Beer and a fresh slice of pizza or tricked out burger make for some of the best combinations. So pairing a solid local brewery with one of my favorite restaurants of 2013 is even better. If you've got the time, appetite and c-note to spare, my weekend recommendation lies in Fullerton.
You see, Orange's Valiant Brewing is about to turn one. Their idea of a good time is hooking up in DTF with HopScotch for a dinner like no other. What makes it special? Every beer served will be a custom brew for every course. Beeeeeerrrrrr me!
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With seven courses and matching beverages to look forward to, below is the complete menu (for your consideration). When Cody Storts of HopScotch first mentioned this epic event during my chef interview with him, I knew it would be a Culinary Militia party.
First course
Valiant's First Anniversary, Belgian Barleywine (8 oz)
Forbidden PB&J, strawberry guava jam, pepita butter, brioche and complementary foie gras
Second course
Lager Barleywine (8 oz)
Green-lipped mussels (only found on the coast of New Zealand), crispy pancetta, roasted pepper citrus coulis
Third course
“The Bruce” Wee Heavy Scotch Ale (5 oz)
Crispy pork belly, fried tripe, herb demi glace, blood orange frisee
Fourth course
Lacto Cherry Stout (8 oz)
Elk medallion, black garlic demi glace, bing cherry gastrique, bourbon soaked bing cherries
Fifth course
Session IPA (5 oz)
Duck rillette, Dijon chips, blood orange apples, really, really small cilantro
Sixth course
Wheat Cherry Ale (5 oz)
Medium rare braciola, San Marzano tomato sauce, crispy asiago chip, micro basil
Seventh course – from badass pastry chef Mai Phan
Guava Cream Ale (6 oz)
Strawberry pavlova, green tea custard, lemon crumble
Assuming you're still standing after the final course, the parting gift is a bomber of Belgian Barleywine . . . to-go! With all that boozy goodness, this is a beer lover's dream. If I were there, I'd never manage to finish one entire glass. It would likely end up with the person next to me, but a person can dream.
To make a reservation, please call (714) 871-2222.
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A contributing writer for OC Weekly, Anne Marie freelances for multiple online and print publications, and guest judges for culinary competitions. A Bay Area transplant, she graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from Cal Poly Pomona. Find her on Instagram as brekkiefan.