I arrived at the Independence Visitors Center at 5:30, a bit early but I was kind of hoping for a sneak peak at the night's festivities. After sitting around and waiting for it to open, I couldn't have been more excited when 6:00 PM rolled around. Once inside, I immediately began questioning the location of the event. The Independence Visitors Center only offered one faily narrow corridor which housed the 21 restaurants and 21 breweries. With nearly 200 VIP tickets sold and who knows how many regular ones, it seemed like it would get crowded, and fast.
Being one of the first ones inside was a pleasant treat however, since we were able to sample many of the foods and beers at our own pace, before any lines formed. It was here that I tasted the Belgian stew from the Abbaye and the Sly Fox O'Reilly stout. Both were an exquisite beginning to a memorable night. The stout was as crisp and flavorful as the stew was delicious. An excellent pairing which blended beautifully. While I probably won't take the time to elaborate on all that I tasted, I'll be sure to mention the highlights. Fork and Dogfish Head was another excellent pairing. The shrimp ceviche worked with fruitiness of the Midas Touch. Their dry body of Midas worked well to cut through the fattiness of the glazed ribs. The Rose Tattoo oysters worked wonders with the Double Simcoe IPA from Weyerbacher. If you remember, Weyerbacher was the first official tasting that Philly Beer Club participated in, many month ago in McGillians. Since then, I've gained a much more sensitive tongue and loved the combination of raw oysters with the briskness of the IPA. Last on my highlights page, although I can truly say that I love every morsel I put into my mouth, is the Beeramisu from General Lafayette Inn. This was amazing. A true culinary delight. It worked so well with the Chocolate Thunder Porter (which it was made from) that my mouth was in serious flavortown. Magnificent.
Upstairs, away from the riff-raff, was a quieter VIP section which was well worth the money. A spread provided by Di Bruno Brothers with Victory, Southampton, and Brooklyn Brewery being poured like water, was the main attraction. This, along with tables made for sitting, was definitely worth the extra money I paid to be a VIP. The true icing on the cake were the tastings, the first of which was conducted by none other than Garrett Oliver, who needs no other introduction. He paired 6 beers with 7 distinct cheeses and let us all tap into his vast knowledge of both. What I wouldn't give for that man's mind and his appreciation for flavors. The second tasting was conducted by the equally as knowledgeable Marnie Old, who also took us on a wonderful flavor journey.
Sadly the night did have to come to an end, not without a few photo ops with various brewers, owners, Philly beer elite, and of course, Philly Beer Club. Thankfully, however, beer week is just beginning. After a well executed Brewer's Plate, I'm looking forward to the rest of beer week where I hope to get to know some brewers, owners, etc, more intimately and get the Philly Beer Club name out there. Next meeting will be tomorrow night (Monday, March 10) at Triumph Brewing for Ultimate Beer Trivia with IPA. Hope to see you there and as always, keep drinking. -Joe