We went to a food and beer Signature dining luncheon at the ESPN Club this past Wednesday (Sept 30) – and it was NOT sold out. We got an email from the Flying Fish last week about the event and it stated there were still openings. We were flying in that day, so I actually walked up and got in.
For those that thought the luncheon at the ESPN club would just be bar food, the menu speaks for itself.
Amuse
Caramelized Onion, Smoked Bacon, Cheddar & Ale Fondue Flatbread
Florida Cracker Ale
Salad
Land Greens, Pilsner Vinaigrette, Spiced Cheese Curds, Candied Beer Nuts
Cucumber Saison
Appetizer
Lager Batter “Fish & Chips” Duck Fat Fries, Charred Onion Aioli
Hotter Than Helles Lager
Intermezzo
White Ale Sorbet, Sour Cherry Gastrique, Pale Ale Chaser
Invasion Pale Ale
Entrée
Bourbon Stout Short Rib, Roasted Garlic and Potato Gratin, Pan Gravy Reduction, Market Vegetables, Green Pea Tendrils
Marshal Zhukov Stout
Dessert
Sour Apple & Blueberry Cobbler
Fight the Power Sour Cider
Goodbye tasting
Good Gourd Imperial Pumpkin Ale
There were only 10 people in attendance for this lunch. They would certainly love to have more people in attendance at their next 2 luncheons (Oct. 14 and Oct. 28.)
As you can see from the menu, Chef Anthony Gregorek provided 6 tasty courses that were paired with 6 beers from Cigar City Brewing of Tampa, Florida. We had a 7th beer as a goodbye tasting. The beer pours were very generous – FULL GLASSES.
According to the chef, the food we had is either on the regular ESPN menu now or will be soon.
The atmosphere was very casual, the chef talked about each course as it was presented. Justin Clark represented Cigar City Brewing, and he discussed each beer and answered questions throughout the meal. His chief brewer was also in attendance.
We received a gift bag at the end, from Cigar City Brewing, including a beer glass, a T-shirt, beer bottle opener, among others.
The luncheon was worth it.
Ed