New York vs. Boston: Throwdown at the Hound

Eli (L.), that other guy (R.)

The rivalry between these two great American towns apparently goes deeper than just Yankees/Sox, Giants/Patriots and Knicks/Celtics. And this new rivalry, unlike the others, will have no losers. (Hint: the guy on the right--twice.)

Because it’s a Battle of the Beers at The Fox & Hound, and all those who are lucky enough to reserve a seat will be winners. Most beer dinners pair a certain dish with a given beer, but, for the first time in the Pubscout’s recollection (what little is left), two beers will vie for sudsy supremacy with each dish. And the guests will be the referees.

Chef Extraordinaire Michael Scofield has fully committed to the beer dinner approach, having pulled off three very successful dinners so far at the Edison pub. His exquisite food dishes have been so well received that he may actually be pressed to quit his day job, which is managing the bar at The Fox & Hound.

Scofield’s dishes are known not only for their huge portions, but for their excellent preparation as he coaxes various ingredients to bring out both bold and subtle flavors that blend into memorable culinary experiences.

Garrett Oliver

Each course will be served with two beers, one from Brooklyn Brewing and one from Boston Brewing, better known as Sam Adams. The respective heads of those companies, Garrett Oliver and Jim Koch, are also highly respected Malt Masters, as anyone who has tasted their products knows. Oliver is also a guru of food and beer pairing, and his beer repertoire is as extensive as his pedigree; but at press time, his involvement in the selection of Brooklyn’s beers was unknown. The more visible and ubiquitous Koch, perhaps last seen popping out of a beer barrel on TV, is a fanatic about beer balance and taste. The extensive product line at Sam Adams is a testament to his passion. His favorite quote is, “All beer is good; some beer is better.”

Jim Koch (C.)

 And if you book your reservation at the Fox & Hound for Monday night, January 28 at 7 PM, you’ll get to see just which beer is “better,” at least as far as how well it matches up with Scofield’s food. One thing is certain: all the beer and all the food will be good.

Check out this menu:

Brooklyn Brewing vs. Sam Adams

Appetizer

Brooklyn Sorachi Ace vs. Sam Adams Tripel

Paired with

Sherry Garlic Shrimp on Garlic Toast Points

Succulent shrimp sautéed in garlic, sherry and red pepper flakes for a kick, topped with fresh tomatoes and shaved parmesan. Served on garlic Toast Points

Salad

Brooklyn Local 1 vs. Sam Adams Imperial White

Paired with

Mandarin Orange Spinach Salad with a Homemade Orange Marmalade Vinaigrette

Baby spinach with candied pecans, cranberry raisins, red onions, feta cheese and fresh mandarin orange chunks. Served with a homemade orange marmalade vinaigrette.

Pasta

Brooklyn Lager vs. Sam Adams Lager

Paired with

Cajun Crème Creole Pasta

Tri color rotini pasta tossed with rainbow peppers, spicy sausage, heavy cream and an array of Cajun spices.  This dish is sure to be a New Orleans Favorite.

Entrée

Brooklyn Monster vs. Sam Adams Griffins Bow

Paired with

Bleu Cheese, Onion, and Mushroom Stuffed Rib Topped with Gorgonzola Crème Sauce

A mouthwatering Rib Roast seasoned to perfection, stuffed with bleu cheese butter, sautéed mushrooms and onions. It’s sliced and laid over a bed of sautéed asparagus, topped with a delicious Gorgonzola Cream Sauce

Dessert

Brooklyn Black Ops vs. Sam Adams American Kreik

Paired with

Chocolate Berry Trifle

This is the perfect way to end a meal! Freshly baked devil’s food cake, piled with raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, topped with homemade chocolate custard and another piece of devil’s food cake! Just as you think it can’t get any better, we put homemade whipped cream with a cinnamon chocolate glaze

Though having Koch and Oliver do an actual UFC bout might make for great TV, the chances of that happening are as good as the Giants beating the Patriots (again) in this year’s Super Bowl. But it would be a PR master stroke, if somehow Scofield got Oliver and the affable Koch just to make an appearance, even via Skype.

It should be a memorable night. But hurry! Fifty-four seats are already gone. And if past is prelude, there won’t be many left. And I'm guaranteed one of them.

Here’s the number to call: 

Fox and Hound

250 Menlo Park Drive

Edison, NJ 08837

(732) 452-9100