Good Beer, Good Food, Great Cause

On Thursday, February 24th, 2011 Rozi’s Wine House will hold its sixth annual Jordan’s Family Foundation “Healthy Starts, Happy Hearts” Charity Wine and Beer Tasting from 6 pm – 9 pm.  The event is held at the Lakewood Rozi’s, which is located at 14900 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Cost is $25 (includes food, wine, and beer) and is collected upon arrival (no advance tickets). This year’s event promises to be another success as Rozi’s welcomes Founders Brewing, Yalumba Winery, and Chef Matt Harlan of Lolita. Here is a brief word about Jordan’s Family Foundation:

Jordan’s Family Foundation primarily provides funding for research, development and education in regard to pediatric cardiology. JFF also conducts heart healthy children’s activities, such as Recess ROCKS!, where kids and family come together to play while also learning about healthy living. The charity has contributed to many organizations including the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital for Pediatric Cardiology, the American Heart Association and the Congenital Heart Information Network (C.H.I.N.). JFF also provides educational literature for local schools as well as set up informational booths and speeches at local children’s events.

I am also proud to say that I will be fund-raising for Jordan’s Family Foundation between now and May as I prepare to represent them as a runner in the Cleveland Marathon. To read more about Jordan’s Family Foundation’s origin and purpose, click here.

It is no secret to those around me that Rozi’s is my go-to place for beer. I have to say that one of the main reasons for that (aside from the stellar releases that they receive) is the customer service. The staff is helpful, knowledgeable, and friendly (not to mention hilarious). When I walk into Rozi’s, I often feel as though I am coming to hang out with friends while I shop for beer. In thinking about the experience that I had at last year’s Jordan’s Family Foundation charity event, let me say that it is something that you really should consider attending. I had an absolute blast sharing outstanding craft beer and delicious food with the friends and relatives who attended with me.  As a beer guy, I cannot speak to the wine element; however, I can tell you that this year’s beer lineup is extremely exciting. Founders Brewing from Grand Rapids, Michigan (my personal favorite U.S. brewery) will be there. For this event, the always-friendly John Host, Midwest Sales Representative for Founders, will be bringing many different Founders selections.  However, the one that I am most excited about is Black Biscuit, which is described as “A cross between an Old Ale and a Baltic Porter. Brewed with a significant amount of biscuit malt and molasses.”  This beer is not currently bottled, and it is not easily found outside of the actual pub at Founders Brewery.  It ranks in my top 5 all-time favorite beers, despite the fact that I have only had it a few times. I got to taste a small sample of Black Biscuit at the Buckeye Beer Engine in January of 2010, but was able to enjoy three full pours of it during the 2010 Cleveland Beer Week. (Melt Bar and Grilled in Lakewood had a 1/8 barrel of it).  I cannot emphasize how special this beer is, and needless to say, I am very excited that I will get to enjoy at the charity event. What I enjoy most about Founders is that each selection in their portfolio is an excellent representative of the particular beer style. Whether you are familiar or unfamiliar with their beers, I encourage you to come on out next Thursday and give them a try. In addition to Black Biscuit, Founders will bring other selections. Here is the current lineup, with links to Beer Advocate reviews (more additions are possible):

Draft

Dirty Bastard (Growler fill available)
Endurance (Growler fill available)
Double Trouble (Growler fill available)
Centennial IPA (Growler fill available)

Bottles

Red’s Rye
Dry Hopped Pale Ale
Porter
Imperial Stout
Breakfast Stout (Sorry, no samples; for sale only)
Double Trouble
Centennial IPA

For you wine folks out there, here is the lineup for the evening from Yolumba Winery in Australia.

Wine

Chardonnay Unwooded
Chardonnay “Wild Ferment”
Viognier “Eden Valley”
Grenache “Bushvine”
Shiraz-Viognier
Shiraz “Patchwork”
Handpicked MGS MV/GR/SH
Cabernet-Shiraz “Scribbler”
FDR 1A
Cabernet Sauvignon “The Menzies”
Cabernet-Shiraz “The Reserve”
FSW 8B Botrytis Viognier

Lastly, what would an event be without food? If you dine out frequently in Cleveland, chances are you have tasted the brilliance of Matt Harlan, currently of Lolita. I joked with Matt at last year’s event that if he simply provided me with a bucket of fried brussel sprouts, then I would be happy for the evening. If you have had these, then surely you know what I am talking about. Here is the food lineup for the event, which sounds absolutely delicious, if I may say so:

Shaved zucchini and squash salad w/lemon, dill and almonds

Roasted dates w/pancetta, chilies and almonds

Roasted meatballs w/red sauce and parmesan

Crostini w/mushrooms and blue cheese

Crostini w/olives and oven-dried tomatoes

Roasted squash salad w/salsa verde, bacon and hazelnuts

Mussels w/garlic and chilies

Sliders w/beef, horseradish and arugula

Fresh mozzarella salad

I have been looking forward to Thursday, February 24th for quite a while. I hope that you will consider attending what is sure to be an enjoyable evening. Please call 216-221-1119 if you would like more information. As for me, you will need to look no further than the location of where Black Biscuit is being poured; that is where I will be.