Did you notice that the labels were always on crooked? I do not think beer showed alcohol content then, in fact I heard it was illegal to display, but I was convinced that B IPA was way stronger than other brews, and the crooked label was evidence that the brewers were tippling. Somewhere I read a blog that quoted on of the former plant workers, who confirmed that.

Rheingold was good beer, although the brand was sold a few times, and it was eventually rendered water. The best American brew, from back in the days, was Ballantine India Pale Ale. I would drink that today if it were still made. I was told Oregon IPA was the closest thing to it, but no one in my neck of the woods carries Oregon IPA.

Your blogs are amazing! I love love reading them, and always forward them to folks who appreciate great food writing. But in a zillion years, I never expected to find Mentaiko as a subject. I discovered it in the late 80s at a place called Edo Garden. The sushi chef took some pleasure in educating me about sashimi, and would serve it as a roll (but using thinly sliced cucumber, instead of seaweed), then he would slice the roll. That is the only way I have had it. When I ask have asked at other sushi bars they just laugh. That sushi chef opened Sushi Zen in the Theatre District. I was in the neighborhood, so I dropped in for some sashimi, which was top notch. It did not occur to me to ask for Mentaiko. I wish there was someplace near Mamaroneck, NY that made it.