Global Beer Network Dinner
Monk's Cafe
June 13, 2006

It had been 5 years since we had seen Johnny and Claudine from Global Beer of Santa Barbara, CA. They are Belgian nationals who brought several lines of Belgian beers to the U.S when they emigrated here. We had traveled with them to Belgium in 2000 and 2001. As a matter of fact, our second trip was 1 1/2 weeks after 9/11! GBN sponsors a fantastic trip to Belgium every year. J & C are no longer the guides on this beerventure, but their enthusiasm is carried on by Regnier Demuynck. This year's trip sold out in 2 weeks, but keep it in mind for the future.

We arrived early in hopes of getting a chance to reminisce with Johnny & Claudine and we weren't disappointed. It was great to see them again!
Soon it was time to find our seats to begin the festivities. The omnipresent George Hummel introduced Johnny to the crowd who proceeded to energize the crowd with his infectious enthusiasm for beer. We were served an unannounced glass of Monk's Flemish Sour Ale which is brewed by Van Steenberge and imported by GBN for Monk's.
While Johnny continued to give us a lesson on Belgian history and beerology, the first course of Amuse Bouche (potato leek soup,truffled goose mousse and seabream cerviche) was served accompanied by Wittekerke, a refreshing witbier produced by Brouwerij Bavik. A great beginning!!!
Next up was Poperinge Hommelbier, a hoppy brew from one of the last hop-producing regions of Belgium. A most enjoyable dish of Pan Seared Scallops dusted with coriander and lime juice & cilantro. Scallops are not everyone's favorite, so I got to eat several servings!
Another great beer from Van Steenberge was served next. Piraat is a high octane tripel with a wonderfully fruity and warm palate. In contrast, we also received a taste of Sara Buckwheat Ale which is a bit dry and earthy tasting. Both, however, went well with the Chicken Satay  w/Thai Salad that made up the 3rd course.
Of course, in the meantime, Johnny had been giving a running commentary on beer, breweries and Belgium much to everyone's delight. His knowledge of Belgian history is extensive and his animated delivery keeps everyone's interest. I wish I had him as a teacher in school!
To cleanse our palates, a sorbet of Monk's Flemish Sour Ale was served.
For the entree, 2 of my favorite beers were presented. Scotch de Silly from the Silly Brewery, a dark, sweet Scottish Ale. We visited this brewery and had lunch with the owner whose company I had the pleasure of sharing at that meal. In addition, we received Gulden Draak(Golden Dragon), another of the Van Steenbereg lineup and my favorite of all their beers. This 11.5% monster has such a wonderful complex mixture of flavors: caramel, licorise, fruit and a lot of alcohol warmth! Both of these stood up to the Elk Medallions w/beer sauce and the fiddlehead ferns and roasted bliss potatoes and complemented it beautifully.
Johnny told the story of the Golden Dragon of Ghent whose likeness appears on the beer label. Of course, I drank multiple samples of each of the beers to the detriment of my already bloated condition.
Just when we thought it was over, a nice portion of Chocolate Pound Cake w/fresh berries and cream came to the table accompanied by Cherish Framboise, a modern version of a Belgian classic.
Earlier in the evening, I had introduced my friend(can I say that, Jack?) and excellent escritoire de biere to Johnny and Claudine and he was immediately affected by their great joie de vivre et biere. He spoke to them most of the evening and even declared this dinner "the best one ever". Look for some interview material in the future.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Pictures were taken, goodbyes were said and hopes that it would not be another 5 years before the next meeting were expressed.
Be sure to visit Global Beer Network's website for lots of beer and Belgian info. They also have a large selection of beer glasses and paraphernalia for online ordering. Look for their beers throughout the U.S.
Gezondheit!!

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