Beer Tasting

Mike Vitale has worked for the fabulous Brooklyn Brewery since its inception 23 years ago — back when the beer was brewed in Utica and hand-labeled in the Brooklyn brownstone of one of the founders. But it's grown and grown, and it now operates an expansive brewery in Brooklyn's red-hot Williamsburg neighborhood. Vitale's coming to town for a talk and beer tasting at the Flying Fig (2523 Market Ave.), right across the street from Cleveland's premier craft brewery, the Great Lakes Brewing Company. And like Great Lakes, Brooklyn Brewery is big on sustainability, generating all its electricity via wind power. Will there be a showdown in the middle of Market Avenue? Stop by and see. Vitale will talk about the secrets of Brooklyn Brewery's success (no heckling from you Great Lakes guys!). And oh yes: He's bringing five samples for tasting to go with munchies provided by the Fig. The talk is free; there's a minimal fee for beer tasting. Call 216-241-4243 or go to theflyingfig.com for more information. It's all part of Cleveland Beer Week, a celebration of all things brewskie, taking place at dozens and dozens of venues all around town; learn more at clevelandbeerweek.org. — Pantsios