On behalf of the Ferguson Community Gardens (OFW and Robert Superior) I'd like to thank Joe Lonero, Brewmaster Josh Wilson, and the entire staff at Hill's Brewing Company for an amazing fundraiser! Josh paired each of the four courses with a perfect brew. While 8 oz servings accompanied each course, garden supporters were encouraged to try larger samples for free at the bar. As we were leaving, Joe gave each ticket holder a token for a free glass of wine at CORK, compliments of Mike Lonero. I couldn't imagine a more perfect representation of *COMMUNITY* than that night.
The first course was prepared by our resident gardener and executive chef, Freddie Holland. The Tuscan Meatballs on Angel Hair Pasta with Pesto included several ingredients from the gardens. The meatballs were made from Match (vegan meat alternative) and paired perfectly with the Munich Dunkel. The complexity of flavors from both appetizer and beer were the perfect start to an amazing taste sensation.
The next course was a beautiful springtime salad made with candied pecans, fresh strawberries, pineapple and bleu cheese crumbles paired with Hill's Hefeweisen Wheat. The fruit in the salad complemented the banana/clove flavor of the beer. Wonderful!
The main course was a blackened Mahi Mahi on a bed of rice with vegetables on the side. The fish was paired with the St. Louis Pale Ale to bring out both the spiciness of the hops in the beer and the cajun blackened spice.
Finally, the dessert was a gorgeous fresh cheesecake with strawberries paired with the Pecan Brown Ale. Who knew a cheesecake could be MORE delicious with the nuttiness and richness that the Pecan Ale provided?!?!
Thank you for all the garden supporters who were able to attend, and thank you again to Joe for making it all happen!!!!!!
