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Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Appalachian Brewing Company - Harrisburg

Appalachian Brewing Company Brewery and Restaurant, Harrisburg Pennsylvania © Susqueats.com 2009

In 1996 when the news was getting around town that an abandoned warehouse on North Cameron Street was being renovated into a brewery, it created quite a buzz. After all, it had been 45 years since Harrisburg could claim a brewery of its own. Due to neglect, substantial renovations were required. Upon opening in 1997 though, the 50,000 building that now housed Appalachian Brewing Company became one of the largest microbrewery/brewpubs in the country, and remains so today.

The lower level sports a large dining area as well as a large bar area. The North wall is entirely made of glass offering a full view into the brewing area. The bar features a seasonal selection of ABC's beers. Where ABC differs from many brewpubs is that they do not limit their patrons to their beers only. They allow their patrons the choices offered by a full bar as well as bottles of their competitor's beers. The bar also houses the "Mug Club" collection that offers club members special perks and discounts.

Not to be outdone by the brewers, the chefs turn out some quality grub. Here an order of Black and Bleu Pork Medallions is paired with a Trail Blaze Brown Ale. Trail Blaze is Pennsylvania's first and only Certified Organic beer.

Trail Blaze is one of eight flagship beers offered by the brewery year-round. These are accompanied by another dozen specialty beers that are released monthly and based on their seasonality.

Additionally Appalachian turns out their own Root Beer and Ginger Beer for those who want the fresh brewed flavor without the alcohol.

ABC (as the brewery is often referred to) offers a number of burgers and other sandwich options, pizzas, and a selection of hearty entrees. This Rockville Ribeye is juicy ribeye steak between two pieces of Texas garlic toast smothered with caramelized onion, mozzarella, provolone and creamy horseradish sauce. Behind it is their version of a liquid air conditioner. The perfect thirst quencher on a hot day - a pint of Water Gap Wheat.

The Sautéed Scallops offer a healthy portion of scallops on a bed of linguine that has been tossed with smoked salmon, artichoke hearts and asparagus and a garlic Parmesan tomato cream sauce.

With it is a pint of Jolly Scot Scottish Ale which lends its name from a beer made by R.H. Graupners Brewery, the last brewery in Harrisburg that had been located a block away from ABC's current location.

Like the brewery, the kitchen serves seasonal selections. This Smoked Salmon Plate is part of a special Irish Fest menu that turns St. Patrick's Day into a month long celebration. With it a Susquehanna Stoutt is ABC's own take of this Guinness-like style of beer.

In addition to the main floor, the ABC features a second level known as the Abbey Bar. The Abbey features over 50 Belgian beers in bottles and on draft in addition to their own fresh selection. The Abbey regularly features local and regional acts with no cover charge, a deck for enjoying the outdoors and pool tables. Off the Abbey is a banquet room for private functions.