Terminator X release party @ City Provisions

“teach the bourgeois, and rock the boulevard”–Public Enemy, 1988

It was the release party for a beer whose name was inspired by the DJ of one of the best groups in hip hop history, I mean really, where else would I be on a tuesday night? City Provisions is one of the coolest delicatessens you will find in this town. In addition to being a high quality deli featuring locally produced organic foods, they also are a catering service, and host a series of Supper Club & Farm Dinners. The mission is simple “enlighten, entertain and educate our guests” Owner Cleetus Friedman has been cooking since he was 14, he has also had a hand in some very kick ass beer collaborations. His Kirsch Von Blucher (Dunkel Cherry Weiss brewed w/ Seedling Fruit) was a component in the Flossmoor Station Kyra we raved about at Festiv-ale just last week. Tonight featured a beer we enjoyed a great deal from that epic party in West Loop – The Terminator X American Strong Ale.

Terminator X poster

Brewed with loads of Centennial hops & Black Strap Molasses this beer is bold, and lots of fun. It’s what a nice American Strong Ale should be, a balance of sweet malts & bitter hops. Greenbush Brewing Company produced this tasty treat with Cleetus at their brewery in Sawyer, Michigan. Brewmaster Scott Sullivan shared how the ideas that led to him choosing beer as a career actually began here in Chicago a few years ago in the Lawndale neighborhood. Scott and his pal Tim one day decided to make a few batches with a homebrew kit that Tim received as a gift..the rest as they say is history. They opened their doors officially in June of this year, their arsenal includes 9 year round offerings and 7 seasonal/ specialty brews.

Just moments after speaking with both Scott and Cleetus you can feel the passion that they have for their products. I really dig the City Provisions sustainability model. There is a map in the deli that highlights the source of most of their offerings. If it’s not a locally produced product, it has to be from a company that incorporates eco friendly practices. The salmon comes from an organic farm in Ireland, Stone Brewing Co; (Escondido, CA) brought a DVD and discussed in detail their commitment to the environment.

everything is made in house

Hors d’oeuvre plates with awesome samples of a smoked trout spread and st louis style bbq brisket were served at the event. City Provisions allowed everyone visiting the store to enjoy a nice four ounce sample glass of tonight’s feature beer; full size pours were available for purchase as well. It was a good night in Ravenswood, as I entered the deli I was greeted by the sounds of a song I knew instantly, but hadn’t heard all year- Black Steel in The Hour of Chaos by Public Enemy. It contains a piano sample from the classic Isaac Hayes album Hot Buttered Soul. These were two ground breaking works of art that pushed the envelope for creativity in their respective genres. This soundtrack made for a unique backdrop to hear stories being shared amongst City Provisions’ eclectic clientele.

–Nkosio

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Cleetus Friedman (third from left) (City Provisions) & Scott Sullivan (Greenbush Brewing) w the Windy City Distribution Company