Beer-Food Pairings Featured at Rotary Fundraising Dinner

If you have ever wondered — and who hasn't? — about the right beer to enjoy with a chocolate brownie sundae, the Northport Rotary Club's "beer pairing dinner" might be the place to find out.

According to event chairman Dan Finnegan, there'll be no shortage of great food, good company, and fine ale at the Rotary event which will take place on Thursday, Dec.  9 from 6 to 10 pm at the .

Finnegan has previously attended two such events. He said that guests' enjoyment of the dinner will be enhanced by the pairing of beers to each course. The 'beer sommelier' for the evening? Ed Raven of Raven Brands, a Brooklyn-based firm.

Attendees  will find out that there is more to beer than meets the eye, Raven indicated.

"It's an around the world tour of beer," Raven said, adding that guests will pick up  pointers by comparing imported beers with domestic beers of a certain style.

The event will offer the unique opportunity to enjoy beers from the best known and biggest breweries in Germany, Belgium, the Czech Republic, and the United Kingdom, Raven said.

"It is a learning experience and also a lot of fun, and the food is always great at the Northport Yacht Club, Raven said.

In terms of the gastronomic offerings, an appetizer 'tasting plate' of venison sate, jerked chicken on a skewer, eggplant envoltine and shrimp and fontina cheese wrapped in bacon will pave the way for a mixed green salad. The main course will be a taste-tempting combination of medallion of filet mignon au poivre and petite roasted salmon filet, beurre blanc, Finnegan said.

Northport Rotary Club President Dana Sydney, who described the idea of the beer pairing dinner as "awesome," said that, in keeping with the relaxed atmosphere of the evening, raffle prizes will include a spring clean-up by a professional landscaping firm and a fishing rod and accessories. The piece de resistance will be a live auction of a brewery tour.

"There'll be a five hour brewery tour in a brand new fully loaded six passenger stretch limo," Finnegan said.

The proceeds of the event will benefit the

According to Finnegan, for the last month, the Rotary has been brightening the lives of veterans at the VA Hospital by hosting pizza parties every other Monday and a monthly birthday party. The funds raised from the beer pairing dinner will be used to continue these efforts, Finnegan said.

"Injured veterans need our attention. It's a way of making the time of those who are here to heal a little nicer," Finnegan said. "I look forward to enjoying the evening knowing that the enjoyment will benefit others."

Northport Yacht Club is located at 11 Bluff Point Road, Northport. Tickets are $100 per person.  Seating is limited. Reserve tickets early by calling  (631) 385-5319.