What's The Dill?

The World Series kicks off tonight and for the 22nd consecutive year my beloved Seattle Mariners will not be participating. Winning championships just isn’t something that we do here in Seattle. We only have three under our belt: 1917 Seattle Metropolitans (Stanley Cup), 1978 Seattle SuperSonics (NBA Finals), and the 2004 Seattle Storm (WNBA Championship). Yes, I included the Storm, we need what we can get. Aside from that, nothing… The 1996 SuperSonics ran into Michael Jordan and the 2006 Seahawks ran into one sided officiating and Jerome Bettis propaganda. I could rant about the latter for hours but it’s not good for my blood pressure or my sanity. The NFL wanted the Steelers to win and that’s all that needs to be said. Cheaters. Okay, I’m getting depressed and need to move on…

Since the Series hasn’t started and the NBA is dead to me (OKC Thunder), I’m going to focus on NFL action this week. Here’s a few things that we learned last weekend: Adrian Peterson is a Purple Man Beast (see video), JaMarcus Russell did not get the memo that he is being paid to play football, Drew Brees doesn’t need his mole to shred a defense, and Larry Johnson is a douche bag (which we already knew but he proved it yet again following KC’s loss).

My Captain Obvious observation of the day is that the Colts and the Saints are really good. I mean, really good. They’re both undefeated and look like they can put up 40 on just about anyone. As for the other unbeaten team, the Denver Broncos, I hope you enjoyed it while it lasted. I have a feeling you’re going to end up with a little hoof in mouth after rumbling with the Ravens in Baltimore. Undefeated? Quoth the Raven, nevermore! Will the Colts and Saints remain perfect? My guess is that both the Colts (home against the Niners) and the Saints (home against the Falcons on MNF) improve to 7-0. The questions now becomes, who loses first? As much as it pains me to say, I think Tom Brady and the Patriots roll into Lucas Oil Stadium and deliver the Colts their first loss in Week 10. If the Saints defeat the Falcons this week their next three games are: Carolina, @St. Louis, @Tampa. I smell 10-0. After that, the Patriots come to town…

I can’t wrap up this post without commenting on the game of the week. Find a TV and make sure you watch the impressive display of football put on by the St. Louis Rams (0-7) at the Detroit Lions (1-5). I’m kidding. If you haven’t heard, Brett Favre is heading back to Lambeau to take on his former team. I’ll refrain from contributing too much to the excessive barrage of coverage surrounding this game and simply make my prediction. The ol’ man’s still got it. Vikes 27 Packers 24.

Go Hawks!

I went to Costco the other day to pick up some popcorn and noticed that the Christmas decorations have already made an appearance. Seriously? What about Halloween and Thanksgiving? Okay, I’m sure we all say this every year, but still… The fact of the matter is that the holiday season is right around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about preparing. Preparation for me means one thing… The Christmas Game.

So I have the post prepared for the first edition of Let Me See Your Grill (cedar planked pepper-lime salmon) but there are more pressing issues at this time. Yesterday I encountered something quite strange and I'm not really sure what to think about it. I mean, people are nuts and there is plenty to scratch your head about on a daily basis but this was extremely peculiar.

I’ll preface this edition of What’s on Tap by divulging the fact that I am the proud owner of a growler and a few pint pot mugs stamped with the Diamond Knot logo. For those of you that are not well versed on the beer scene, a growler is a 1/2 gallon glass jug that offers easy transport of beer from your favorite brewery to your home, or any other number of offsite locations. Their Industrial IPA ranks among my favorites therefore I am entirely biased, but I'll try to offer a fair assessment of DK without interjecting too much of my inner passion for their work.

The Diamond Knot Brewery and Alehouse is located in Mukliteo, Washington directly across the street from the Mukilteo/Kingston ferry. In an ongoing quest for delicious beers I’ve quickly learned that excellent pints can be discovered and enjoyed near ferry terminals. Unique establishments capitalize on the waterfront views, relaxing sea breeze, and the traffic of ferry patrons.

The outside of Diamond Knot is rustic and somewhat uninviting. On the inside it’s a former ice cream parlor that has been transformed into bar with character. From the peanut shells on the floor to an Anheuser Busch keg cut into a urinal in the bathroom there’s little not to like. If you’re feeling adventurous grab one of the red leather swiveling stools that line the bar, order a beer, and prepare to cook your meal on a 750 degree stone.

On the beer front I highly recommend the Diamond Knot IPA. As their flagship beer it offers a bold 6.5% ABV (alcohol by volume) with a rich burst of hops accompanied by a subtle hint of grapefruit and cedar. It's aggressive but gentle, intense but comforting, and slightly bitter yet welcoming to the palate. Again, what's not to like? If you're a fan of strong beers the Industrial IPA is a beast. It has the same flavor as the standard IPA with an extra helping of hops and grains which boost the ABV to 8.1%. Basically, it’s the regular IPA on steroids. If IPA's aren't your thing, they also offer a diverse selection of other delicious brews ranging from the Lighthouse Ale to the Icebreaker Barley Wine. I'd be surprised if you couldn’t find something that you like.













Food = 3.5 hops

Service = 4.0 hops