Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Beer Pairings Dinner

Some people know how to throw a party.  Saturday night was one of those fine example where friendship, family love and food unite.  My dear friend celebrated her birthday like I imagine Julia Child would have wanted to celebrate one of hers with good food, fine drink surrounded by friends.

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Having a brother who’s a former chef and current beer rep helps.  Add a friend, also a chef, with a killer house at the end of a surreal, moss lined winding lane.  Add in panoramic views of the Olympic mountains, a beach strewn with oyster shells, and an old timber house with patina of gentility, grace and old, old money.  Add it all up and you get the party of all birthday parties. 

The house has been in the same family since the early 1900’s.  Lovingly cared for with bunks tucked into cozy corners, shelves lined with board games, a stone fireplace, a piano from a bygone era, piles of photo albums, family history.  The house breathes conviviality and the moment we arrived it embraced us as we embraced each other.

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My friend likes to celebrate her birthday.  Last year’s party was a two day Twilight road trip.  This gal knows how to have fun and I’m so thankful she’s my friend (not because of the great parties).  Her very cool brother created the menu, each dish contained beer and included a beer pairing, even the fabulous red velvet cake.

 

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Birthday Beer Dinner

February 27, 2010

SOUP

Spicy Cheese and Beer Soup made with Stone Ruination IPA and served with

Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA

APPETIZER

Stone Pale Ale Steamed Mussels, Roasted Peppers, Bay Leaves, and Preserved Lemon served with

Stone Pale Ale

SALAD

Poached Pears with Mixed Greens, Pecans, Blue Cheese with Stone Levitation Ale Balsamic Vinaigrette served with

Stone Levitation Ale

MAIN COURSE

Chili Roasted Shrimp Marinated in Stone 13th Anniversary Ale with Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Watercress, Mango, Avocado, Citrus and Jalapeno Salsa and served with

Victory Prima Pilsner

DESSERT

Fabulous Red Velvet Cake made with Ayinger Brau Weisse and served with

Ayinger Celebrator Doppelbock

2 comments:

sandraj said...

Oh My goodness the for looks great,

Alan G said...

Carla,
This sounds like it was an amazing experience and a FUN evening. I'm as impressed with your written story as I am intrigued by the whole concept of a beer-based and beer-paired evening. Of course having it take place in a waterfront timber plank cabin from the 1900's doesn't hurt either!!
Thanks for sharing this. I know how I want to spend my next big one....the only problem is I'll have to wait a while!