Brewing Some Love: Review of Front Street Brewery

THE HEARTS: good food, good service, consistent, right price

THE FARTS: ganache-less cake, sometimes a wait, noisy.

Young Old Fart says...

I am not into beer or any alcoholic beverage for that matter. In my opinion, they smell and taste terrible and cause people of all ages to act like fools (though this does get me to chuckle a bit sometimes). Thus, when we went to Front Street Brewery for the first time I really thought it would be the last. Luckily, I was very wrong and pleasantly surprised.

While FSB is not the classiest place to take someone to lunch or dinner, it does exude a local je ne sais quoi. In fact, it's so popular with Cape Fearers that it isn't unlikely you'll have to wait 15 minutes or so OR have to deal with a booming noise level (due to adult conversations, crying children, and excessively loud TVs). Personally, I prefer the first level of the pub because you don't have to walk down the stairs to get to the bathroom, and more families (aka children) tend to favor the top floor. Besides, you can get a good view of their brewing headquarters and the merchandise that is available for purchase.

On to the best part...food!

Almost every time I go out to eat I get a really light meal so that I can splurge on a dessert. While the house salad with grilled chicken and balsamic vinaigrette was my main dish, I did steal a good third of the table's nachos. The fact that I allocated room in my stomach for something other than a salad and dessert should speak for these nachos in itself. One phrase comes to mind: "You can't have just one!"

The salad was good. To be fair to FSB, you really shouldn't come here for a salad. They are known for burgers, fries, beer, and all the other greasy things that go along with happy hour. However, the greens were fresh, the chicken was moist, and the dressing is thick and tasty.

Okay, the first time I had FSB's german chocolate cake I knew I had finally come to understand what love is. Everything went into slow motion and it felt like we were the only two people, or person/cake duo, in the room. The second time I encountered my lover my mom had to snap me out of unconscious singing. Yes folks, it's true. I sang a sexy song to a chocolate cake. Is this why I can't find a date? Unfortunately, around the third or fourth time I met my darling for some afternoon delight I had come to discover that a piece of him was missing. He was there physically, but his heart belonged to another. By "heart" I mean the best and most divine part of my beau...his sweet chocolatey frosting. Not only did this mishap cause me to scream "Oh good gosh, where's the ganache?!" it also left me crying at night, just knowing that things would never be the same again. Alright, alright, I know most people don't care as much as I do about cake so I'll sum up my lost love in three words: chocolatey, moist, and huge.

All in all, I know that every time I come to FSB I will get what I expect: decent service, good food, and a ganache-less cake that still hits the spot.

Kittens and fudge,

YOF

P.S. If anybody knows of a sweet buttercream slice that likes going to the movies or a delicious bread pudding that isn't allergic to cats, I am currently on the market.

Young At Heart Says...

We have been going to the Front Street Brewery for over a year now. I personally love the place and have taken both family and friends to this local stomping ground. Although I am not personally too found of many liquors, I do love some of their beer inspired dishes including the nachos. I would pass on the beer soup unless you are a true beer lover. If that is the case, bottoms up on that as well! And of course, if you love to drink beer...by all means, put this spot on tap! They are a well acclaimed local micro brewery.

We all shared the delicious nachos as our appetizer. They are made from chicken marinated in beer and topped with the standard nacho fixings. The beer definitely makes this dish and do plan on sharing! It can easily feed up to four.

For my main dish, I ordered my all time favorite. The apple, walnut and Gorgonzola salad with raspberry vinaigrette. It is yummy! And the best part, it leaves room for dessert.

My friend ordered a pulled pork sandwich with cole slaw and french fries. She enjoyed it all and believes that this dish is a true test of local success. Could be why FSB is doing so well.

On this day I shared the German chocolate cake with my friend. As always, it satisfied my sweet tooth but was not overly sweet. However, I did miss the chocolate ganache. Somewhere along the way, the chef decided to leave it off. My suggestion...put it back. Will I order the cake in the future?Absolutely! But, the ganache took it to the next level...a true piece de resistance. And for chocolate lovers...a must have.

I for sure will be back to FSB and hopefully, we will see you there as well. Not only does this local place have the food done right...the price is right too!

Beer KISS,

Young At Heart