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Steingarten LA welcomed “The Bruery” for a five course beer pairing dinner to benefit http://tasteofthenationla.org/blog/ (a non- profit working to end childhood hunger by 2015).  A portion of all the ticket and beer sales went to this cause.

“The Bruery,” located in Placentia California, is one of the fastest growing new craft breweries in the country.  I’ve never had a beer paired dinner before so I was excited to attend this event– five unique beers paired with five unique food dishes.  The “brewmaster,” Patrick Rue, from the brewery was there to speak about each of the beers, along with the chef at Steingarten LA speaking about each of the dishes. Now on to the meal….

The meal started with the amouse bouche: a bite size rosemary lamb lollipop on balsamic toy box which was paired with “The Burery Marron Acidifie” (an American sour ale with notes of dark fruit).  This beer was almost like a combination of a beer and red wine, it went well with the sourness of the balsamic vinegar in the dish, but was definitely a unique experience if you’ve never had a sour beer before.

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The appetizer came next, a deer salami tartine topped with drunken goat cheese.  This was somewhat pizza-esque and the deer salami was a first for me.  It was paired with “The Bruery Rugbrod ” (American Brown Ale that takes its name from a traditional Danish Rye Bread).  The beer was heartier than the previous course, I really enjoy a dark beer.

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Then on to the salad course in a “Mischief” raspberry vinaigrette that came along with grilled Peaches, d’ambert mousse.  The chef used the Bruery’s “Mischief” beer in the vinaigrette which was a huge hit for me, I had a glass of “The Bruery Mischief” before the meal started.  The salad was paired with “The Bruery Hottenroth” (a unique take on a traditional Berliner Weisse, slightly sour with citrus notes).  The beer definitely worked with the salad, but it was pretty sour and probably not something I would drink outside of this meal.

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I was also blown away by the grilled peaches that came along with the salad.  This is not something I would usually order, but I found it to be delicious.  The peaches were stuffed with blue cheese and topped with crispy onions, my taste buds were very happy!

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The main course was herb crusted halibut & rib-eye tournade on lemon & thyme mash, paired with “The Bruery Gremlin” (a spicy and citrus forward Belgian Strong Pale Ale).  This was a very nice size main course, the halibut & rib-eye was delicious on the lemony mash.  The mash also paired nicely with the beer that has slight citrus notes.

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Finally the dessert, a “Tres Beer” banana pound cake with an apricot and barley risotto.  The pound cake was a play on Tres Leches Cake and was dipped in three beers with a hint of the banana in each bite.  It was paired with “The Bruery Orchard White” (Belgian Witt beer spiced with coriander, citrus and lavender).  Who doesn’t love a boozy cake?!

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Overall, this was a fantastic meal and event.  Well over $500 was raised for the charity.  Steingarten LA just opened recently, this was my first time there, and I really like the feel of the restaurant.  They have a nice outdoor area with firepits.  I definitely want to come back here for their regular menu, stay posted for that adventure!

Steingarten LA
10543 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 441-0441