BrewFest!

Last night Nick and I went to a culinary showcase of sorts at our favorite local Mexican restaurant, El Loco Burro. If you have ever visited us I am SURE we took you there and the food is so amazing you never forget. Last night was a special showcase put on by the owner/chef to showcase his culinary talents outside of the Mexican realm.

The dinner was served family style which was very fun! We were at a six top with two other couples who were very interesting. We had a world traveling masseuse in our midst as well as a math teacher and pharmacist. The best part was were were all animal enthusiasts and that common thread led to many entertaining tales.

The meal consisted of five courses and each was paired with a beer to compliment its particular flavoring.

The first dish was Marzen-steamed mussels with leeks & crositini. Steamed mussels are one of my favorite dishes so this was a huge hit. It really reminded my of the West Village Bier Garden we used to visit after work and all those goods friends I miss so much. The beer was a delicious Bavarian brew - Brauerei Aying.

Next was Risotto with a local blend of wild mushrooms, finished with parmesan regianno and crispy shallots . The risotto had just the right texture and was topped with chanterelles the chef and friends had picked this weekend. The shallot were perfectly crisped and reminded me of those yummy fried onions that top green bean casserole at Christmas. The beer was Hales Cream HSB from Hale's Ales in Seattle WA.

Hailbut with herb butter roasted halibut over provencal vegetables was next. The fish was good but I have to say that my own version of herbed butter is more to my liking. The beer was Killer Green Fresh-Hopped IPA from Double Mountain Brewery in Hood River OR.

After that was the Gnocchi with duck confit, pomdoraccio, herbs and goat cheese. I thought this dish was pretty good. Nick's dish came with too much duck and not enough cheese - he was not a fan. The beer was Highway to Ale Barleywine from Beer Valley Brewing Ontario OR. My favorite part of this dish was watching everyone's reaction to the "unique" aftertaste of the barleywine.

Dessert was caramelized pear creme brulee. Now it was my turn to get the "just okay dish". Nick's was piping hot and delicious, mine was lukewarm and not so great. The beer was Cuvee du Jongleur from Cascade Brewing in Beaverton OR. Just pronouncing the name of this last brew provided some great entertainment!

All in all the showcase was quite a success. It was very fun to be able to something a little out of the ordinary and yet close to home. And the company was great!