vegetarian beer dinner

Photo by Brittany

The funny thing about hanging out with bloggers is that I always feel like a stalker. I already know what is going on in their lives because I read their blogs. So even though I may have only met them one other time, I know about their marathon training, business adventures, wedding planning and what they had for dinner last night. It can sometimes make small talk a little awkward.

I imagine this is very similar to hanging out with celebrities. For example, if I was to go to a dinner with Kristen Stewart, I am not going to ask, “So Kristen, are you dating anyone?” I already know the answer to this question. The answer is no because Edward is not playing her games. He is officially on the market, and why I wasn’t going to dinner with him in this fake scenario is a mystery to me even as I type this.

I managed to show a little self restraint in being a total creeper, at least for the first half of the beer dinner. Lauren of Veg:ology was the host and each guest brought a vegetarian dish with a beer pairing. After the first couple of courses, I realized that a beer buzz was starting to settle in and my filter was starting to waiver. About half way through the dinner I excused myself to use the restroom and upon my return I announced to the entire table that I looked in Lauren’s bathroom closet and determined that we use the same brand of mousse. In my defense, it was not as if I opened the closet, the mousse was in plain view, but I guess you could consider that an over share.

Luckily, they did not ask me to leave. I think most people were too distracted by the amazing food and beers to worry about whether or not I would be going through their purses later. (If any of you are reading this, I totally did not!)

Of course the food was good, because of bunch of bloggers made it. These girls are some of the most inspiring home cooks that I have ever come across. They create the most amazing food that is not only good, but healthy, too. It is no small feat for me to want to eat only vegetables. I was so full by the end of the meal that I could not finish my cupcake. Crazy, I know.

I am sure that they will be posting recipes from the dinner soon, so here is a quick recap of the courses:

1. Tomato Gazpacho and Cheese Straws with Bison Honey Basil Beer by Sarah and Alex

2. Bruschetta with gorgonzola and green apples with Hoegaarden by Adrienne

3. Vegetable Tian with Allagash Curieux by Brittany

4. Tabbouleh with Dirty South I.P.A. (home brew) by Bob

5. Zuchinni and Black Bean Enchiladas with Cigar City Maduro Oatmeal Brown Ale by Lauren

6. Cupcakes with Hardywood Blackberry by me

My contribution to the dinner was Hardywood Blackberry cupcakes made with Agriberry blackberry jam, lemon butter cream frosting and a blackberry on top. They turned out better than I could have hoped for. And thank goodness because I really needed to redeem myself so that people would know why Lauren invited the crazy girl.