Love, Food, & Beer

February is a busy month for us. Not only is it Valentines but it is also my birthday month. I love doing something fun with the hubby and the kids. This year we decided to do our dinner a little early and do a fun family dinner at home with the kiddos on Valentines.

I was super excited when I saw that one of our favorite restaurants and breweries were teaming up to do a dinner and beer pairing for an early Valentines. Of course I had to jump on this.

The dinner was provided by Hannahs Off the Square and the beer was provided by Denton County Brewing Company.

It was a three course meal with a total of four beers. When we arrived we were welcomed with our first beer. The beer is special to them as the yeast came from a flowering plant that was found in Big Bend, TX. How cool is this! It was an amazing beer and is not on their normal tap menu.

We got to enjoy a private room for the dinner. It was a very special experience. Once seated we were greeted by Hannah's staff and let us know about the first course. I am not one who loves curry, but holy cow I was blown away by the first course. It was a Thai Shrimp Dumpling with Puffed Rice and Coconut Red Curry. It was paired with their Gold Crush Blonde Ale that was a special brew they did and added lemongrass. Sounds odd right? But the two paired perfectly together.

This dish was loved by all. It was great that with each course we were told about why the beer was paired and how it was brewed. The time that was taken to ensure this experience was superb.

The second course was braised Lamb with Bariotto paired with a PBA Dopplebock. I will tell you and my husband will say the same I am not a fan of dark beer. I was a little scared by this one but man oh man I was in love with it after the first sip. It also smelled amazing! The dark richness of this beer went perfectly with the Lamb that just melted in your mouth. The story behind the beer was again a true experience.

The dinner was also paired with homemade Beer Bread. The beer that was used was from DCBC. The recipe was easy and was something I hope we can make at home. The second course was rustic and was a true comfort food.

The tables that we were eating at were long so that you could mingle with new friends. The wood that these tables were made from are from an old bridge down in Round Top, TX. Again bringing the Texas flare to life.

These candles were set along the table. The owners of DCBC are Catholic, as are we and when someone asked how did they gain the confidence from being a home brewer to growing this business, they said a lot of prayers. Love this.

These candles also just brought that rustic feel even more alive.

As we prepared for our final course the owners of DCBC told their story of how it all began for them and why certain things inside the beautiful building were so special and overall special to Denton, TX. Where they sit it used to be PLOT 16 and was a homestead/farm. How cool is this and the history that is still alive in our town. They also have a cow that is mounted on the wall. His name is Lonesome. He was a pet to a long time family in Denton. When the cow passed they had him mounted and asked if they could display him in DCBC. Again another part of Denton history being brought to life.

The final course was a Chocolate Rhubarb Tort with Pana Cotta Cream paired with a Blueberry IPA Milkshake. It was decedent and the prefect ending to an amazing meal. The beer itself could have been the dessert.

It was great to meet other locals and share a wonderful meal together. It was a special experience and one that was even more special as we are Denonties.

If you are in Denton and haven't tried either place I highly recommend them both.

This was the perfect early Valentines for us. Next up a fun dinner for the kiddos and a day full of Valentines parties.

XOXO

Amanda