Besides instantly becoming one of the city's best beer bars when it opened last year, Monk's Kettle has been one of the more important places in the city (along with Magnolia) of promoting beer's underappreciated talent for pairing with food. So it is with great pleasure that I pass on the news that Monk's Kettle is starting to do monthly beer pairing dinners which feature a range of brews from a top brewery along with a multi-course dinner menu prepared by Monk's talented chef Kevin Kroger. The next one is May 6 with beers from Oskar Blues Brewery. A rep from the brewery will be on hand to discuss the beers, while Kroger will come out and talk about his pairings. Just looking at the $85 menu (below) is making me hungry.

May 6 Menu and Beer Pairing

Oskar Blues Brewery
Beer Dinner
Butter Lettuce Salad
Organic Butter Lettuce, ‘Mama’s Little Yella Pilsner’ Dijon Vinaigrette, Fresh Tarragon,
Chervil, Italian Parsley and Fried Capers
Beer pairing:  Mama’s Little Yella Pilsner (Czech Pilsner - 5.3% ABV)

Potato Leek Soup
‘Capay Organics’ Potato Leek Soup deglazed with ‘Old Chub’ and drizzled with Herb Oil
Beer pairing:  Old Chub (Scottish Ale - 8.0% ABV)

Pan Seared Salmon
Pan Seared Loch Duart Salmon, Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Fennel-Leek Compote,
‘Dale’s Pale’ Citrus Beurre Blanc, Blood Orange Segments & Micro Greens
Beer pairing:  Dale’s Pale (American Pale - 6.5% ABV)

Beef Short Ribs
Beef Short Ribs marinated with ‘Stranahan’s Whiskey-Aged Gordon’,
White Cheddar Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Garlic Wilted Spinach, Demi Glace
Beer pairing: Stranahan’s Whiskey-Aged Gordon (Whiskey Aged Doulbe IPA - 8.7% ABV)

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sandwich
House-Made ‘Double Rainbow’ Vanilla Bean Ice Cream Sandwich
with ‘Bourbon-Aged Ten Fidy’ Chocolate Sauce
Beer pairing:  Bourbon-Aged Ten Fidy (Bourbon-Aged Russian Imperial Stout - 10.0% ABV)

Reserve your place by calling 415.865.9523