Well the Monk's Cafe staff really did another fine job on this annual event. Next to MJ's Dinner, I believe that this is the best event that is held here all year. Maybe it's because I enjoy the holiday beers so much, but I'm sure that many will agree with me!
This was the 3rd year that we've attended this dinner and it only gets better. Two holiday beers accompany each course which means that one much watch the quantity imbibed.
My friend, Gary Monterosso, decided to attend this year and we were lucky enough to be included in a special tasting of beers from a small Belgian brewery that Tom Peters had visited recently. Most of the selections were similar in style, but very tasty just the same.

Our pre-dinner beer was Anchor's Our Special Ale 2004. This spicy brew is made with a different profile every year. I believe they used spruce tips in this one giving it the piney flavor. Following this one, we had Delirium Noel draft from Belgium to accompany the Country Terrine & Savory Chevre & Roasted Onion Tartlette....a great start to a marvelous dinner.
A new beer on the US scene, Mahr's Christmas Bock from Germany, was served next along with a classic favorite, Dupont's Avec Les Bon Voeux from Belgium. Lobster Pest Roulade was a real hit with both!
Next up was Rogue's Santa's Reserve from the US which has become a very popular seasonal for them. Jenlain Biere de Noel was poured side-by-side with it and accompanied by Pan Seared Scallops w/chervil & oven dried grape tomatoes. I love scallops and this was a pairing made in heaven!
The entree of the evening was Roast Duck in Cranberry Sauce w/ oyster gueuze stuffing and roasted acorn squash.....a delectable dish to be sure.
A local beer was chosen to accentuate this course. Troeg's Mad Elf from Harrisburg, PA gave a fruity, spicy flavor with the duck and Affligem Noel from Belgium added another dimension still. Another fantastic pairing!
Just when you thought you couldn't eat another bite, dessert shows up!
Buche Noel, a classic French dessert, was a chocolate delight and served with Scaldis Noel poured from 2 year old magnums! Was that ever wonderful! The warming effect of the beer mixes so well with the chocolate.
Chef Adam Glickman and crew did another fine job of pleasing the crowd and we are already looking forward to next year!
This dinner is always an early sellout so make plans and call promptly.
Keep an eye on their website, www.monkscafe.com, for a list of events. Tom & Fergie hold events almost every month.
Coming up in Feb. is a dinner featuring the beers of St. Feuillien Brewery of Belgium with Dominic Friart, the owner, attending and in March is MJ's Dinner on March 13 and Stephen Beaumont's on March 15. Be sure to make your reservations!