I finally made it to a Gospel Bruch at the Hydraulic Hearth. After hearing about it for a year or two, I happened to join up with a few friends to catch the brunch spread, along with live music by Miller & the Other Sinners (not your traditional gospel music). Upon arriving to the beer garden, we immediately gathered that the event was sold out. Looking around, there was quite the crowd on hand, and people were already in line to taste test Chef Steve Gedra’s brunch fare.
Instead of hopping up out of our seats immediately, we figured that we would take our time, listen to the music, have a drink, and wait for the line to die down. We should have known better. The line never died down, so eventually we joined the fray. Once in line, it actually moved pretty quickly.
In the end, my wife liked the zucchini with tomato sauce and the beans. I thought that the slaw was really good. I also fell for the refrigerator pickles. Other items that we waded through while in line were the braised local greens, biscuits with currant jam, grits, and of course the T-Meadow pig roast. A couple of friends who sat with us got the best of the barbecue – they managed to hit the line just as fresh cuts were being sliced, which they raved about. My wife and I got the end of a platter, which was not nearly as thrilling, so we concentrated on the sides – sometimes it’s all about the timing with these things. All in all, the best part was that there was truly something for everyone to enjoy, and the music was quite good, although a bit loud at times.
“Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, it’s easy to enjoy a summer Sunday in our beer garden with great local food and gospel music,” said Hydraulic Hearth proprietor Harry Zemsky. “All are welcome.”
A few of my favorite bartenders were behind the pine at The HH, so we were happy with all of our beverages that flowed for the two hour duration. The beer garden satellite bar is quick and convenient, especially because it features its own tap system (always tapped with crowd favorite CBW – made in-house). While there is no bad seat in the house, a couple of patio umbrellas would be nice. As much as I’m all for full sun during brunch, this summer was a real doozie heat-wise. Next time I’m going to bring a bandana to wrap around my neck, or a straw hat.
There is the last Gospel Bruch this summer. Black Sheep’s Steve Gedra will be back with a new menu, and one of my favorite Buffalo bands will be in full swing – Vin DeRosa and Vitamin D (although not exactly gospel). This is one Beer Garden Gospel Brunch that you will not want to miss!
Beer Garden Gospel Brunch offers two seatings of Chef Gedra‘s T-Meadow pig roast and seasonal sides served alongside live music by Vin DeRosa and Vitamin D. The Hydraulic Hearth bar will serve brunch drink staples such as bloody mary, mimosa, and the local favorite beermosa, with a portion of bar sales donated to the nearby St. Patrick’s Friary food pantry.
Beer Garden Gospel Brunch
Featuring Vin DeRosa and Vitamin D (special guest ToneyRhodes88)
Sunday, August 21, 2016 | 12pm + 2pm | Facebook event
$25 early bird purchase, and $30 regular ticket price | Click here for tix
Hydraulic Hearth – 716 Swan Street, Buffalo, NY 14210 – Larkinville