Yes, it was hot and sultry, but it was a friendly group of hot sultry people – with Belgian beer – so it worked again this year just perfectly in this second installment of the Belgians Are Coming Beer Festival.
And once again my good friend and event planner Claudia Sheridan worked as founder Peter Goossens’ right arm, and many of the “Goose-lings” that had worked with Goossens for years on the Loose Goose Wine Festival, were back to support him again. The team was very effective in rounding up the beer, wine, food trucks, cigars, tents, twinkle lights, swag and even Belgian waffles…to a very appreciated Belgian-Beer-Loving crowd.
This time, instead of a large parking lot the Belgians came and took over a full block of Main Street in Downtown Newhall for the festivities. For me, there was more beer than I could sample, so for others, you can bet there was more beer than even the most “productive” drinker could consume.
Now is where I must stop. I’m no beer expert, and certainly no expert on taking notes while managing a glass and a cell phone camera. I liked the pale ales almost as much as the dark beer. I prefer coffee grounds and chocolate to balsamic vinegar flavors. But I will leave you with a story in photos of people I saw and beer I liked that can be viewed via this Facebook link, to anyone on Facebook or not: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10201223589979234.1073741837.1455706632&type=1&l=b3cf05dba5
Seen Sipping Brew
Claudia Sheridan, Peter Goossens, Eddie Bushman, Moe, Linda and Alex Hafizi, Ron and Kym Cappi, John and Debbie Heys, Steve and Rose Chegwin, Bill and Jill Friedman, Bob and Margo Hudson, Duane Harte, Jason and April Price, Cheryl Gray, Larry McClements, Rusty and Sean Sly, Judy Penman, Shannon Bohte, Steve Iland, Chris Chase, Debbie Clark, Pat Piwowarczyk, Patrick Lage, Don and Cheryl Dellepiane, Apo, Janet and Sabrina Yessayan, Marsha McLean, Christopher Chase and Jonathan Lloyd, Raymond Baker and Cathie Wright, Gary and Shannon Hoffman, Roman Weiser, Darrin and Cathy Craig, Steve and Julie Sturgeon.
The Brew List at press time
Malheur 10, Malheur 12, Stella Artois, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Stella Artois Cidre, St Feuillien Grand Cru, St Feuillien Saison, Pauwel Kwak, Triple Karmeliet, Bockor Omer
Traditional Blond, VanderGhinste Oud Bruin, Seef, Petrus Aged Red, Piraat, Gulden Draak, Scotch de Silly, Poperings Hommel, Bavik Pils, Wittekerke, Timmermans Framboise Lambic, Timmermans Strawberry, Lefebvre Blanche de Bruxelles, Lindemans Lambic Framboise, Val-Dieu Triple, Des Rocs Grand Cru, St Bernardus Abt 12, Verhaeghe Duchesse de Bourgogne, Rodenbach Classic, Steenbrugge Blond, Malheur Brut, Sint Stefanus, Mort Subite Kriek Lambic, Affligem Cuvee 950 Blonde, Affligem Dubbel, Affligem Triple, Lindemans Cuvee Rene Gueuze Lambic, Gageleer, Strubbe Grand Cru, Struise Westoek X, De Rijkc Arend Tripel, Rince Cochon, Corsendonck Agnus Triple, Corsendonck Pater Dubbel Ale, Grimbergen Dubbel Ale, Grimbergen Blonde Ale, and finally from our friends of Wolf Creek Brewery: Surfin’ Monks, and Howlin’ Hefeweizen.
Engelmann Cellars, King Frosch, Volatus, and Silkwood Wines were also on hand for the wine drinkers. And the Food Trucks scheduled to be there included Germany’s Famous Bratwurst, Firehouse Chefs, Baby’s Badass Burgers, Mangia Ristorante On Wheels, The Lobos Truck, and Cousins Main Lobster!
About Goose On The Loose Productions
Inspired by Belgium-born founder Peter Goossens’ passion for, and down-to-earth approach to, the simple pleasures of fine drinks and food, Goose On The Loose Productions specializes in creating experiences with that unique flavor. The company is headquartered in Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, California. It provides a full range of event marketing services, and a comprehensive approach to event productions for individual and corporate clients.
About The Goose
Appreciation for the simple pleasures of fine food, beer, and wine is deeply rooted in Peter Goossens’ heritage and family traditions. Growing up in Dendermonde, a small town in northern Belgium, it seemed the best of this blend was at the heart of everyday encounters with family and friends. Peter is the grateful beneficiary of the passions of those who raised him. His grandfather, a successful industrialist, held one of the largest private wine collections in Belgium. His dad was an artist as well as an award-winning pastry chef and master chocolatier. His mom’s daily cooking was, and is, according to Peter “of Michelin-star quality”. True artists who took pleasure in their crafts, each one engaging, approachable and authentic; never pompous, overbearing or intimidating — exactly how a great culinary experience should be! Peter has been producing private and corporate events in Europe, the Middle East and the United States for the past 27 years. After all these years, Peter still enjoys conquering the specifics of each production. No matter how challenging, the Goose On The Loose Productions team “will wing it!”
About the Repertory East Playhouse: A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Repertory East Playhouse, a non-profit theatre in Old Town Newhall. The REP’s vision is to operate a world-class facility offering a wealth of professional productions for a reasonable ticket price to a regional audience, all while providing equitable compensation for artists. Their mission is to produce plays that excite the imagination and nourish the community’s passion for theatre.
