1994 was a good year. The Channel Tunnel opened up between England and France. OJ Simpson thought he could out run the police – in a bronco. Justin Bieber was born. Tonya Harding won the national Figure Skating championship title but lost the title following an attack on rival Nancy Kerrigan. Forrest Gump hit theaters, and Boys II Men filled gyms and dance floors of high schools across the country. More significantly, Berkshire Brewing Company started brewing in South Deerfield, and Chandler’s Restaurant opened their doors. In honor of being neighbors, new entrepreneurs, and both relatively new to the area and industry, Chandler’s and BBC established a unique friendship, with Chandler’s dedicating all our taps exclusively to the brewery’s ales and lagers.
While we still quote Forrest and Bubba Gump regularly, a lot of things have changed since 1994 – and mostly (fashion) for the better – but the important things have not. BBC and Chandler’s still maintain the same relationship they did from day one – with Chandler’s still pouring only BBC, and BBC still being the awesome, we’ll be there in a minute, kind of neighbors. Chandler’s hosts their yearly holiday party; they’ll take parties booking with us on private tours, even host summer pizza parties for our staff. (It should be mentioned that yes, we do serve a variety of domestic and imported bottles, but we LOVE BBC the most.) We've all learned a lot since the first days of business, but the true focus on good food, beer, and service have kept us all going.
What else do we love about our partnership with BBC? That we can hold the best of the best beer dinners – with that said, the only one around that starts you with an actual tour and tasting at the brewery itself. Being located .5 miles from a brewery has a few perks!
If you have never been to one of our beer dinners, you are seriously missing out. Held roughly six times a year, the menu changes seasonally, as do the brews paired with each dish, making each event a unique experience. When preparing each menu Executive Chef Greg Monette looks to the season, and then to the flavors in each beer. Red and golden beets, pomegranates, grapefruit, parsnips, leeks, and even fennel will decorate your plates this time of year. Based on the seasonal availability of local produce, seafood, and beef, he looks to prepare food to complement each beer, even using the brew itself to heighten the flavor. Try the Louisiana Style Gumbo Friday night and you’ll know what we mean.
We asked Chef Monette what his favorite part of our event was (he’s a big fan of the Traditional Pale Ale, and beer dinners in general). He says it’s the personal attention that the brewer’s provide to the guests attending. Where else do you get a personalized tour, followed by a tasting session in their tap room, AND then they accompany you to dinner, with full length explanations of what you are drinking during each course. So Cool. Plus, these types of events allow the kitchen an opportunity to veer from the everyday menu, explore new items, and experiment with new themes. “And, it’s fun.”
Have we convinced you to make a reservation yet? See you Friday night!
Chandler’s 2011 Cajun Style Beer Dinner featuring BBC Friday, January 21
6:00 tour starts at the BBC Brewery
Dinner follows at Chandler’s
Classic Cajun Boudin Sausage and Cheese Plate
Raspberry Barley Wine
BBC Infused Louisiana Style Gumbo
Steel Rail Extra Pale Ale
Pan Fried Catfish, Crab Cream Sauce and Dirty Rice
Lost Sailor India Pale Ale
Creole Sweet Potato Pecan Pie
Berkshire Traditional Pale Ale
$45. per person plus tax and gratuity
Future Dates: Dates: January 21, March 11, June 10, August 12, October 14, November 11
