Special Event, Special Cause--and Maybe Special Pics?
Brian Cruikshank, the owner of the popular Station Bar and Grill in Garwood, is a guy who seems to have the Christmas spirit all year round. That is evidenced by how many special fundraisers and causes he supports through his establishment, all the while offering fabulous food and a beer list worthy of a beer nut's time and money.
He has regular tap takeovers, too, and last night's was the Cape May Brewing Company. CMBC has made--and continues to make--its mark on the Jersey Beer scene by making beers that are very popular with Jersey beer nuts. From Coastal Evacuation to King Porter Stomp to Devil's Reach to Cranberry Bog to a Cream Ale called "Ties the Room Together," the company's beer offerings have something for every palate and occasion.
There are so many from which to choose on the brewer's website, and one looks better than the next. So don't be surprised if you're scrolling for a while. The PubScout's Christmas wish is that CMBC brings back Triple Wreck, but, alas, I don't see where that's in the plans.
Cruikshank's beer menu is stacked as well. In fact, if you can't find a beer on his list that you like, you should probably just drink wine--or soda. But apart from his outstanding beer list and equally good food, Brian's also all about doing the right thing. Full disclosure--he sponsored a fundraiser for my son when he was going through his kidney ordeal and had no insurance for a while. And I continue to thank him for that.
But he does others, too, and last night's was one of my favorite causes--The Special Olympics. I usually ride my MC with my buddy Alex Costa when he does his Special Olympics run in September, but this year i was out of the country for Alex's event. The Station Bar's--actually Kristen Kelly's--Special Olympics Fundraiser last night gave me and a passel of others the opportunity to not only donate to that worthy cause, but to enjoy CMBC beers, Station Bar food and the good company of the PubScout Beers and Bikers Club at the same time.
Ron, Ken, Paul, Kevin and even Steven showed up, along with Mimsy, Donna, Cody, Shylah and Shannon to help add joy and smiles to the packed event. There was some serious, though responsible, enjoyment of victual and libation, I can attest. Even though some of us (below) passed on craft beer and went a more, um, economical route.
Kristen Kelly, the supermodel who moonlights behind the Station Bar, was collecting money for the fifth straight year for the Special Olympics, which she will donate during a February Polar Bear Plunge. She promised to send before and after swimsuit pictures (exclusively to The PubScout) if he would advocate for her cause. So, naturally, I advocated. Duh.
If you're of a mind during this season of giving to help out the Special Olympics, and you wish to taste some solid CMBC beers (among many others), there's still time for you to pay a visit to Kristen at The Station. Tell her The PubScout sent you. Then run like hell.
And while you're there, give Brian Cruikshank a pat on the back.
For giving back.
Cheers!
The PubScout--since 1996
As always, feel free to share and steal the pics. There will be more pics of the event shortly in The PubScout's Gallery.
