Two L.A. Beer Events to choose from (or do both)

Option # 1
Beer may be one of the only liquids whose popularity outpaces that of the now ubiquitous, spicy, sweet rooster sauce. It’s only fitting then, that we bring the two together for a good cause. On Thursday, April 26th from 6-9PM, Library Alehouse will play host to The Sriracha Cookbook author Randy Clemens and El Segundo Brewing Company for an amazing evening of Sriracha-infused dishes and tasty adult beverages, all while raising money for charity.

These special food items, adapted from and inspired by The Sriracha Cookbook, will be available for the evening, and can be purchased a la carte:

– Honey-Sriracha Glazed Buffalo Wings
– Jalapeño Poppers stuffed with Sriracha Cream Cheese and Bacon
– Sriracha-Cucumber Hummus
– Plus a unique Sriracha-infused dessert (TBD)

From the folks at El Segundo Brewing come the following beers:

– Blue House Citra Pale
– White Dog IPA
– Hyperion’s Stout on Rum-Soaked Oak Cubes

These three El Segundo beers will be available for purchase individually or they can all be enjoyed together as a flight. 50% of all Sriracha Tasting Menu purchases, $1 from every beer and $2 from every El Segundo flight will be donated to Share our Strength, a non-profit focused on ending childhood hunger.

Option # 2
West 4th and Jane and Brewery Ommegang will host a unique event thatpairs five craft beers from Ommegang with modern-American cuisine from Chef Ryan Turner. Menu items like Hamachi Tom Ka Gai Crudo, Blade Runner Beet Salad, Chicken Fried Quail and Waffle and house made dessert will be paired with Witte, Hennepin, Abbey Ale, Rare Vos and Three Philosophers from Ommegang.

WHERE:
West 4th and Jane
1432A 4th Street (between Santa Monica and Broadway)
Santa Monica, CA

WHEN:
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
7 p.m.

COST:
$65/person, not including tax or gratuity.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling 310.395.6765

Beer VS Wine

Let’s throw some numbers at you. (3) courses, (1) cheese from the wine camp and one from the beer, (1) main course from each faction and then (1) dessert offering from each group.
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The crowd looked wine friendly but the breakdown was only slightly tilted to the vino crowd with many more having no preference. So I was expecting a wine win but hoping for a tie.
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I was blown away by the results. Wine received the most votes on the first cheese and then beer won the next (5) rounds. And not nail biters either. These were double digit wins.
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The best pairing of the night for me was Tomme de Savoie cheese with toasted rye cracker and apricot chutney with Saison Rue from The Bruery. I have not had Saison Rue in a long time but it really pairs well with food.
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I have to say that this was a well organized event. I know some of the people involved, so I am a little biased, but the food and drink was served at proper intervals and was well done. The voting system was easy to use and their was plenty of staff to help. The only thing I can see improving is the sound system because after a few rounds the noise level markedly increased.
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Randy Clemens

The sharp eyed among you may have noticed another favorite link over their in the right sidebar.

It is for a Randy Clemens who has some great thoughts on beer and wine and food that you can read on his SITE or in various food magazines like Imbibe and Beer Advocate. I always learn something after reading one of his pieces.