Beer gets billing at Epicurean Classic
In addition to the wealth of food and wine classes and two public receptions at the 2008 Traverse Epicurean Classic, a selection of classes and a gourmet dinner will focus on the vast world of beer. The Epicurean Classic runs September 11-13 at the Great Lakes Culinary Institute in Traverse City.
Learn from experts such as Rex Halfpenny, publisher of Michigan Beer Guide; Ron Jeffries from Jolly Pumpkin Ales; Anheuser- Busch brewmaster Matt Licklider and representatives from New Holland Brewing Company, during these beer-specific programs at one of the premier culinary events in the country. Admission into the beer classes is $29 each. Advanced reservations are required online.
TASTING CLASSES
Real Beer with Real Cheese - Rex Halfpenny
Friday, September 12 - 2:30 pm
Explore the amazing taste sensations to be found in pairing beer with cheese. Stepping way out of the box, away from mass-market American cheeses and mass-market light beers, challenge yourself to learn about the breath and diversity of aromas and flavors found in different old world beer styles and how they harmonize with classic old world cheeses. Discover for yourself how these two ancient food groups compliment and enhance each other in a delightfully informative presentation. Rex Halfpenny has traveled all over the US and much of the world in search of beer. He has been making beer, wine and mead at home since 1992. He left the corporate world in October 1996, to pursue self-employment in the brewing industry and since February 1997, he and his wife, Mary, have been publishing the Michigan Beer Guide, a unique periodical focusing on the Michigan beer culture.
A Tasting Tour of Europe's Most Historic Beers - Matt Licklider
Saturday, September 13 - 11:30 am
Here's a fantastic opportunity to belly-up for a tasting and history lesson of beers from the brewing world's heart and soul: Belgium, Germany and England. Anheuser- Busch brewmaster Matt Licklider will guide you through a flight of beers from some of the oldest breweries in the world including Stella Artois (Belgium), Leffe Blonde (Belgium), Hoegaarden (Belgium), Bass (England), Boddington's (England), and Beck's (Germany). If you thought you were familiar with these historic breweries, think again. In the brewing world, they don't take the word "brewmaster" lightly. Learn from the best. Matt has worked for Anheuser-Busch for more than 16 years in multiple A-B breweries around the world from Wuhan, China to Cartersville, GA to Fort Collins, CO. Matt is currently the Assistant Brewmaster in the Baldwinsville, NY brewery having responsibilities for the Brewhouse and Fermenting operations.
Artisan Sour Style Ales: Small Scale Production At Its Best - Ron Jeffries
Saturday, September 13 - 1:00 pm
Join owner and brewmaster Ron Jeffries of Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales, voted 8th Best Brewery in America, in an exciting look behind the scenes at this most enigmatic of breweries. Taste examples of Jolly Pumpkin's exquisite sour beers, as well as classics from around the globe. Well, Belgium anyway. Listen, learn, taste, enjoy, and fully understand why these are some of the world's most interesting, difficult-to-make beers.
Beers for Cellaring - Rex Halfpenn
Saturday, September 13 - 2:30 pm
The majority of the beer consumed in America is designed to be served young. Light American Lagers are engineered to the least objectionable to the most people, to do this they are filtered, pasteurized, highly carbonated, and served ice cold. These beers will not age at all. But this is only one kind of beer, like box table white wine designed to be served chilled does not reflect the world of wine. Many beer styles are brewed to be far more complex, are packaged live, and will condition over time if properly cared for. While sampling a variety of beer styles brewed to higher alcohol strength and to far greater complexity, learn everything you need to know to make wise purchase decisions for cellaring beer. Remember, you may not be able to afford the world's most expensive wines, but the best beers in the world are attainable and still remarkably affordable.
From the Farm to the Table Gourmet Dinner
Aerie Restaurant at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa
Featuring Select Beers from New Holland Brewing
Friday, September 12 - 6:00 pm
Chris Turano is a tremendously respected Chicago culinary talent with experience at some of the city's most acclaimed dining spots. This dinner will reunite Turano with Grand Traverse Resort executive chef Ted Cizma formerly of Grace and Elaine's in the Windy City. Turano is the top chef at Dine in the Crowne Metro Plaza Hotel in Chicago. Reservations are required by calling 231-534-6000.
See Chef Cizma's post for more details about the dinner.
Filed under Beer • Chefs • News & Views
