Beer and bratwurst. Beer and pizza. Beer and more beer. None of these "pairings" bring to mind white-linen service or cheese factory tours. But if tough economic times are causing some connoisseurs to reconsider more expensive options (re: wine), no matter. Beer pairings fit right in with non-traditional surroundings.
Just like individual components of wine perfectly complement certain foods, a beer's unique pedigree, such as its recipe and brewing method, can bring out the best in meat, seafood, vegetables, sweets...and cheese.
Paula Lambert's award-winning Mozzarella Company hosts a beer and cheese pairing course tomorrow night (January 27), starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening kicks off with a tour of the facility, followed by a sit-down, drag out tasting of hand-crafted brews alongside six to eight of her best--along with a breakdown of pairing basics. Seating is limited, however. The event costs $50.
Also tomorrow night, The Libertine Bar offers another in its series of five-course affairs. Each round comes with a beer selected to complement the particular dish--croustinis, smoked trout, banana tarts, whatever. Service begins at 7 p.m. and reservations are required. Five courses and five good beers for $50.
Multiple Dallas Observer Best of Dallas Awards winner The Oceanaire Seafood Room, hosts a special five-course Anchor Brewing Company Beer Dinner at 7 p.m., January 29. The upscale event features select brews from the Anchor Brewery Company of San Francisco, made from an an all-malt mash in a handcrafted copper brew house alongside food by the Oceanaire's executive chef Chad Kelley. Wonder how they decided on pairings? Check out last week's Hophead. Tickets are $55.
Looking for a more, shall we say, appropriate setting? The next Idle Rich beer tasting--"Hop Heaven"--takes place on February 2...so you can maintain that Super Bowl party buzz. Festivities are self-paced, so arrive between 7:30 and 9:30 with $25.
Trinity Hall's regular Tuesday night tastings return to beer on February 10 at 7:30. Call for more details. The cost? $25.
