Finally, a vegetarian beer dinner in Richmond! Don’t know how I managed to miss this one, but local veggie restaurant/hipster haunt Ipanema is hosting a self-titled “Beer Feast” featuring some quality brews and a lineup of delectable dishes. The fun begins January 13th at 6:30pm at 917 West Grace Street.

My only hope is that none of the beers featured are on tap. Nearly every time I’ve visited Ipanema, any draft beer they serve is off… and we’re not talking about managing cask ale here. I’m talking more-bitter-than-normal Brooklyn Brown, or sweeter-than-usual Dogfish Head 60 Minute. So if any of the beers featured are served on tap at this dinner, I would implore the place to clean their lines a little better.

Although I’m no stranger to this establishment, I’ve only recently discovered how good their food is. Even die-hard carnivores kindly compliment their smoked gouda sandwich. When I go out on the town, a good portion of my money goes toward drinking better beer rather than eating anything in a restaurant, so I guess you have to pick your battles. Richmond has its fair share of foodies, and though I do enjoy a good meal, the beer comes first. I guess I should listen to them whenever I get hungry. Nevertheless, I’m tempted to attend this shindig despite the $45 entry fee. I know they’ve got costs to cover, and I’ve yet to see an all-veggie lineup for a beer dinner in the area, so I feel obligated to go on both accounts.

It’s good to see beer getting some notariety, especially here in Richmond, but I can’t help but thinking that I can be of service. If there’s a beer-related event happening in the River City, or you run/know of an establishment in town that serves better beer, feel free to drop me a line and I’ll help get the word out. If you’ve got a web presence, I’ll add it to the Beer in Virginia page. I hate missing the boat on such sudsy soirees, as sometimes these things fly under the radar. I’d love to assist any local restaurant in preparing an event of this nature, or just be a beer consultant on the side. Do I have any professional credentials in the beverage industry? No. But I spend enough money on beer to get a little something in return, and maybe offer some good advice along the way.

Hire me.