Thursday, August 22, 2024

Marblefest 2024

Marblefest, which I consider Marble's best annual event, returns to their 111 location this Saturday, August 24. The event takes place from 12-10, with a $10 admission being charged after 2 pm.

The highlight of the event is under the Oktoberest-style tent, where they'll be pouring flights of your choice of 5 Oktoberfest-style lagers from 9 local breweries. Enjoy beers from Boxing Bear, Sidetrack, Nexus, La Cumbre, Tractor, Bosque, Canteen, Ex Novo, and Second Street. That's three more breweries than what you'll find at the actual Oktoberfest celebration in Germany. $12 for a flight.

Six bands on the bill Saturday:

Nathan Fox & Friends

Trinity Soul

Sweet Roll

JD Nash and the Rash of Cash

Reviva

Slums of Harvard

There will be two stein holding contests, a best-dressed Dirndl + Lederhosen competition, and a yodeling contest. Food will be available from Urban Hot Dog from 12-8, NewMex-A-Que from 4-11, and the Albuquerque German staple Dagmar's Specilties from 12-6.

Thursday, August 15, 2024

Ex Novo Shines on Central

Damn.

That was my first thought upon entering Ex Novo's recently opened digs at 7th and Central. Quite the wordsmith, as always. But it is hard to initially come up with words for a place of such shiny new elegance amidst a street full of run down or straight up closed down businesses. It's no wonder that this spot has had extended wait times for tables since they opened on August 9. But, you say, wait times? Isn't this a taproom? Why would I wait for a table when I can just grab a beer and a seat?? Well, that is where it gets interesting. From my experience in my visits in the short time Ex Novo's downtown location ha been open, I se this space as a restaurant with their own beer on draft, albeit a varied 20 draft beers, hitting multiple styles: German Pils, Italian Pils, Mexican Lager, ESB, Oktoberfest, BA Imperial Stout, Blonde Ale Pale ALe, IPA, Cold IPA, Hazy IPA, etc. No DIPA though? Psh. But the way Ex Novo currently runs the operation is with a focus on table service, as all indoor seating and even the inviting outdoor patio space requiring a guide from the host stand. There is a lounge area with nice couches and chairs that is open seating, but on a busy night will fill up with people waiting for a table.

So with my philosophy that good beer is best imbibed on an empty stomach, it's no surprise that I am not the biggest fan of the current restaurant over taproom concept, though in fairness this is a brand new undertaking for the Ex Novo crew and they may see the current way of doing things evolve over time. Or not. It seems to be working well thus far, considering the crowds. And the food menu looks ambitious, and I've heard good things about the taste, without having tried any myself. Entree prices range from $12 for the Latin American Power Bowl to $28 for Steak and Potatoes, though two other entrees have the ambigious and dreaded MP (market price) designation. A full liquor license allows this spot to serve up drinks with national and international liquors, and I noticed a good number of cocktails being enjoyed. In addition, the upstairs cocktail bar is currently open Thursday through Sunday and offers visitors even more drink/food options. Even without the "place to just go grab a beer" vibe, I love this spot as a positive addition to Central Ave. May more taprooms/restaurants/breweries join in on a downtown revitalization.

Monday, August 12, 2024

The King Has Returned

Not that it was ever even here. Jester King, the hugely popular Austin, TX brewery known largely for their wild ales, is trying the NM market. About time! I remember finding a bottle of Black Metal in Chicago back in 2013, but it's taken a little longer to make it one state over. So far, I've seen 16 oz. 4-packs or their Helles, Pilsner, Texas High Desert IPA (farmhouse/IPA hybrid), and Handmade American IPA, with Sabro, Mosaic, and Citra hops. Of the 4, I've ony had the Pilsner, which I found very enjoyable. It will be interesting to see how the beers sell in Albuquerque, which out-of-state breweries have found to be a tough market for their beers. The price point won't be much help, as all the two lagers are going for $14.99 and the IPAs $17.99, both at Jubilation Wine and Spirits. It also remains to be seen if we'll ever see some bottles of Fen Tao or Atrial Rubicite, or any Jester King bottles at all. We can hope!