Last night, I went to Sloop Betty Infused Vodka dinner at Sobo's winebeerstro in Salisbury, MD. I have been to many cocktail and wine pairing dinners before, but this one worked especially well. Why? Because it's Vodka, unlike stronger flavored booze like Tequila or Scotch, Vodka is more adaptable to the ingredients surrounding it-both in drinks and pairing it with food.
The Vodka used for this dinner was a hand-crafted Vodka from Sloop Betty at Black water Distilling. Owners Chris and Jonathon Cook and partner Mark Troxler are passionate in producing Vodka in a fine style made from Maryland-sourced and other select ingredients. Sloop Betty is Certified Kosher and they are working with Maryland Organic Certification Program to obtain recognition. OK enough of my jibber jabber lets get down to Vodka and food.
Once again Chef Frank Dubinski has blown my palette out of control with his creative and artistic food pairings for this event.
First Course- SCALLOP CEVICHE- scallops/ cucumber, onion & bell pepper/ rice wine & Citrus vinaigrette with avocado
Infused Vodka- Cucumber & onion
Cocktail- BETTY'S SQUEEZE- Cucumber Infused Vodka, Tonic and lime
The vodka was smooth and clean with a nice easy finish. Good balance of cucumber and onion flavors that were not overpowering.
Second Course- BLT PRAWNS- Bacon poached prawns/ smoked tomato-horseradish puree/ cilantro-lime vinaigrette/Crispy Prosciutto
Infused Vodka- Bacon, Lime and tomato
Cocktail- BLOODY BETTY MARY- Sloop Betty BLT infused Vodka, Bloody Mary mix, Old Bay and lime
The Vodka had aromas of smoked Gouda with flavors of lime and a little earthy. Great smoky flavor with a crisp cilantro on the prawns.
Third Course- PETITE NY STRIP STEAK- Peppercorn melange/ parsnip puree/ arugula/ pink peppercorn butter
Infused Vodka- 5 pepper
Cocktail- RED HEADED BETTY- Sloop Betty 5 pepper infused vodka, Grenadine, lime
The Vodka was hot hot hot!! Wonderful amounts of pepper and the jabanero really jump out in this one. The Steak was one the most perfectly cooked Ive had. Juicy, Warm and full of butter and pepper. (This was my favorite pairing of the night)
Fourth Course- APPLE CREPES WITH CALVADOS BUTTER SAUCE & PORT GLAZED GRAPE TART WITH PECAN CRUST
Infused Vodka- Starburst flavored ( apple, Pineapple, Grape and Strawberry)
So when your in you favorite liquor store look for Sloop Betty Vodka, if you cant find be sure to ask them to order some, you will not be Sobo's and see what creations The Chef has come up with and enjoy some of the great drink creations they have on the menu. Cheers
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