tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post6840813460691486752..comments2024-03-09T00:31:10.190-05:00Comments on Seen Through a Glass: Top Ten: Favorite CitiesLew Brysonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04084380741402026573noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-12570794384106515172008-08-21T11:41:00.000-04:002008-08-21T11:41:00.000-04:00Don, Don, Don...I said it was a me-centric list, a...Don, Don, Don...<BR/><BR/>I said it was a me-centric list, and the last time I was in Seattle was in 1973; we were there for about 6 hours. But, you know, a large part of the rationale behind these top ten lists is to prod folks into giving me suggestions for other "better" places...so thanks, I will!Lew Brysonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04084380741402026573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-40585926412659448282008-08-21T11:35:00.000-04:002008-08-21T11:35:00.000-04:00You. Didn't. Mention. Seattle.YOU. DIDN'T. MENTION...You. Didn't. Mention. Seattle.<BR/><BR/>YOU. DIDN'T. MENTION. SEATTLE.<BR/><BR/>Get thee to Seattle post-haste, good sir! In the meantime, I'm already plotting my payback: I will be heading to Belgium and Germany in September. And when I come back, I'll be in Seattle! Again! So there. :-pDonShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07105448918351534317noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-9196208853682773882008-08-12T20:32:00.000-04:002008-08-12T20:32:00.000-04:00Sorry to frustrate you, Al: I was away on vacation...Sorry to frustrate you, Al: I was away on vacation and didn't update things, and all comments have to be approved before they show up (I had some real problem with one jackass posting rotten stuff about other people, so I had to go to moderation). Everything's up; I deleted your duplicates.Lew Brysonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04084380741402026573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-24852484402817507252008-08-08T10:52:00.000-04:002008-08-08T10:52:00.000-04:00Ok, well if you can't say Philly 'cause you're a l...Ok, well if you can't say Philly 'cause you're a local. 'Cause I was gonna say why no Philly?Jhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10839812267536911245noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-69301257103499654472008-08-07T16:42:00.000-04:002008-08-07T16:42:00.000-04:00Will try again as Der, spricht kein Deutsch appare...Will try again as Der, spricht kein Deutsch apparently. As far as Koeln goes, Paeffgen over on Friesen strasse is by far the best followed by Fruh Koelsch in my opinion. Koeln is by far the coolest stadt in Germany save for maybe Berlin in my opinion. It isn't very picturesque as it was bombed into oblivion but it is about a million times hipper than say Munich or Frankfurt in terms of atmosphere and the lack of typical German up-tightness. Da simmer dabei dat ist prima Viva Colonia!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-83049734533655395042008-08-07T13:42:00.000-04:002008-08-07T13:42:00.000-04:00Lew, that may be a you-centered list, but there's ...Lew, that may be a you-centered list, but there's a fair amount of me in it, too. My wife was born in the other Portland (your #1), and we head there biannually (or at least to somewhere in New England). I went to grad school in Madtown, and one of the finest experiences to be had is sitting at the Terrace at Memorial Union with a pint of Gray's stout. And of course, as a proud resident of Beervana (you may know it as Portland, OR), I am well-versed in its virtues. Since you've only been here once, I think it's time for another visit. First round's on me.Jeff Alworthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02930119177544342495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-64129870067599113612008-08-07T11:29:00.000-04:002008-08-07T11:29:00.000-04:00Brooks is probably the greatest DEFENSIVE third ba...Brooks is probably the greatest DEFENSIVE third baseman to play the game but hte greatest overall 3rd base player of all time is of course michael jack schmidt. Easy.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-48607277977491415722008-08-07T09:35:00.000-04:002008-08-07T09:35:00.000-04:00Great list, Lew.First, to second some comments on ...Great list, Lew.<BR/><BR/>First, to second some comments on Baltimore (my former home): I completely agree about the city's personality. Baltimore is its own city in a way that most cities aren't. It's a wonderful place with wonderful people and some great places to drink -- Cross Street Market, Mahaffey's Tavern (you must stop there -- under the radar but good) and of course Brewer's Art.<BR/><BR/>Madison is also a great town. The midwest is where it's at. <BR/><BR/>Finally, I have to ask: Where's my hometown of Cleveland? Nicest people in the world and a great brewery to boot. Sadly, for whatever reason, <I>I cannot find Great Lakes Brewing beer anywhere out here</I>.<BR/><BR/>Cheers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-32919680273780372442008-08-07T07:39:00.000-04:002008-08-07T07:39:00.000-04:00Your next town to visit is Dingle Ireland ... it w...Your next town to visit is Dingle Ireland ... it would land on anyone's list --- a market town and fishing port, Dingle has long been well supplied with pubs; in recent years the number has hovered around 52, and the variety is almost as great as the number.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-49722055263499581902008-08-06T10:03:00.000-04:002008-08-06T10:03:00.000-04:00Da simmer dabei! Dat is prima! VIVA COLONIA!Wir li...Da simmer dabei! Dat is prima! VIVA COLONIA!<BR/>Wir lieben das Leben, die Liebe und die Lust<BR/>Wir glauben an den lieben Gott und han auch immer Durst!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-74935626625083881452008-08-05T23:31:00.000-04:002008-08-05T23:31:00.000-04:00And Fort McHenry. Visit that beautiful outpost an...And Fort McHenry. Visit that beautiful outpost and admire the giant flag where it all started and you'll never hear the Star Spangled Banner the same way ever again! <BR/><BR/>We had duckpins back in western PA too; in fact, the Moose Brewery in Roscoe (along the Monongahela) made Duckpin Pilsener in the 1940s! They still don't hold up to New England's candle pins, though. Gotta play the dead wood! <BR/><BR/>You got salvage parts from American <BR/>(nee Weissner)? Must discuss over a Berwick Lager. Hope to see you soon, Guy!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-51435260835560617582008-08-05T22:09:00.000-04:002008-08-05T22:09:00.000-04:00goI forgot to mention duckpin bowling, and rooting...goI forgot to mention duckpin bowling, and rooting for Boog Powell, Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer, and the greatest third baseman to ever play the game: Brooks Robinson.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-13804964207874316192008-08-05T21:28:00.000-04:002008-08-05T21:28:00.000-04:00Add me to the list of Bawlmer lovers. Both my par...Add me to the list of Bawlmer lovers. Both my parents were born and raised there, and although I never lived in Charm City (located in the Land of Pleasant Living) I have spent a lot of time eating steamed crabs, oysters, Berger cookies and drinking National Boh and Premium.<BR/><BR/>As for the American Brewery, next time you're in Berwick just ask and I'll show you the brass counterweight beam from the malt scale. And maybe someday I'll convince my mother to let me have some of the advertising materials her father created for Gunther Beer.<BR/><BR/>---GuyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-53967201361798276402008-08-05T20:07:00.000-04:002008-08-05T20:07:00.000-04:00Heart, be still -- how good to see my Madison on y...Heart, be still -- how good to see my Madison on your list!<BR/><BR/>Now... have you made it to the Great Taste of the Midwest yet? I could get you a ticket -- busy Saturday? :)Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13308740746597839624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-31386920119664161312008-08-05T18:30:00.000-04:002008-08-05T18:30:00.000-04:00Have spent many an evening traversing the streets ...Have spent many an evening traversing the streets of the Old Port in Portland, ME. And now with the relatively new opening of Novare Res, Portland can indeed boast one of the best beer bars in New England. Although their deck offers little in the way of a view, it just makes for better people watching, and conversation starters. Enjoy it while the summer months are here!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-64244808434913714252008-08-05T09:37:00.000-04:002008-08-05T09:37:00.000-04:00Understood, Joe, but I did have a good guide -- th...Understood, Joe, but I did have a good guide -- three or four, all of them very familiar with the city. Sometimes I have an issue with city size, and just like a smaller town that I can get my head around. Ghent did that quite nicely. Like I said, though, I may well change my mind, and I look forward to the opportunity.Lew Brysonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04084380741402026573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-87466947903033294602008-08-05T07:06:00.000-04:002008-08-05T07:06:00.000-04:00Indeed Ghent is a great town. Many similarities wi...Indeed Ghent is a great town. Many similarities with Brugge, but more authentic and fewer tourists.<BR/><BR/>But IMO Brussels blows them both away once you know your way around (or have a good guide). I'd be happy to show you around next time you're in town.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-86869753666455439472008-08-05T00:09:00.000-04:002008-08-05T00:09:00.000-04:00Separated at birth, Sam, separated at birth.Separated at birth, Sam, separated at birth.Lew Brysonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04084380741402026573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-6006216291388406332008-08-04T23:44:00.000-04:002008-08-04T23:44:00.000-04:00Baltimore...I remember when it was the oyster capi...Baltimore...I remember when it was the oyster capitol of the east, and the blue crabs still hold up their part of the bargain! That was also a time when there were no micros in the city, and National Premium was second to none. The locals can talk Natty Boh all they want. Once you drank Premium, there was no turning back.<BR/><BR/>My first trip, in 1978, got me to "The Block," and it opened my young eyes like nothing else. The smell of McCormick spices at the harbor, before it was a (decent) tourist trap. Nowhere else have I ever seen rowhouses whose front door screens were painted with semi-transparent landscape murals. <BR/><BR/>The amazing B&O Railroad Museum. Haussner's German restaurant, too. It was a freakin' classical art gallery that served great food! The city even has the most beautiful still-standing American brewery building; ironically, the old American Brewery on Gay Street, now a bad part of town.<BR/><BR/>Baltimore's always been close to my heart, and I go back every couple of years for the food, the great beer, and the feel, the smell, the taste of a great American city.<BR/><BR/>Thanks for including it on your list...and go to Cafe Hon for the Imperial Crab Omelet!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-28018221090385063962008-08-04T18:38:00.000-04:002008-08-04T18:38:00.000-04:00You've got my five of my favorites on there: Bambe...You've got my five of my favorites on there: Bamberg, Dusseldorf, Portland, ME, Koln, Chicago.<BR/><BR/>I get thirsty just thinking about these cities.Mark Andersenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00151857584483533199noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-80164666328742255342008-08-04T15:32:00.000-04:002008-08-04T15:32:00.000-04:00mr,Can't you go out to a bar? I don't generally ra...mr,<BR/><BR/>Can't you go out to a bar? I don't generally rate on off-premise; after all, I live in Pennsylvania, where my off-premise beer life has been stunted for years.Lew Brysonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04084380741402026573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-3420535623643523182008-08-04T15:29:00.000-04:002008-08-04T15:29:00.000-04:00How does a town, Madison, WI, that doesn't sell be...How does a town, Madison, WI, that doesn't sell beer after 9pm make your list? What about the poor unfortunate travelers who get to their motel at 10pm? Ask me how I know how it feels?MPhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12066077082915031344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-68734955143468788672008-08-04T14:34:00.000-04:002008-08-04T14:34:00.000-04:00No mistakes, dammit! This is my list, and it was t...No mistakes, dammit! This is my list, and it was tough enough making it as it is. The hardest part was actually not putting Philly on it. And Pittsburgh. And Brooklyn. And Munich. And...so on.Lew Brysonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04084380741402026573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-26305214686739960482008-08-04T14:15:00.000-04:002008-08-04T14:15:00.000-04:00I'm sure it was just an oversight to have forg...I'm sure it was just an oversight to have forgotten Dublin? Home of St. Jame's gate, Jameson Distillery, Porterhouse, Messr's Meguire & Brazen Head....MyBeer Buzzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02436048358894627645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7315262155858800734.post-3770909099549337122008-08-04T13:00:00.000-04:002008-08-04T13:00:00.000-04:00"Does no one read the damned post opener."Shouldn'...<I>"Does no one read the damned post opener."</I><BR/><BR/>Shouldn't'a numbered 'em... ;-)<BR/><BR/>But I knew you weren't playing favorites -- how could you with that sort of lineup?Stevenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10585545034172431563noreply@blogger.com