The world did NOT end on December 21, but A Hop Eclipse did occur on March 14 at Bistro on Bridge.
2013 has been a pretty amazing year for Bistro on Bridge. They kicked off January with their first ever Tap Takeover, then in February, they brought their grand total of beers on tap to a whopping 21 Taps. And as of March 14, they rounded out the Craft Beer Event trifecta by hosting a Beer Pairing Dinner with none other than the big guns, Dogfish Head.
Wait a tic. Did you say A Hop Eclipse, Kevin? What does that even mean?
Great question, reader, great question. Back in January, Dogfish Head selected a number of restaurants along the East Coast to recognize, embrace and bask in the beauty that is Hopped Beers. Each participant was asked to concoct the perfect menu to pair with Dogfish Head brews. In addition, the brilliant minds behind Dogfish Head Brewing Company and Sierra Nevada crafted a glass for this very occasion, redefining and refining the way we experience IPAs. All members, including Bistro on Bridge, were given these glasses for partaking.
Hold on? Special glasses? How could a glass redefine how we drink a beer?
Well, contrary to belief, traditional pint glasses warm up IPAs rather quickly; therefore, killing off the beer’s hop like characteristics. This glass is meant to enhance the tasting experience by having a thin wall for cold retention and a slender shape that intensifies the hop aroma. The swirling base at the bottom also exposes the drink, allowing it to balance the flavors. Dogfish Sale Rep, Wendy Domurat, assured me that I would indeed experience a difference from the standard 8 oz flute on the table and demanded I dump my Burton Baton in this specially made glass.
Was she right? Absolutely! There’s a difference, that’s for sure in both the aroma and body of the beer. The nose seeping through the foam is way more intense and malts are much more distinct. It’s most definitely a perfect addition to my glassware at home. This one is nestled next to my Sam Adam’s pint glass, another brewery that revolutionized how we experience beer. Dogfish and Sierra Nevada took it to the next level.
But this event wasn’t just about the beers and nifty giveaways. The evening consisted of five phenomenal dishes from the Bistro on Bridge kitchen.
First Course: Dogfish Head Aprihop paired with a Vodka and Apricot Cured Salmon served over Arugula, Cucumber, Apricots, Roasted Red Pepper and Lotus Root finished with a Citrus Vinaigrette
Second Course: Dogfish Head Burton Baton paired with Black Pepper Crusted Short Rib finished with a Bourbon Honey Glaze served with Asparagus Tips
Third Course: Dogfish Head 75 Minute paired with a Molasses & Lime glazed Roast Pork served with a Sweet Potato & Carrot Mash
Fourth Course: Rhizing Bines (Dogfish Head & Sierra Nevada Collaboration) paired with Chicken Thigh Confit with a Citrus Pan Jus served with a Herb Risotto
Fifth Course: Dogfish Head Indian Brown Ale paired with Dessert 3 Ways:
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Vanilla Cinnamon Bread Pudding finished with a Caramel Drizzle
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Chocolate Cake Bite finished with an Espresso Glaze
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Chocolate Covered Strawberry topped with Chopped Nuts
My favorite course was a toss-up between the second and fourth. That Black Pepper Crusted Short Rib was extremely succulent and mouthwatering, and was my absolute favorite until they brought out the fourth course. The flavors going on in that dish were just spot on perfection with the tenderness of the chicken in conjunction with the tang of the Citrus Pan Jus. Just picture a video of the Harlem Shake going on with my taste buds. From what I gathered from others that night, they pretty much agreed. Minus the Harlem Shake analogy.
But who can forget Dessert Three Ways? That Vanilla Cinnamon Bread Pudding was a treasure. If that sucker was still on someone’s plate and they weren’t at the table, you can bet your Rhizing Bines it was mine.
I spent the rest of the evening making the rounds, talking to some of the other guests who attended. Talk about comfort zone and being in your element. I met a handful of people really passionate about craft beer and lovers of Dogfish Head in general. There were even two guests that trekked out from an hour away! Now that’s commitment.
And let us not forget our Town Dish winners, Amanda Mountz and Tom Lillard, from the Dogfish Head Contest. Seriously, a job well done you two (clapping)! I couldn’t think of two better people to have aboard for such an occasion, especially, when Tom was nice enough to share a bottle of Dogfish Fort from his personal collection. What a gentleman. Thanks again Tom.
All parties that made this possible deserve a round of applause. For starters, I got to give it up for Wendy and Dogfish Head for bringing such an event to my hometown. The giveaways were amazing and I don’t think I’ll enjoy an IPA in any other fashion than with my new IPA glass.
And of course, big thanks to the Bistro on Bridge staff, both on the floor and kitchen. You guys truly outdid yourselves. Everyone, including myself, hope to see such an event take place again. They nailed it with the courses in union with pairing the beers. Cheers to you as well.
Well, until I make it out to Dogfish Head and fulfill my dream of meeting Sam Calagione while enjoying a 120 Minute right from the tap, I’m pretty content enjoying their line up at Bistro on Bridge. Clink.
Find Bistro on Bridge at 210 Bridge St. in Phoenixville. Visit Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales to learn more about the off-centered beers for off-centered people.
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