Perfect Pair: Beer Pairing Dinner at 901

Tuesday is all about pairing food and drinks.  This week Executive Chef Thomas Hall of 901 helped us out!  Chef Thomas worked closely with Brewmaster Mike McCarthy, 901 director of brewing operations, to create the perfect beer pairings. 901 recently opened in Penn Quarter and has a playful atmosphere.   

Executive Chef Thomas Hall

All 901’s signature house beers are brewed locally at Capitol City Brewing Company’s expanded brewing operations at its Shirlington location in Arlington, VA – the largest brewery in the mid-Atlantic region and top ten in the country. All brews are specific to 901, there will be no crossover beers from Capitol City Brewing Company.

Before diving into the pairings, we had to check out one of 901's smoking cocktails.  The Envy is made with Barcardi Silver Rum, Blue Curaca, sour mix and pineapple juice (10.95).  They add dry ice so the cocktail looks like it is smoking.  Super cool.  


Now for the ultimate beer pairing menu:

The Dish:  Prince Edward Island Mussels made with spicy marinara and sun-dried tomato crostini (17)


The Pairing:  Belgian Pale Ale

The fruit flavors created by the yeast combined with a light caramel and biscuit malt flavor pair well and will not overpower the flavors of the mussels and marinara .

The Dish:  Craft Beer Churrasco are marinated in 901 beer and served with chili pepper crème and crispy basil (13)

The Pairing:  IPA
The big hop citrus flavors and bitterness is a perfect balance to any foods that have a spicy kick.  The IPA provides a nice cooling affect on the palate.

The Dish:  Peppercorn Lamb Chops served with a sweet potato croquette, curried onion straws and black pepper demi glace (26).  The sweet potato croquette is amazing!!


The Pairing:  Oatmeal Stout

The full body and well rounded sweet malt flavors meld with the peppercorn and richness of the plate.  This beer provides a nice hearty backbone to the flavors of the dish.

 

We ended our dining experience with a dessert sampler featuring: “Coffee and Donuts,” Cheesecake with Sour Cherries, Caramel and Chocolate Cake, and Chocolate Chipotle Brulee.  The Coffee and Donuts is a must-try!! 

 

Head in to 901 to recreate you're own pairing adventure!

 

901 Restaurant and Bar is open daily Sunday – Thursday for lunch and dinner from 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 midnight. The bar is open on weekends until 2:00 a.m. Reservations are available by calling: (202) 524-4433 or on Open Table. The Chef’s Table and the Private Dining Room are available for private functions with advance reservations recommended. For more information on 901, please visit the website at: www.901dc.com.