After nearly a month off of podcasting, the boys are back and better than ever! Adam is now a married man, and was it a cloud nine experience. Mason was of course at the wedding, but this podcast is not so much about the wedding itself. This podcast is all about their food and beverage adventures in Spain and Portugal. Hear about their favorite dining experiences and their favorite Spanish libations, and what their favorite memory was during their trip!

The next podcast will be an absolute cluster f***, as our goal is to have as many people on the podcast as we possibly can to dive into Adam & Olivia's wedding day.

Question of the Day: Where has been your favorite vacation spot and why?

And finally, a word from our sponsor: Who’s got the beef? Shoe’s got the beef. Shoe’s pizzeria keeps it close to home by highlighting the Chicago Beef. They soak perfectly cooked thin sliced Italian beef in hot au jus, before placing it in a freshly baked roll. They top it off with mozzarella before baking it to perfection. And you know when that is? When the mozzarella starts to create a GBD (golden brown delicious) crust on top. They then serve it with peperoncini peppers and more au jus. Adam's personal favorite way to eat it is by adding some hot giardinara and a side of their crinkle cut fries. Go check out Shoe’s, and see if you can take down their 6” or 12” beef sandwich. Tell Chris that Mason + Adam told you about it and he will give you a free beer to wash that beef down (must be 21 years or older to get this offer). 3300 N Calumet Ave, Valparaiso IN.

The temperatures are quickly rising, and it feels like Georgia and North Carolina summers are already in full swing. The boys are gearing up for a long hot summer, and the best way to do that is to get their ice cold beverages in order. They start with the top summer beverages of 2024, dive into the historical beverages that are known to kick off the summer, and they close out the podcast by discussing what their perfect all day drinking extravaganza would consist of. Just remember, you cannot drink all day if you do not start in the morning (as always, please drink responsibly).

Question of the Day: What sipping summer sipper will you be sipping on this sipping summer?

A word from our sponsor: Shout out to Shoe’s Pizzeria for sponsoring episode 64. They are known for their pizza, wings and subs, but the ice cold draft beers hit differently when the temperatures start to rise. And the best day to go in and drink beer is on Wednesday. They offer $1 draft beers (Coors and Miller) and $5 pitchers. So go in there this summer and sip on some ice cold brews and do not forget to get a pizza or some wings. Go check them out at 3300 N. Calumet Avenue in Valparaiso, Indiana. Tell Chris that Mason + Adam sent you.

The 2024 Masters Tournament has come and gone, and Adam was in the heart of Augusta all week for it. Unfortunately for him, he did not make it to Augusta National or have any of the delicious on course treats, but the catering vibes were high. Mason + Adam talk about this years tournament, the history of Augusta National, and all of the food and beverages associated with the historic course!

Question of the Day: If you had to create a Masters themed cocktail, what would it be and what would it be called?

Shoe's Pizzeria Ad: Shoe's Pizzeria is already an amazing restaurant, but the only thing that would make it even better is the addition of pimento cheese to their menu. You could have it as a classic pimento cheese on white bread, or add it to any of their existing sandwiches as a cheesy and spicy spread. Pimento cheese on a pizza, why not? On their crinkle cut fries, yes please! If you make it to Shoe's Pizzeria, tell Chris that he needs to add this Masters delicacy to the menu and he will know that Mason + Adam sent you.

Ayyyyyooooo! The vibes are high and the boys get tropical, as they talk Spring Break. While the boys are too old for Spring Breaking at Clear Water, they reminisce on their favorite Spring Break trips over their younger years. Whether your goal is to indulge in too many hurricanes, relax in the sand, or chill out at your house, we have the best drink recommendations for each location that you might be traveling (or not).

Question of the Day: What is a snapshot item or memory that will always be associated with Spring Break for you?

And a word from our sponsor, Shoe's Pizzeria: While I was on spring break having a blast, you know what I always missed? Shoe’s Pizzeria. While Shoe’s might not be on a tropical island somewhere or in a great beach town, the vibes are always at an all time high while at Shoe’s. And the best pizza in Valparaiso, Indiana was always waiting for me when we got back into town (and often it was the first stop even before going to our house). Go check them out at 3300 N. Calumet Avenue in Valparaiso, Indiana. Tell Chris that Mason + Adam sent you.

Pizza, Pizza. That is what episode sixty one is all about here at Assemblage. The boys talk about different styles of pizza, what truly is the core of a 'za, and reading books to get free pizza at a childhood favorite pizza joint. The pairings that they have come up with range all the way to fountain fruit punch to champagne.

Question of the Day: What is your perfect pizza and its pairing?

Sponsor:

Today’s podcast is all about Pizza. And you know what inspired today’s podcast? Shoe’s Pizzeria. We have been sponsored by them for a minute now, and pizza has been on our mind a lot lately. Shoe’s Pizzeria is a place where the local NWI people have been dining at since they opened their doors in 2010. Their recipe has stayed the same, however I think that the pizza only gets better with time. I was just there a couple of months ago, and all I can say is wow! Since we are talking pairings, their pizza pairs best with an ice cold draft beer or highlife in a bottle. And if you take it home, I love it with a Bourbon and Coke (they do not have a full liquor license at Shoe’s). Go check them out at 3300 N. Calumet Avenue in Valparaiso, Indiana and tell Chris that Mason + Adam sent you.

We are back with episode sixty, where Mason + Adam sit down to talk Rye. They boys tasted through a total of five different bottles of rye, while they deep dive into what rye is and how it is made. Things get a little wild when they start drinking cask strength rye and compare the beverage to both a linebacker and a ballerina in the same sentence. Adam closes out the podcast with a story about him meeting one of his favorite rappers at a local Atlanta coffee shop.

Question of the Day: If you could have a beverage dispense from each of your fingers on one hand, what would they be?

Sponsorship: Shoutout to our sponsor, Shoe’s Pizzeria. You know what is amazing after a long night drinking whiskey, and in this case Rye? Two or three mozzarella sticks and a hot, fresh, cheesy, meaty pizza from Shoe’s Pizzeria to get your mind right. Shoe’s is a neighborhood favorite and a place where the local Valparaisians actually eat since they opened in 2010. Go check them out at 3300 N Calumet Ave in Valparaiso Indiana. Open 7 days a week, and 6 of those for lunch. Tell Chris that Mason + Adam sent you.

Bar. Somm. Service.

Episode 59 of The Assemblage Beverage Podcast is all about service. Mason + Adam breakdown what they believe are the basics of great wine service as well as how proper cocktails should be made behind the bar. Friendly but professional service, clean glassware, and proper bar equipment are the keys to success in creating extraordinary food and beverage experiences.

Question of the Day: What are your beverage equipments of choice and why? (for example, a certain glass or a favorite bar spoon)

Sponsor: Today’s podcast is all about proper service, and that is what you get at Shoe’s Pizzeria. Shoe’s has top notch service, from the friendly face that greets you at the counter, the owner and managers who are always there to help, all the way to the kitchen staff bringing you your food with a smile on their face. And good service is great, but the product that you are being served is important too. Their food is top notch which is accentuated by the service quality. Pizza, Wings, Subs. It sounds easy, but Shoe’s actually delivers (via DoorDash). Go visit them at 3300 N. Calumet Avenue in Valparaiso, IN. Give them a call at (219) 476-7463 to place your order. And if you see the owner there, tell them that Mason + Adam sent you.

Dry January is behind us, and let's hope that you were more successful than the Assemblage Boys. Even though they were unsuccessful in completing the challenge, they still wanted to share some alcohol free beverages that you can mix into daily life or save for next January.

They discuss why it is important for all great restaurants and bars to offer a great non-alcoholic mocktail before jumping into alcohol free wines, beers and spirits and finish with why people attempt Dry January.

Question of the Day: Why did you choose to or not choose to do Dry January?

Sponsorship: Did you make it through Dry January? If so, go celebrate at Shoe's Pizzeria with a $5 pitcher of domestic beer! They offer this amazing draft beer deal every Wednesday from open to close!

What Happens in Vegas... gets shared the next week on The Assemblage Beverage Party. Adam had his bachelor party in The Sin City, and he has (almost) all the guys on this episode. They recap their long weekend in Las Vegas, so listen in to hear about their club experience, dining at a Michelin worthy restaurant, and about all the money that was left on the table at Caesar's.

Shout out to the crew: Grant, Jack, Sonny, Mason, and Alex (not featured in the podcast).

Question of the Day: Would you go back to Las Vegas? If so, would you bring your life partner?

Sponsorship: Should Shoe's Pizzeria go to Las Vegas to open their second location? After seeing those prices, we think so! Even if they do not, we still know that Valparaiso is lucky to have the best pizza, wings and subs east of the Mississippi!

New Year, Same Mason & Adam. The boys are back with the first episode of 2024, and they are talking about figures who are larger than life in the hospitality industry. What is a hospitality giant you might ask? Well, to us they range from old school chefs specializing in classic French cuisine, television personalities, sommeliers, and Michelin Starred Chefs who are out there changing food and hospitality as we know it.

Question of the Day: Which hospitality giant did we miss?

And a special shoutout to our continued sponsor, Shoe's Pizzeria. The holiday season is behind us, and all that is left is cold, dreary weather and an empty wallet. But, you still need to eat… So head on down to Shoe’s Pizzeria, where you will find unbelievable food at inexpensive prices. It is a family friendly restaurant that offers dine in, take out and even delivery. You get a salad and can continue to lie to yourself that you are going to lose weight, or do what I do and get their pizza, wings or subs! All are made fresh to order (no heat lamps here). So what are you waiting for, go take your family down to Shoe’s for the best pizza, wings and subs in Valparaiso, Indiana since 2010. Give them a call at 219-476-7463