Big Al Brewing Goes Solar; Zig Zag's New Bartender

WHITE CENTER—Local favorite Big Al Brewing, maker of the newly released West Seattle-only beer, is shrinking its carbon impact. White Center Now reports that the brewery is the first in the state "to use solar thermal energy to heat the water for brewing its entire lineup." The money Big Al is saving on natural gas will allow the facility to start double-brewing, which means more beer for you. [WCN]

PIKE STREET HILL CLIMB—Jess Voelker introduces (or, perhaps, re-introduces) Ricardo Hoffman, who has moved over to Zig Zag Cafe in the wake of Murray Stenson's departure. Hoffman was previously at Sun Liquor, and says the joy of Zig Zag is both the staff and the fact that people come specifically for the drinks. Lots of those people, apparently, are still asking for Murray. [Seattle Met]

BALLARD—The Jolly Roger Taproom, home to Maritime Pacific Brewing Company's beers, will begin letting underagers hang in the tap room as of Friday. This news should be cause for a celebratory beer for all the parents who have tried to imbibe here with kids in tow. [My Ballard]

BEACON HILL—Local group Blue Scholars have a new song and video featuring Beacon Hill markets Fou Lee and MC Foods. It's not quite as catchy as this sweet jam, but you can watch the video below. There's even an ingredient list at the end for the chicken adobo they make in the video. [Beacon Hill Blog]

Video: Blue Scholars 'Fou Lee' Music Video