World of Beer Coming to Crossgates Mall

From the Albany Business Review:

World of Beer, a growing franchise that serves more than 500 craft beers in a tavern-like atmosphere, is coming to Crossgates Mall in suburban Albany, New York.

World of Beer will open June 23 on the mall's lower level, across from Regal Cinemas.

Besides serving craft beers in bottles, World of Beer offers 56 beers on tap from more than 40 countries.

"We understand the Albany craft beer scene is thriving, and we hope to bring patrons the most unique and complex beers from local, domestic and international brewers," said Joe Rice, general manager.

The food menu includes many items that use beer as a key ingredient.

The business will host live entertainment Thursdays through Saturdays with no cover charge.

A staff of 60 full- and part-time employees has been hired.

World of Beer was founded in Tampa, Florida in 2007 and now has more than 54 franchises in the United States.

Oktoberfest at The Pump Station!

             It's Oktoberfest Season in the Capital Region. The Albany Pump Station will be hosting their own Oktoberfest beer dinner on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 p.m. The popular downtown restaurant will offer a five-course menu paired with Pump Station beer at $60 per person, including tax and tip.

           The evening will kick off with a Welcoming Reception featuring Beer and cheddar fondue with assorted German sausages, soft pretzels and spicy mustard. Paired with Oktoberfest Lager.

          After the reception the First Course will be served including Lentil and spaetzle soup with smoked ham hocks and a Marinated cucumber salad. Paired with Quackenbush Blonde. Following that the Second Course will offer unique foods such as Hasenpfeffer, hunter-style rabbit stew with German sausage biscuits. Paired with Hellesbock.

        The Third and Fourth Courses will delight your taste buds Jager schnitzel, seasoned breaded pork cutlet finished with pancetta mushroom cream and warm potato salad. Paired with Knickerbocker Lager.  Followed by Beer braised German short ribs with dumplings. Paired with Doppelbok.

         The Fifth and final course, Dessert, will feature fresh linzer torte with hazelnut crust, fresh raspberry filling, assorted berries and mint. Paired with Bavarian-Style Hefeweizen.

         Reservations are required (518) 447-9000. The Albany Pump Station is located behind the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center at Quackenbush Square.

Oktoberfest Wine & Beer Tasting Dinner at La Serre

La Serre will offer a special Oktoberfest Wine & Beer Tasting Dinner on Saturday, September 28 at 7 p.m. Music for this fun and unique event will be provided by local artist Franklin Micare.

Hors D’oeuvres served at the event will include Bavarian Obatzda Cheese Spread, Soft Pretzel Sticks, Black Forest Ham Stulle as well as Warsteiner Pilsner and Select Wines.

The main menu will feature Stuttgart Potato Soup, Saint M, Riesling, Sautéed Bratwurst, Weisswurst & Knockwurst,  Cucumber Salad, served with Düsseldorf Cabbage Spaten Oktoberfest.

Pork Tenderloin Schwarzer Pfeffer crust, potato pancakes, Blauer Zweigelt, Skeleton , a drink from Austria, will also be a part of the evenings menu.

Guests are welcome to wear Lederhosen to the meal.  Tickets to this event (meal included) are $80 per person. Seating is limited. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (518) 463-6056.