Posted by Sheryl Kirby in bbq, beer, beverages, contests, events, events upcoming on July 22, 2008 at 7:30 am

There’s something about an event at Hart House that just gives it an automatic air of sophistication. Nothing stuffy, mind, but the inspiring architecture based on Oxford University, and the gorgeous courtyard in the centre of the building make attendees at any event want to dress up a little bit, be on their best behaviour. Even if that event is a barbecue and beer festival.

The brainchild of Arlene Stein, Hart House's director of Catering and Events, the Craft Beer Festival and Summer BBQ on July 31st is meant to be a celebration of local sustainable food and drink.

Stein recalls attending the beer and rib festivals held a few years ago at St. Lawrence Market, where local craft brewers set up booths and offered samples, and various competitors on the US BBQ circuit took over Front Street East to offer ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken wings and more. “It was such a good atmosphere”, say Stein. “It was welcoming and friendly, that’s what we’re going for.”

She paired up with Mario Pingue of Niagara Specialty Meats who will be supplying the pigs as well as charcuterie, and sausages. The original plan was to roast the pigs Hawaiian-style, in a pit, but then Stein realized that the ground in the Hart House courtyard is only 19 inches deep – it sits on the roof on the swimming pool - so instead Pingue will be roasting the pigs rotisseries-style. There will be salads, corn and other items available for the vegetarians in attendance, or those who are not so fond of snacking on our porcine friends.

Beer, of course, is a natural match with BBQ, and Stein was inspired by a tasting event held at Hart House earlier this year with local beer expert Mirella Amato. She contacted Nicholas Schulz at the Ontario Craft Brewers Association and between the pair of them, they easily found a dozen local breweries to come on board and offer samples.

Some of the participating breweries include Great Lakes Brewery, Grand River Brewing, Cool Beer Brewing Company Inc., Creemore Springs Brewery, Mill Street Brewery, Wellington Brewing Co., Camerons Brewing Company, Big Rock Brewery, F&M Brewery, Barley Days, Black Oak Brewery and Hockley Valley Brewing.

Hart House used to host an annual pub night in the courtyard, but it didn’t do very well. Stein believes that beer is now considered sophisticated enough that another annual event such as this BBQ might be more successful, as more and more people discover Ontario craft beer and seek out local food and drink products.

The evening won’t just be about eating, however. Musical entertainment will be provided by bands Brittlestar, Dinosaur Bones and NachtMusik, with DJ The Good Right Arm spinning tunes between bands. Mirella Amato will also be at the event giving talks throughout the evening and offering beer-related tips and info.

Tickets are $30 ($20 for UofT students) available from the UofT box office. The Hart House BBQ takes place on Thursday, July 31st from 7pm – midnight.

Thanks to everyone who entered to win a pair of tickets to the Hart House BBQ and Craft Beer Festival. The contest is now closed.

Tastes of the Portions of the Swine image from the talented folks at Married to the Sea.