My favorite combo: Beer and food. So Beer dinners are my thing. Hartwood restaurant and The Grist House put on a Fat Tuesday Beer dinner Last night. I have never been to Hartwood Restaurant before but I was wowed with its atmosphere. Floor to ceiling books, beautiful hardwood floors, burning fireplaces, and a tree (albeit faux) growing in the middle of the dining room. Just this aspect alone was incredible. Not to mention the food and the beer (I will also post this on Grist House, so don't judge :)
Our meal was specifically crafted toward the beers and the theme. Oysters, Gumbo and King cake with a baby (and if you won, Hartwood gave you a free ticket to your beer/wine dinner of choice, unfortunately I left baby-less, but I did leave with some beads and a cool feather mask). The owner of the restaurant gave a brief history lesson of Mardi Gras while the Grist House owners described their great product and stopped at each table. Lastly, the chef came in and talked to the group and also stopped at each table.
The experience was great. You can tell that this isn't anyone's first rodeo. Super professional, engaging, and educational and in a super cool venue. Perfection..