Brewer’s Plate…. My stomach immediately craves delicious, local fare – and my head immediately reminds me of a brutal Monday hangover.

This year’s Brewer’s Plate did NOT disappoint. Just take a lookie at some of these Sweet Chili Pork Belly Tortilla with sweet potato & goat cheese mousses, red beet mostarda with brioche toast from Victory Brewpub. (Pork dishes were quite popular this year).

We started on the ground level this year, versus heading straight to the third like we have in years past. Our friends at Cedar Point Bar & Kitchen are my favs to visit in Fishtown and always have delicious food. Their veg version of their creamed chipped beef in a porter cream sauce over toast with pickled egg & shoestring fries was deeeeelish:

Speaking of vegan, I also enjoyed Vegan Commissary‘s savory Jalapeno-Beer biscuits with cheddar & guajillo-apple salsa. They switched their South Philly dining room into a catering function & Saturday market – but their foods are a must to try regardless of your dietary preferences.

My friend Leslie Hudson tipped me off to Manatawny Still Works a while ago, but I hadn’t had a chance to venture out to Chester County to give it a try. My brother and I enjoyed their spicy whiskey and pledged to take a trip out there soon.

Since the Brewer’s Plate exemplifies the “buy fresh, buy local” movement on behalf of Fair Food, I always love seeing the decor sprinkled with flowers & whimsical decor:

Even a few of the beers get in the organic feel with labels and showcasing their new drinks. I went outside my comfort zone and discovered a new love for Lancaster Brewing Company’s Double Chocolate Milk Stout. It reminded me of being a kid again, minus the giddy drunk and being in the fancy Kimmel Center…

Of course, it wouldn’t be the Brewer’s Plate without stumbling across the Hammer of Glory and/or Ben Franklin with which to pose.

The crowd is always super-friendly and strikes up conversations easily, which is another asset in the City of Brotherly Love. I offered to send this guy his photo in exchange for handing over the Hammer of Glory but forgot to grab his email. Random dude, I hope you find this post and enjoy as much as I do!

The Brewer’s Plate has become a tradition for my brother Jeremy and me. I’m also happy to note that we tend to see a handful of “regulars” and familiar faces across the sustainability & Philadelphia community.

Readers, so tell us in the comments: Did you get to attend this event? What was your favorite part?

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Julie Hancher is Editor-in-Chief of Green Philly, sharing her expertise of all things sustainable in the city of brotherly love. She enjoys long walks in the park with local beer and greening her travels, cooking & cat, Sir Floofus Drake. View all posts by Julie Hancher