What a great beer dinner last night at the Big Sur River Inn!
A very appreciative audience enjoyed a wonderful five-course, smoked-themed dinner with five beers that Merideth and I chose. From the Odonata Saison paired with Smoked Salmon on Wonton Chips as an appetizer to the Firestone Walker Velvet Merlin paired with Chocolate Ganache Cake for dessert, every course was well-received.
By voice vote, the crowd seemed most pleased by the dessert pairing. However, that may have been influenced by my asking for their favorite of the night during that particular course. Even so, echoing popular sentiment, Merideth’s favorite was the dessert. The decadent yet light chocolate cake paired nicely with the ice-coffee flavor of the Velvet Merlin. I would have to vote for the fourth course, Smoked BBQ Pork Ribs with Spicy Maple Cumin Glaze. The sweetness of the food toned the hoppiness of the Drake’s Denogginizer down a tad without completely eliminating it. It was, dare I say, an EPIC pairing.
Thanks to all who attended and the the staff of the River Inn for a great evening!
Here are a few pictures to enjoy…