In what continues to be an extremely popular event, the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce will host its fourth annual “Brews and Blues” Beer Tasting festival on Thursday, Oct. 23 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Stonington Meadows on Route 1 in Stonington.
The event features food from numerous local restaurants paired with various beers, all set to the lively music of the New London-based Karl Kelly Band.
Attracting more than 200 people in 2007, this year’s beer tasting will have few changes from last year’s format, according to event organizer and owner of the Prime Time Café, Wendy Carr.
“I thought last year was a lot of fun,” Carr said. “We had over 200 people show up, and it seemed everyone was having a good time. I really liked the Karl Kelly Band; they gave the whole evening a good energy. In years past we’ve changed the theme and location of the event, but last year really seemed to click so we figured if it works, why change it?”
Some favorite items from 2007 included conch fritters with avocado corn tartar paired with Land Shark Lager from the Prime Time Café and apple-wood bacon-wrapped scallops with smoky maple Dijon glaze paired with Trinity India Pale Ale by Dylan’s Restaurant. This year’s event will feature 20 local restaurants including a few newcomers, such as Milagro and the Dogwatch Café, both fairly new restaurants in Stonington Borough. Carr said she is hoping to top last year’s attendance and attract at least 250 people.
“The more the merrier obviously, but [people should come] because first and foremost the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce does so much to support the community,” Carr said. “I don’t think people realize just how much they really do, and coming out to this event helps to support the chamber to be able to continue putting on events. And if you can support the chamber and at the same time have some fun, eat some good food, and sample some beer it just makes sense.”
All proceeds from the event will go to the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce to support programs such as River Glow, Virtu Art Show, Santa’s Arrival, the Holiday Stroll and Luminaria, the annual Easter egg hunt, and Student Government Day to name a few. Tickets for the event are $30 in advance or $35 at the door and can be purchased at the Prime Time Café and the Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce.
Stonington Meadows is at 769 Stonington Road, Route 1, Stonington. For more information, call Wendy Carr at 860-460-5593 or the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Area Chamber of Commerce at 401-596-7761.