A Saturday Feast

Last Saturday we hosted a feast for nine folks in our home for an afternoon of beer and food. This was the fruit of a donation to the annual fund raising event for our son's former elementary and middle school. Even though he's well into his college years, Colleen and I were asked to once again donate the popular event.

The lucky bidders were treated to eight courses, featuring interesting beers paired with delectable foods prepared by Colleen. The menu was as follows...

Optimal Wit

Port City Brewing, Alexandria, Virginia

Paired with Pancake Bake with Cinnamon Streusel

Kölsch 151

Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton, Virginia

Paired with Artichoke Dip and Tortilla Chips

Grateful Pale Ale

Star Hill Brewery, Crozet, Virginia

Paired with Buffalo Chicken Sliders

Sneak Attack

21st Amendment Brewery, San Francisco, California

Paired with Olivada and Mozzarella on French Bread Crostini

Get Bent Mountain IPA

Parkway Brewing, Salem, Virginia

India Pale Ale (7.2% ABV)

Paired with Salty-Sweet Bacon Panini

Woodbooger

Strangeways Brewing Company, Richmond & Fredericksburg, Virginia

Belgian-Style Brown Ale (6% ABV)

Paired with Parmesan Potatoes and Flank Steak

Curieux

Allagash Brewery, Portland, Maine

Oak Bourbon Barrel Aged Belgian Triple (11% ABV)

Paired with Blue Cheese, Sugared Walnuts and Pears

on Mixed Greens with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Blue Mountain Dark Hollow

Blue Mountain Brewery, Afton, Virginia

Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout (10% ABV)

Paired with Brownies and Ice Cream

To go along with the copious food and drink, the afternoon featured interesting, and often raucous conversation. The beers where new to the majority of the participants. I also think we've created a few new craft beer fans. All of the pairings worked well and served to illustrate the versatility of beer.

While preparing for the event, Colleen and I often thought "Why are we doing this?" But in the end, it was a lot of fun. And "it's for the children."

The ending reward for a hardworking chef.