A two-day beer getaway may sound like just what the doctor ordered, and that’s exactly what you can have at Brouwerij West craft brewery in San Pedro-Port of Los Angeles, California. The experience is way more than throwing back a few beers while doing nothing in particular. It’s a scenic, artistic trip that will leave you with an appreciation for craft beer making.
The Red Line Trolley will take you to Brouwerij West where you can enjoy a couple of beers and a light lunch from Humberto Raygoza, a fourth-generation chorizo maker. Brouwerij West Founder and CEO Brian Mercer and President Dave Holop joined us for lunch where Raygoza, the “Chori-Man,” treated us to delicious, sausage-laced tacos, burritos and more. Feeling like a burger and a brew for lunch? At Walker’s Cafe you won’t be disappointed.
Take a leisurely walk through Crafted, at the Port of Los Angeles, and meet craft beer artisans and entrepreneurs who will gladly share their art and passion for beer and food with you. Crafted is a permanent handmade artisan marketplace that’s home to over 100 artists, crafters and food makers who display and sell unique, original merchandise.
Downtown historic Old San Pedro is perfect for multicultural cuisine, art galleries, shopping, entertainment and architecture. You can also see the Warner Grand Theater, the historic movie palace built in 1931. Visit Angel’s Gate Park and Lighthouse, the Korean Bell of Friendship, Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, and Sunken City, the remains of a neighborhood that was demolished by a natural landslide.
Catalina Kitchen seafood restaurant, an upscale bistro that serves up fresh Mediterranean fare at the nearby Terranea Resort, is a great place to have dinner. Mercer and Holop joined us again and, this time, they brought along Brouwerij West Brewmaster Jeremy Czuleger. Terranea Resort is Los Angeles’ premier oceanfront destination. An eco-friendly family resort, its gourmet dining is one of its many attractive draws and Catalina Kitchen does not disappoint.
To wrap up our Brouwerij West tour, we indulged in a delicious dinner with Chef Paul Buchanan, head of noted Long Beach caterer Primal Alchemy, and the brewery staff. Chef Buchanan prepared a tasty four-course meal and the Brouwerij staff helped us experience beer like true connoisseurs, teaching us which beers paired best with the flavors in each meal course.
Ready for your own beer vacation? Not only will Brouwerij West satisfy your palate, you’ll come away with a little more knowledge about the manufacture and taste varieties of one of our country’s favorite beverages. Cheers!
