A trip to Southern California this fall is sure to offer the beer enthusiast a sampling of true Oktoberfest. Karl Strauss' Old Columbia Brewery & Grill downtown and Karl Strauss Brewery Gardens in Sorrento Valley will offer some authentic German entertainment. Sundays in October will feature German oompah bands at both sites. Also, roasted pigs and chickens will be served in true Bavarian fashion. The perfect beer companion is Karl Strauss Blond Bavarian Oktoberfest.
Karl Strauss himself will be in town for the month, so you may get the chance to meet him personally. Strauss, a native German, has been in the brewing business for some 60 years. His past achievements and accolades include president of the Master Brewers of America, brewmaster at Pabst in Milwaukee, and opening the first brewpub in San Diego in 1989.
The Karl Strauss breweries are well known for Karl Strauss Amber Lager and Karl Strauss Light. The two brewpub/restaurants and the microbrewery in the Rosecrans area make Karl Strauss the largest brewer in San Diego. If you are unable to make it to one of the restaurants, you will be able to find their products on tap in dozens of pubs and restaurants around town.
Karl Strauss's Old Columbia Brewery & Grill is located at 1157 Columbia; phone is 619-234-2739. Karl Strauss Brewery Gardens is located at 805 Mira Mesa Blvd.; phone is 619-587-2739.
If more beer is your quest, then the San Diego Festival of Beers has just the thing for you. Some 50 microbreweries will be represented at the first major microbrewery tasting in San Diego. The date is Saturday, October 15. The tasting begins at noon and continues until 4 p.m. The tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Advance purchase is strongly suggested. $10 designated driver tickets are available. The "DD" will be allowed unlimited non-alcoholic beverages.
The festival site is the Embarcadero Marina Park, adjacent to Seaport Village. The American Cancer Society is hosting the charitable event. All profits will go to the fight against cancer. For more information call 619-682-7431.
Copyright 1994, Celebrator Beer News. No material herein may be reprinted without permision of the Celebrator. Distributed on the W3 for personal, non-commercial enjoyment and use only. Cheers!
