While I have a moment here this afternoon prior to attending a launch for Alexander Keith’s original cider, I’d like to bring something to your attention. We have a relatively unique beer event coming up on the Toronto calendar, and it’s one that you’re definitely going to want to attend. The Brewer’s Plate is coming up on Wednesday the 18th of April, and it’s just a corker of an event. I attended last year, and it was one of the highlights of 2011 for me.
This year should be a particularly interesting edition of The Brewer’s Plate because the venue has been moved from the Wychwood Artscape Barns to Roy Thomson Hall. The venue is larger and has a few more amenities, and as such should result in a less crowded event that is more thoroughly enjoyable.
General admission is $125.00, but if you feel like blowing the bank on it, you can upgrade that ticket with an optional master class in beer tasting. The tasting is in September 2012 and costs $100.00 by itself, but you get $25.00 off if you buy now. Clearly, that’s the kind of thing that you’ll want to do if you have that kind of money lying around and love beer.
You may think that’s expensive, but a lot of the proceeds go to Green Thumbs Growing Kids. This is a program that teaches kids all about sustainable gardening. Initially, the name confused me and I was worried about pod people, but I have been assured that this is in fact about local seasonal food.
Jamie Kennedy has been named as Patron of the event this year. According to my post from last year, he had the best individual dish, but did not pair most successfully. There are about twenty brewers taking part. There are a number of talented chefs including Brad Long, Lora Kirk, and Mark Cutrara who squared off last year. There’s new blood as well. There are about six chefs that weren’t there last year.
This year I’m looking forward to watching two veritable titans of the beer industry square off as Stephen Beaumont attempts to get Alan McLeod to admit that he likes a beer pairing. I plan on observing them and amusing myself by providing a running commentary in a hushed, breathless imitation of David Attenborough.
Go! Buy a ticket! Do it! Do it now! You know you want to! Go to their website and hope they’re not already sold out! Woe betide you if they are! They’ll sell you the whole seat, but you’ll only need the edge!