By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

Beer connoisseurs – or those who just enjoy a good brew – made their way to Honolulu Avenue on Sunday morning for the 3rd annual Food and Brewfest hosted by the Montrose-Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce.

About a thousand people – all 21 years and older – paid between $35 and $45 for a ticket that provided tastes from 21 breweries, plus soda and wine, and samples of some of the best food in the area.

“The breweries said that they love this community because it is engaging and kind. The restaurants who handed out thousands of samples were very happy as well,” said Melinda Clarke, executive director of the M-VC Chamber.

Sunday was the first time that Susan Hunt of Glendale attended the Montrose Food and Brewfest. She came with her friends Pat Hurley, Karen Ferkich and Roberta Hagopian.

“This is great fun,” said Hunt. “I’m sorry I missed it the last two years.”

It was also the first time that Montrose resident Greg Becker came to the Brewfest. He stopped by 10 Barrel Brewing where Ryan Boyle poured up samples of his suds. This was the second year that Boyle made the trek from San Diego to introduce tasters to 10 Barrel.

Though there were many familiar tastes along Honolulu Avenue – Hangar 24 and Shock Top had booths welcoming people to try their fare – the Brewfest also provided an opportunity for some tastes that might not be on everyone’s radar. For example, Ricky Ryba of Dr. Jekyll’s explained that his craft beers were organic, GMO free and vegan – something that not many beers can boast.

“Plus we donate 1% of our proceeds to charity,” Ryba said.

In addition to a wide variety of beer, The Soda Sommelier and Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf provided non-alcoholic samples for those designated drivers in the crowd.

And what’s good with beer? Food – and the festival had plenty of it. Jim Collins of Montrose Town Kitchen & Grill served up braised short rib sliders to ticketholders.

“This is a great crowd,” Collins said. “Everyone seems to be having a good time.”

Meatballs and sangria – both red and white – could be found at the Mountview booth.

“We want to support the Montrose community,” said Stacey Dubowitch, Community Relations director. “Our facility has a full restaurant-style kitchen and we wanted the community to taste how good our food is.”

Clarke said that from her perspective the event was considered a success and the chamber is proud that a portion of the profits will be donated to the Glendale fire and police foundations.

Clarke said that from her perspective the event was considered a success and the chamber is proud that a portion of the profits will be donated to the Glendale fire and police foundations.

  robin goldsworthy