ASTORIA — A beer battle is brewing in Astoria.
With the number of homebrewers in the neighborhood growing, a local restaurant got into the Oktoberfest spirit by organizing a contest that will crown the best locally brewed suds.
During “Just Brew It Astoria,” a competition to be held this Sunday at the Mexican restaurant Pachanga Patterson on 31st Avenue, local homebrewers will have a chance to showcase their best frothy concoctions.
“We realized that there is an interest in homebrewing and thought it would be fun to organize this kind of event,” said Leo Sacco, the restaurant’s ower.
Sacco hopes it will become an annual tradition.
“We hope this event will encourage even more Astoria residents to try homebrewing,” he added, noting that homebrewers from other neighborhoods are also welcome to participate.
Homebrewing has recently been gaining popularity in Astoria. Local enthusiasts formed the Brewstoria beer club, whose 40-some members gather regularly at 5 Napkin Burger to discuss their brewing experiences.
“Just Brew It Astoria” will be held in the restaurant’s backyard with approximately 10 to 15 homebrewers participating, organizers said.
Attendees will sample each beer and vote for their favorite based on aroma, appearance, taste and overall impression. The winner will receive a $500 cash prize.
The entrance fee for homebrewers is $25. Tickets for attendees cost $40 and include a choice of either tacos from the restaurant’s menu or hot dogs.
Pachanga Patterson is located at 33–17 31st Ave. “Just Brew It Astoria” will be held on Sunday, Oct. 14, from 12 to 4 p.m. For more information, go to: www.pachangapatterson.com.
