Today in Lansing: ‘Corks versus Caps’ at the State Room

Corks versus Caps

6:30 to 9 p.m.

$79

The State Room

219 S. Harrison Road, Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center, East Lansing

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THURSDAY, SEPT. 20 — Wine pairings and beer pairings are usually separate entities. One is the gold standard of fine dining, the other a hip take on the tradition. Decide who takes the best pairing crown, over five courses of delectable sustenance, in the first Corks versus Caps.

“Our chefs created what they thought would be a challenging dinner our guests would enjoy,” State Room operations manager Marianne Bacon said.

Shane Nicholson, certified sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and certified specialist of wine with the Society of Wine Educators, will choose the wine pairings. Patrick Abood of Imperial Beverage will select beers for the night.

“I’ve worked with both of these gentleman in the past,” Bacon said. “Shane and I were talking about wine that will change things up, and how we could provide a different way to present food and beverage pairings.”

Beer and wine will be unlabeled, providing a blind taste test for guests, Bacon added.

The five course meal, prepared by State Room executive chef Matthew Wilson, ranges from the farm to the sea.

The courses:

Pan seared Verlasso salmon with crispy grit cake and maytag cheese, lobster gazpacho with a basil salted rim, carrot, cucumber and radish salad with mango and mirin vinaigrette, braised beef short rib with butternut squash gnocchi, Student Organic Farm tomato and sweet pepper mélange and, finally, chocolate caramel souffle with strawberry balsamic sorbetto and pulled sugar.

Wilson is originally from Alpena and won the popular vote in a State Room competition, which pit some of its senior chefs against each other.

“He really connects with farming and spent a lot of time with the Student Organic Farm to get fresh veggies and fruits, herbs,” she said. “We also started partnering with the MSU meat department for beef and pork here on campus and.”

“We really want to build this place as a destination the community can get behind and be proud of.”

Those with food allergies are encouraged to call (517) 884-8101 for special accommodations.

Other events in Lansing:

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BluesFest Kickoff Jam with Pericles Varella Gomes

7 to 9 p.m., Urban Beat Event Center, 1213 Turner St., Lansing

Orations & Libations: Michigan's Holy Spirits Book Signing

7 to 9 p.m., American Fifth Spirits Tasting Room, 112 N. Larch St., Lansing