There are plenty of nameless, unsung brewmasters out there, and Sam Calagione is definitely not one of them.
The founder and president of Delaware's cult hit Dogfish Head brewery is one of the best-known leaders of the extreme beer trend, and was profiled in entertaining detail in last fall's food issue of The New Yorker.
But did you know Calagione's also an author? And a bocce ball fanatic? Yep, dude's a craft brew-fueled Renaissance man.
He's in town this week for several different events, starting with Thursday's discussion and signing of his book Brewing Up a Business. Changing Hands will host the event ($35, including 2 beers and a book), which will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at Boulders on Broadway. Registration and pre-payment is required.
Also on Thursday is the Dogfish Head beer tasting ($10), from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Chandler Whole Foods. Later in the evening, he'll preside over a special five-course beer-pairing dinner ($75), also at Whole Foods (see the last link for details on reservations for both events).
Friday and Saturday afternoons, Calagione will be busy at the Dogfish Head Craft Brewery 2009 Bocce Tournament, an annual sell-out event at the Millenium Resort. (Sorry, this one's already booked up.)
Read on for the beer-pairing dinner menu:
Reception - Aprihop
Belgian Mussels and Frites, Saffron Aioli
Dogfish Head 90 Minute IPA
Local Salad with Red and White Vinaigrette
Blue Sky Farms Arugula, Sunizona Citrus Supreme, Queen Creek Olive Oil, Goat Cheese
Dogfish Head Red and White
Berry sorbet Intermezzo
Dogfish Head Black and Blue
Grilled Buffalo or Grilled Tempeh
Asparagus, Potato Croquettes
Dogfish Head Burton Baton
Banana Split with Lavender Ice Cream and Palo Santo Caramel Sauce
Dogfish Head Palo Santo
Dogfish Head "Espresso"
Dogfish Head Chicory Stout, Foamed Milk, Anise Biscotti
