Was leaving Churchill on Saturday wondering how to spend my winnings when I received a call from a friend saying he was with friends on their way to NABC. He also mentioned that there would be a "special stop" later in the night, but would not provide anymore information. Without hesitation, I directed the car toward NA and mentally prepared for my return to heaven.
At NABC we enjoyed a number of versions of the upside down pie. Had never had this creation but must say I enjoyed it very much. I usually go for thin crust pizza, but was quite happy with the deep dish, as I hadn't eaten much while at Churchill. The version I most enjoyed had onion, spinach, and bacon. Interesting, but good, very good. Alongside the pizza, I enjoyed a Beak's Best and a Community Dark (wanted to watch the ABV levels, as I did have my car with me). What I didn't notice at the time, was the fine gentleman in our party "enjoying" non-alcoholic beverages. This man was soon to become the key figure in our adventure.
So, we finish our drinks and settle the tab. I'm thinking, "Well this was the NABC trip I've been wanting to have." The other guys, though, had other plans. We hit the sidewalk out front, and I am peppered with info about this place called Sergio's. That it is "the coolest place ever" and "that I must go." I try to explain that I'm familiar with Sergio's, but the crowd's too excited to acknowledge my awareness. Calm, though, is restored and plans are made to consolidate vehicles back in Louisville.
This is where I must acknowledge that the NABC-Sergio's double is only possible with a committed designated driver. And, given that my buddy is permanently leaving town in a week, we had a participant willing to make this happen.
Sergio's wasn't exactly what I expected, but I'm not really sure what I was expecting. The bottle collection is both entertaining and overwhelming, as is the beer list and Sergio's knowledge of said beer list. I found Sergio to be as warm as he is cold - the perfect person to keep watch over such a beer list and the odd shop that is his bar. The highlight of the night had to have been Sergio admonishing us for trying to order drinks when he was taking care of "most important business." The business was filling an order for a Bud Light pitcher - good times! We enjoyed our time in the back room, listening to Sergio talk of different beers while also asking for recommendations on where he should move. We felt bad that we did not order food (as to help out on the legal side of things), but following up the NABC pizza with more food seemed a risky endeavor. Sergio was nice enough to provide us with chips and salsa as well as a friendly place to hang out. While there, I had a Hopslam and a Dogfish 90 minute - as I now had a DD, I was sending myself to hop heaven.
I'm not sure I'll do it again soon or ever (or ever have a DD willing to help out), but the NABC-Sergio's double was a hell of a time. Two "slightly out of the way" local-ish institutions that deserve more of my time and dollars. Footing the night's bill on the gambling losses of others only made the trip that much sweeter.