Joining creative forces with Bell’s Brewery, Varanese Restaurant [4] is holding a Bell’s Craft Beer Dinner [5] on Thursday, July 10. The reception is at 6:30 and dinner follows at 7:00. The brewery’s own Greg Pilch will be on hand to talk about the beers chosen to accompany each course and answer questions about the Michigan craft brewery.
Fans of the popular Bell’s Two-Hearted Ale will want to try several other summery ales, along with a special dessert stout.
Of the beer selections, Chef John Varanese said, “We are excited to partner with one of the leaders of the craft brewing movement. Of the eight beers we tasted in preparation for this event, we choose five that complement the menu well and that really show the brewery's different styles of brewing."
The dinner and beer menu:
Reception
Oarsman
"Light and crisp, perfect for a reception beer"
First Course
Amber Ale
"Nice flavor to it with just a little
hop to it, great with beer cheese soup and bacon"
Bell's Beer Cheese Soup with Crisp Smoked Bacon,
Brioche Croutons and Dehydrated Olives
Second Course
Oberon
"A light refreshing wheat beer that we thought would pair well with seafood and
fresh veggies"
Shrimp Salad with Fennel, Capers and Lemon
Served in a Poached Tomato with Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Balsamic
Garnished with Mixed Baby Greens
Third Course
Two Hearted Ale
"Their flagship brand and a favorite with
beer drinkers that like big hops in beer. We paired it with a heavy dish
like the breaded fried veal cutlet and the mascarpone cheese stuffed
manicotti to hold up to its boldness"
Crispy Veal Cutlets with Spinach & Mascarpone Manicotti
Garnished with Fried Basil Leaves and Oven Dried Tomatoes
Fourth Course
Java Stout
"The Java Stout screamed dessert with its creamy texture and rich coffee flavor"
Java Stout Beer Shake with Chocolate Brownie, Chopped Peanuts,
Caramelized Bananas and a Dried Cherry Jam
The dinner is $49 per person, and reservations can be made by calling 502-899-9904 or emailing letsdine@varanese.com [6].
Varanese Restaurant is located at 2106 Frankfort Avenue.
Photo: Varanese Restaurant