11879Every now and then, Tom arranges a date night with a surprise destination. Last night’s date almost didn’t happen – Tom got stuck in traffic and we’d miss the beginning of the dinner if he had to come home first to get me. Tom called and said, “Can you get a ride to dinner and I can meet you there?”

And I said, “Um, the destination was a surprise – I have no idea where we are having dinner.”

He laughed. “In Downingtown. It’s at the Victory.” Sweet. Just ten minutes away. His mom, who already had four of our children, picked me up and dropped me off at the Victory with Leah.

The food and beer combinations were out of this world.

After dinner, the Victory staff came out and sang to us and Santa gave each guest a large bottle of Golden Monkey.

Bill Covaleski, who is the Brewmaster and President of Victory, ate with the guests and he presented me with a sample of Scarlet Fire Rauchbier. Bill wondered what I thought of the taste. I liked it. It reminded me of Smoked Gouda cheese.

Here is the menu:

FAMILY STYLE HOLIDAY BEER DINNER
– TOUR OF THE WORLD –

DATE: December 19, 2006
TIME: 6PM
LOCATION: Victory Brewing Co. – 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, PA

First Course
Scandinavian meatballs in a white sauce with fresh parsley
Prima Pils

Second Course
Black mole with smoked turkey and pascilla chilis
Victory Festbier

Third Course
Lammkrone – Crown Rack of Lamb with ginger pear stuffing
Hop Devil IPA

Fourth Course
Cornish Game hens with cranberry relish, walnut dressing, sweet potatoes and green beans
Storm King Stout

Fifth Course
Old Horizontal Holiday Cake
Old Horizontal Barley Wine