Brewstone Beer Company - Monroeville

Hi all,

Today I want to talk about Brewstone Beer Company located out near Monroeville. I went there for a 30th birthday party for my friend, Colleen. It was pretty awesome! The atmosphere was amazing. Really nice, large bar area and its great for watching sports games. Each individual booth in the bar section had its own television for whichever sport game you are looking. Sort of like Damon's in this regard. And also, there is a waitress for the tables so you don't have to worry about going up to and waiting for a drink at the busy bar. And the waitress, she was on point with the signature drinks. She flat out told me not get a certain drink because it was 'nasty.' She claimed that it had been returned on several other occasions and it just wasn't a drink that was popular. I respect when a waitress/waiter can be honest and actually know the menu.

For the party, they sectioned off the entire back of the bar. There was great space, even once the DJ arrived. It would also be a great place in the warmer months. There is an outdoor patio with great seating and if it is a bit chilly there are individual heaters. For her party, it was snowing so an outdoor celebration wasn't an option!

Now to the good stuff..the FOOD! Her husband ordered a variety of appetizers; pizza, wings, spinach/artichoke dip, bruschetta and a vegetable tray. His mother also provided a cake and cake pops! Up first, the pizza. It was to die for. I was so full after the first walk through of the appetizers, but the staff just kept refilling each item and I could not stop eating the pizza. It was sooo cheesy and garlicky. Even the dough had great flavor. Paired with their Ranch dressing = awesome! Definitely a must order any time you go!

Spinach/Artichoke Dip. Hot and gooey; when you used the spoon to put it on your plate, the cheese just oozed from the serving bowl to your plate.

Wings. Crisp and perfectly cooked. However, for the party, they left them plain but provided BBQ and hot sauce to spoon over yourself. I love that idea, then if people just want to eat them plain with ranch they can too. You don't really have to worry about pleasing everyone with a ton of different flavors.

Bruschetta. An appetizer favorite and was very delicious. Served with crispy crostini (toasted bread), it was the perfect light bite paired with the pizza.

Now, Monroeville is sort of far for me to travel to hang out and drink because then I would have to drive back to the city; however, I do have friends that live out that way and that is a definite must stop spot and then spend the night!

Please, check out Brewstone Beer company, not for just the great tasting beer selections, but also the great tasting appetizers, especially the pizza. Let me know what you think!!!!

The Atrium - Prospect, Pa

Here is a little side blog, off of the topic of food, but about the wedding of my good friend, Kathy Maire. I have been given the opportunity to share in her special day, not only as a bridesmaid, but also, wedding planner/consultant. we also work together so it is non-stop wedding shop and it is so much fun. Not having to do it for yourself and helping to create that perfect day for someone else is such a great feeling. Poor little thing, she is a bit clueless but it is funny and cute, my blank canvas!!!!

Wedding date: 4/25/14 so there is still time, but there is a lot to do and time will go by quick. This for me is so much fun, because like me, she is not traditional and it is refreshing to share ideas and thoughts together without each other getting mad or offended. You know how it is, there is at least one person/bridesmaid that feels differently and tries to make that day about them. For Kathy and I, we just don't understand. How girl's can be that competitive and catty and just not want happiness for someone else because of jealousy. Crazy to me, but in this case, the bride and I are on the same page!

On January 19 - The Atrium had its own little bridal showcase, which marketed a few different vendors but mostly was to market the venue itself. It had all the tables set up in different tablecloths with all the different options for centerpieces, buffet table to taste test all of the food, the outside set up for an indoor/outdoor ceremony and then also had an indoor ceremony set up.

There is a huge parking lot for all of the guests. And, when you walk in, you walk into an Atrium, which allows all the outside light to shine in. This would be the place for the cocktail hour and place settings and bar. Although it was pretty cold outside, the feel inside with the sun shining in created just a great feel. On the right was the indoor ceremony location with white folding chairs and very clean, crisp decor and on the left was the ballroom for eating and dancing.