Yummy food at the network evening.

Last week’s Craft Beverages Unlimited event was held at the large Richmond Convention Center.

On Wednesday night we gathered with others in attending a networking party at the Capital  Ale House about a six-block walk from the Convention Center. The networking experience included wine, beer and spirits paired with many types of appetizers. The event was sponsored by Western Square Industries and Greater Richmond Partnership. Tickets were purchased in advance for $49.

After a day of attending the opening session at 8am and then a tour of two area distilleries, it was nice to relax, talk with other like-minded people and enjoy food and beverages.

One of the unique ideas of the networking session was the pairing and voting. Seven food and beverage stations were set up at the Capital Ale House. Three were located on the lower level and four on the first floor. Each station offered one appetizer with one beer, wine and spirit. Participants were to try the appetizer with each of the taste-size drinks. After deciding on the best pairing a ticket was dropped into the glass designated for the favorite beverage for that particular appetizer.

Appetizers included burgers, shrimp, crab and more. At our first stop we enjoyed a small Ale

Appetizer-size burger

House Burger. This could be topped with two slices of cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato and onion between a bun. The burger was paired with: Beer: Blue Mountain Kolsch 152, Wine: Williamsburg Two Shillings Red and Spirits: Brandy Catoctin Creek 1757.

Shrimp appetizer

Another tasting station included Peel and East Shrimp. The shrimp was steamed and seasoned with bay spice. This appetizer was paired with Beer: Dogfish Head -90 Minute, Wine: Pearmund Ameritage and Spirits: Absolute Citron Vodka.

The final stop was a large tray of cheeses with grapes. The pairings included Bold Rock Hard Apple Cider and Apple Wine.

Of course, the evening was about more than food and beverages. Networking possibilities were enhanced by the food and beverages. It was easy to meet old friends and acquaintances and meet new people exchanging business cards and learn about their interests in the beer, wine and spirits industries. When planning to attend the Craft Beverages Unlimited 2016 next February, you may want to spend an evening meeting others within a friendly atmosphere, food and beverages.

Cheers! Kathy