Cinco de Tres at Trap Rock
The PubScout remembers his first visit to the Trap Rock Restaurant in Berkeley Heights almost twenty years ago. In that 1997 column, which hangs proudly in the Trap Rock vestibule to this day, I wrote:
"Word about Trap Rock seems to be spreading quite nicely, thank you. Accordingly, Trap Rock's biggest problem down the road may be parking space. With parking spaces already at a premium, they will need to find ways for patrons to ford the stream that separates an adjacent parking lot from the main building.
No matter. Whatever you have to do to get to the place is well worth what you'll find when you get there. Trap Rock may have a longer brewpub honeymoon than most."--The PubScout--1997
I love it when I'm prescient.
With their usual valet parking staff unavailable last night, parking was described as a "free for all" by one patron, and, with all its spaces seemingly full, yours truly had to park on a bridge directly above said stream to attend the third annual Cinco de Mayo Beer Dinner.
So popular have Brewer Charlie Schroeder's Beer Dinners become that most sell out in a single day. One sold out in just two hours. And It was, as usual, packed, so much so that a table of attendees sat in the main pub section rather than the "English country manor" backroom. Not that they cared. I went out to chat with them during the dinner and when it was over, and they were already asking when the next dinner was.
That's because this one was off-the-charts good, as you'd expect a collaboration with Neshaminy Creek Brewing to be. I actually got to sit with a delightful, witty and beer knowledgeable gal from NCBC named Danielle DePalma who provided me with great insight as well as great company. We were joined by two beer dinner newbies--Lee and Leslie from Westfield--who were there because NCBC was. They were wonderful, friendly folks who loved the event.
And why wouldn't they? Check out this menu:
Braised Chicken Empanadas with NCBC Trauger Pilsner
Scallop, Shrimp and Mango Ceviche Tostada with TR El Dorado Pale Ale
Queso Flambado with NCBC High-water Hefeweizen
Mole Poblano Beef Enchiladas with NCBC County Line IPA
Coconut Sorbet-Filled Churro with TR 7-Stave Captain Carl's Oatmeal Stout Blend
All the dishes were well-matched. The Queso Flambado was particularly good, and my dinner mate Lee and I agreed we could have made a meal of it alone. But the dessert pairing was simply "knock-your-socks-off."
Trap Rock's staff, under the auspices of Director of Operations Grant Halliday, was remarkably efficient at both serving and clearing, and all were affable and friendly.
The food at Trap Rock has always been top-notch, but it takes quite an effort for any kitchen to deliver quality food with a great presentation to 60+ beer dinner guests. I understood better why that happened when Charlie introduced ten--count 'em-ten--chefs from the scullery. Trap Rock clearly doesn't scrimp on quality, which certainly accounts for their two decades of success.
Because Trap Rock has this neat custom of naming beers after faithful customers, Captain Carl himself was actually in the house, and, like everyone else, having a grand old time. And Trap Rock had eight other beers on its regular menu in addition. Upon arrival, Charlie, who loves his lagers, suggested and gave me a
Magnetic Rocks IPL that was quite good, hopped with Azacca and Hallertau Blanc. The PubScout has seen brewers come and go at TR, but Charlie will celebrate his 14th anniversary there later this month.
And with more beer dinners like the one last night, his own Trap Rock honeymoon will likely last for many more years, especially if the scuttlebutt I heard from Grant about a new production brewery becomes reality.
But more about that in a separate column.
For more pics of the event, check out The PubScout's Gallery.
Cheers!
The PubScout
