Here's to New Experiences

Last night we tried something new, a Beer Dinner. Same as a wine dinner but substitute in the ales and stouts for the Chards and Cabs. We attended the Sam Adams Beer Dinner at the Up River Cafe in Westerly. For the most part it was a positive experience. The four courses were superb. Leading off was Pancettea and a Bleu Cheese Flan. This was paired with Sam's always tasty Heifeweizen Followed by Katie's favorite course, Brown Sugar Cured Pork Belly paired with the Cherry Wheat. The Cherry Wheat is a beer I don't think I could drink solo, but pair it up with the right dish and it simply soars! Next up was Delmonico Steak with the Boston Lager, a classic pairing. And finally, a Banana Torte (take note of the e), with the Black Lager. The dish was phenomenal and the beer was tasty too, but we had all been expecting the Chocolate Bock for that final course and were quite disappointed. The company was perhaps the best part of the night! The negatives, service was awful. They had so many people there and simply not enough servers. The servers also didn't work well together or in the same area all night. So certain tables, like ours, didn't get hors' devourers till we flagged down someone and complained. Second, they put us at a table right by the pouring table. That wasn't a big deal, except they kept the beer outside by that table. So every time they opened the door we froze. My sister-in-law had to wear her jacket for most of the night. Thankfully the food and friend made the night a positive experience. And nothing against the other tables there, but I prefer the crowd at wine dinners. Please send in the requests for the next tasting, I want your input! Till next time..." Pardon my lips, they find pleasure in mysterious place" Max Skinner, A Good Year