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The Seed: A Living Beer Project

Bhavna and I bid farewell to the fun weekend at Cape May and set Apple Maps to route us home with one additional stop at The Seed in Atlantic City. The drive from Cape May was uninteresting and uneventful. We arrived in Atlantic City, and the Apple Maps app navigated us through mostly empty city streets.

The brewery is next to Westecunk Axe Throwing in a windowless brick building on Baltic Ave in a residential neighbourhood. The homes appeared to be a mixture of new modern townhouses and old row homes. The brewery’s location initially seemed peculiar, given its reputation. However, I've learned that great things often come from unexpected places. Curious and excited, I parked the car.

Arriving a tad too early, I patiently waited in my car, eagerly glancing at the entrance of The Seed. The anticipation grew with each minute, like the bubbling excitement before taking the first sip of a perfectly chilled brew. Finally, the time came, and we hopped out of the car and stepped through the entrance, a small door on the side of the building.

The Seed Taproom · Sunday 16 April 2023 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR

Upon entering, I was struck by the taproom's industrial aesthetic. It exuded a unique charm that perfectly complemented the atmosphere of the brewery. Bhavna and I were the first and only people there at that moment. It felt like a private tasting experience, a rare opportunity to chat up the cicerone.

Engaging in conversation with the friendly cicerone, I discovered their passion for beer was as vibrant as their crafted flavours. We delved into the intricacies of the brewer’s creations, discussing the unique qualities that set them apart. What caught my attention was their collaboration with our local brewery, Troon Brewing. This collaboration showcased their dedication to pushing boundaries and creating unique beers.

We learned that the brewer at The Seed had a penchant for experimentation. Each sip carried the essence of their creativity and dedication, leaving me craving more.

After presenting the beer flight, the cicerone opened the garage door on the side of the building exposing the far side of the tap room and letting in more light.

Since we still had to drive home, Bhavna and I shared a flight. We had the Tangerines And String Quartets a pale ale dry hopped with Citra and Sabro. It was super juicy and delicious. We also had the Home Going, a double IPA brewed in collaboration with Fidens Brewing in Colonie, New York and dry hopped with Nelson CGX, Strata, and Amarillo. Next was Cozy Up, an English-inspired dark mild brewed in collaboration with Forest and Main in Ambler, PA. Bhavna and I toured Forest and Main several years ago. We followed that with The Ever Thinking Mind, an IPA brewed with oats from Rabbit Hill Farms in Shiloh, New Jersey, and dry hopped with bright, punchy New Zealand hops.

A few more people entered, and we lost the attention of the cicerone, who was now busy serving patrons. I met a friendly couple and got into a lively conversation about beer styles, our favourite breweries in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. We discussed our early beer experiences and how we started drinking craft beer. The commodore and willingness to share are one of the things I love about beer enthusiasts.

What is The Seed: A Living Beer Project? It’s a brewery project exploring the fantastic combination of indigenous ingredients, local agriculture, and fermentation. They’re always playing around with new ideas and trying to find the perfect balance between art and science, but what drives them is nature’s infinite variability. From the tiniest differences in wheat harvests to the incredible range of flavours and aromas that different microbes can create, there’s always something new and exciting to discover. They’re so passionate about this project, and it shows in the fantastic stories they tell through their beers.

I can't help but reiterate the significance of this living beer project. The title speaks volumes about their commitment to cultivating unique and dynamic brews. The Seed is more than just a brewery; it embodies artistry, passion, and innovation.

Before we left, I purchased a four-pack of After Winter, a Kellerpils brewed Rabbit Hill Farm malt with fresh Cascade hops and marigold blossoms.

I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have visited The Seed and witnessed their craft firsthand. I eagerly look forward to returning to this brewery in the future. If you're a fellow beer lover, I highly recommend venturing into The Seed and discovering its magic. If you’re into craft beer, you need to check them out!

A Weekend in Lewes, Delaware

Matt and Jean are renting a home until the construction of their new home in Lewes is completed. Last summer, they invited us to Lewes for a relaxing weekend getaway and to show us their new home town.

Jean and Matt recently moved from Montgomery Township to Lewes, Delaware, to build their dream home. Lewes is a coastal city, with a rich history and an abundance of attractions and beaches. It is for these empty nesters the perfect location to start their next chapter of life. They are excited to put down roots in this community and become a part of its culture. They are renting a home until the construction of their new home is completed, and last summer, they invited us to Lewes for a relaxing weekend getaway and to show us their new home town.

Saturday 16 July 2022 · Minolta XD-11 · MD ROKKOR-X 45mm F2

Lewes is a charming coastal city in the mid-Atlantic state of Delaware. It is known for its rich history dating back to the colonial era. Before Europeans settled in Delaware, the area was home to the Lenni Lenape (also known as Delaware), Susquehanna, Nanticoke, and other first nation cultures. With a history dating back to 1631, it is not surprising to find many homes in Lewes of historical and architectural interest. Lewes is a popular tourist destination attracting visitors to its historical landmarks, Victorian-style homes, beautiful beaches, and seafood restaurants. The city is on Delaware Bay which offers various water activities like fishing, boating, and kayaking. Lewes is also home to the historic Lewes Lightship, a museum ship that reminds us of the city's maritime heritage.

Lewes is direct across Delaware Bay from Cape May, New Jersey. There is no bridge or tunnel between the two coastal towns. A ferry service between Lewes and Cape May is the only form of transportation for those who want to cross Delaware Bay. The ferry provides a convenient way to travel between the two destinations, with frequent daily departures and arrivals eliminating the need to drive around the bay or take a longer route. Our original plan was to stay in Cape May Friday night, enjoy dinner on the waterfront, and then take our car onto the ferry Saturday morning. The ferry would have offered us a scenic and historic journey across the bay, offering gorgeous views of the coast and the surrounding waterways. But when I learned that it would add two hours to our trip, we decided to drive through Philadephia. That was a mistake.

We left our home in New Jersey on Saturday morning, arriving in the early afternoon, a bit later than planned. We encountered what we later learned was the weekend Delaware and Maryland shore traffic. Matt and Jean had prepared a delicious meal to enjoy on their backyard patio. We chatted for awhile about their move to Lewes and the people they had met. Bhvna and I learned how to manoeuvre around their two large dogs, who didn't seem too keen on having visitors.

After lunch, Matt and Jean took us downtown to show us some of their favourite spots. I packed my digital and analogue street photography kit, my Fuji X-T3 and XF27mmF2.8 R WR lens, and my 40-year-old Minolta XD-11 loaded with Kodak Portra 160 and attached my MD Rokkor-X 45mm f/2 lens. As I've mentioned, the XF27mmF2.8 R WR lens, with its APS-C "perfect normal" field of view, is my favourite. A close second is the 35mm perfect normal MD Rokkor-X 45mm f/2.

I alternated between capturing my day with the digital or analogue camera¹. There were several historical places of interest (e.g. Zwaanendael Museum, Colonel David Hall House) on my photography shot list. Still, I wanted to be considerate of our hosts' plans for the afternoon. We didn't visit the inside of any of the historical attractions.

Old Court House, Lewes, Delaware — Old Court House · Saturday 16 July 2022 · Minolta XD-11 · MD ROKKOR-X 45mm F2

The streets of Lewes were crammed with people shopping at local boutiques, enjoying ice cream cones, and strolling the waterfront. The harbour was filled with boats of all sizes, from kayaks to yachts and speedboats, and the cries of the seagulls could be heard overhead. Matt and Jean wanted to show us Lewes Beach, so we walked across the bridge to Lewes Beach. As we crossed the bridge, I photographed the Keen Lady IV.

1812 Memorial Park, Lewes, Delaware — Saturday 16 July 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1/1800 sec,ISO 320 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR at f/7.1

Keen Lady IV, Lewes, Delaware — Saturday 16 July 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1/1900 sec,ISO 320 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR at f/8.0

The Keen Lady IV, a well-known luxury motor yacht, is docked on the Lewes side of the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal near Fisherman's Wharf. I was told that the Keen Lady IV symbolises Lewes' commitment to preserving its maritime heritage while embracing modern luxury and style. The presence of the Keen Lady IV, surrounded by historical landmarks and seafood restaurants, adds to the city's feeling of leisure and luxury.

Lewes Beach, Lewes, Delaware — Saturday 16 July 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1/1600 sec,ISO 320 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR at f/7.1

Walking east along Savannah Road, we arrived at the Bayview Avenue entrance to Lewes Beach, packed with people. It was a primarily cloudless and sunny day in July, and I think the beach was ideal for some people to enjoy the weather. The beach is surrounded by several local shops and restaurants, making it a convenient spot for a full day of fun.

Cape Henlopen Beach, Lewes, Delaware — Saturday 16 July 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1/2400 sec,ISO 320 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR at f/8.0

We then walked back to her car, and Jean drove us through Cape Henlopen State Park over to Cape Henlopen Beach. We were driving through Cape Henlopen State Park, and the road winds through lush greenery and towering trees. I saw several lookout points which must provide incredible glimpses of wildlife and nature. Jean told us that Cape Henlopen State Park offers visitors a diverse range of hiking trails. From easy, flat walks along the beach to challenging, rocky climbs through dense forests. Jean mentioned that the Seaside Nature Trail is favoured by photographers seeking to experience the park's unique coastal ecosystem. The trail winds through dunes and wetlands, providing opportunities to spot various bird species and other wildlife. As we drove along, I kept thinking, "I need to come back for a longer visit and exploration".

As we approached Cape Henlopen Beach near the end of Post Road, the scenery changed to dunes and ocean vistas. Jean parked, and we stepped out of the car to soak in the beauty of this pristine beach. The smell of saltwater and the sound of crashing waves filled the air, inviting us to go for a swim. I wanted to spend some time relaxing on the sand and enjoying a peaceful moment, but the weather was too hot for Bhavna, especially since we walked around quite a bit. We returned with Jean and Matt to shower, take a short nap, and freshen up before dinner.

Harbour Restaurant at Canal Square, Lewes, Delaware — Saturday 16 July 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 at ¹⁄₂₅₀ sec, ISO 640 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR at f/2.8

We dined near the dock at the Harbour Restaurant at Canal Square, a fine dining restaurant located on the southwestern bank of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with views of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, which runs through Canal Square. The menu featured fresh seafood, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options. The atmosphere is elegant and warm, and the staff are welcoming. I am sure the restaurant is a popular choice for special occasions, romantic dinners, and intimate gatherings. Jean and Matt are regulars.

Sunday 17 July 2022 · Minolta XD-11 · MD ROKKOR-X 45mm F2

The next day, Matt and Jean had planned something special. After breakfast, we met with Matt's sister, her husband, and some locals Matt and Jean had befriended. We started the day's adventure with a Birding By Boat scenic boat ride on Cape Water Tours for a tour along the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal. The boat left the dock, slowly moving past the docked Keen Lady IV before passing under the Savannah Road Bridge.

Lewes and Rehoboth Canal, Lewes, Delaware — Sunday 17 July 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 at 1/2200 sec,ISO 320 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR at f/8.0

The boat moved even slower as we approached a control device that helps regulate the flow of water in the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal. This device is designed to control the water level in the canal, ensuring that it remains at a safe and stable level for boats. Our captain explained that the device consists of several components, including gates, valves, and pumps, which work together to regulate water flow. The gates are opened or closed to allow water to flow in or out of the canal while the valves and pumps control the water's pressure and volume. Passing through the gate required our boat to accelerate rapidly as we passed through. Our experience captain got it through unscathed.

I wish I had known what Jean and Matt were planning for the weekend. I would have rented a super telephoto. We could see the picturesque landscapes of the historic waterway and surrounding wetlands and marshes. The canal, which runs through the heart of Delaware Bay, is a haven for a diverse range of bird species, including waterfowl, shorebirds, and migratory birds.

Our captain, Captain Madie Voshell, was also our tour guide. Her friendly and personable demeanour made the experience even more enjoyable. She provided insights and information about the history and ecology of the area. She pointed out various birds and conveyed insights into the birds' behaviour, habitats, and migration patterns. The boat ride was enjoyable, but I wish I had known. I would have rented a super telephoto. I want to come back and do this again.

The Lewes and Rehoboth Canal is lined with a mix of historical and modern waterfront homes, each with its unique character and style, offering a glimpse into the lifestyle of the people of the Delaware coast. I assume that, like Princeton, many homes have been passed down through generations and have been well-maintained, preserving their classic architectural styles and vintage charm. Some homes have been updated with modern amenities, while others retain their original details, such as shingle siding, wraparound porches, and stained glass windows.

Bhavna and I talked about what it must be like living along the canal surrounded by lush greenery with scenic views of the wetlands and marshes, creating a peaceful and serene environment. Many homes have private docks and boathouses, allowing residents to enjoy the water and all it offers.

Our tour took us down to the area near the Henlopen Acres Marina on the border with Rehoboth. Our captain turned the boat around, and we got to experience the canal for a second time.

Bhavna and I want to go back to Lewes at some point. While driving around, we saw several condos that may be available for early and late summer rentals on Airbnb. Bhavna doesn't like being outdoors in the summer heat.

After our boat ride, we walked to Irish Eyes Pub & Restaurant for lunch. We sat outside despite the heat, enjoying conversation and the sounds of the gulls overhead.

Irish Eyes Restaurant, Lewes, Delaware — Sunday 17 July 2022 · Minolta XD-11 · MD ROKKOR-X 45mm F2

We would have stayed into the evening, but I ran into an urgent medical challenge. I had miscalculated the amount of insulin I would need for the weekend. The cartridge in my "t:slim" insulin pump was nearly empty, and I estimated I would run out of insulin in a few hours. I explained the situation to Matt and Jean, and we hurriedly packed our things and left for home. Bhavna drove as fast as possible, but the insulin cartridge was empty before we were halfway home. My blood sugar started to spike, but luckily we made it home before it entered dangerous territory.

The X-T3 made sharper and more colour-accurate photographs than the analogue kit. ?

Cocky Little Asian Guy and Small City Taphouse

We visited CLAG, a brewery that I think is one of the best in Ohio.

On our first night in Sandusky, when the owners of Sandusky Wine Merchant found out that Bhavna and I were craft ale fans, they recommended we visit [CLAG Brewing]. There is another brewer within easy walking distance of the hotel, but Alana and Kevin were adamant that CLAG was the one to visit.

CLAG, Sandusky, Ohio — Friday 2 September 2022 · FujiFilm X-T3 · XF27mmF2.8 R WR

I met a short Asian man outside the brewery just as we entered the building. I told him that he looked like the owner's photograph on the website. I asked if that was him. He gave a vague answer, and our conversation continued until we got to the taproom, where Emilia, our taproom attendant, confirmed that the man I met at the entrance was indeed the owner.

CLAG, an acronym for Cocky Little Asian Guy, is owned by the same family that owns Small City Taphouse, one of Ohio's premier craft beer bars. The owner, Kha Bui, and his business partners, including his brother An Bui, invested about $1.2 million to start Clag Brewing Co. on Columbus Avenue. Kha’s brother, An, owns The Answer Brewpub in Richmond, Virginia. The Answer Brewpub is a 2018 James Beard Foundation Awards Semifinalist. The Bui family has a history of creating popular eateries and pubs. The Buis are natives of Vietnam who have lived in the USA since the 1980s.

We are used to the small spaces of many micro-craft breweries in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, usually located in former industrial sections of old towns or restored barns on historic farm properties. The size of the space is enormous. The brewery and taproom are in one building, and the restaurant, the Small City Taphouse, is in the adjacent building.

The beer is excellent and is the best beer I’ve had in Ohio, although, to be truthful, I have not had a lot of beer from Ohio’s breweries. I was told that Dong is pronounced just as we would that vulgar word in English. Few brewery owners put their faces or likeness on their beer labels, but Kha is a brewery owner like no other. Kha continues with his tongue-in-cheek nature in the names of his IPAs, among them One Million Dong, Two Million Dong, Three Million Dong, and One Floppy Dong, with a caricature of his face on each label. We also tried his Hoppy No Ending, Juicy Bui and Yellow Moon ales.

Kha isn’t the only Bui to grace a CLAG beer label. Kha’s parents have their beers named after them: Mama Bui triple IPA and Papa Bui double IPA. We didn’t try these beers. While both have been available on tap dating back to CLAG’s grand opening, Mama Bui and Papa Bui are now released in cans once a year on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, respectively.

We spent the rest of the night at the bar, hanging out with Kha and some of his friends, staying hours after the taproom had officially closed. Kha told about how he opened the Small City Taphouse and then, inspired by his brother’s success in Richmond, bought the adjacent building, and knocked out a space in the wall between them to connect his brewery and tap room to the restaurant. Kha has plans to renovate the top floors of the building to create a boutique hotel.

It was a very late night, and perhaps because the conversations were so enjoyable, I didn’t take any photographs of the restaurant space in the Small City Taphouse. But we returned the next day for an early dinner. The photos I took of the tap room don’t quite show the enormity of the space, nor does it include the hundreds of bottles of spirits that line the wall from top to bottom.

I found the menu at Small City Taphouse overwhelming, full of succulent and authentic Asian cuisine, which features something for just about anyone. I wanted something with intense flavour. Our server suggests the Spicy Lemongrass Sauce with Onion and Pork. It was delicious.

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