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HAPPY FRIDAY, NEIGHBORS!!!
October 20, 2023
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This is the reception you get if you go over to the Van Eck's. | |
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We have been talking about it for the last year yet could never find the time or the right idea for a client appreciation party. Then we remembered all the beer mugs from the Oktoberfests Tammy would do in LA. SO, NO SPEECHES JUST A PARTY TO SAY THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE REFERRED US OR USED OUR SERVICES. I think we found our annual client appreciation event. BIG THANKS TO PAUL LEW, THEA SHAW FOR SOME HEAVY LIFTING TO MAKE THIS THING HAPPEN AND THE KONOCTI MASHERS FOR BRINGING THE BEER! THANK YOU TO THE LAKE COUNTY SYMPHONY WINE CLUB FOR BRINGING DA VINO. AND THANKS TO ALL OF OUR GUESTS WHO BROUGHT EATS TO SHARE SO TAMMY COULD ENJOY PARTY.
PROST!
(btw, Brian Fisher has video of the chicken dance yet will not let me have the video. If I post he threatens to release the video of me trying to make a speech while 3 sheets to the wind.)
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TODAY'S QUIZ
Nutritional facts
Everyone’s favorite “I put what into my body?” trivia game is back. We’ll give you the ingredient list for a famous food product, and you have to name it.
Dried potatoes, Vegetable oil, Corn flour, Corn starch, Rice flour, Sugars (maltodextrin), Mono- and diglycerides, Salt, Citric acid, Wheat starch.
ANSWER SOMEWHERE NEAR THE BOTTOM OF THIS NEWSLETTER.
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More than two Lake County Rotarians and its a party. Even better when you can have a great time and also raise money to support community, regional and global projects. What a raucous night at The Ripe Choice Farm hosting THE LAKE COUNTY ROTARY WINE AUCTION AND DINNER. Another first as an annual fundraiser. Huge thanks to Lake Event Design and Tammy Lipps for their help in making this event a success. In less than 2 hrs we raised $15K that will go back into helping others. Nothing commercial. All giving back. Well done Lakeport, Kelseyville, and Clearlake Rotary clubs. Thank you, Kendall Fults for the taking this event on the road.
Btw, I have some great video of our auctioneer, Jennifer Strong. Hilarious her pitch on three bottles of wine. This Rotary shindig was one for the record book.
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ANOTHER LAKE COUNTY NEXTDOOR NEIGHBOR POST. You don't see this in MB. | |
Great week to meet some politicians. Senator Mike McGuire spoke at our Lakeport Rotary Club and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry was hosted by the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Each public servant spoke positively about the issues and the new bills just signed. The big take away was that Northern CA had a seat at the table in a big way. Cecila is the Assembly Speaker Pro Tem and Senator McGuire is the Pres Pro Tem Majority speaker beginning 2024. | |
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Very interesting short run documentary on Netflix about Arnold Schwarzenegger. Check it out.
Stole these from my buddy, Sam. I'm sure he stole them from someone else.
I'm a bit nervous about my math exam.
I think my chances of passing it are 40-40.
Tests are like Girl friends:
1. Too Many Questions.
2. Difficult to Understand.
3. More Explanation is Needed.
4. Result is usually "FAIL!"
I failed my Greek Mythology exam.
It has always been my Achilles’ elbow.
I didn't know the answer to the question on the test “what is plagiarism?” So, I copied my answer from the guy next to me.
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ALMOST THERE!
"THE HAPPY FRIDAY, NEIGHBORS COLLECTION OF RECIPES, ANECDOTES & STUFF"
I have received 38 recipes from neighbors from all over! I need more dinner recipes. Some very tasty food & wonderful history. I'm shooting for a minimum of 52 recipes.
I LOVE THE FOOD RELATED POEMS I HAVE RECEIVED FOR THE COOKBOOK. PERFECT.
I would like to ask all of you HFN subscribers to send me a family recipe (ingredients & prep instructions) with a background story, and a picture. Categories include:
Nibbles & Bits
Appetizers
Salads
Entrees
Desserts
Handcrafted beverages
Text or email to me.
mark@marklipps.com
310-849-9181
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"GOOD ENOUGH"
sponsored by Pridestaff/Bloomington IL Staffing Services, Punke Racing, The Ripe Choice Farm & Catering and the Happy Friday, Neighbors!!! newsletter. EXCITED that we are now on Buzzsprout and Apple Podcasts. (All Sam's efforts. I'm riding his coattails.)
https://goodenough.buRERzzsprout.com/
SAM AND I ARE DARK THIS WEEK. STAY TUNED FOR AN INTERESTING GUEST NEXT WEEK.
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Axios Finish Line By Mike Allen and Erica Pandey and Jim VandeHei ·
1 big thing: America's love for mom-and-pops Data: Gallup.
Americans' faith in public institutions of all kinds — from the Supreme Court to Big Tech — is dwindling to historic lows, a new Gallup report shows.
- But confidence in small businesses remains relatively high.
Small businesses made a remarkable comeback after being clobbered in the early days of the pandemic.
- Even as Americans lose faith in big companies, they continue to trust the small ones.
What's happening: Small businesses, which employ nearly half of U.S. workers, have long been the backbone of the American economy — closely linked to the American dream, public radio's Marketplace notes.
- They're rarely caught in political crossfire. Politicians on both sides of the aisle support them.
🔎 Between the lines: Most institutions see a partisan divide in confidence. Republicans' confidence in organized religion (49%) exceeds that of Democrats (25%). Democrats' faith in organized labor (39%) tops that of Republicans (15%).
- Faith in small businesses crosses party lines: 64% of Democrats, 68% of Republicans and 66% of independents say they have a "fair amount" or "great deal" of confidence.
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If you have 20 acres or more of land near a sub station and flat (ideally vacant of trees, rivers, etc) there are companies interested in developing into a solar farm. Would need parcel numbers. Farm land is ideal.
Contact me if interested.
Mark Lipps 310-849-9181
"How profitable are solar farms in CA?
Is It Lucrative? There are several factors to consider when determining the profit margin of an acre of a solar plant, but generally speaking, you can earn anything between $21,250- $42,500 per acre each year. The rates can be lower or higher than this after factoring in some variables.Jul 10, 2023"
HEY, ALL. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MAKING A $1000 RIGHT TO THE BOTTOM LINE...ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS SIGN UP TO BE ONE OF MY AMBASSADORS...SEND ME A QUALIFIED REFERRAL...AND IF IT GOES TO CONTRACT WE SEND YOU A $1000 AFTER THE INSTALL.
If interested text me and I will send you the link to sign up. Easy peasy. I can work with anyone in CA...and 26 other states.
310-849-9181
If you are serious about going solar, I advise contracting ASAP.
RATES ARE GOING TO SPIRAL UP!
The best time to go solar is always NOW! Whether we're discussing the federal ITC, state incentives, utility rebates, or SRECs, the people who go solar early save the most - and earn the most - from going solar. When it comes to solar, it never pays to wait if incentives are available, and those who wait the longest miss out on the most financial benefits. Interested in solar, battery, car charger package? Email, call or text me.
mark@marklipps.com
310-849-9181
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Here is what we are currently preparing FOR DELIVERY:
Gourmet family-style meals
Brick Chicken w/House Rub
Fresh corn, baby heirloom tomatoes
blue cheese and arugula salad w/classic vinaigerette
"Sweet Ending" of the day
Serves 4 – $120
Roasted Salsa Verde Salmon
w/anchovy-caper, pine nut, cucumber
fresh herb vinaigrette
roasted rosemary fingerling potatoes
"Sweet Ending" of the day
Serves 4 – $130
Crispy Parmesan Chicken Breast
w/lemon vinaigrette
Chef Choice farmhouse salad
“Sweet Ending” of the day
Serves 4 – $120
Lemon Caper Shrimp Pasta
Served w/seasonal chef’s choice salad
"Sweet Ending" of the day
Serves 4 – $130
Family meals in a pan
Zucchini Summer Squash Casserole (vegetarian)
Fresh garden squash, fresh herbs, eggs,
cheese, crispy panko topping
Serves 6 generously $54.
Chicken Enchilada Casserole
With Salsa Verde (green sauce)
Includes sour cream and fresh cilantro-onion garnish
Serves 6 generously – $54
Picnic Salads
Summer Picnic Salad w/Smoky Shrimp
Seasonal greens, avocado, tomatoes,
hard boiled eggs, fresh corn,
applewood bacon, fresh feta
in cilantro-lime vinaigrette
Serves 4 as Entree Salad $54
Watermelon Peach Salad w/Feta** (vegetarian)
fresh watermelon, peaches, mint,
feta cheese, cucumbers,
red onion balsamic vinaigrette
garnished with edible flowers when available
Serves 4 as entree salad $54
Rainbow Farro Salad
w/Apple-tahini Vinaigrette* (vegetarian)
Farro, purple cabbage, cannelini beans,
red and orange bell peppers, broccoli
Serves 4 as entree salad $54
Thai Peanut Noodle Salad (vegetarian)
Fresh red bell peppers, purple cabbage,
shredded carrots, scallions, fresh cilantro
and roasted peanuts in a
peanut butter, sesame oil,
red curry paste sauce
with fresh lime juice
Serves 4 as an entree salad $54.
*Blue Zone Approved
**Many ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced from our farm or other local farms whenever possible.
Call (310) 962-4597 to order
All meals are prepared hot and fresh in our licensed commercial kitchen, with contact free packaging and delivery for orders of $100 or more. Ingredients are locally sourced whenever possible.
Don’t see what you are looking for? Custom orders are always welcome with enough notice and based on space and ingredient availability.
Please allow 48 hours for local ordering with delivery between 4 and 5pm or at time you prefer. Tax will be charged when order is taken. Orders are confirmed by phone ((310) 962-4597) with payment.
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REVIEWS THIS WEEK:
"Had a wonderful weekend on the farm. The pigs and dogs were so cute and they had a very fun oktoberfest fest party one of the days of our stay. Very nice wineries around too. Great stay
Thank you for everything we had such a good time. I hope we can come again in the future!"
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MERLOT GRAPES ARE HARVESTED. | |
The 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world
We polled thousands of city-dwellers and grilled local experts to rank the greatest places for fun, food, culture and community
Edited by Grace BeardWritten by Time Out editors & Time Out contributors Tuesday 17 October 2023
THE USA NEIGHBORHOODS LISTED.
Mid-City
Not far from the French Quarter – accessible via streetcar, by bike or on foot along the Lafitte Greenway – is Mid-City, which sits midway between the Mississippi River and Lake Pontchartrain. The spotlight shines on Mid-City during the annual Jazz and Heritage Festival at the Fairgrounds, but it’s a top neighbourhood any time of year. The area is home to a tight, diverse local community that bonded through having experienced extensive flooding following the 2005 levee failures and expanded with an influx of Latinx workers who helped with the rebuild. You’ll find artsy crowds and colourful houses in the Bayou St. John area, historical landmarks along Bayou Road, and centuries-old oaks in City Park. The neighbourhood, particularly along Carrollton Avenue and the surrounding blocks, boasts classic bars, restaurants, breweries and sno-ball stands. Many businesses – and families – have proudly made Mid-City their home for generations.
The perfect day Stroll around City Park and wake up with a cafe au lait and beignets at Cafe du Monde, then visit the impressive New Orleans Museum of Art and its Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. Browse local art, jewellery and gifts at Home Malone before heading to Parkway Bakery & Tavern, a must for one of the best po’boys in the city. Afterwards, rent a kayak and paddle around Bayou St. John, or pick up some Italian sweets at Angelo Brocato. Grab a pre-dinner drink at Finn McCool’s or a glass of wine at Swirl, then check out Mandina’s for traditional Creole-Italian specialities and fried seafood platters. For something a more refined, try French spot Cafe Degas. Wrap up the night with dancing and bowling at the legendary Rock ‘n Bowl. To rest your head? The charming Canal Street Inn is a longstanding gem on the Canal Streetcar line.
Plan your trip Along with Jazz Fest and Bayou Boogaloo – there’s always a festival happening in the ‘hood – the holiday season is particularly special with City Park’s Celebration in the Oaks and Lafitte Greenway’s Supernova.
Arts District Los Angeles, US Once a railway hub, Downtown LA’s Arts District has since adorned its century-plus-old buildings with vibrant murals, added sidewalk seating and made space for a surprising amount of greenery for a formerly industrial area. A little less arts and a little more luxe these past few years, the neighbourhood now beckons Angelenos for its booming craft brewery and restaurant scene. Tuck into Michelin-starred meals at Hayato, Kato and Camphor, try unexpected riffs on Korean cuisine at Yangban and indulge in two of the very best meals LA has to offer at superb siblings Bestia and Bavel. Getting here is easier than ever, with the recently reopened Metro A and E Line station only a few blocks from the neighbourhood’s closest thing to a walkable center, roughly the intersection of 3rd Street and Traction AvenueThe perfect day Fuel up with a gourmet twist on street tacos at Ditroit before admiring the art inside a former flour mill at mega gallery Hauser & Wirth. Toast to happy hour at neighbourhood hangout Everson Royce Bar, get a breezy taste of Mexico City atop LA Cha Cha Chá and then go for a joyride along the instantly-iconic new Sixth Street Viaduct. If you need to crash for the night, consider Soho Warehouse or one of the enviable Aribnbs in the areaPlan your trip Make sure your visit falls over a Sunday when Smorgasburg sets up over 90 food and shopping vendors at ROW DTLA
Fort Greene
Northwest Brooklyn's Fort Greene – bordered by the Brooklyn Navy Yard to the north, Prospect Heights to the south, and neighbors Downtown Brooklyn to the west and Clinton Hill to the east – is home to a creative nucleus of cultural landmarks, including the Brooklyn Academy of Music, The Center for Fiction and the Pratt Sculpture Park. Along its main arteries – Fulton Street, Lafayette Avenue and Dekalb Avenue – you’ll find wine bars like Place des Fêtes, great casual restaurants like Habana Outpost, local shops like Greenlight Bookstore and plenty of flea markets. Among the neighbourhood’s characteristic Brownstones, walk-ups and rowhouses, these local businesses give this historic enclave its own laidback, community-oriented vibe. Everything here is centered around the sprawling, 30-acre Fort Greene Park, which acts as a public square with regular community get-togethers, markets and sporting events. Fort Greene’s buzzy vibe is offset by its fascinating history: the area exists on the site of a former Revolutionary War fort, and its eponymous park was founded by Brooklyn-born writer Walt Whitman.
The perfect day Wake up at The Ace Hotel and pop into the Center for Fiction to peruse its bookstore and grab a coffee. Then make a beeline for the GreenMarket at Fort Greene Park and do some shopping at Green in BKLYN for eco goods and at Su'juk Fort Greene for knick-knacks and furniture. Get brunch at Café Paulette
, then make your own dainty creation at Urban Glass. Cool off with a happy hour wine glass at Place des Fêtes before dinner at Miss Ada. Finish off with a boogie at Roller Wave or a show at BAM.
Plan your trip In May every year, BAM throws Dance Africa, a full week of live performances, film screenings, festivals, dance parties, markets and bazaars that you can take full advantage of while in Fort Greene. It's the nation’s largest festival dedicated to African diasporic dance and music – don't miss it
Hyde Park
Notable for being the home of the University of Chicago and President Barack Obama, Hyde Park embodies the spirit of a small town while providing all the amenities of a bustling metropolis. You’ll find some of the city’s best restaurants, plenty of culture – from the wondrous Museum of Science and Industry to the Hyde Park Art Center – as well as world-renowned architecture designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Wander down 53rd Street to explore a variety of charming boutiques and outstanding places to eat, or spend an afternoon soaking up the beauty and splendor of Jackson Park. This multicultural neighbourhood truly fosters a sense of togetherness, exemplified by local businesses like Silver Room – a neighbourhood institution bringing the community together through art and culture.
The perfect day Start your morning with breakfast at Valois, a cafeteria-style restaurant that’s been around since 1921, before heading to Jackson Park. Highlights of the 551-acre green space include the stunning Garden of the Phoenix and Yoko Ono’s ‘Sky Landing’ installation. Follow that up with a tour of the historic Frederick C. Robie House and dinner at chef Erick Williams’ award-winning Southern restaurant, Virtue. If you need a place to crash, boutique hotel SOPHY is just a stone’s throw away.
Plan your trip Late March to early May is typically cherry blossom season in Chicago and Jackson Park, which boasts nearly 200 pink and white trees, is the best place to see the gorgeous blooms.
Coral Gables
Coral Gables is cool in a way not many places in Miami are. One of the country’s first planned communities, this ‘City Beautiful’ has a more classic glamour than that of the flashy velvet-roped spots on Miami Beach. With its impressive tree-lined boulevards and almost entirely Mediterranean Revival-style architecture, the neighbourhood is fiercely historic in a place notorious for bulldozing so many of its beautiful, time-worn landmarks. Its downtown is anchored by Miracle Mile, a manicured business district where you’ll find plenty of independent shops and some of Miami’s best restaurants – including several that recently earned nods from the Michelin Guide. Though perhaps its biggest claim to fame is being home to the University of Miami, one of the nation’s top private universities, cheekily nicknamed ‘Suntan U’ for its fancy country club vibes back in the 1940s. Soon Coral Gables will follow in the footsteps of New York’s High Line with a seven-mile cycling and recreational path, complete with public art and other amenities.
The perfect day Check in at the THesis Hotel, a modern spot where you’ll find two farm-to-table concepts helmed by acclaimed Miami chef Niven Patel. Grab a cosy, casual Cuban breakfast at Tinta y Café before perusing the well-stocked shelves at longtime purveyor Books & Books. For an action-packed happy hour, hit up the Rathskeller, UMiami’s energetic on-campus bar, before exploring the glistening grounds on foot. End your day with dinner at contemporary American restaurant Beauty & The Butcher, followed by a rooftop nightcap back at THesis’ Mamey on 3rd.
Plan your trip The Gables’ unofficial season kicks off with the iconic Biltmore Hotel’s annual New Year’s Eve ball and fireworks show. The cooler months of January through March are a great time to visit – on Saturdays, make yourself a picnic at the Coral Gables Farmers’ Market at Merrick Park.
Richmond District San Francisco, US The Richmond District, spanning 50 blocks in the northwest section of the city, is a microcosm of what makes San Francisco so special: natural beauty, rich culture, and incredible cuisine from every corner of the world. Bordered by Ocean Beach and rugged coastline, plus Presidio and Golden Gate Park (packed with world-class attractions and museums), stunning scenery and cultural experiences around here. The area is made up of two sub-neighbourhoods: Inner Richmond on the eastern edge, packed with bakeries, shops, bars and restaurants (including some of the best dim sum in the city), and Outer Richmond, closer to the beach and more residential (though Geary Boulevard and Balboa Street are both vibrant corridors). Booming with new openings, the Richmond District is one of the most exciting places to eat and play in San Francisco right now. Just don’t forget your hoodie. The perfect day Join the line of customers waiting to devour flaky croissants at Arsicault Bakery, or head to James Beard Award-nominated Breadbelly for its bright green kaya toast and creative Asian coffee drinks. Afterward, stroll along Clement Street, stopping into local favorite shops like Green Apple Books. Dim sum calls for lunch – the top spot is Dragon Beaux. Walk off the calories in Golden Gate Park before dinner at the newly opened neighbourhood hotspot Pearl 6101. End the night with a movie at the historic Balboa Theatre before crashing at your Airbnb steps from Ocean BeachPlan your trip Time a visit with one of the annual music festivals in next-door Golden Gate Park: Outside Lands takes place in August and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass arrives in September.
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YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP! | |
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There's a town in Poland where all 6000 residents live on the same street
In the Polish town of Suoszowa, all 6,000 residents live on the same street, creating a unique single-lane layout that stretches for over nine kilometers!
Locals are said to cherish the charm and atmosphere of their one-of-a-kind town, potentially giving it an endearing sense of community.
More details/photos: https://bit.ly/3KyBOC2
Family of 7 takes in elderly neighbor as honorary grandpa
Zulekha Nathoo USA TODAY
A family of seven in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is adding an unexpected new member to the brood: their elderly neighbor.
Sharaine Caraballo and her husband, Wilson, make sure that 82-year-old Paul Callahan, who lives across the street, is invited to every family dinner, cookout and holiday gathering.
"The kids run up to him like that's their grandfather," said Sharaine. "Paul is definitely a family member. He's no longer considered a neighbor."
When her family moved into the house, they weren't sure what to expect.
"Our biggest fear moving into a new neighborhood was, 'What if our neighbors don't like us?' What if, because we have a lot of kids, they make a lot of noise and we come from a big family, so what if there's any conflict with the neighbors?" said Sheraine. "We're the only Black family in our neighborhood."
She says the fear disappeared as soon as she met the neighbors, including handyman Callahan. He showed up with a ladder and offered pointers to help fix things around their newly-purchased home. After learning Callahan's wife had recently died, Sharaine's family started interacting with the widower on a regular basis.
The relationship has grown from there. Now, he spends nearly every day at the house, entertaining the kids and sharing stories about his life.
"You get many chances to talk to people. If you don't take a chance, you may miss a friend," said Callahan. "It doesn't hurt to be nice. That's the other thing, it costs you nothing, but a lot of times, you get a better return."
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THE RIPE CHOICE FARM STAY & CATERING
2550 SODA BAY ROAD
LAKEPORT, CA 95453
tmy@theripechoice.net
310-962-4597
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HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!
WE WISH EVERYONE HEALTH & HAPPINESS.
SEE YOU IN THE YARD.
LET'S TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER.
Send me local stories, pics, thoughts on issues, bragging rights with the kids or yourself, fundraisers, locally owned business highlights, anything a neighbor might be interested in hearing or learning.to
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MARK LIPPS
310-849-9181
mark@marklipps.com
CHEF TAMMY LIPPS
310-962-4597
Tammy@theripechoice.net
The Ripe Choice Catering
Theripechoice.net
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If you would like to subscribe please send me an email.
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FOR BEER GROUP GOGGLES ONLY | |
GENTS,
Tesla now sells CyberBeer, but it'll cost you
It's not cheap. But you also get some cool-looking mugs.
By Stan Schroeder
Tesla's got a new product in its online shop, and it's not an electric vehicle. It's a beer.
The Tesla CyberBeer, as it's called, is only available as a $150 "Limited Edition" set, which includes two bottles of beer, as well as two matte black ceramic beer steins. Both the mugs and the beer bottles are designed to "celebrate the angular exoskeleton" of Cybertruck, Tesla's seemingly-never-comingelectric SUV.
The beer itself is a "Helles Lager with European Noble Hops Saaz and Hallertau Mittlefruh," and Tesla says it's "accentuated by notes of herb and spice and more notable aromas of tea and citrus." As an IPA connoisseur myself, I would've preferred a different style of beer, but I've got to give kudos to Tesla for jumping on the currently quite trendy helles lager bandwagon.
The beer is only available in North America. It's brewed and bottled by California's Buzzrock Brewing Co., which does have a few decently (though not outstandingly) well-rated lagers under its belt.
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