Three Brews & Food Events to Scope Out This Week

Beer and food is an oft-overlooked pairing that actually can be varied and complex, especially since there are so many different flavor profiles of different styles of beers to work with. From high brow to low brow food and everything in between, beer is a great accompaniment to your favorite foods. This phenomenon was charted during American Craft Beer Week last month with an Eater map which listed the many beer pairing events happening in the Greater New Orleans area during that time.

From pale lagers and wheat ales to the darkest, roastiest stouts and porters, the diverse styles of beer can match any food, any time, anywhere.

Tonight at the Mellow Mushroom in Covington, the boys from Bayou Teche Brewing will be bringing Cajun sausage and their beers together - this is arguably one of the best reasons beer was invented, to eat with sausage. Or vice versa. Tonight's Cajun sausage fest starts at 6:30, will have several courses of local sausages including andouille and boudin procured from Breaux Bridge. The cost is $25, and reservations are recommended.

On Wednesday, Red Fish Grill is partnering with Parish Brewing for the brewery's first ever beer pairing dinner. This five course meal will pair seafood with a variety of Parish's beers from Canebrake with "Andouille-Crusted Oysters Corn Dogs" to start to a Dr. Hoptagon black IPA float with caramel sea salt ice cream and espresso cocoa nib. The whole shebang is $70 plus tax and tip. Call 504-598-1200 for reservations and come on out and have a classy Bourbon Street experience for once. Starts at 6:30pm.

Also on Wednesday, if you find yourself on the other side of the pond in Slidell, check out the "Backyard Beer Pairing" at Cotê. This dinner sources beer from a variety of local breweries - Tin Roof, Lazy Magnolia, Chafunkta, Parish, and Bayou Teche. It starts at 6:30pm and costs $35 per person or $60 per couple (potential date night?) Call 985-288-5440 for reservations.

· Beer Here! Coverage [-ENOLA-]
· Eater craft beer Coverage [-ENOLA-]

— Nora McGunnigle