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At noon on May 14, The Common Table will throw a Belgian Tea Party and take a stand against bland beer through an act of rebellion sure to stir some controversy: Owner Corey Pond and manager Jeff Fryman will dump out the bar’s last-ever keg of Stella Artois.
“This defiant act of beer protest is designed to commemorate an important beer decision
recently made,” Pond wrote in an email. “There are simply too many great beers out there to have Stella. While Stella is a fine beer, it’s just not what The Common Table is about. We’re certain there will continue to be plenty of spots for customers to have a draft Stella, but we will no longer be one of them.”
While the lager jettison is undeniably provocative, the day is more than just an occasion to mock an import that has become the go-to choice for unadventurous Uptowners. The party will also include live jazz on the patio and offer a dozen other Belgian brews including a few hard-to-find ales, with take-home matching glasses.
After the jump, the featured beers.
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On tap will be seven beers from Ommegang (which is Belgian-owned and brews Belgian-style beers, though the brewery is located in Cooperstown, New York): Hennepin, Belgian Pale Ale, Rare Vos, Witte, Gnommegang (an Ommegang and Brasserie d’Achouffe collaboration), Three Philosophers and Abbey.
From Brasserie d’Achouffe, the Common Table will pour Houblon Chouffe and La Chouffe. And the excellent Maredsous Blonde and Tripel will also be available.
“By offering guests a wide selection of quality Belgian-style beers we’re hoping to open their eyes (and mouths) to better Belgian beers and help them understand there are some great choices out there,” Pond writes.
I agree, and hope they’ll repeat the party next year with another Belgian-owned beer that has no place on the menu, even if it isn’t taking up tap space: Budweiser.
