- EVENT FORMAT -

If you have never attended The Brewer’s Plate, it may be hard to imagine how it is set up and what it is really like. To answer these questions, we have attempted to paint you a picture of what you may experience that evening.
See you there!

The first step when you arrive at the Independence Visitor Center is to present your ticket and receive your souvenir tasting cup and program. The program is your guide to the event (although of course there are plenty of friendly, live people to answer any questions!). It contains a full list of the restaurant and brewery participants, along with a complete menu detailing what each one will be offering. There is also a map showing where each restaurant and brewery is located.

As you enter the Grand Hall, you hear the sounds of live jazz music and animated conversation. The vaulted ceilings and elegant lighting lend an open, airy feel. You look down the long hall and see seemingly endless rows of tables overflowing with delicious food. Beer is flowing from the taps and your mouth starts to water. You begin browsing the offerings to decide where you want to start.

The event is organized so that each restaurant pairs with a single brewery. There are 21 of each, and prior to the event, the breweries presented a list to the restaurants of the beers that they would be offering. Each restaurant then selected one beer and created a dish specifically to complement that selection. The result is a group of 21 exquisite beer/food combinations that go perfectly together.

You examine your program and decide which table to approach first. When you reach the table, the chef greets you and hands you a small plate with a sample of his or her creation. At the same table, the brewer pours a 3-oz. sample of the complementary beer into your tasting cup. If you have any questions about the cuisine, beer, or pairing choice, the chefs and brewers are right there to answer them.

At this point, perhaps you move to one of the high top tables to leisurely enjoy your selection. Or maybe you eat and drink while walking to the next station. Whatever your tasting style, your first dish is certain to be delicious. When you have finished, it is time to repeat with a new pairing. Tasting is unlimited, so you can do this as many times as you want or your stomach will allow!

As 9:00 approaches, things begin to slow down. Perhaps you find yourself chatting with an old friend or a new one you made this evening. Perhaps you decide you need one last taste of that special something that really tickled your fancy. As the chefs and brewers begin to pack up, you make your way to your train, bus, or car. You travel safely home, already looking forward to the wonderful new tastes of the next Brewer’s Plate.

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Please drink responsibly. Brewers are instructed to not serve anyone who is visibly intoxicated. Non-alcoholic beverages will be provided for your enjoyment. Taxis will be made available to anyone needing one.

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