Chow. Food. Drink. Fun.

Chow.com pairs Old Rasputin with
Black Forest Strata cake.
"The contrasting beer, Old Rasputin Imperial Russian Stout, makes your taste buds stand to attention; it’s very complex and chocolaty. If you are taking the indulgent route for this meal, then this is the perfect beer to end things with."

Ale and Ahi at Napa’s CIA
North Coast Brewing Company Explores Beer & Food

Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, August 22, 2007
North Coast Brewing Company (NCBC), pioneers in the production of microbrews since 1988, is educating consumers about pairing craft beers and fine food, with guidance from noted chef and author John Ash.  On August 9, brew master Mark Ruedrich and sales manager Doug Moody presented the full line of NCBC beers to students of the “Sophisticated Palate”, a program of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Greystone, Napa Valley.  Students tasted all of North Coast Brewing Company’s beers – from light and fruity to rich and robust.  Following the tasting, the participants enjoyed a seven-course dinner paired with beer.

In the CIA’s “Sophisticated Palate” program, developed and coordinated by John Ash, students learn first hand about the vibrant, diverse world of food and beverage.  At the August 9th session, the menu included seven beers, running the spectrum from light to heavy.

• Grilled Corn Salad – Blue Star Wheat Beer
• Wild Mushroom Quesadilla with Charred Tomato Salsa – Red Seal Ale
• Ahi Tuna Ceviche with Mango and Avocado – Le Merle (Saison)
• Grilled Brined Shrimp with Tomatillo and Avocado Salsa – Scrimshaw Pilsner Beer
• Fish Tacos with Citrus Salsa and Cabbage Slaw – Acme IPA
• Grilled Marinated Flank Steak with Lime-chipotle Sauce – Brother Thelonious
• Fire and Ice Melon – Pranqster (Golden Ale)
• Served to accompany Ahi Tuna Cerviche with Mango and Avocado, Le Merle is NCBC’s newest brew.  The Belgian yeast used in brewing Le Merle produces exotic tropical fruit aromas that interplay with the mango and balance the richness of the avocado and tuna.