Eulogy's Christopher Topham Partners with Serrano's Chef Rodriguez for Five Course Beer Dinner

Serrano Restaurant, 20 S. Second Street in Old City District, will host the dinner that beer lover's dreams are made of on Wednesday, December 18, 2013, starting at 6:30pm. Executive Chef Gina Rodriguez and Eulogy's Christopher Topham have created five courses that are as eclectic as they are adventurous. Seating is limited for this special one night only partnership that also serves as a memorable farewell to Topham before he moves to Denver, Colorado. Reservations are required. Tickets are $60 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and available by calling 215-928-0770.

Serrano owner Donal McCoy said the idea to pair Topham with Rodriguez came easily. At Eulogy Belgian Tavern, McCoy worked with Chris closely for two years. He watched his interest in beer of all types grow into a passion. "His breadth of knowledge and understanding in this field put him on a par with the top local beer authorities and beyond," said McCoy. Chef Gina has worked here at Serrano for just over a year and watching her create dishes is very exciting. Her grasp of flavors is unsurpassed. And the dishes she produces are as pleasing to the eye as they are to the palette. Two people, passionate about what they do, armed with a huge arsenal of knowledge on their subject makes perfect sense."

With the pairing of these two Old City familiar faces, McCoy hopes to create the perfect dining and drinking experience, and provide a unique and memorable farewell to Topham. Soon after the event, the Philadelphia beer scene will lose one of its finest authorities as Topham moves to Denver, Colorado to immerse himself in its flourishing beer scene.

As one final act of genius, Topham will present five selections that have origins going back over a century and were traditionally 'working man' ales. "I have always wanted to do a beer dinner with an emphasis on rustic styles," said Topham. "Pairing them with exceptional food elevates the peasant nature of the beer into a refined dining experience." Topham's partner in crime, Rodriguez, will raise the bar even more by creating culinary masterpieces that enhance and elevate the dining experience to new levels. "I have always liked doing beer and wine dinners. I love to capture the appetite of the selective dinner that looks for a truly unique and memorable experience. Chris is a brilliant mastermind that will help me create an unforgettable night."

Rodriguez and Topham's final menu and pairing list is as follows:

Course 1
Long Island Blue Point Oysters
Ale Mignonette En Gelee
Rittersguts Gose

Course 2
Baked Tomato Mediterranean Style
Wholegrain Crème Fraiche
Stillwater Cellar Door

Course 3
Chicken Liver Pate
Grilled Plum and Green Apple
Bruery Oude Tart

Course 4
Lamb Two Ways
Loin Chop and Merguez Sausage
Cilantro Mint Pesto
Het Nest Kleveretin

To Finish:
Cheese Duet:
Sharfe Mazz
Cow's Milk, Switzerland
Rogue River Blue
Cow's Milk, Oregon
Boulder Killer Penguin

Reservations are required as space is limited. Tickets are $60 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and available by calling 215-928-0770. For more information about Serrano, visit serranophilly.com.

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