Beer enthusiast and chef, Cleetus Friedman, visited our pub on Monday, January 9, 2012 to brew a collaboration beer with NHB brewer, Brandon MacClaren. Originally from Baltimore, Cleetus attended the University of Maryland before moving to Chicago in 1995. Happily married and a father of twins, Cleetus comes from a culinary background. “I have worked as a chef for most of my adult life. I will always have a passion for great food!”
In 2008, Friedman started City provisions as a catering company, and by 2010, Cleetus had opened the City Provisions Delicatessen. Focused on local produce, farmers and artisans, City Provisions features coffee, pastries, quiche, deli salads, charcuterie, and raw meat. Sounds great, right? But what does all of this have to do with beer? As we mentioned earlier, Cleetus is a huge fan of craft beer. Along with miscellaneous grocery items and gourmet candy, City Provisions features a wide selection of beer, wine and spirits to go. In addition, they have three rotating taps at the 28 seat deli.
“We try to source our produce from local farmers within 250 miles of our deli,” says Cleetus. ” I’ve always been an advocate for supporting fair trade and local artisans.” Cleetus plans to continue collaboration brews once a month with other breweries, and already has brew days scheduled through May. Farm dinners are another way Cleetus bonds with fellow beer enthusiasts. “We gather a group of craft beer lovers, take a bus to a featured farm where we enjoy a tour, different craft brews, great food and great conversation.” Farm dinners end with a five course beer dinner and a bonfire.
The collaboration brew is a chocolate malted milk stout and you can expect to see it on tap at City Provisions as well as New Holland Brewing Co. Restaurant and Pub in mid-february. Stay tuned for details on the City Provisions release party!
Thanks for brewing with us, Cleetus!
