Event Description
Beer versus wine—which one truly deserves the place of honour at the dinner table? At this delicious Cornucopia showdown, you be the judge.
For generations, wine has enjoyed a celebrated love affair with food, while beer has too often been pushed to the sidelines. But can a thoughtfully selected beer pair every bit as beautifully with a great dish? It is time to put both beverages to the test.
Join host Mayor Jack Crompton for a scrappy, spirited and scrumptious multi-course match-up between world-class experts in their respective fields. On one side: the Cicerone, ready to prove the range, complexity and food-friendly character of beer. On the other: the Sommelier, defending wine’s long-held place at the table.
Set on Cornucopia’s Culinary Stage, guests will enjoy a four-course meal prepared by Chefs Dabbagh and Cunningham. Each course will be served with two competing pairings—one wine and one beer—giving the audience the opportunity to taste, compare and decide which beverage best complements every dish.
The competition will follow the Munk Debate format. Guests will cast their first vote as they arrive, choosing whether they believe beer or wine is the better pairing partner. After four courses, eight pairings and plenty of lively debate, the audience will vote again.
Whichever expert succeeds in changing the most minds will be declared the winner.
Will wine defend its title, or will beer reclaim its rightful place at the table? Come hungry, arrive opinionated and prepare to have your loyalties tested. At the end of this flavour-filled battle, the audience will deliver the final verdict—and the rest, as they say, is history.
Menu
1ST COURSE
Ricotta Canapés
rosemary, olive oil and truffle honey, roasted walnuts
2ND COURSE
Fennel Salad
pistachio, mint, lemon, olive oil
3RD COURSE
Cavatelli
brown butter, sage, squash, reduced whey, bread crumbs
DESSERT
Panna Cotta
whisky salted caramel, streusel
Put simply, the Culinary Stage Series is like being in the audience of a live cooking show, and you get to enjoy the food creations - complete with drink pairings. The series features local and national chefs, producers and beverage professionals to provide attendees the chance to learn their cooking tips and tricks, and enjoy multi-course, drink-paired menus.
*Menu subject to change
Room set-up/format: Sit down service. Small plates with select beverages
Attire: Casual, comfortable
Policies
Once purchased, tickets are non-refundable. This is a 19+ event, therefore children will not be admitted. Due to liquor licensing, the Whistler Conference Centre cannot allow people under the age of 19 in any part of the building for the duration of the Cornucopia event.