I was lounging around about to shut down for the day when I get “the call.” You all know about “the call” right, “the call” to go to a beer tasting at Brasserie Jo? Wait you never get calls like that? Me neither, so you can imagine my surprise. As I sprinted down to the Red Line the only thought keeping me warm was the sweet nectar of the Belgian beer decent.
I arrived at Brasserie Jo at 59 W. Hubbard with high anticipation along with a slight case of frost bite. Chicago is cold! Why do we live here? Oh right, for the summer, the museums, and for the great restaurants. Brasserie Jo is an authentic French restaurant that has been a staple of Chicago now for over thirteen years. The comfortable atmosphere brings that laid back European style to life in the bustling metropolis of downtown Chicago.
The Beverage Director at Brasserie Jo is a lovely woman by the name of Erin Phillips. Erin speaks perfect “Food French.” My first beer was the “La Trappe” from Koningshoeven out of Tillburg, Netherlands. The Trappist Monks who brew this beer have been making beer for 125 years! This malty, sweet, almost caramel tasting beer really hit the spot after coming out of the cold. I must reveal this due to full discloser but I am a Belgian Beer nut. I visit Belgium often, and my son is a duel citizen of the US and Belgium! Best beer in the world!
After trying the “La Trappe” I wanted to move on to another beer from an exotic location. Did you guess Germany? Well you would be wrong! It was the Domaine DuPage from the Two Brother Brewing Company in Warrenville, Illinois. This French inspired amber ale was fantastic. You have to love the premium taste without paying the import price.
My favorite beer of the evening was the Achel 8 from Belgium. This beer was about as perfect as they come. It is a Trappist Pale Ale, very fruity, and very hoppy. Apparently this beer is hard to find, even in Belgium. It is made by the “youngest” brewery in Belgium and imported by Shelton Brothers in Massachusetts.
Last, but not least I enjoyed the “Fantome Saison” or “Seasonal Ghost” as we would say in America. This fruity beer is from one of my favorite places in the world, the Ardennes Forest. It is actually made in a tiny farm house brewery! This beer was almost like the champagne of beers. Perfect after dinner compliment.
Ok, now for the highlight of the evening. Even I am not above being laughed at. After about four very strong and tasty beers I was “feeling” great. I suddenly smelled something burning, not the kind of thing that emits from a classy French restaurant. I asked our awesome Beverage Director Erin if she too smelled something burning. She did. She cassualy glanced around only fo find some pinhead had placed his menu on top of a candle! That pinhead? Me!!!!!
Thanks to Erin, Ben Miller, and the fabulous people of Brasserie Jo for the great beer and even greater hospitality.
-Roger Grillman
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