Gravy: Irish Farm House Dinner

The menu

St. Patrick's Day came and went last weekend, but in its honor, Gravy created a locally sourced, Irish-inspired, five-course dinner. To make the evening even more delightful, each course was paired with a seasonal beer from Mystery Brewing Company.

The beer menu!

The dinner was served at long tables, which encouraged conversation with fellow diners. Carl and I dined with a pair of teachers from Harnett County and we made a new foodie friend, Nathan, who was a single diner last night.



What I really enjoyed about the evening, besides the company, was that the chef explained each course, why it was chosen, and how it was sourced. Then the brewmaster from Mystery Brewing introduced the beer pairing, discussing how it was brewed, and why it was selected to complement the course.  Learning, eating, and making friends. Three of my favorite things all in one place!

First Course: Scotch Egg / Kottish Ale

Second Course: Baby Arugula Salad with an Oak-Aged Sour Cherry Ale (yum)

Third Course: Shepherd's Pie made with delicious local lamb / Dry Irish Stout

Braised Angus Beef with Cabbage and Vinegar Reduction over Soda Bread / Carolinian Dark IPA

Breakfast Stout Chocolate Cake / Chocolate Breakfast Stout

The Scotch Egg was wonderful, but a bit heavy to start a five-course meal. The salad and cherry ale were a great palate cleanser in preparation for the best shepherd's pie I have ever tasted (sorry Clodagh). Local lamb, turnips, shell beans, and sweet potato never tasted better. The braised beef did not live up the shepherd's pie, but was tasty. And, who would think beer would go with cake? Wait a minute - what am I thinking? Beer goes with everything!

Carl and I have been wanting to try one of these dinners for the last several months, but it seems we have always had something else planned. I think we may start planning around these dinners from now on. But, we may need to invest in a tub of cocoa butter to rub on our tummies to ward off the stretch marks!

Coincidentally, one of our first dates was at Gravy - way back in June, 2012. 


Gravy Italian-American Kitchen
135 Wilmington St.
Downtown Raleigh, NC 27601
919-896-8513