The Avenue | Food - The Independent Florida Alligator

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Ghost Chili Dawg is a test of intestinal fortitude, sanity

By BRITTANY DAVIS | July 21, 2010

The hot dog on my plate frightened me. But as I sat at Gator Dawgs on West University Avenue armed with a half gallon of milk, a loaf of bread and a box of Kleenex, I knew it was too late to back out. I was about to eat a Ghost Chili Dawg, topped with sauce from the bhut jolokia, known as the ghost pepper, the hottest in the world.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Saint Somewhere: brewed with pride, bottled with passion

By RICHARD STEHLI | July 13, 2010

Bob Sylvester’s workplace feels a little bit more like a garage project than a brewery. Despite its storage-unit looks, Tarpon Springs-based Saint Somewhere Brewery has developed a reputation throughout the 20 states to which it is distributed as a brewer of high-quality, Belgian-style beer.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Drinking 101 - Single Malt Scotch

By RICHARD STEHLI | June 9, 2010

From W.C. Fields to Ron Burgundy to Ron White, people love Scotch. There's no reason you can't, too! Wait, am I even writing about Scotch in a college newspaper? Get a hold of yourself, because if there's one thing in this world with the power to cross cultural and social boundaries, it's alcohol. So, prepare yourself to enjoy something new, and consider this your crash course in single malt Scotch whiskey.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Home brewing, a complicated but rewarding endeavor

By RICHARD STEHLI | May 26, 2010

With all sorts of extra time on your hands during Gainesville's offseason and a serious prerogative to stay indoors, why not try your hand at some new hobbies? How about making your own alcohol? Part chemistry, part cooking, part art and part drinking, home brewing is a great way to pass those extra hours of summer daylight.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Drink to American craft beer

By RICHARD STEHLI | May 19, 2010

Frost your glasses and grab your bottle opener because this is American Craft Beer Week. Let’s take a few minutes and give thanks for the goodness of craft beer in the USA.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

What to drink this summer

By Richard O. Stehli | May 12, 2010

Summer is here, and hot temperatures and light course loads translate into plenty of time and reason to drink a nice, refreshing beer. Here are your top picks for summer 2010.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Mixing liquor and beer makes explosion

By Richard O. Stehli | Apr. 14, 2010

When you finish your final tests and papers, it’s important to start your end-of-semester celebration the right way. Start it off with bombs. Bombs are an easy way to take simple ingredients, most of which you already have, and transform them into an exciting, entertaining drink.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Brunchers get two-in-one meal at restaurant variety

By GABRIELLE FALCONEIRI | Apr. 14, 2010

Brunch is back, baby. No longer reserved for bourgeoisie and soccer moms, this two-in-one meal unites the sweetness of breakfast with the substance of lunch. Whether you’re getting the family together or dragging yourself out of bed after a Midtown rage-fest, brunch will satisfy all your dietary needs.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Course takes scholarly apporach to alcohol geography

By Richard O. Stehli | Mar. 31, 2010

In the next few days, most of us will be poring over course schedules, desperately trying to find classes that aren't too difficult but still can convince our parents that we are learning things. If you have and interest in alcohol and find yourself with a few free credit hours, look into GEO3803, The Geography of Alcohol.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Festival brings worldy beers

By Richard O. Stehli | Mar. 24, 2010

Take it from me: There is no better way to spend a weekend than drinking good beer and eating free food. If these activities are relevant to your interests, look no further than The Greater Gator Beer Festival. This Saturday, for the price of admission, you get ample helpings of food from local restaurants, premium entertainment, and most importantly - unlimited beer samples from across the country and around the world.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Spring brings new beer

By Richard O. Stehli | Mar. 17, 2010

With the first day of spring on Saturday, it’s time to trade in your heavy, warming stouts and porters for lighter, crisper spring fare. Here are a few suggestions for what you can drink as the days get longer:

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Take a look inside, it’s a party in a box

By Richard O. Stehli | Feb. 24, 2010

There is no way to pack so much excitement into a single beer purchase as with a brewery sampler pack. Featuring four to six different beers, usually spanning the entire spectrum from light to dark, a 12-pack of beer and a handful of friends can quickly become your very own beer-tasting party.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Best burger for your buck

By DREW WATKINS | Feb. 24, 2010

Drew: Find yourself hungry on the weekend? Then stay the hell away from Mac’s Drive Thru, ‘cause it ain’t open. These two critics learned that the hard way, but that’s one of the few flaws of this classic Gainesville eatery.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

"Berry Bowl" Dessert

By SHAYNA BROUKER | Feb. 24, 2010

Ingredients:

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Crash diets, over-exercising won’t get you a beach bod

By ALLISON BANKO | Feb. 17, 2010

We hate to burst your fried-chicken-eating bubble, but Spring Break is a little less than three weeks away, and it is taking no prisoners. It will soon be time to show your friends from home that your college’s football team is not only better than theirs is, but your body is also way more bangin’.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Gone with The Wine

By Richard O. Stehli | Feb. 17, 2010

Usually, there is nothing more annoying than public broadcasting stations trying to raise money. Instead of Car Talk kicking off your Saturday morning, you have the pledge drive.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Wining and dining for everyone

By GABRIELLE FALCONIERI | Feb. 10, 2010

The hipster couple: The Top. The kitschy design and eclectic menu shine at this downtown staple with options from pest gnocchi to deep-fried corn nuggets. 352-337-1188

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Say cheers, what bubbly to buy

By Richard O. Stehli | Feb. 10, 2010

Go ahead and buy the oysters and strawberries at a grocery store, but when it comes to buying the booze, go to a real wine shop. You will find better selection and lower prices. Gracey Castine, of Dorn’s Liquors, had plenty of advice to offer on the subject this Valentine’s Day.

THE AVENUE | FOOD

John and Drew on Valentine's restaurants

By John Lansing | Feb. 10, 2010

John:

THE AVENUE | FOOD

Video: Spring Break Fitness

By LANCE FULLER | Feb. 6, 2010

With Spring Break five weeks away, it’s time to hit the gym if you want that perfect bathing-suit body.