Wine & whiskey dinners presented by Pearly Baker (May 2023)

It’s been a least a couple of years now since Pearly Baker Fermentables opened its doors on the southwest corner of Scott Avenue and Broadway Boulevard. In that short amount of time, it’s become a prime downtown destination for natural, classic, and honest wines from around the world.

Fun fact: The store takes its name from notable prohibitionist Pearly Baker who was the head of the Anti-Saloon League in the late 1800s.

Wine Dinner

In April, Pearly Baker presented its first set of collaborative dinners with local restaurants and distributors. The crew is now pleased to keep the wine train rollin’ by teaming up with Penca Restaurante and Forbes Meat Co. this month.

First up, they’re hosting the Penca wine dinner with L.A. Cetto on Sunday, May 21 at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $130 per person and include a multi-course wine pairing dinner featuring Chile Relleno, empanadas, and more.

About the winery: “For seven generations, our family has been devoted to the art of producing wine. Since 1928, located within Valle de Guadalupe, we express care and respect for nature through components such as the climate, the ground, and our quality standards to produce vines in our fields.”

Penca Wine Pairing Dinner Menu (Sunday, May 21)

Snack

• Chips and Salsa (V)

First Course (choice of)

• Ceviche – lime-marinated market fish, red onion, cucumber, serrano, roasted corn, cilantro, avocado, and hoja santa oil
• Ensalada Mixta – mixed baby leaf lettuce, carrots, jícama, corn, roasted squash, pepitas, and a lemon vinaigrette
• Paired with Sierra Blanca – Sauvignon Blanc

Second Course

• Empanadas – Mixed baby leaf lettuce, carrots, jícama, corn, roasted squash, pepitas, lemon vinaigrette
• Paired with Sierra Blanca – Zinfandel Rosé

Third Course

• Rajas Con Hongos (V) – grilled poblano chile, caramelized onion, roasted mushroom, and cashew crema
• Paired with Sierra Blanca – Cabernet Sauvignon

Fourth Course (choice of)

• Manchamanteles – grilled bone-in pork chop with spiced tomato-fruit mole, masa cakes, and grilled onion
• Chile Relleno (V) – roasted poblano chile, sautéed spinach, mushroom, squash, and amaranth on a creamy cashew tomato salsa
• Paired with Sierra Blanca – Tempranillo

Fifth Course

• Churros – salted dulce de leche, chocolate ganache

For more information and to purchase your ticket, visit pearlybakerfermentables.square.site.

Then, a little later in May — the last day of the month, as a matter of fact — is another incredible dream team of local food fantasies. This dinner is really happening, though. On Wednesday, May 31 at 6 p.m., Pearly Baker is hosting Wagyu Whiskey Wednesday with Forbes Meat Co. at Owls Club.

Tickets are $165 per person and include multiple courses of whiskey, food, and great times.

Whiskey Dinner

Owls Club Whiskey Wednesday Dinner Menu (Wednesday, May 31)

Welcome Cocktail

• Hitachino High Ball 
• Snacks on the table

First Course

• Wagyu Onigiri two ways (two ounces)(raw/seared) – sushi rice and wasabi, cucumber salad
• Paired with a shot of Japanese Whiskey (TBA)
• Ben Forbes joins the course to talk about beef

Second Course

• East meets West Japanese BBQ (two ounces) – Wagyu seared and sliced, milk bread from August Rhodes, kimchi from Luoyi
• Paired with a can of Harland Rice Lager with a shot of Japanese Whiskey (TBA)
• Talk from Luoyi about kimchi

Third Course

• Cold Soba Noodle Bowl – with a two-ounce Yakitori grilled skewer, a ginger/scallion chili crisp sauce, peanuts, and furikake
• Paired with a shot of Miyashita Shuzo Nigori ‘Sacred Mist’ Honjozo Sake
• Talk from Josh Osteen of Pearly Baker about sake

Fourth Course

• Mochi and a Kit Kat

For more information and to purchase your ticket, visit pearlybakerfermentables.square.site.