To rev up for the Ace Hotel and Swim Club’s fifth annual worship of craft beer, Executive Chef Gregorio Calderin and his team pair specific beer flavors with Mexican fare the weekend of Sept. 9-10.
“Mexican food goes hand in hand with the beer selections we have chosen, and we have multiple beverage choices for each meal,” Calderin says.
The Sept. 9 culinary affair will feature a menu of California-based breweries, dishes filled with seasonal produce such as dessert apricots, and beers chosen to bring out the best tastes.
The intimate setting enables guests to meet with brewmasters and company representatives to discuss the production process and find out why each beer was chosen for each course.
To round out the Ace Craft Beer Weekend, Saturday’s poolside party is all about beer and fun. Festivities include live music by James Supercave and performances by DJ’s Daniel T., Paul Tao, and Eli Glad. More than 18 breweries will have stations around pool for sample tastings including local fan fave, La Quinta Brewery.
FRIDAY MENU:
First Course:
Tomato Aguachile, Shrimps, Pickled Chiles, Avocado, and Cilantro
• Paired with:
Pizza Port Pick Six — a, lighter, California pilsner without a lot of bitterness to counterbalance the acidity of the cevichelike appetizer
• Veg Option
Grilled Cactus and Purslane paired with El Sully Mexican Lager (21st Amendment Brewery) with spicy notes
Second Course:
Pork Belly Pozole, Chayote, and Chile Broth
• Paired with:
The Unapologetic IPA, Stone Brewing — a dry , bitter, aromatic beer, that marries well with the citrus hints found in the chile broth.
• Veg Option (paired with a different beer):
Roasted Baby Carrots Tacos, Salsa Roja, and Queso paired with Modern Times Blazing World dry amber with sweet hops.
Third Course:
Mexican Chocolate Cake and Apricots
• Paired with:
Stone Brewing WootStout
• Chef’s note: “This really dark beer has strong flavors that marry well with chocolate to make for a perfect pairing!
Craft Beer Weekend, Sept. 9-10, Ace Hotel and Swim Club, 701 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, 760-325-9900; www.acehotel.com/calendar/palmsprings/craft-beer-weekend