The second installment of 82 Queen‘s Summer Dinner Series had Carolina Brewery beers on tap. This time around Chef Steven Lusby’s menu recreated cookout favorites.
First off, before any dish was plated and devoured, I kicked back a tall glass of Firecracker Pale Ale, an easy-to-enjoy brew. Perfect for summer evenings.
The first course was Flagship Vichyssoise paired with a Flagship IPA. Wow. A fantastic pairing.
Next, guests were treated to a course of blue crab and jalapeño timbale with a Skyblue Golden Ale. The dish also included a tart pickled green tomato, which acted as a tasty contrast to the sweet flavors on the plate. The shellfish was delicate; the beer was light, and we were all left wanting another glass.
Chef Lusby’s third course was a classic burger. Actually, it was a very refined take on a burger. A duck confit and pimento cheese filet rested on top of a bed of bacon jam (!!!) and was accompanied by a healthy dose of truffled frites. A darker Copper Line Amber Ale refreshed my palate with each sip.
Finally, Lusby presented a blackberry cobbler withberries straight from his garden. On the side was a sweet touch of chocolate oatmeal ice cream, paired with an Oatmeal Porter.
The third dinner in the series will be held on August 16 in conjunction with Firefly Moonshine and Palmetto Brewery (tickets are $59) and if the first two are any indication, it will surely be an interesting evening.
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