Monday, February 2, 2009
Restaurants Talking Head: February is for Beer Lovers
Posted by Jeff Holland on Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 6:27 PM
February packs a lot into its 28 days, what with Black History Month, President's Day, Valentine's Day, Charles Dickens Day (February 7, in case you were wondering), and of course, today, Groundhog Day, representing for rodents everywhere.
I suggest working beer into the celebrations wherever possible. For instance, in honor of Black History Month, sample the products of Brooklyn Brewery, founded by Garrett Oliver, one of the few African-Americans among American craft brewers. For Valentine's Day, sample some chocolate stouts and porters, like Terrapin's latest project, Dos Cocoas, or Atlanta Brewing Company's Double Chocolate Oatmeal Porter. For Charles Dickens Day, try out some traditional British ales like Fuller's ESB or Bluebird Bitter. For Groundhog Day, you are on your own. Here are some beercentric goings-on that are worthy of your attention this month.
Ola Dubh Casks at the Brick Store Pub
Every Thursday for the next three weeks, the Brick Store Pub in Decatur will tap casks of Ola Dubh ("black oil"), a special version of England's Harviestoun Old Engine Oil aged in Highland Park whiskey barrels. Harviestoun used barrels that produced 12-, 16-, 30- and 40-year-old whiskey, and the Brick Store got a cask of each. The 12-year version was tapped last week. The 16-year will be tapped on Feb. 5, the 30-year on Feb 12, and 40-year on Feb. 19.
Muss & Turner's Beer Tastings
Also on Thursday's in February, Jessica Moss, the "beer maestro" at Muss & Turner's in Smyrna, will host themed beer tastings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. The tasting this week (Feb. 5) will feature beers new to Georgia in 2008. Later in the month, the tastings will explore Beer and Chocolate (Feb. 12), Beers of the Mediterranean (Feb. 19), and Weyerbacher Beers (Feb. 26). The cost is $15 ($20 for the beer and chocolate session). Email reservations@mussandturners.com to reserve your spot.
Beer Dinners
Most people thing of wine dinners for Valentine's, but consider a beer dinner as an alternative. There are no less than 4 beer dinners around town this month, so you are bound to find one to your liking.
Summits Wayside Tavern in Cumming hosts the mother of all beer dinners, the so-called Extreme Beer Dinner, on Monday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m. For the princely sum of $99.99 per person, guests will be able to sample from over a dozen beers paired with a multi-course dinner. Summits is pulling out all the stops on the beer list, which includes one-time casks produced for the occasion and limited edition rarities, collaborations, and high-gravity stouts. Of particular note are a cask of Sweetwater Happy Campfire, a cask of Terrapin India Brown Ale aged on Georgia Muscadine-soaked oak chips, the much sought-after De Struise Black Albert Russian Imperial Stout, a special Rogue creation, and Lindeman's Gueuze Cuvée René. The menu includes several different appetizers, a pasta course, a mixed grill entrée, and dessert. Call the Cumming location at (770) 886-4374 to make your reservations.
Taco Mac's February beer dinner takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 24 in the private dining room of the Lindbergh location and features beers from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, including the HopSecret 393 and Imperial Smoked Porter. Five courses and five beers will be served beginning with a reception at 6:30 and dinner at 7:00. The cost is $50 per person. The full menu can be viewed here. Email beerdinner@tappanstreet.com for more details or to make a reservation.
The 5 Seasons at the Prado will host its first beer dinner under its new brewmaster, Kevin McNerney, on Wed., Feb. 25 at 7 p.m. McNerney will be serving his bourbon barrel-aged Scotch Ale, along with other beers matched to chef Philip Rainwater's menu creations. The dinner is $75 with a pre-paid reservation, $80 the day of the event. The price includes tax and gratuity. Call the restaurant at (494) 255-5911 to reserve your spot.
Finally, a dinner at the Tasting Room in Sandy Springs on Thursday, Feb. 26 will feature the beers of North Carolina's Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery. The four-course menu will feature Duck-Rabbit's year-round selections, plus a sampling of the barleywine winter seasonal. The dinner costs $54 for Wine Club members, $59 for non-members and starts at 7:30. Call the restaurant at (404) 252-8170 for reservations.
Comments (2)
Showing 1-2 of 2
As much as we'd love to take credit for the much sought-after De Struise Black Albert Russian Imperial Stout, it is not a special Rogue creation. But it is really good. Had some at the PDX Green Dragon....ummmm....yummy!
like
dislike
The "special Rogue creation" was meant to be a separate item in the list from the De Struise. Sorry for the confusion. The special creation in question is the Rogue 10,000th Brew Ale, released 2 years ago to commemorate brewer John Maier's 10,000th batch of beer. Only 100 barrels of this American Strong Ale-atyle were brewed. With 10% ABV and lots of hops and malt, it has probably aged nicely.
Latest in Omnivore
-
Local restaurants honor the late Warren Bruno
Percentage of sales will be donated in Warren Bruno's honor.
-
Weekend food events, May 25-27: 3B Fest, a patio party, and more
Weekend events for Friday May 25 to Sunday May 27.
-
Waiting on Shaun Doty's chicken at Ansley Mall
It's a game of retail dominoes
- More »
