The Bolder Life: Perfect Pairings

Boulder County’s buzz-worthy craft beer culture, and highly respected restaurant scene are constantly appearing in headlines all over the nation.  With a string of new awards settling in in our neighborhood breweries and dining rooms every month, it’s no wonder that food and beer connoisseurs travel from all over to visit our favorite local hangouts each year.

Thankfully for us local folk, we’re always on hand when our favorite food and beverage locations pair up to throw some ridiculously good, mouth-watering meals complimented by some of the best craft beer and wine in the nation!

I’ve always been a huge sucker when it comes to a good Beer/Wine Dinner. Putting your dining experience in the hands of creative chefs and noshing your way through a five-course meal paired with your favorite alcoholic beverage is a fantastic way to spend an evening.

Check out this list of upcoming local beer/wine events and be sure to make reservations. You’ll be so happy you did.

Tuesday, January 17^th
Supper Club
Pizzeria Locale | Boulder | 6:30 pm
Price: $59 (tax and gratuity included)
The creative minds of the Culinary Connectors bring you the latest installment of the Tuesday evening, Boulder “Supper Club” hosted by one of Boulder’s favorite pizzerias! Pizzeria Locale is one of Pearl Street’s most popular restaurants, and $59 is an absolute steal for the opportunity to dine on some delicious cuisine and sip on some exceptional wines. (Note that tax and gratuity are included in the price per person, which means that this deal is definitely not one to be missed!)

Wednesday, January 18^th
Our Favorite Things Beer Dinner
Lucky Pie | Louisville | 6:30 pm
Price: $50 (tax and gratuity not included)
I love Lucky Pie. This craft beer/foodie gem is located in the heart of Old Town Louisville and is one of my favorite local spots to stop in for a pint and a bite. This popular Tap House has thrown some killer beer dinners in the past, but the staff is running the show this time around, and sharing some of their “favorite things” in this mid-week beer dinner. Enjoy five of the staff’s favorite beer picks paired with a menu that will make you drool.

Thursday, January 19^th
Piedmont Wine Dinner
Colterra | Niwot | 6:30 pm
Price: $65 (tax and gratuity not included)
I’ve found myself finding excuses to visit the tiny town of Niwot lately, just so that I can end up in the delicious-smelling dining room at Salt the Bistro’s sister restaurant, Colterra. I can still taste the melt-in-your mouth gnocchi that I sampled at my last visit. Make your reservation for next Thursday’s collaborative dinner and sample wines from the Piedmont region paired with a mouth-watering menu from the creative culinary minds of Colterra’s chefs.

Thursday, January 19^th
CAN CAN Girls Kick-Off Beer Dinner
Oskar Blues Homemade Liquids & Solids | Longmont | 6:00 pm
Price: $50 (tax and gratuity included)
This event might be at the top of my wish list. Not only is Oskar Blues a powerhouse in the local brewery scene, but the OB kitchen is constantly receiving rave reviews as well. With a five-course menu paired with five OB beers, this dinner is a steal at $50—including tax and gratuity! If the amazing menu, live music, raffle prizes and low price for this event isn’t enough to make you rush out and buy your ticket today—then maybe the fact that a huge chunk of the proceeds for the event will be donated to breast cancer research, will. Do the right thing. Make a reservation today. I’ll see you there.

Thursday, January 19^th
Andrew Rich Winemaker Dinner
Terroir Restaurant | Longmont | 6:30 pm
Price: $55 (tax and gratuity not included)
Terroir hit the Boulder County restaurant scene hard when it opened in 2007, and it’s been providing local patrons a top-notch selection of beer and wine to wash down their New-American style cuisine ever since. Next week, Terroir will be hosting Andrew Rich of Andrew Rich Wines, and pairing his deliciously smashed and aged grapes with menu items such as: organic salmon, beef tenderloin, and potato ravioli. Don’t miss this dinner and the opportunity to get a little taste of downtown Longmont’s restaurant scene.

Thursday, January 26^th
Wine & Food Pairing Featuring Erik Skokan of Black Cat Bistro
Bookcliff Vineyards | Boulder | 6:00 pm
Price: $65 (tax and gratuity not included)
I took a mini-wine tour of Boulder County wineries last summer, and spent the majority of the day touring, sampling, buying bottles, and learning about wine at Bookcliff Vineyards. This Boulder winery is offering a series of wine and food pairings featuring a menu prepared by local chef’s to go along with Bookcliff’s selection of award winning wines. Chef Erik Skokan of the Black Cat Farm Bistro will be serving up a five-course dinner at the winery at the end of January. Do not—I repeat, do not miss this dinner. I’m sure you’ll be