Craft Brews & Multiple Courses: The Best PDX Beer Week Pairing Dinners

Image of Interurban courtesy Facebook

The second-annual PDX Beer Week will soon descend upon the city (with kick-off scheduled for this Thursday, June 7), and in the interest of helping tipplers soak up all those brews, here's a quick look at some of the week's top chef's pairing dinners and food-related events. (Not interested in beer? No worries; find more liver-killing events slated for the month of June by clicking right here.) But first, bring on the beer:

N. MISSISSIPPI—Mississippi Avenue gastropub Interurban will ring in Beer Week by welcoming three big names in brewing. In preparation for the "Guest Brewer Dinners," chef John Gorham and tap-master Dan Hart have been collaborating with each visiting brewer, producing multiple-course pairing menus to complement the nuanced beers. On Sunday, June 10, Charlie Devereux of Hood River's Double Mountain Brewing will kick off the series, pouring his Cask IRA and a 2010 Oregon Farmhouse Ale alongside rich summer fare. (Notables include liver mousse with malt drizzled crostini and pickled white strawberry, and later, spiced mussels in butter and beer broth.) It all leads up to Peche Mode, a Belgian-style sour ale with peaches, paired with strawberry cobbler and peach leaf ice cream. Reservations are $75 and are available by calling the restaurant.

NORTH PORTLAND—On June 12, Portland's beer titans will battle for the title of "Best Burger and Beer Pairing" at NoPo bottleshop Hop and Vine. Five brewers — Jason McAdam of Burnside Brewing, Charlie Devereux of Double Mountain Brewing, Matt Van Wyk of Oakshire Brewing, Ben Dobler of Widmer Brothers and Van Havig of Gigantic — will pour signature beers to harmonize with their burger brainchildren. Tickets to this gluttonous gladiator fight are $45, and can be purchased here.

N. MISSISSIPPI—On Tuesday, June 12, Mitch Steele from Stone Brewing in San Diego, CA will join Interurban for his installment of the bar's brewer's dinner series. This bountiful five-courser features robust drinkables like a stone smoked porter with chipotle peppers, to be poured alongside Gorham's imaginative bar food. Dishes like a house-made Slim Jim with sharp cheddar and roast piglets with creamed chilies will be sure to match the beers in boldness. Reservations are $75 and are available by calling the restaurant.

N. MISSISSIPPI—On June 13, Interurban will host Seattle's Elysian Brewing for a seven-course pairing dinner. Aside from a host of IPAs, head brewer Dick Cantrell will also be pouring a Peste Chocolate Chili Ale and, for dessert, a Split Shot Espresso Milk Stout. As for the food, it's more summery than the spot's previous two dinners — think orange granite, salmon tartar canapés, fish-n-chips — yet surely doesn't compromise on flavor. Reservations are $75 and are available by calling the restaurant.

EVERYWHERE—As the charismatic conductor of the Brewvana bus, “Beer Goddess” and radio host Lisa Morrison will lead passengers on a mini beer tour of Portland (complete with food pairings, "progressive dinner"-style). The bus's pit stops include Cheese Bar for a beer and cheese pairing, the Central Eastside's Hair of the Dog for beer and a first course, Burnside Brewing for beer and an entrée, and SW's Sasquatch Brewing for beer and dessert. The event takes place on Thursday, June 14 from 6-10 p.m., and with the $65 ticket, you won't have to worry about finding a designated driver. Secure your seats here.

NORTHEAST—Double Mountain Brewery will pay a visit to sports bar Spirit of '77 for a beer-and-barbecue-fueled Timbers viewing party. After hitting the taps, raucous soccer hooligans can gorge themselves on a whole barbequed pig and lamb. This free event will take place from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, June 17, and will feature prize giveaways throughout the evening. More information here.

— Taylor Thompson