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Dionicess VI Tops the Fundraising Series for Armenia

June 29, 2010 - United States

Much to the delight of big hearted beer geeks across Los Angeles, June 27th was Dionicess VI. A generous pairing event featuring beers from the Firestone Brewing Company and sausages and fries from Tony’s Darts Away, with all proceeds supporting the Real Medicine Foundation in Armenia.

Led by Gev Kazanchyan, writer, professor, beer and wine philanthropist, and co-hosted by Firestone Walker representative and Certified Cicerone™ Jace Milstead and certified beer judge, food author and chef Randy Clemens, Dionicess VI was the most successful event in the Dionicess series to date.

Thanks to donated food from Tony’s Darts Away, 7 donated beers from Firestone Walker (including Parabola and Unfiltered 100% Barrel Aged, Double Barrel Ale on cask), a sold out event, and ongoing donations both at the event and after (Firestone beer was served until closing for continual donations), the event topped the charts raising close to $1600 for Real Medicine Foundation’s healthcare program in Shinuhayr.

The Pairings

Opening with homemade ‘chili-limon’ seasoned potato chips, the event was off with a spark followed by six paired courses.

1) A celebration in citrus: Firestone Walker Solace served with sun-dried tomato and mozzarella chicken sausage topped with orange zest.

2) Firestone Walker Humboldt Brown, a controversial beer formerly known as "Hemp Ale," served with ”Poutine” fries, also topped with toasted hemp seeds.

3) A DBA take over: Firestone Walker Unfiltered Double Barrel Ale (DBA) with an apple sage chicken sausage corn-dog, made with DBA beer batter and served with DBA mustard and jalapeno ketchup.

4) A match up of personal favorites (Walker’s and Tony’s head chef Pyntch): Firestone Walker Walker’s Reserve Robust Porter paired with ”Pyntch’s Mad Sweet” sweet potato fries topped with blue cheese.

5) Firestone Walker Union Jack India Pale Ale, a hopps forward 3 time gold metal winner, paired with natural pork Andouille sausage and home-made jalapeno mashed potatoes.

6) The final pairing was a rare treat, Firestone Walker Parabola served with Randy Clemens’ own "beeramisu," a tiramisu blend of espresso and beer.

Thanks

By far, this event set a new standard for Dionicess to come, but it would not have been possible without the help of everyone who came together to make it happen. Thank you to everyone who attended the event and to those of you who also added to the donation pitcher in the back.

Thank you to Tony of Tony’s Darts Away for donating food and covering staff cost and to Paige Reilly, dedicated General Manager, who worked the event for free. Thank to to the wonderful and hard working kitchen staff, Shawn, Liz, and head chef Pyntch who prepared each course at lightning speed to make sure that all six courses reached everyone on time.

Thank you to the helping hands of Dave Watrous, Matt Olesh, and Sarah Kissell who helped make sure that everyone was comfortable and taken care of.

Thank you to Dr. Martina Fuchs and Nairy Ghazourian for speaking on behalf of Real Medicine and representing the cause.

And of course, another thank you to Jace Milstead, Randy Clemens, and the unstoppable Gev Kazanchyan for all the hard work putting everything together.