PhilaCulturati

Monday, January 11, 6 p.m.

Science on Tap: “The Origin and Evolution of Beer”

Speaker: Dr. Ernie Schuyler: Curator Emeritus of Botany, The Academy of
Natural Sciences, Philadelphia
Location: National Mechanics, 22 South 3rd St., Philadelphia

Summary of talk:
About 10,000 years ago, humans became farmers who cultivated a new kind
of barley and brewed beer from it. Some think that the desire for beer
was the driving force for cultivating grains and therefore the
foundation of civilization. Natural selection favored consumers of beer
for health reasons. It was safer to drink than contaminated water and it
had nutritional value. Over eight millennia after the invention of beer,
a major evolutionary change occurred when hops began to be used in
brewing for its bitterness, flavor, aroma, and preservative properties.
Eventually the role of yeast in fermentation became known and techniques
were devised to control the quality of the final product. Today beer
continues to evolve thanks to the efforts of creative brewers, including
many in and around Philadelphia.

Science on Tap is sponsored by a consortium of five Philadelphia
institutions: The Academy of Natural Sciences, The American
Philosophical Society, Chemical Heritage Foundation, Mütter Museum of
The College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and Wagner Free Institute of
Science.

Science on Tap is a monthly science café for anyone who is interested
in getting together with other people to discuss a range of engaging
science topics. It features a brief, informal presentation by a
scientist or other expert followed by lively conversation.

Science on Tap is held on the second Monday of every month at 6 p.m. It
is for people age 21 or older, but folks under 21 can come with a
chaperone who is older than 25.

First Person Arts’ Story Slam @ L’Etage Cabaret, 6th and Bainbridge. Doors open at 7:30, slam starts at 8:30. $8 21+.

DINNER:  Little Fish, 6th and Catharine St. Reservations recommended, 215-413-3464.

Comical, entertaining and inspiring, First Person Arts’ StorySlams blend open mic comedy with performance art. What is a ‘Story Slam?’ Much like a poetry slam, a story slam is an open competition for people to tell their stories drawn from real life occurrences, performed sans-script, in front of a live audience. Each month has a different theme such as “bad ideas,” “I think we’re alone now,” or “baggage”.

Nestled on the border of Queen’s Village and Bella Vista neighborhoods, L’Etage Cabaret is an awesome venue for these performances. Directly above Beau Monde Creperie, on the northwest corner (think: to your right if you’re walking down 6th from South St) the entrance is marked with a tile mosaic, just after the Creperie’s outdoor seating. During the StorySlam, L’Etage will be offering $4 well drinks.

Still not sure what a story slam is? Check out some of last year’s performances on YouTube:

Make a night of it! Two blocks south from L’Etage at 6th and Catharine, is one of the best, most affordable seafood restaurants you will ever find. Period. AND it’s BYOB! The aptly named Little Fish is a small restaurant run by chef/owner Mike Stollernwerk and his wife, Marilyn. The almost one-room restaurant is open to the kitchen where you can see your fresh fish being prepared to order. Stollernwerk does incredible things with mahi mahi, diver scallops, skate, even surf and turf. And don’t get caught up in just the entrees, the calamari and mussels are superb starters, side dishes are paired with their entrees to perfection (butternut squash, braised collards, sweet potatoe puree), and I’ll be drooling on my keyboard as I list the desserts…star anise creme brulee, chocolate truffle torte… [sigh].

Please do make reservations, as the small restaurant fills quickly. Open 5:30 – 10. Call 215-413-3464 for reservations.  Make sure you stop by the Wine & Spirits store at 724 South Street for libations.

Stay tuned for other places in the vicinity to visit.