The Maui Brewers Festival will kick off this year on Friday, May 17th, with a one of a kind beer dinner at the scenic Morgado Hall & Lanai at Maui Arts & Cultural Center.  Cactus Bistro Chef-Owner John Memering of Kailua has crafted a creative menu based on locally sourced ingredients that has been paired with Maui Brewing Company beers hand selected by owner Garrett Marrero.

The five course meal will be hosted by Chef Memering and Marrero, who will guide diners through each course and beer.  The Maui Brewers Festival and the Beer Dinner are fundraisers for The Center with net proceeds benefiting its arts education and cultural programs for students, seniors and the Maui County community.  Beer Dinner tickets are $140 per person, all inclusive and available by calling 808-242-SHOW (7469) or order online at MauiArts.org.

Here’s a look at the menu and beer pairings.

Gathering
Pau Hana Pilsner, Czech-style Pilsner

First
Gazpacho Verde ~ Island-grown Persian cucumbers, avocados, tomatillos.
He‘eia Samoan crab ceviche
La Perouse White, Belgian-style Wit

Second
Big Island hearts of palm salad, local watercress, radish, shaved Manchego cheese
Habanero-ginger vinagreta. Pao de Queijo
Lemongrass Saison ~ Spring release

Third
Kiawe-grilled Kaua‘i shrimp Parrilla ~ cilantro, Kaffir lime chimichurri
Kula corn and roasted jalapeño flan
HI Standards IPA, American-style India Pale Ale

Plato de Fondo
Maui Cattle Co. beef short ribs braised with Aloha b’ak’tun, red chile and Mexican chocolate.
Arroz con crema, crispy puffed rice
Aloha b’ak’tun, Belgian Imperial Stout

Postre
Roasted Maui pineapple & apple banana empanada, dulce de leche, Maui spiced rum “spiked” crema
Chinwig on Bourbon, English-style Strong Ale