Tuesday 22nd of May 2012 04:17:33 PM

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The Aztecs!
Montezuma. Golden idols and expansive treasures. Warriors of the world defeated by the Spaniards after 200 years of rule in what we've come to know as Mexico.
To me, the Aztecs are and always will be from my alma mater; San Diego State (before it was a university); Aztec football dominated by their coach (and later the Head Coach for the San Diego Chargers - and the founder of Air Coryell), Don Coryell; the place where the father of my first true love worked as a physical education professor and years later, where I met one of my closest friends.
And now, yet another "tie that binds"- Beer!
Aztec Brewing in Vista is only about 7 months old but the folks there are making quite a name for themselves.
Although the brewery has been around in several incarnations since 1936, this Aztec is offering up some unique beers that certainly would never have been imagined before World War II; Hibiscus Wheat, Agave Wheat, Chipotle IPA, Eclipse Chocolate Porter and a devilish brew with evil intent, Noche de los Muertos...a thick, black stout with just enough hint of cinnamon to keep you drinking and wondering how anything could taste that good! Then, as you're about to realize it can, are suddenly but firmly rooted to your stool, unable to move let alone drive or find your cell to call for a cab.
Try & manuever your way outside to grab a fresh of breath air (although the sweet odor of beer brewing is never absent) and you might make it home but you won't want to go, afraid that if you leave, the beer might as well...and that would truly be an evil.
So, the only thing to do is stay. Food is available...from a caterer serving up delicious and spicy Thai food (my 1st visit) to a Bacon and Beer celebration (my 2nd visit...or was it the day after?)
Find a corner, curl up with a pint and wait 'til the doors open again.
I'll see you there.