap list. The new P.J.’s is no exception. During our sneak peak at this new venue in the Dilworthtown Shopping Center, we counted 24 beers on tap–a beer for every mood. This makes for tough decisions.

I decided to go local and give Sly Fox Brewing Co.’s Royal Weisse Ale a try. Sly Fox is based out of northern Chester County, with their own brewpub in Phoenixville and a new brewery in Pottstown.

This unfiltered wheat ale poured a beautiful copper color with a frothy head and smelled a bit like citrus. This was an enjoyable beer for a spring day–sweet with hints of fruit that ended with a finish of banana. At 5.6% ABV, this is a sessionable beer. When I think of unfiltered wheat beer, Victory’s Moonglow Weizenbock comes to my mind as being the best. This Royal Weisse is similar, though a little lighter in taste, color and ABV. This all works out well in my mind, as Moonglow is only available in late autumn, and Royal Weisse is available spring and summer. We now have three seasons covered.

Other interesting beers on tap at the new Whelihan’s to consider include: Dock Street‘s Man Full of Trouble Porter, which rocks roasted malt characters, and Lancaster Brewing Co.‘s Country Cream Ale, which has light hops and flavors of corn and malt. Oh, and if these don’t inspire you, there are twenty-one other beers on tap to choose from!

Starting May 1^st, Whelihan’s will be open daily from 11 a.m. – 2 a.m. They are located at 1347 Wilmington Pike, West Chester, PA. Learn more about the new bar and restaurant by clicking here.