Broken Compass will close today from 3:30-6:30 p.m. in celebration of the mighty Ullr. Check us out at the parade in our Viking ship float that Ford captaining in full Ullr attire!
Some potlucks just taste different.
That was the case Monday night, as the 12th edition of MNPs delivered a truly special spectacle to eaters in attendance.
In what was the most tense, tight food fight to date, potluck veterans Kathy (and Brian) Munger, Rick (and Maria) Galgas and Ben Redner (shout out to Nancy too) battled it out for the top spot.
Rick's Jersey Chili With Corn Bread broke out to a commanding early lead, convincing the committee (of one...me) that they had all but wrapped up first place. The Redner's Broken Compass Chili Pepper Pale Ale Sloppy Joes (BCCPPASJ) hung tough, however, refusing to back down in the battle of foods that, quite simply, were made for cold winter nights.
Occupied as they were in their battle of heartiness, neither Jersey Chili and BCCPPASJ saw Kathy Munger's Caramel Espresso Bars coming. In the true manner of desserts, Caramel Espresso Bars made a massive late push. Its insanely delicious, sweet, caramelly middle made a huge impression on voters (It's hard to put into writing how truly scrumptious these bars were. Imagine biting into something slightly crunchy and coffeeey (shut up, that's a word), which slowly transitions into a soft, creamy, caramel center).
When the smoke cleared, Caramel Espresso Bars stood atop the MNP podium, squeaking out a victory with 37 points over second-place Jersey Chili (34 points) and BCCPPASJ (31).
"We witnessed history here tonight," said basically everyone in attendance. "Three juggernauts at the top of there cooking game going head to head...it's not something you see every day. Everything I put into my mouth for the next week is going to pale by comparison."
The spectacular battle for the top three spots overshadowed what was one of the deepest fields in MNP history. A delicious Mexican food contingent arrived in the form of Beef Enchiladas, 5-Layer Dip and Mexican Madness, while Kielbasa and Inari Zushi made sure North America wasn't the only continent represented.
The victory was the Mungers second straight MNP win, a feat not seen since the early stages of the event (when the competition was significantly less tough). The Galgas's, for their part, continued to collect hardware (aka beer), with their third second-place finish (to go along with one third)
The food bar for 2015 has been set high, thanks to all of these fine potluckers and their delicious dishes:
Alison/Angelina - Kielbasa
Kathy Munger - Caramel Espresso Bars (1st Place)
Same Heindel - Cheesy Potatoes
Diane Ahern - Inari Zushi (google it, these are awesome)
Alli Ellwood - Gingerbread Cookies
Ben Redner - Broken Compass Chili Pepper Pale Ale Sloppy Joes (3rd Place)
Rick Galgas - Jersey Chili With Corn Bread (2nd Place)
Warren Rixon - Pretzels And Spicy Mustard Sauce
Genia and Ike - Mexican Madness! (Mexican casserole)
Alex and Grant - Taste of Michigindid (I swear that's how it was spelled on the sign in sheet. Not that Grant is known for his accurate spelling...chili with two Ls anyone?)
Mason Kelley - Beef Enchiladas
Arjun - 5-Layer Dip
Brewmaster Ford - Guacamole (he's not just a wizard at making beer!)
Thanks again to everyone for coming out. Monday Night Potlucks will continue next week, Jan. 19, at 7 p.m., hope to see you all there!
(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)
From left to write, Brian and Kathy Munger and Rick and Maria Galgas
Shout out to Grant for his ever entertaining, no-longer-anonymous voting ballots. Here's his latest
The first Monday Night Potluck of 2015 kicked off with a bang, as various foods struggled against each other to stake their claim as the most delicious food of 2015.
And if 2014 was the Year of Bacon, it didn't take long for bacon's cousin, Pulled Pork, to take the driver's seat early in 2015. In a week rife with parity, Brian Munger's Pulled Pork Sandwiches held off the other contenders, eventually running away with a victory with 40 points. Two pasta dishes, Matt and Arielle's Brat Pasta and Dave Johnston's Lasagna, put up 25 points to tie for second place, while the 2014 favorite, bacon, could not be denied a podium spot, as Even and Crew's Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers recorded 23 points for the third place finish.
But, on a night when it was firing on all cylinders, nothing could outshine Pulled Pork Sandwiches (who were, in this author's humble opinion, aided mightily by the assistance of Hawaiian rolls. Nobody anywhere ever has disliked a Hawaiian roll. It's a fact). It was a hard-fought victory for Munger, a potluck semi-regular, and could propel him to his most successful potluck year yet.
Broken Compass would once again like to thank all the chefs and potluckers who brought food for yet another amazing potluck. Here are all the awesome people and the dish they brought:
Isaac and Genia - Mountain Pizza (what is Mountain Pizza? I still really don't know. Just know that it's delicious)
Cindy and Andy - Bella's Bacon And Beans (And Purple Potatoes)
Brian Munger - Pulled Pork (1st place)
Matt and Arielle - Brat Pasta (T-2nd)
Mike and Malia - Cornbread
Evan and Crew - Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers (3rd)
Dave - Lasagna (T-2nd) (Let's be clear, this lasagna included Italian sausage instead of plain, non-interesting ground beef. Which is how all lasagnas should always be made. I'm looking at you Mom)
Diane - Quiche - Hopefully It's Done (Diane's words, not mine)
Peter - Greenbean Casserole
Koz - Chips
Nick Shaffer and Grant - Coconut Porter Ice Cream Floats
Jay Haggerty - Chili
Thanks again to everyone for coming out. Monday Night Potlucks will continue next week, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m., hope to see you all there!
(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting around 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)
After repeatedly dominating Monday Night Potlucks, it was only fitting that at the final MNP of the 2014 season, bacon continued to reign supreme.
(But not the last potluck of 2014! Come out to our New Year's Eve potluck/dance party combo! Dress code: Breckenridge "Black Tie" aka Sequins and Sorrels. First place potlucker receives $100, second place $50 and third place $25. Dance off winners receive the love and respect of the masses. More details here: http://ow.ly/GoEDy).
On a night where attendance was held down by a wicked storm dumping almost three feet of powder on Breckenridge, Grant Robinson and Nick Last Name Unknown's Tekilya Shrooms (mushrooms, wrapped in mouth-watering bacon, dipped in a spicy "Tekilya" mustard sauce from our friends our Mountain Madness. And oh yes, I should mention again, wrapped in BACON, which is quite conveniently sizzling on my stovetop as I write this) outpaced the competition, taking first place with 33 points.
The ever-steady Rick Galgas made records and waves in potluck cirlces by reaching his third straight podium with a second place finish by Broken Compass Chili Beer Potato Cheese Soup, while Michael Cliff Cardone (he of the phenomenal, MNP-winning ribs http://ow.ly/GoICR) busted out a Broken Compass Beer Chili to take third. Both BC Beer Chili and BC Chili Beer Potato Cheese Soup put up hearty fights but could not withstand the bacon onslaught.
The real winner on the night, however, was everyone who had the fortune to witness one of the great ballots of our time. The voter, who shall remain anonymous, chose to nominate, in order:
1. Cookie
2. Shroom Shit
3. Chilli (spelled with two L's)
While writing in a style some might compare to a serial killer's. Pure, unadulterated, enjoyment. Thank you Anonymous Voter (please see attached photo for details).
Broken Compass would once again like to thank all the chefs and potluckers who braved the elements Monday night. Here are all the awesome people and the food they brought:
The Redner Bunch - Assorted Christmas Cookies
Dan Rabin - Salami And Cheese
Rick Galgas - Broken Compass Chili Beer Potato Cheese Soup (2nd)
Michael Cardone - Broken Compass Beer Chili (3rd)
Grant Robinson/Nick - Tekilya Shrooms (1st)
Tom Valentin - Latkes
Amelia/Lindsey - Cookies (which, to Amelia and Lindsey's credit, were totally unburnt this time and actually relatively delicious)
Monday Night Potlucks will be OFF this coming Monday (Dec. 29th), as potluckers near and far (including yours truly) will be celebrating the holidays with family and friends. Come party with us for our New Year's Eve potluck dance party! For those who survive, we will return to our regular MNP schedule in 2015.
(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting between 6:30 and 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)
The winners, from right to left: Nick/Grant, Rick and Mike
The infamous ballot
It's almost party time at Broken Compass!
Broken Compass will be throwing a "Sequins and Sorrels" New Year's Eve party (perhaps more commonly known as "Breckenridge Black Tie") (and while we're at it, prepare yourself for a bunch of words in this post that you don't understand. I'm not even sure what half of them are. Don't get mad, I'm just the messenger).
Starting Wednesday, Dec. 31st at 8 p.m., we'll kick off a combo Canapé potluck (told you) and dance party. For the uninitiated, canapés are a type of hors d'oeuvre (I give up). Point is, bring some awesome finger food, appetizers and desserts and the like.
As with our Monday Night Potlucks (go read the blogs! Seriously, I'll wait) first, second and third place winners will be determined by a people's choice vote. Unlike our Monday Night Potlucks, our Sequins and Sorrels potluck winners will receive $100, $50 and $25 of credit on gift cards to use as they see fit.
Winners will be announced at 12:02 a.m. on Jan. 1st as we celebrate the New Year with many cheers and beers. You must be present to claim your prize, although not necessarily awake (we have an excellent dog bed that is a prime spot for tired legs and eyes).
As for the dance party, expect to groove out to some phenomenal disco music (if you attended the disco party held in honor of our esteemed boss, Ax, you know exactly what I'm talking about), followed potentially by some classic 90s hip hop. Any and all types of dancing are encouraged, particularly the awkward kind. So break out your best moves, canapés and New Year's spirit and join us in celebrating!
Quick dog bed naps are strongly encouraged. Please drink responsibly.
This week's Monday Night Potluck blog was cancelled due to the author succumbing to a potluck-induced food coma.
Ahhh, we jest. We will say, however, that if all you phenomenal home chefs out there continue to supply such a wonderful smorgasbord each Monday evening, these fingers may soon be too fat to type.
This week's turnout was one of the best yet, with an incredible spread including 16 dishes, excellent fare all over the table. In what is becoming a highly difficult feat, Nathan Claus's (no relation) Green Chile took first place with 40 points, narrowly edging out Rick Galgas's 2 Bangers And 2 Mash Surprise (which I'm fairly certain is what the sign-in sheet said?) who finished with 35 points. Tom's delectable Coconut Porter Chocolate Fondue (still drooling about) and BK Munger's Mac N' Cheese rounded out the podium with 23 points apiece.
Faced with a multitude of excellent competitors, Green Chile blasted past them all with a combination of spice and pork (which really never can go wrong). With no bacon on the menu (please read MNP Week 7 recap for a rant about bacon), Green Chile was able to hold on to its lead despite a late push from 2 Bangers And 2 Mash Surprise (is that really what that dish was called? Come on).
"It's like Thanksgiving every week," one excited potlucker said. "Except without the turkey, I guess. Or any of the other Thanksgiving dishes. But still."
Broken Compass would once again like to thank all of those who brought food for yet another amazing potluck. Here are all the awesome people and the dish they brought:
Dog House - Doggie Style Mac N' Cheese
The Groundwaters - Christmas Salad With Walnuts
Tortilla Soup - Torilla Soup with Cotijo Cheese and Avocado
Mema's Latkes - Mema's Latke's (I'm starting to think that you guys may have misinterpreted the "Name" column of this week's sign-in sheet)
Stacey T. - Salad (leave it to the sensible person who brings a salad to correctly understand how to sign in)
The Redner Bunch - Red and Green Christmas Fettucine
Jess M. - Buter Spritz Cookies
BK Munger - Mac N' Cheese
D Munger - Choco Chip Cookies
Nathan Claus - Green Chile
Kelly Russo - Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
Grant Robinson - Pasta Carbonara
Nick Shaffer - Pad Thai
Isaac Manobla - Homemade Hummus
Tom - Coconut Porter Chocolate Fondue
Rick Galgas - 2 Bangers and 2 Mash Surprise
Monday Night Potlucks will continue next week (Dec. 22) at 6:30, with eating commencing at 7. We will be off the following week (Dec. 29). We can't wait to see what you make next!
(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting between 6:30 and 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)
There is something both satisfyingly primal and inherently right about the act of eating ribs.
It starts with the utensils needed. Which are exactly none outside of the tools you bring to the table. The tearing of tender meat from bone. The mess of sauce on both hands and face. The lack of caring about said sauce. The inevitable, "Ahh well, I suppose I'll go get another 17 napkins," upon realizing that no, those two napkins you thought would cut it are in fact only succeeding in kind of cleaning up your left hand before being rendered utterly useless by sauce. The pile of bones scattered on your plate, proof of your carnivorous conquest.
No other food can compete with the total experience offered by eating ribs (except, perhaps, for the turkey leg, which is undone almost every time by its inexplicable inferiority). No other food makes the eater push back his or her chair, stand on wobbly, meat-fattened legs and raise both sauce-covered hands to the skies while releasing a primal roar (wait...I'm the only one that does this? Well this is awkward).
These eating displays were on full display Monday night at Broken Compass, as Michael Cliff Cardone's Ribs (which could be given a longer and more descriptive title usually seen in this blog like "Dry-Rubbed For 36 Hours Then Dipped In Chocolate Coffee Stout Based BBQ Sauce Ribs" or "Gloriously Delicious Meat Sticks Descended From Heaven". You're right. We'll stick with just "Ribs") turned in a dominant Monday Night Potluck performance. Ribs's 43 points are the most ever recorded in MNP's two-month history, and came despite facing a stacked field of competitors.
Nothing could stand in the way of Ribs's destructive path to victory. Two-time MNP champion Seth Cohen's Bacon Wrapped Dates And Coconut Porter Glaze and Rick Galgas's Turkey Kielbasa And Potato Perogi With Onions, Sauerkraut And Bacon (TKAPPWOSAB) managed to keep pace with Ribs for a short time, but ultimately came up short. Bacon Wrapped Dates finished second with 32 points, while TKAPPWOSAB tallied 23 for third place (it's another testament to Ribs's dominance that it easily outpaced two dishes featuring bacon, which to this point in MNP history had served as a key ingredient in the last two victorious dishes. Bacon's track record of success even inspired a dish titled "Plain-Ass Bacon," which, in case you were wondering, was a plate stacked with bacon, served plain).
Despite being a familiar face at Broken Compass, this was Cardone's first appearance at MNP, and a successful one at that.
Broken Compass would once again like to thank all of those who brought food for another amazing potluck. Here are all the awesome people who brought food and the dish they brought:
Jess McNary - Creamy Cornbread
Seth Cohen - Bacon Wrapped Dates And Coconut Porter Glaze
Aaron Redner - Taquitos With Salsa Bean Dip
Stacey Todd - Bruschetta (which totally undersells it. This was gourmet bruschetta if I've ever seen it)
Ant - Arancini
Rick - Turkey Kielbasa And Potato Perogi With Onions, Sauerkraut And Bacon (TKAPPWOSAB)
Maria - Black Tuffle Popcorn
Hali and Shahara - Jalepeno Dip
Rachel and Lauren - Shrimp-Coconut Green Curry
Michael Cliff Cardone Jr. - Ribs
Rory Dushman - Plain-Ass Bacon
Monday Night Potlucks will continue next week (Dec. 15) at 6:30, with eating commencing at 7. We can't wait to see what you make next!
(Editor's note: Broken Compass Brewing's Monday Night Potlucks are popping off every Monday night, with eating starting between 6:30 and 7. We encourage everyone to contribute a dish every now and then, but everyone in the brewery is welcome to sample the food and vote for their favorite dishes. First place wins a 64 oz growler and fill, second place a 32 oz. growler and fill and third place a free pint. See you there!)
From left to right: Mike Cliff Cardone, Seth Cohen and Rick Galgas
Broken Compass will open tomorrow (Monday December 8th) at 3:30 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience. Monday Night Potluck will take place as usual at 7 p.m., and we will return to normal hours (11:30 a.m.) Tuesday.