National Mechanics is getting beer enthusiasts prepped and ready for Philly Beer Week with a Flying Dog Gonzo Beer Dinner Thursday, June 3.

Beginning at 7 pm, the event will feature welcome appetizers (plantain chips with fresh guacamole, salsa fresca, and Shiitake mushroom tapenade) paired with our Tire Bite Golden Ale.

The seated, four-course menu includes:

1st Course

Grilled colossal lemon shrimp and spicy tomato basil rice salad topped with micro greens

Paired with our Tire Bite Golden Ale

2nd Course

Shredded roasted chicken on grilled naan bread with grated Canadian sharp cheddar

Paired with our Doggie Style Pale Ale

3rd Course

Filet Mignon skewers in a Thai peanut butter marinade with blue cheese cream and mini Yukon gold potatoes

Paired with our Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA

4th Course

Gonzo Porter ice cream

Paired with Stranahans Whiskey barrel-aged Gonzo Imperial Porter

The night will also include multimedia presentations featuring VP of Brewing Operations Matt Brophy and Philly favorites “Two Guys on Beer.” A few Flying Dog mutts may be rubbing elbows, as well.

Reservations are required for dinner. Tickets are $50 per person and can be purchased through the National Mechanics website.

After dinner entertainment will be provided by Mad Descent’s Dirty South Joe.

Here is the delectable menu Larry and Jonathon developed for this special Charlotte Craft Beer Week event:

First Course

Roast Carrot and Ginger Soup with Wasabi Creme

• Paired with Woody Creek White Belgian Wit

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Second Course

Peanut Crusted Chicken with Cilantro Chutney

• Paired with Old Scratch Amber Lager

Third Course

Jicama and Blood Orange Salad with a Lobster Won Ton

• Paired with Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA

Fourth Course

Braised Pork with Mac ‘n’ Cheese and Collard Greens

• Paired with Doggie Style Classic Pale Ale

Fifth Course

Gonzo Chocolate Baklava

• Paired with Gonzo Imperial Porter

To make a reservation, call Cafe Central at 704-930-7810.

Brewer and cellarman Larry Pomerantz recently developed his own take on fish and chips, inspired by our 20th anniversary Belgian-style IPA Raging Bitch:

Bitch and Chips

Serves 13 (6 oz. portions)

Ingredients:

• 6 cups flour
• 3 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• 36 oz (3 bottles) Flying Dog’s Raging Bitch Belgian-Style IPA
• 5 pounds firm-fleshed whitefish (tilapia, pollock, haddock, or cod), cut into 1-ounce strips
• Cornstarch, for dredging

Directions for Bitch Batter and Fish:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cayenne pepper, and Old Bay seasoning.
2. Whisk in the beer until the batter is completely smooth and free of any lumps.
3. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. (Note: The batter can be made up to 1 hour ahead of time.)
4. Heat oil in deep frier or pan to 350 degrees.
5. Lightly dredge fish strips in cornstarch.
6. Working in small batches, dip the fish into batter and immerse into hot oil.
7. When the batter is set, turn the pieces of fish over and cook until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
8. Drain the fish.
9. Serve with malt vinegar.

Directions for Homemade French Fries:

1. Use a mandolin slicer with a wide blade, slice the potatoes with the skin on.
2. Place in a large bowl with cold water.
3. Heat fryer to 320 degrees.
4. Drain potatoes thoroughly, removing any excess water.
5. When oil reaches 320 degrees, submerge the potatoes in the oil.
6. Working in small batches, fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they are pale and floppy.
7. Remove from oil, drain, and cool to room temperature.
8. Increase the temperature of the oil to 375 degrees.
9. Re-immerse fries and cook until crisp and golden brown, about 2 to 3 minutes.
10. Remove and drain on roasting rack.
11. Season with kosher salt.

According to Larry, all must be served with plenty of Raging Bitch.

On Friday, November 13th, here’s going to be a four-course beer and food pairing event featuring four styles of Flying Dog Brewery’s award-winning ales at Elk Forge Inn & Spa, the premier bed & breakfast in Elkton, MD. Flying Dog brewery representative Joe Gomez will be on-hand to help guide you through this great-sounding dinner. Tickets are $30 and the two seatings are at 6:30PM and 8:30PM. Learn more at the Elk Forge website.

Click the image below for a larger view of the invitation and menu.

There’s an upcoming Flying Dog beer dinner at Tuscarora Mills in Leesburg, Virginia. Here’s your chance to try Dogtoberfest Marzen and Gonzo Imperial Porter - two Flying Dog beers that won Gold Medals at the 2009 Great American Beer Festival. You’ll also get a chance to try our Double Dog from a nitro tap, which is a pretty special thing to get to try.

Wednesday, November 4th, 2009 @ 7:00 PM
Tuscarora Mills
203 Harrison Street
Leesburg, Virginia 20175

Greeter Beer: In-Heat Wheat Hefeweizen

Course 1: House-made chicken brats with caraway sauerkraut and grilled apples, paired with Dogtoberfest Marzen

Course 2: CHili spiced buffalo burger slider with smoked cheddar, avocado and tater stringles, paired with Dog Schwarz Smoked Double Lager

Course 3: “Pork & Pork” - Smoked baby back ribs & crispy pork belly with poblano BBQ sauce & melon salsa, paired with Double Dog Double Pale Ale (on Nitro)

Course 4: Blackened New York strip with porter steak sauce & mac and cheese, paired with Gonzo Imperial Porter

Course 5: Créme Brulée with hazelnut brittle, paired with Horn Dog Barley Wine

Cost: $75 - Reserve a spot online