Hi Bloggies! Monday was an exciting day in Northern Virginia, for Great Lakes Brewing Company released their delicious Cleveland brews to the area! One of my very favorite things to do when I visit home is to spend a Saturday morning shopping at Westside Market before stopping for lunch and a yummy beer at GLBC. So I’m so happy we have a taste of home in NoVA now!

Of course we have to support the cause, so Louisa, myself and another friend visited Rustico for the launch ‘party’. Unfortunately, although the website promised all sorts of festivities, our server was not privy to any of them. My poor little sis was quite disappointed as she is a lover of all organized activities. But nonetheless, the beer was delicious and the food fantastic!

A Dortmunder Gold to drink.

Maple sweet potoato gnocchi with mushrooms, brussel sprouts and truffle cream to eat. Have you ever heard of a dish made more specifically for yours truly!? I’ve been eyeing this on Rustico’s menu for months and I was so happy to finally have the opportunity to visit and enjoy it for myself . It was delectable!! Perfectly soft, pillowy gnocchi with a party of accompanying flavors and textures that all complimented one another beautifully. I almost licked the plate.

Had it not been for that incredible dish, I would certainly have ordered this pizza instead, featuring pumpkin in place of tomato sauce – with wild boar ragu, proscuitto and goat cheese. So I’m glad Louisa selected it and we could trade bites!

In the end, a GLBC rep did visit our table to hand out some key chains and chap stick and we walked away with a souvenir glass…although I’m still a little unsure if they were actually meant to belong to us . Although it wasn’t much of a party, it was a lovely night of good beer and good food with some very entertaining ladies.

Back soon with some more!