Balboa Bay Resort Craft Brew Fest Weekend

Beer geeks and craft beer fans take note of the 1st Annual Craft Brew Fest Weekend this weekend, October 16-18, 2015, at A & O Kitchen+Bar at Balboa Bay Resort – Newport Beach’s only waterfront beach resort.

Kicking off Friday, October 16th with a delicious 5-course Ballast Point Beer Dinner, beer geeks and fans of the popular San Diego brewery will find Executive Chef Rachel Haggstrom’s creative menu enticing.

Following a reception of tray passed appetizers with Ballast Point’s refreshing Grapefruit Sculpin, the first course is an amuse bouche of chicharrón (fried pork belly or fried pork rinds), which pairs well with any beer, and you’ll be enjoying their crunchy, salty, down-home goodness with “Calm Before the Storm”.

All of Ballast Point’s beers are named for fish or fishing terms. Why” Because, from day one, Ballast Point’s philosophy has always been doing what they love, and making what they love to drink. And the founders love fishing almost as much as brewing, so the names are meant to be a reminder to always do what they (and you) love. I love that! When I’m not in the mood to try anything new, or the selection is not appealing, my go-to favorite beer is Sculpin and, now, Grapefruit Sculpin. What’s yours?

The culinary team at Balboa Bay Resort, led by Executive Chef Rachael Haggstrom, has created a gastronomic weekend food and brew experience for the entire three-day A&O’s (Anchors and Oceans) 1^st Annual Craft Brew Fest.

At the Green Flash Beer Dinner in July that I attended, Pastry Chef Alicia Fernandes created this amazing chocolate eclair ending the dinner on a sweet high note, so I can quite safely guarantee that the Bananas & Cream dessert will not disappoint!

From 12 noon to 3:00 p.m., Saturday, October 17, the beer garden festival at A&O Kitchen+Bar will offer an amazing selection of craft beer including Green Flash, Rough Draft, Dudes, Golden Road, and signature Ballast Point. Chef Haggstrom will set up food stations featuring tuna tartar, braised beef cheek sliders, poutine, Cuban pretzel panini and more. I was disappointed to not see any of Orange County’s award-winning breweries featured but, hopefully, that is forthcoming with upcoming beer dinners.

Finishing off the weekend festival on Sunday, October 18, beginning at 9 am until noon, “Beer For Breakfast” unfolds at A&O.

For price information, event reservations, and room reservations at the Balboa Bay Resort which features 150 guest rooms and suites, all with a private balcony, please go to www.balboabayresort.com or call 844-477-3423.