Written by Wini Moranville
In the past few years, Knoxville’s Peacetree Brewing Co. and chef Tag Grandgeorge have teamed up on occasion for buzzworthy food-and-beer-pairing dinners. Trouble was (for us Des Moines-dwellers, anyway), the events were always held in Knoxville.
Now that Grandgeorge has opened Le Jardin restaurant in Beaverdale, he and the Peacetree pros are bringing the act to Des Moines. The next dinner will be Jan. 28. According to Tag’s wife, Megan Grandgeorge, diners should expect a convivial evening, with guests seated at long communal tables alongside Peacetree staff members, including head brewmaster Joe Kesteloot. Tag Grandgeorge will introduce each of the four courses; all are made—and paired—with Peacetree’s signature brews, which Kesteloot will discuss.
The evening kicks off with mingling and appetizers at 6 p.m. Dinner begins at 6:30, and includes Sidekick Kolsch-braised chicken tostada with chipotle- and cheddar-broiled avocado; spinach salad with almonds, roasted turnips, goat cheese and sweet onions; and Red Rambler-braised short ribs with sour cream whipped potatoes and roasted baby carrots. A New York style cheesecake with warm Black River Gumbo Stout-raspberry sauce will finish the feast.
Dinner costs $60 per person (includes tax and gratuity). Le Jardin is at
2815 Beaver Ave., #101. For reservations or more information, contact Megan Grandgeorge at 255-5787 or megan@lejardindsm.com.
