A look back at Gnomefest: A Craft Beer Dinner by Siena Tuscan Steakhouse

Gnomefest: A Craft Beer Dinner by Siena Tuscan Steakhouse took place earlier this week and the staff at Wichita By E.B. was on hand to get a glimpse of what diners can expect on these events that Siena Tuscan Steakhouse will continue to put on in the future.

I had something come up and was unable to attend so I sent my brother and a friend to handle eating/drinking duties for me…. tough job, I know. He was put on special assignment and was able to get me a look at what you can expect:

Course 1

Grilled Bean and Cabbage Salad
Beer Pairing: HBIC Sour – peach soured with lactobacillus 5.5% etoh, fruit changed seasonally

Thoughts: Light refreshing taste with the sour beer, crisp grilled green beans add that crunch like a normal salad, dressing similar to a light flavored sauerkraut.

Course 2

Elderlie Farm Westfork Cheese – paired with plum jam, poached peach, goat milk gouda cheese, toasted almond cake
Beer Pairing: Oktoberfest – a light spicy flavored beer that cuts the sweetness of the jam and poached peach

Thoughts: Great pairing of sweetness with cheese, light flavored goat cheese with a firmier texture; all components were delicious alone and each paired well with one another. Almond cake was a good palate cleanser between sweet bites of poached peach and plumb jam.

Course 3

House-Made Sausage with Potato Pancakes – curry and ginger sausage, chef described as three different sausages in one with apple butter sauce.
Beer Pairing: ESB – earthy and bitter taste

Thoughts: Wonderful aroma, bitterness from the beer cuts through the sweetness of the apple butter, sausage had hints of spiciness and sweetness from the ginger and curry, pancake was light and fluffy with a nice crunch outside.

Course 4

Pumpkin & Date Cake with Toffee Sauce – toffee sauce was made with the brown ale beer
Beer Pairing: Brown Ale – coffee, caramel, chocolate and roasted malts

Thoughts: Great fall flavor. Not overly sweet; the toffee sauce stole the show, vanilla ice cream tasted fresh. The cake was soft and fluffy; a great way to end the meal. Bold coffee taste of the beer paired well with the lightness of the cake.

The food was great and they did a great job of complimenting and contrasting the flavors of the food. The service was great and they took care of everybody there. They also had live entertainment with a gentleman playing guitar and singing. It really helped set the mood.

Great time all around.

— Check out Siena Tuscan Steakhouse on Facebook for future events –

Happy Dining,
Eddy