09/03/2026
Sarah Real learned to brew on a literal hot plate.
Before Hot Plate Brewing (Hot Plate Brewing Co.) existed, she and her husband Mike were living in a Brooklyn apartment with the gas shut off. No stove, no real setup. Just a hot plate, and a refusal to give up on the idea. That’s where the name comes from. Today she’s owner and head brewer, and by most counts the only Latina-owned brewery in Massachusetts. Last year, USA Today readers voted Hot Plate one of the best new breweries in the country.
Tonight she’s pouring alongside Las Cocineras Latinas: five women, five food businesses, one cooperative started a few miles from here in Pittsfield. Different industries, same story. They looked around, didn’t see themselves reflected, and opened up shop anyway.
On the table tonight: Nubia’s patacón entero, piled with beef or chicken, cheese, and pico de gallo. Pernil and arroz con gandules. Tres leches and flan for dessert.
5–7:30pm at the store. Tables and chairs are out, or grab a spot on the lawn. Just show up.
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