Second Annual "Irish" Beer Dinner March 17, 2009

Guinness has dominated the Irish brewing scene for nearly 50 years. Aided and abetted by arcane liquor laws, competition has all but dried up since the 1970’s. The last large Irish brewers were purchased by foreign companies in the latter half of the 20th century (Heineken owns Murphy’s and Scottish & Newcastle owns Beamish & Crawford). Consequently, these stouts are now often easier to find outside Ireland than in their native country.

Slowly, the microbrewing revolution is coming to Ireland. Guinness’ stranglehold on regulations has surely played a role in suppressing new brewery startups. But, there are some 15 (and counting) microbreweries in Ireland, selling primarily in pubs.

Scottish beers were exempt from this homogenizing fate. Because of different growing conditions, different styles of beer were developed. And though there have been some closures and consolidations in the Scottish brewing industry, the beers that remain keep their regional character.

Great Britain itself is undergoing an exciting culinary revolution. Native chefs are taking advantage of great seafood, vegetables and meat to present a fresh culinary perspective—from pub fare to white tablecloth restaurants.

Food tourists, we need a road trip! Our own Vicki Weisent, "beer goddess" and baker presents. We’ve tapped into a great selection of Irish and Irish-themed beers, with a wee bit of Scottish beer chucked into the mix, and paired them with a fantastic menu from Grovewood’s award-winning kitchen. A complimentary recipe book of the dishes served (but adapted for the home kitchen) will be presented.

Fellow food tourists, join us on our trip to across the "pond," without green beer or other culinary atrocities-we promise. I hope you can join us!

Official Website: http://www.grovewoodtavern.com/beer%20dinner.htm