Maya Pedal, Guatemala

Maya Pedal makes "bicimaquinas," machines powered by pedal, to do mechanized work without electricity. From donated bikes of all shapes and sizes are made grinders, threshers, pumps, blenders, trailers and more. I'd love to spend some time working with this crew.

 

Belgian Tripels and other beer adventures at the Blue Palms

I have developed a deep affinity for Belgian Tripels. With a tendency towards crisp, almost fruity flavors and a typical alcohol content of 8-plus percent, they are, taste-wise, something of a wine among beers. What these brews actually are, though, are strong pale ales, and can be either dark or light. Delicious, varied, and high in alcohol at 8-plus percent, they are hard to resist. Last night I had a Ladyface Trois Filles Tripel at the Blue Palms Brewhouse in Hollywood. It was so good, I had to stop myself from drinking it all at once--so it's great to learn that Ladyface is a local brewery based out in Agoura Hills. Their selection of Belgian-style ales, and barleywine, is quite alluring. A visit to the young brewery, which recently passed its' 1-year anniversary of opening, is in short order.

While my tongue yearns to seek out Tripels and other Belgian-style ales, my heart is called back to the Blue Palms for Sierra Nevada night, an evening with brewer Steve Grossman and 8 Sierra Nevada Beers on tap. I have a special place in my heart for Sierra Nevada; my first SN Pale Ale was the first "real" beer, a 21st birthday gift from a friend of true good taste. Among the brews on tap: Hoptimum Imperial and $3 pints of Pale Ale. You know where to find me tomorrow night!