On Thursday, March 31, Light Bistro in Ohio City will host Ingenuity's Cocktail Party Redux, "an evening devoted to examining the art and science of food and drink."
Last summer, Light Bistro and Ingenuity Cleveland first partnered for the Speakeasy 2.0 event. "Since people are about exploring food and learning about not only how it's made, but what's the science behind it, we wanted to put together an event that would allow people to learn in a fun atmosphere about how food and drink interacts," says Ingenuity director of programming James Krouse. "The owners of LIght Bistro were willing to give us their space for the night and came up with this great menu to boot. They just ran with the idea, so it's been a great partnership."
Ingenuity's Cocktail Party Redux will feature four stations exploring the science and history behind beer, wine, and cocktails and their innovative pairing with food. "The categories came about through that pairing process and thinking about what makes people feel comfortable, then pull the rug out from under them, so to speak," says Light Bistro executive chef Matthew Mathlage.
Mathlage will present a tasting menu featuring "Bar Snacks 2011 Style" (spiced-and-fried nuts, dried-shrimp bar mix with dried shrimp, nori, dried orange peel and sesame; barbecue chicharrones); "A Molecular Look at Cali Cuisine"(virtual California roll with avocado agar, crab-and-cream cheese fluid gels and nori crumbs; sous vide short rib “burgers," spherical asparagus salad, featuring sphere of asparagus, red onion and feta); "France and Italy Deconstructed" (ricotta-stuffed fried risotto, veal marsala roulade, lasagna "spring rolls"); and "Ballgame Chic" (mini Kobe hotdogs with pickled vegetables, tuna "nachos," and sweet-and-sour popcorn).
These foods will be paired with wines, beers and cocktails by Aaron Deibel from 55 Degrees, who will present a selection of New World wines; and Tracey English from Private Reserve, who will cover classic Old World Wines. Meanwhile, representatives from Thirsty Dog Brewery will explore the mingling of beer and food. And local bartender Joe DeLuca will serve up cocktails selected specifically for the evening. "My favorite thing going on is Joe DeLuca's mixology station, where he will be exploring the science of perfume using the medium of gin or vodka," says Mathlage. "I love the whole concept of this event and the playfulness of it." [Photo by James Krouse]
Local entrepreneur, regional advocate and vocalist Elaine Richardson (aka Dr. E) will perform during the event. The 2011 IngenuityFest is scheduled for September 16-18 at the Detroit-Superior Bridge. Last year's fest, which was held on the lower level of the brigde, the Veteran's Memorial Bridge, attracted more than 40,000 visitors, and event organizers are expecting a similar turnout this year.
The event starts at 6:30 PM. Tickets are $40, which includes food, drink, entertainment, and valet parking. All proceeds support IngenuityFest 2011. For tickets, please call (216) 589-9444 or order online at www.ingenuitycocktail.eventbrite.com.
