The Beer Traveller

After numerous wrong turns & a call to verify location, we finally happened upon the 5 Seasons. It was tucked back behind a bunch of construction fences next to a Target that was still being built. Upon entry, the salt water aquarium was a good indication that we had finally found quality.  Inside was very well done; not quite as historical as some of the other establishments, but still containing lots of wood & exposed wooden beams.
As Gwen was already pretty saucey, Zach had to drive, & I still had to work (i.e. drink beer), we only ordered 1 sampler.
Gwen & zach also ordered some Rice Balls & edamame, both of which were delicious.  In regards to beer, this was the best in the city.  They also probably had more Exceptionals than any other brewery I’ve been to. Those falling into this ranking included the Big Blonde Hefeweizen, Big “O” English Strong Ale, Spiny Norman IPA, & Imperial Coffee Stout.  Both the Seven Sisters Munchner & West Mahl Tripple received a Likable, while Bob’s Knarly Barley Wine received a Drinkable but may have been an Undrinkable had it been earlier in the night.
We met a nice Italian guy at the table next to us. His wife & the couple they were with left 1/2 bottle of wine behind; Gwen quickly commandeered this as her own.  Glad she didn’t get her own beer b/c she polished off that wine like it was nobody’s business.
We made our way from the dining area to the bar area to watch Michael Phelp’s last race.  By this time I was pretty happy but needed an IPA to get me through the race.  After the race we were getting ready to leave when Dennis came up to question my beer drinking credentials.  Turns out he just wanted to share some back of the house brew.  Turns out Dennis as well as several of the other staff/patrons we met that night were all from the North.  Apparently this isn’t much of a surprise when it comes to Atlanta.
Between Dennis, Philip, & Shawn we learned a great many things.  These included the phrase “Bless your Heart” in the south really means “Go Fuck Yourself”; the definitions of Gorilla Mash, Superman Ho, & Donkey Punch; & the making of homemade budweiser.  The recipe for this is 60% lightest beer (think golden style) combined w/ 40% soda water.  Our resident bud drinker concurred that this indeed tasted like budweiser.  Appears that Annheuser-Busch is screwing 40% of beer drinkers.
Rachel, the writer, also soon joined us.  She too questioned my credentials, writing this time.  She wanted to give me a taste of what a true writer could do & proceeded to steal my notebook.  She than made her way to the ladies room where she was gone for some time.  After reading her entry, it was obvious what she had had a rough meal.
We than joined Dennis & crew in the ‘after hours’ room next door.  This is where we proceeded to move into that stage of what really happened.  It was time for us to go.
The way home consisted of me passing out, a stop @ Taco Bell for food that none of us needed, & a stop by the cops.  Gwen & I were actually smart enough to keep our mouths shut & Zach escaped yet another ticket.
If your looking for great food & better beer, than this is the place to go.  I want to extend a special thanks to Dennis & crew for your fabulous hospitality & Northern in-your-face humor.  Although it’s unneeded, I wish you the best of luck with the restaurants.