I attended this wonderful dinner in the Lobby Restaurant at Pinnacle on the Pier on October 24th that featured a 6 course meal created by Executive Chef Joel Green paired with a variety of beers from local brewer Deep Cove Craft. It was great to have Chef Green explain each of the dishes as they were served as well as have the Head Distiller Brett Jamieson on hand to talk about each of the beers.
Now on to dinner and the pairings!
A welcome vodka cocktail made with the Deep Cove Craft Vodka was served during the reception.
1st course:
Sun Kissed Saison Quinoa and Camembert Fried Saltspring Island goat Camembert with organic kale, rocket greens, spiced toasted almonds, sundried cherry, braised quinoa and lemon raspberry vinaigrette
2nd course:
Nova Scotia Lobster Mac Succulent poached lobster with gruyere in rich lobster bisque with fresh garlic butter baguette! A hands down winning dish that was paired with the Deep Cove Craft Trapper John’s lager
3rd course:
Kia Ora New Zealand Pale Ale Alaskan Scallops Pan seared scallops with West Coast crab risotto and beurre rouge
4th course:
Deep Cove “Claire” Vodka Local blackberry Sorbet “martini” a refreshing and delicious mid-course.
5th course:
Star Struck IPA Short Rib 24 hour braised Certified Angus Beef shortrib with rosemary sundried tomato polenta frites and red wine braissage Smooth Criminal Nitro Stout.
6th course:
Phyllo Pear and Chocolate Pâté Poached Okanagan pear in candied phyllo cups with Belgian Chocolate Pâté and vanilla bean gelato and edible flowers, such a beautiful plate!
It was nice to have some background music at this dinner with DJ Nina Mendoza spinning!
My Take:
My favourite of the food dishes and pairings was the outstanding Kia Ora New Zealand Pale Ale Alaskan Scallops Pan seared scallops with West Coast crab risotto and beurre rouge; my favourite dishes on their own were the Star Struck IPA Short Rib 24 hour braised Certified Angus Beef ® shortrib with rosemary sundried tomato polenta frites and red wine braissage; and lastly the outstanding Phyllo Pear and Chocolate Pâté Poached Okanagan pear in candied phyllo cups with Belgian Chocolate Pâté and vanilla bean gelato and edible flowers.
The Lobby Restaurant at Pinnacle at the Pier offers beer and wine pairing dinners fairly often, follow them on twitter @PinnaclePier to be kept up to date on the next ones.
By: Richard Wolak