Bamforth to host ‘beer dinner’ Sunday at Monticello

Professor Charles Bamforth, whose classes in brewing science are popular with UC Davis students, will team up with Monticello Seasonal Cuisine for a four-course “beer dinner” from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday.

“Everyone automatically thinks of ‘food and wine,’ ” Bamforth told The Enterprise. “Heck, even newspapers insist on calling their cuisine sections by that title! But I insist that beer works better. I hope folks will come along to find out why.”

Bamforth, whose books about beer and brewing include “Beer Is Proof God Loves Us,” has coordinated the menu with Tony Gruska, chef and co-owner of Monticello. The details are still being fine-tuned, but the probable line-up may include:

* A salad course with roasted beets, carmelized walnuts and goat cheese, accompanied by an amber beer;

* A fish course, most likely arctic char, served with chard, white beans, preserved lemons and olives, accompanied by hefeweissen;

* Duck breast with farro risotto, charred onions and bacon, accompanied by India pale ale; and

* A dessert, possibly a bread pudding with a chocolate stout sauce, accompanied by an Imperial stout.

Bamforth also will offer a bit of commentary and tell a story or two. “It will be a lot of fun. And you’ll still be home in time for ‘Downton Abbey,’ ” the popular British series on public television, Bamforth said.

The meal is $60 per person, with reservations and a $20 deposit required, at 530-792-8066. Monticello is at 630 G St. in downtown Davis.