Move over wine – craft beer is headin’ uptown and it’s getting paired with dishes that definitely leave pretzels in the dust.
The vibe at the Ocean of Ales Craft Beer and Food Pairing last Friday evening was casually classy. The crowd of mostly young professionals gathered in and around event host Orchid Island Brewery, tucked inside the courtyard of Portales de Vero on Ocean Drive. They were there to spend a pleasant TGIF sampling a variety of beers and ales from a handful of Florida’s trendiest craft breweries, paired with artisanal dishes from several of Vero’s hottest restaurants, all to benefit Special Olympics through the Hometown Foundation, Inc.
Participating brewers included Orchid Island Brewery, Sailfish, Swamphead, Twisted Trunk, Due South, Saltwater, Funky Buddah, Bugnutty, Native Brewing Company, Civil Society and Accomplice Brewery & Ciderworks. Their creative and often unexpected flavors were deliciously paired with beautifully presented, palate-pleasing dishes from Orchid Island Brewery, La Tabla, Culture Cuisine Machine, Citrus Grillhouse, Chelsea’s on Cardinal, Osceola Bistro, Blue Agave, Patisserie, Garage Pizza, and Chive.
A tented row of tables extended from Ocean Drive west along Flamevine, each brewery stationed beside its restaurant pairing, with ample room for guests to stroll; occasionally stopping to taste-test, chat with friends or find a seat at cafe tables along the sidewalk. The light was soft, but sufficient and live music by The Kinected provided just enough Friday night kick.
From end to end, each and every brewery and restaurant had brought its A Game, and the enticing aromas drifting about assured no possibility of leftovers. The Key Lime Pie Beer offered by Bugnutty Brewing Company of Merritt Island had guests queued up to give it a try, paired with a zesty salmon dish. Guests sought seconds of the ginger pork creation from Culture Cuisine Machine, paired with a Red Falcon IPA. And Chelsea’s chocolate chip cannoli with homemade chocolate sauce, washed down with Civil Society Brewery’s Milk Stout, was a sweet temptation most passers-by made no effort to resist.
Bo Eaton, owner of Saltwater Brewery of Delray, whose 3.7 Extra Pale Ale paired perfectly with Garage Pizza’s fragrantly saucy veal meatballs, was named Brewer of the Evening by the attendees.
Studying the wide array of delicacies, Angela Salierno exclaimed, “This is my first time here. I love it!” Her friend, Caroline Kedem commented, “It’s a great night, great weather, and the pairings are spot on.”
Shaun Fedder is one of the organizers of the Founders Club, a collaboration of young local professionals committed, he explained, to “strengthening our presence and giving back to the community.” They do so by sitting on various civic and charitable boards and presenting fundraisers such as Ocean of Ales, which was co-chaired by Sara Labellarte and Amanda Bloomer, to support local needs.
Founders Club members Alden Bing, (owner of Orchid Island Brewery), Rusty Cappelen and Fedder came up with the Ocean of Ales idea, envisioning something intimate and special in advance of the Sunrise Rotary Florida Craft Brew and Wingfest the next day. Mission accomplished.
