(Press Release) (New York City, NY) – 508 GastroBrewery is thrilled to announce that Chris Cuzme has joined the 508 team as Brewer. Since July 2011, 508 has only served its own premium craft beers, brewed in-house, to wide acclaim. As a former President of the NYC Homebrewers’ Guild and a well-known beer educator, Cuzme’s presence at this popular West Soho spot at 508 Greenwich Street (212-2192444, www.508nyc.com) brings a fresh level of expertise to one of the few restaurants in all of Manhattan serving beer that is brewed on the premises.
Chris Cuzme began brewing in Philadelphia in 2001, and has always been an active member of and advocate for the brewing community, also serving as President of the Malted Barley Appreciation Society. He is one of the founders of the 15-barrel microbrewery Wandering Star of Pittsfield, MA, which opened in June 2011. He was also one of the organizers of the original NY Craft Beer Week.
Cuzme plans to introduce a cask program to 508 GastroBrewery, with his new stainless steel 5.4 gallon English Pin, lovingly named “Sir Caskalot”. Cask ale is naturally carbonated and is the oldest way of serving beer. He very much looks forward to filling it with the future 508 beers he envisions, such as:
* Mild Fire – English smoked mild ale
* One – single malt single hop IPA
* The Burnstein – a version of One, dry-hopped with habañeros
* Says You – French Table Saison
* James – American Brown Ale
* Parting Glass – Belgian Dubbel
* 3rd Base – Belgian Tripel
…and infinite others. As a founder of the NYC Degustation Advisory Team, Chris is especially devoted to the art of pairing food with craft beer—which makes him a natural fit for 508, whose Sunday & Monday night Beer Pairing menu has become a popular offering.
In commenting on Chris joining 508, Chef/Owner Jen Hill said, “We are absolutely delighted that Chris Cuzme has joined us as Brewer. His extensive beer knowledge combined with his level of participation in the brewing world will help us continue to develop and establish ourselves in the beer community. On a side note, it really is a treat to have his enthusiastic, creative, and hilarious personality in the brewery at 508, where he’s always equipped with his custom-made mash paddle and a beer.” For his part, Chris says, “I am warmed to have been instantly welcomed to the family of 508. I aim to brew beers with audacity and elegance. With Jen’s cooking, and Erik’s wine list, I foresee us taking 508 into a palate party of epic proportions!”
The true test of the name GastroBrewery is in a menu that rises high above pedestrian pub fare. 508 has been popular since the day it opened because of the quality and variety of its menu. Jennifer Hill’s resume includes stints at Lupa and Del Posto. She has created an irresistible, Mediterranean-American menu comprised of simple dishes with ingenious touches that make them special, reflecting her passion for flavorful simplicity. Much of the charcuterie and all pastas on the menu are house-made, and the majority of 508 GastroBrewery’s offerings include fresh produce from Long Island farms.
508 GastroBrewery lives up to its name completely. The menu is a perfect match for its superior, handcrafted beers, in flavor, quality of ingredients, creativity and execution. With Chris Cuzme in its brewery, the unique 508 GastroBrewery experience will continue to exceed the expectations of New York’s most discriminating diners and beer lovers.
