The weather outside is frightful...

Due to the weather, Beer Kitchen and the Foundry will both be closed today, and both will reopen at 11 tomorrow for lunch. McCoy's is closed as scheduled for some minor kitchen remodeling, and should reopen on Thursday for lunch.

Unfortunately since the Foundry is closed today, Big Ass Stout Night will have to be postponed. But, you'll only have to wait a week. March 5 is the new date, still from 4-close. Just think of it as another week of aging for those stouts.

Be safe today! Stay in and have your own beer tasting from the comfort of your own homes. What beers will you be having for the snow day?

Servers in Service

This Sunday, February 24, servers at the Foundry and McCoy's will be donating a portion of their tips to benefit servers impacted by Tuesday's fire at JJ's. Your server will be wearing a button saying what percentage is going towards the fund. Get out and grab some lunch or dinner and a couple beers (or just a couple beers) for a great cause. Spread the word, share our Facebook event with your friends!!

If you're unable to make it out on Sunday but still want to help, you can donate at http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/fundraiser-for-the-employee-s-and-staff-of-jj-s-restaurant.

We hope to see everyone there supporting friends and family and our brothers and sisters in the service industry!

Take a Shift at the Foundry

Tuesday, February 19 (tomorrow!), New Belgium Beer Ranger Adam Satz will be at the Foundry to join in the fun as we tap a keg of Shift Pale Lager! If you haven't had this one, WHY NOT??!?!?! Tomorrow will be a great opportunity to have this crisp, easy-drinking lager. To sweeten the deal, you'll be able to take home a New Belgium globe, if you're there while the supplies last. The party starts at 8, so come say hello to Adam, get a beer, get a new glass to add to your collection, and have a tasty lager.

Then don't forget next Tuesday (the 26th) is the Foundry's Big Ass Stout Night! 10 big ass stouts will be tapped at 4 pm. You can get 6 oz pours if you want to try a few different ones, or full pours if you find one you love. Here's a look at what we'll have -

• Bell's Java Stout
• Bell's Expedition 
• Deschutes Abyss 2012 
• Deschutes Black Butte Porter XXIV 
• Founders Imperial Stout 
• Founders Breakfast Stout 
• Goose Island Night Stalker 
• Goose Island Bourbon County Stout 
• Goose Island Big John 
• Southern Tier Choklat

Yes yes. Price will very depending on which beer you get, but there's no charge to get in, no tickets or anything like that. Just great beers. The next two Tuesdays look to be shaping up quite nicely.

Grain vs. Grape: Round 3

Coming up on March 4, Cellar Rat's Jarrod Finn will be coming to Beer Kitchen with some wine! The popular Grain Versus Grape dinner is back, this time pitting French wines against Belgian (style) beers in a five-course showdown. Take a look at this menu -

There's a lot there, and while I'm not familiar with the specific wines, the beers are all great. There are a couple beers on the sour side, a couple maltier beers, and a very nice saison. And the food sounds like it will be fantastic. I'm looking forward to learning about the wines, and seeing how each pairing works for both the wine and the beer. And how the wine compares with the beer. And the food.

Book your spot now by coming into Beer Kitchen, or call (816) 389-4180 and make a reservation! $65 per person, or $120 for a couple. Price includes five courses, each with a wine and a beer pairing, tax, and gratuity.

Tomorrow forecast calls for a 98% chance of Grainstorm

New beers are always exciting, especially when they're from our hometown friends! Tomorrow (Tuesday [February 5]), the Foundry will be tapping the newest beer from Boulevard, a Black Rye IPA that goes by the name of Grainstorm. I tried some of a test batch at the Boulevard Taproom, and it's dang good. Come on over after work and have a glass! 

Sunny in KC now that they Rye front has passed

While you're there, check out some of the new items on the menu. I'll vouch for the carnitas tacos. They're delicious. And I've heard great things about the other items, like the zucchini fries, a turkey burger, chicken tinga tacos, and basically all of it. Try them all.

Then you might want to start thinking of excuses for missing work on February 27th, or at least coming in late, so you can fully enjoy our Big Ass Stout Night on the 26th! From 4 - close, the Foundry will have some amazing (and big) stouts on tap. Here's a taste of some of the beers that will be tapped -

Bell's Java Stout
Bell's Expedition
Deschutes Abyss 2012
Deschutes Black Butte Porter XXIV
Founders Imperial Stout
Founders Breakfast Stout
Goose Island Night Stalker
Goose Island Bourbon County Stout
Goose Island Big John
Southern Tier Choklat

YUUUUM. You'll be able to get a full or 6 oz. pour of the beers. And they're all Big Ass Stouts that will get the job done. Should be a fun night!