58 Bottles and Bites Recap

In this special episode, Brian recaps Bottles & Bites at Statler Buffalo (Nov 13). He, Jesse, and Scott hit GA this year—easy entry, stellar venue, and a strong mix of food, beer, wine, and canned cocktails. Pre-game was at Southern Tier Buffalo (Mediterranean Burger + Ghost Note IPL = clutch). Highlights Beer stops & standouts: Mystic Hills & Schulz Bräu to start Hofbräuhaus Munich Oktoberfest (most-poured of the night) Big Ditch Kringle Juice IPA (keg kicked—drinking great) Resurgence Holiday Ale & Sipmo as the roaming pour Food bites (from memory… because they went fast): Chef’s stuffed shells; meatballs Beef on weck; open-face Reubens Hofbräuhaus pretzels with beer cheese (until the cheese ran out) Hanson's sausage A surprise drunken pineapple upside-down cornbread that slapped Venue vibes: Statler remains an all-timer—opulent main hall, helpful mezzanine seating, live music, satellite bars. (Also wild personal note: same room as Brian’s high-school prom.) Room for Improvement For a 2.5-hour GA window (6–8:30pm), several food vendors began packing up 8:10–8:15; by 8:30 many were gone. That’s tough for attendees. More visible rinse/water stations would help, especially with beer → cocktails → wine hopping. Tips for Next Year Consider VIP if you want the widest food selection before lines/stock dip. Hit beer first, then food—then loop back for a dessert splash. If Statler opens the mezzanine, grab a perch early. Support the Show Facebook: facebook.com/TheBuffaloBeerLeague X: @BuffBeerLeague Instagram/Threads/Untappd: @BuffaloBeerLeague Read: BuffaloBeerLeague.com Email Brian: [email protected] Rate & review the show Amazon link: BuffaloBeerLeague.com/amazon Hotline: 716-486-BEER — What was your Bottles & Bites favorite? Closing Thanks to everyone who said hi and to the folks who came because of Brian’s recs—means the world. Back next Tuesday with a beer-focused episode. Cheers!