No matter the menu offerings (cured pork loin, vanilla bean cheesecake, Cajun shrimp), Tampa Bay has a serious affinity for complementing its craft beer with grub.
Beer-pairing dinners happened at Tampa Bay Brewing Company and The Independent during past Tampa Bay Beer Weeks. Cigar City Brewing's Eggs & Kegs brunch, which premiered at TBBW in 2013 and became a recurring event, typically sells out in advance. And many other food and drink establishments offer brews alongside multicourse meals to create the ultimate taster's paradise.
Keeping pace with CL's Spring Arts Preview, here's a look at five upcoming beer dinners regionites won't want to miss.
7VENTH SUN BEER DINNER
Happening: Tuesday
Urban Brew and BBQ will showcase 7venth Sun Brewery's beverages at its latest five-course feast. Chef Chris Perotti, who's set to head the kitchen at the soon-to-open Urban Comfort, will serve dishes paired with cheese and a 7venth Sun beer. Guests will have the opportunity to interact with Perotti and 7venth Sun during the meal. Reservations, which may be made for 5, 6:15, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., are recommended. $35. 5-10 p.m. 1939 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-8919, urbanbrewandbbq.com.
LAGUNITAS BREWING COMPANY BEER PAIRING DINNER
Happening: Wednesday, Jan. 28
Head to The Birchwood for Lagunitas Brewing Company-inflected eats like glazed pork belly and toffee pudding. Four courses, led by executive chef Jason Cline, will be featured. Reservations are recommended since tickets are limited. $45. 7 p.m. 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, 727-896-1080, thebirchwood.com.
NEW BELGIUM BREWING CRAFT BEER PAIRING DINNER
Happening: Tuesday, Feb. 3
Five New Belgium Brewing beers, such as the Slow Ride Session IPA and Fat Tire Amber Ale, will be paired with signature Square 1 Burgers & Bar eats. And yes, even dessert. Diners will get to take home their pint glasses afterward, too. $30. 6:30-8 p.m. 3942 Tyrone Blvd., St. Petersburg, 727-345-1011, square1burgers.com.
EGGS & KEGS #22: I LOVE WOOD & BOOZE IN BEER
Happening: Sunday, Feb. 15
Held the third Sunday of each month, Eggs & Kegs will highlight two Cigar City Brewing beers, including Marshal Zhukov's Imperial Stout, this time around. With LOKO Cuisine chef John Loscalzo fixing the brunch, guests will chow on cheddar potatoes au gratin, baked french toast and more at the brewery. $27 online. 11 a.m. 3924 W. Spruce St., Tampa, 813-348-6363, cigarcitybrewing.com.
INKWOOD BOOKS & LATE START BREWERY DINNER
Happening: Saturday, Feb. 21
For beer and literature enthusiasts, Inkwood Books' after-hours brew dinner will bring four courses inspired by the literary world. LOKO Cuisine will provide the food, and diners may explore the indie bookstore throughout the night. $27 online. 7:30 p.m. 216 S. Armenia Ave., Tampa, 813-253-2638, inkwoodbooks.com.
This article appears in Jan 15-21, 2015.