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Cleveland's Ultimate Culinary-Craft Beer Experience: The Great Lakes Brewing Co. Dinner Beer Fest

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Cleveland’s Ultimate Culinary‑Craft Beer Experience: The Great Lakes Brewing Co. Dinner Beer Fest

Cleveland’s food and drink scene has never been more exciting than it is right now, thanks to the Great Lakes Brewing Co. (GLBC) and a lineup of partners who are bringing a full‑spectrum, multi‑sensory event to the city. The company’s “Dinner Beer Fest” – which also doubles as a “5‑Minute Food & Drinks Chat” with industry insiders – promises a night of craft beer, gourmet food, and engaging conversation, all in the heart of the Great Lakes region.

What the Event Is All About

At its core, the Dinner Beer Fest is a one‑night showcase that pairs GLBC’s flagship beers with carefully curated plates created by local chefs. The concept builds on the classic “beer tasting” format but expands it into a full tasting menu. Each course is paired with a specific brew from GLBC’s current lineup, providing a delicious exploration of how flavors interplay. Attendees will also get to sample a new experimental brew that has never made it to the taproom before.

In addition to the food and drink experience, the event includes a “5‑Minute Food & Drinks Chat.” This segment is a fast‑paced Q&A session featuring the head brewer of GLBC, a noted local chef, and a guest speaker from the Great Lakes food scene. The trio will discuss everything from the brewing process to seasonal ingredient sourcing, and participants can throw in questions via the event’s live‑stream chat.

The festival is billed as a “community celebration” that showcases the city’s best craft beer and culinary talent. GLBC is proud to say that the event will benefit local charities, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Cleveland Food Bank.

Key Details: When, Where, and How Much

  • Date & Time: Thursday, December 19, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
  • Location: Great Lakes Brewing Co. Taproom, 1010 East 12th Street, Cleveland, Ohio.
  • Ticket Price: $70 per person (includes 10 craft beers, a four‑course dinner, and a private “5‑Minute Chat” recording).
  • Ticket Purchase: Tickets are sold exclusively through the GLBC website (link provided in the article) and at the taproom front desk.

The article highlighted a limited‑time discount: the first 100 tickets will be $60 each. For people who prefer a more flexible schedule, GLBC also offers a “Day Pass” that covers the evening and a breakfast special the following morning.

Featured Beer & Food Pairings

GLBC’s head brewer, Jamie Timmons, described the evening’s lineup in the article. Each pairing is meant to highlight a particular beer’s unique flavor profile:

CourseDishBeer
StarterRoasted Beet Carpaccio with Goat CheeseGLBC Wheat Ale – a light, citrusy brew
MainHerb‑Crusted Salmon with Lemon Butter SauceGLBC Amber Ale – a medium‑bodied, malt‑rich brew
DessertChocolate Ganache TartGLBC Porter – a rich, roasted malt brew
Final DrinkGlazed Cranberry & Cinnamon Pecan CheesecakeGLBC Belgian Tripel – a complex, fruity brew

The article also noted that the chef behind the menu is Maria Gonzales, a Cleveland‑based culinary artist known for her farm‑to‑table approach. She’s partnered with the local farmers’ market to source ingredients that are in season, giving the event a distinctly regional flavor.

The 5‑Minute Food & Drinks Chat

One of the unique aspects of the event is the “5‑Minute Food & Drinks Chat.” The article explains that this feature was conceived as a way to provide attendees with real‑time industry insights without turning the evening into a lecture. The chat will be moderated by local food blogger Alex Kim and will feature:

  1. Brewing 101 – Jamie Timmons explains the science behind their flagship brews.
  2. Ingredient Spotlight – Maria Gonzales talks about the sourcing and preparation of each dish.
  3. Q&A – A quick 2‑minute slot where guests can ask questions via the live‑stream chat.

The chat will also be recorded and posted on GLBC’s YouTube channel for anyone who can’t attend in person.

Community Impact and Charity Component

GLBC has announced that 10% of ticket sales will be donated to the Cleveland Food Bank, which is particularly timely as the holiday season brings both abundance and need. In the article, Timmons said, “We want to give back to the community that supports us year after year.” The festival is a partnership with local charities that provide resources for families in need.

How to Make the Most of the Night

The article offers practical tips for attendees:

  • Arrive Early – Doors open at 5:30 p.m. to allow for a relaxed start.
  • Reserve a Spot – The “5‑Minute Chat” will be limited to 20 guests.
  • Bring a Friend – Ticket bundles are available for groups of two.
  • Dress Code – Smart casual is recommended.
  • Leave Feedback – GLBC invites attendees to leave a review on their website, with a chance to win a free brew subscription.

Additional Information From Related Links

The article included a few additional resources that provide context:

  • GLBC Official Site – Offers a deeper dive into the brewery’s history, brew list, and sustainability practices.
  • Local Food Blog – Features a profile on Maria Gonzales and her culinary philosophy.
  • Cleveland Food Bank – Details the impact of the donations and how people can volunteer.

These links paint a richer picture of how this event is more than a single night; it’s a celebration of craft beer, local food, and community resilience.

Final Thoughts

The Great Lakes Brewing Co. Dinner Beer Fest is an innovative blend of craft beer, fine dining, and educational entertainment that will appeal to foodies, beer lovers, and anyone curious about the processes behind their favorite beverages. With a carefully curated menu, industry experts, and a charitable component, the event sets a new standard for what a local festival can achieve. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a unique Cleveland experience that feeds both body and soul.


Read the Full Cleveland.com Article at:
[ https://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/2025/12/food-drink-books-great-lakes-brewing-dinner-beer-fest-tickets-wtam-5-minute-food-drinks-chat.html ]