Mellody Brewing

Why Can't I Make Up My Mind?

So, recent events have left me contemplative.  Go figure.  Those that know me well know that recently been in a constant state of thought.  Yeah, maybe I'm always this way.  Always trying to figure out what's next...I just can't seem to settle and I am not really sure what I search for.  I've got nothing to complain about.  I've got what most would hope for: great supportive family and friends, health, great job, and in a place right now in life where I really need nothing.  So, what's the story?

I hesitate writing about these constant thoughts of incompleteness.  This blog is about the path to a dream and I've decided to write about this again, as I suppose this is part of the process.  I've written before about the struggle around attempting to make this happen.  Is it a bar? Is it a brewery? What is it I want?  Part of me wants to simply be in charge.  To run my own business.  The bar and brewery as is well established here just seems the right fit.  There's something innate about it.  When I think about it, it just seems right.  It is like a calling that I can't let go of.  While I hear this call, I am constantly distracted by the life I have worked for until this point.  A successful career at a great organization.  A career that I can't seem to put on hold, as I guess it isn't in my nature to just do.  I do to achieve.  I constantly want more.  So this duality that I'm living now is like no time before so clear. 

I'm living two lives, a work life where I'm aggressively working for the first time in months to succeed again.  I've practically thrown myself into work in the last few months and as in the past this drive and focus is paying off.  I was rewarded this year with a great review, a gracious bonus and raise.  I'm lucky that in this economy and time that I'm doing well.  This success though isn't enough.  I hunger for more.  So, while I talk the talk at work, and position myself for advancement at work at home I still day dream about "the business."

So, the struggle now seems to be how do I manage both paths? When does it become a waste of time? Does the current career path really stop me from the bar/brewery?  Does leaving FL mean no bar/brewery? The list goes on and on.  I really don't think there's an answer that will definitively be right.  In the end, I am trying to make sure I don't ask, "what if?" So, I'll continue the battle, fight the good fight and see what happens.  This may mean leaving Florida, it may mean staying.  It may mean trying to stall one career for another.  Maybe after a beer or two I'll find some clarity.

It's to late...

In just over a month I'll be headed to Austin City Limits to see one of my favorite artists perform live. Neko Case is a mix of true artist, incredible song writer and kick ass voice. I also thinks she's pretty hot. I plan on getting a spot right up front and making eye contact with her in hopes we have a moment and she invites me back stage. Enjoy today's Hootenanny. I'm sorry for being MIA on here as of late. The day job beckons and has been very, very busy. Also, lots of thinking to do regarding career, living situation, etc. I'll update you cryptically in a later post but let's just say it's been a roller coaster few weeks. I plan on drinking a few good beers, talking to some friends and enjoying a nice long weekend with Barley. Maybe some clarity will come to me during it all. We shall see.

Oh My, It's a Mirage...

I love to sing along after a few beers. This is a song that I'd always ask Jackie at World of Beer to play for me after a few drinks. If it was loud in the bar, I'd sing my buzzed head off. I'm a good time damit! So, feel free to turn up the volume and scratch your air turntable and sing along. I take Ad Rock's lines, so pick who you want, Mike D or MCA.

CONVOY!!!

The mother ship is telling me I need to spend less time on board, so it's time to plan a vacation.  My current workplace tracks vacation by hours, and once you reach your given allotment, you stop earning and essentially "lose vacation time."  I'm losing, or about to so I need to start planning the next great adventure.  I had been holding off on any big trips as I am saving for the business, but figure it can't hurt to do a research vacation and do a beer tour of the west coast.  Thinking of taking a week, or two maybe.  Driving up or down the coast and hitting breweries, bars, parks and seeing a few friends as well.  I'll work a day here and there to stay afloat and extend the trip.  I've got miles, hotel and AMEX points so we're going to supplement the trip where possible.

So far the initials list of stops are as follows:

• Russian River

• Rouge

• AleSmith

• Port Brewing/ Lost Abbey

• Green Flash

• Stone

• Hair of the Dog

• Descheutes

• Lagunitas

I'm sure there will be more. I'd also like to stop at Pebble Beach, Redwood forest, and some other places.  I have friends in LA, San Fran, Seattle and Portland - so it'll be nice to have some company for the ride and beers at local beer bars.  If you are interested in joining me for a leg, or the whole trip - let me know.  I haven't set dates yet, but I'm aiming for this fall at some point.

Ultimately, the goal will be to fill up on beer for the cellar, experience some cool breweries, research bars, brewery set up, styles, etc.  Also, just to disconnect and explore. 

Bar Concept #1

So, in the eventual pursuit to the brewery I've always thought that starting a bar then expanding.  I've talked about this in the past.  I've been thinking about this a lot more lately as if I do it right, I can incorporate all the things I have been wanting to.  I can be part of a local community, have live music, serve good beer, great food and brew too.  The thought is to slowly move into the brewing, so the space might need space for expansion to a small brewpub set-up.  The latest thoughts that I'm putting into the draft business plan and brainstorm notebook are below.  These are brain storm bullets - let me know what you think.

• Mellody's Brew House
  1. Small brew set up and invite local brewers and home brew club winners to brew specialty beers monthly.
  2. Live music Saturday Nights, with a true Hootenanny one night a week.
  3. No TVs, but a dock allowing patrons to play their iPod.
  4. Select taps, doing everyting to turn them over regularly.
  5. Firkin Firday's
  6. Modern Misson style decor
  7. Bottle menu focused on 750ml bottles for sharing

It's all about the benjamins

I've discussed the money and investment issue months ago.  I've lately been trying to figure out where I can take some of my nest egg and get some return that I can use as equity for a business loan.  I've been looking at stocks, short term CDs,  All of these really aren't viable options as many of you would agree.  Maybe I just need to start playing roulette again like back in the days in AC.  I've been very good about saving this year and am getting to a point where I can take some money and try to grow it faster than my savings account will.  I'm contemplating options, thinking about meeting a financial advisor, or just winging it myself.  Any ideas?

The goal is to get $20-30,000 in equity.  Yeah, right?! The actual savings would need to be more to cover my expenses but the goal above is what I think I need to get to in order to be viable for a business loan.  In case you are wondering what's the loan for, brewery or bar?  Well, right now I'm thinking bar.  I have more updates on the latest idea that I'll post soon.  Till then, know of any get quick rich schemes? Send them my way.  I'll read them while I go cruising the retirement communities looking for my sugar momma.

Batten Down the Hatches, Fill up the Kegs

Seems like Tampa is currently right in the path of Fay.  Now worries, the cone of death as I call it has plenty of time to change, but it certainly looks like we'll be getting something.  So, you know what this means?  HURRICANE PARTY!!  The kegs are filled and ready to transport to where ever the drinking will be.  Updates to come...

Don't You Know...

This weeks Hootenanny choice is multi-layered. I first chose it because I saw The New Pornographers live last week in Philadelphia and they ROCKED this song out. I have been singing it in my head all week. After a endulgent work dinner yesterday evening I began to think about the words. I'll let you decide for yourself, but these pharses really stuck me:

Traveling at godspeed over the hills and trails

I have refused my call pushin' my lazy sails

Into the blue flame I want to crash here right now

The hourglass spills its sand if only to punish you

for listenin' too long

to one song...

These words speak to me about wasting life due to procrastination. It whispers advice against getting swept up into life and becoming complacent. Guess we all need to find a way to sing some Spanish Techno now and again huh? Seems fitting, enjoy!

The Beer Bar Defined

I mentioned last week that I was headed home to my beer roots.  I have to say, my friends were astonished when I said I wasn't looking to go to Monk's - as usual.  Instead this time around, my beer drinking adventure friends and I headed to North Philadelphia to a new beer bar and "gastropub" Memphis Taproom.  For my Philadelphia readers, this is a well deserved stop for a few drinks and food.  If I lived back in Philadelphia, I'd for sure become a regular.

The atmosphere is cozy and neat.  It's old Philly corner bar feel with a twist.  The twist is great food and a draft chalk board that I had to stare at for 10 minutes before deciding what to get.  I've done my far share of drinking, but the Taproom has beers I've only had in bottles in the past on draft.  In the end, I choose a local beer from the Firkin.  They will be doing different firkins every Saturday, and by God thankfully I live in FL, or I would be there every Saturday.

This bar concept: good beer (not overwhelming selection, just great beers) and amazing food, simple and easy menu is what I've thought of when I toy with opening my own beer bar.  The staff was friendly, knowledgeable and fun.  We had a great time.  Selfishly I wish them the best of luck and success so I can return here when I'm back in Philly in the future.

Hidden Treasures

While attending a week long conference for work, I'm doomed to drink nothing but wine and Budweiser products.  That is until I find out there's "good" beer in the ice if you know to ask for it.  Who knew?  Years of beer suffering while at these events, and now this salvation.  Last nights find, Samuel Smith.  It's no American Micro or Craft Beer, but oh how nice it was to have that and not a Bud Light.