In the past couple years, Taste of the Nation has become important to me. Of course it helps when the marquee event from Share Our Strength attracts more than 2000 people and over 40 top chefs to Culver City’s Media Park each June to combat childhood hunger. This is a clear example of food and drink professionals coming together as a community. Even better, TOTNLA donates every dollar earned from ticket sales and auctions to local beneficiaries.

This year, the majority of efforts from TOTNLA committee members has gone towards the June 12 event, which will take place from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. However, the fight to end childhood hunger never stops, and doesn’t need to wait. With that in mind, the cause hosts complementary food and drink events throughout the year, all designed to generate additional donations and support.

This year, I’m a member of the TOTNLA Beverage Committee, helping to populate the craft beer garden, and leading up to June 12, we plan to have several events involving beer garden participants. First up is a May 3 event at Steingarten LA featuring a 7 p.m. beer dinner and tap takeover from The Bruery, the full-tilt Belgian brewery established by Patrick Rue and Famille Rue in 2008.

The multifaceted event involves a five-course beer pairing dinner spearheaded by Steingarten LA Bar Manager David Watrous and the powers that be at The Bruery. TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE and they cost $49 per person, including tax and tip, with a portion of proceeds going to Taste of the Nation. Beer dignitaries from The Bruery will even be in the house. Here’s the menu:

Amuse-Bouche:
• Rosemary Lamb Lollipop. Balsamic Toy Box
• “The Bruery Marron Acidifie”

Salad:
• “Mischief” Raspberry Vinaigrette. Grilled Peaches. D’ambert Mousse
• “The Bruery Hottenroth”

Appetizer:
• Deer Salami Tartine. Drunken Goat Cheese
• “The Bruery Rugbrod”

Main Coarse:
• Herb Crusted Halibut & Rib-Eye Tournade. Lemon & Thyme Mash
• “The Bruery Gremlin”

Dessert:
• “Tres Beer” Banana Pound Cake. Apricot and Barley Risotto
• “The Bruery Orchard White”

Additionally, The Bruery is allocating several other kegs, some of which you are highly unlikely to find in Los Angeles. $1 from the sale of each beer will benefit Taste of the Nation. That way, even if you can’t snag a seat at the dinner, or if you just want to hang out at the bar and meet the brew crew, there’s a second way to show your support for the charity (and for epic craft beer).