THIS TAP BEER AT PRESS 195 IS A MARVEL BY JOSHUA M. BERNSTEIN OF TIME OUT NEW YORK

July 21, 2009 - View actual article by clicking here

Like wrap sandwiches and Frappuccinos, I've considered panini a fad that's endured long past its expiration date. Due to my baseless prejudice, I've avoided Press 195 (195 Fifth Ave between Berkeley Pl and Union St, Park Slope, Brooklyn; 718-857-1950) like swine flu, and practically missed out on the best beer I've tasted in ages. Following a recent renovation, however, Press 195 started to glow in a gorgeous new light. Near the front door sits a handsome bar featuring inviting window perches overlooking Fifth Avenue, a serene, shaded patio and most importantly, six microbrew taps. I popped in one eve and unexpectedly experienced love at first sip. Yes, I changed my tune on pressed sandwiches (the homemade roasted-pork Cubano was a marvel), but I was more enamored of the beautifully bitter Landin Ales Outrage IPA ($5.50; Mon-Fri 4-7pm $3.50). The limited-release quaff is the brainstorm of relative unknown Kenny Landin, a loyal Press customer at its Bayside, Queens, branch. In his commercial debut, produced in conjunction with upstate New York's Butternuts brewery, Landin has developed an irresistible caramel-sweet brew with a snappy finish and floral hops that leaves behind a resiny bitterness long after I've polished off my pint. At least once weekly I venture to Press, take my customary window seat and order a tangle of Belgian fries and 16 ounces of copper-orange Outrage. Who knew being open-minded could taste this good? Just don't expect to see me ordering a veggie wrap anytime soon.