The Martin House Restoration Corporation (MHRC) recently held the 5th annual Bricks & Brews event at the gardens of the Frank Lloyd Wright Darwin Martin complex. 15 craft breweries from all over the region filled glasses with golden deliciousness for a few hours. In addition, the event attracted a couple of food trucks, keeping all stomachs happy throughout the soirée.
I always knew there was a great local scene for craft breweries but this event was certainly eye opening. As these breweries are scattered around WNY it’s difficult to get to them all in one day, so this event got them all into one setting. The fact that they were all together was a beer lover’s dream! My companions and I enjoyed many of the beers that were offered.
It turns out that our favorite beers were of the summer variety. Go figure.
The “Sweet Tang” by Hamburg Brewery – A refreshing citrus lager brewed with grapefruit and lemondrop hops bursting with tang yet escapes to a soft, but crisp finish.
The “Green Tea Beer” from Pearl Street – A light golden ale. At the end of the boil, brewers throw in Tazo Zen green tea, made with lemongrass and mint. The result is an iced-tea light beer hybrid.
And the “Mango Habanero Beer” from New York Beer Project – Wheat Ale that has a very nice hint of hot pepper, with sweet wheat drinkability.
It’s abnormal for my palate to gravitate towards a fruity beer, over a more traditional IPA or lager. However, I’m certain the sweltering summer time conditions played a role in that.
Besides just the brews, there was live music and few quality silent auction items. On the way out, the Center Street food truck was the draw – I had my eyes on their Mac n Cheese from the get go. If you like bacon and super cheesy goodness, then this dish is for you. I also lathered it up with some or their signature “Smokeys Standard” sauce, Mmmm!
If you love locally brewed craft beers and mind-blowing architecture, then you should put this event series on your event list for next year. Also, keep a look out for the MHRC’s next major event, The Belt Line Bash. Giggle Water, local food, and live music will be the draw for this event being held at Larkin Square. It celebrates the life of Darwin Martin who was the first employee of the Larkin Company. Tickets are on sale now.
Martin worked as an executive of the Larkin Soap Company, and near the train depot where he arrived daily by the once-operating Buffalo Belt Line.
Click here to get a virtual tour of the Darwin Martin House Complex.
Restoration of the complex is currently in Stage #5 – the final stage (two parts). The initial stage includes upgrades in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, security, fire monitoring and suppression systems in the Martin House, according to the MHRC. At this point, the Martin House will also be hooked up to the geothermal system, which currently operates in other sections of the complex. This will allow for efficient heating and cooling, year round. An educational facility is also being built called Junior League / Buffalo News Learning Center.
Finally, the house will see major work performed on interior wood trim, plaster, and paint finishes, as well as exterior site-work. Once this stage is finished, the house will once again be as pristine as it was when it was initially built over 100 years ago. At that point, the original furnishings will be returned to the building, and the final pieces of glasswork will be installed.
All of the events that take place at The Martin House Complex serve to raise money for the restoration efforts, while opening the doors of this magnificent architectural wonder to the community, and to the world.