Flights of fancy

By Lisa Enos and Keagan Coop

While there’s nothing new about flights of beer, a new promotion has restaurants of all types offering flights.

“Flights of Flavor seamlessly pairs our world-class food with the incredible craft beverages that put us on the map,” said Kate Lieto, Associate VP of Marketing at Experience Grand Rapids.

With an emphasis on both taste and presentation, the idea behind the ongoing promotion is that it allows restaurant goers to sample a variety of flavors of food, beverages, or both in one sitting.  Of course, the local culinary geniuses rose to the challenge to fabricate some new-fangled flights– from cupcakes to pizza to oysters, soju, ciders, snacks and more– that are truly visionary!

GR Mag Art Director Keagan Coop and I put our heads together to choose our favorites:

Social Misfits – The overall presentation of these drinks is BEA-U-TI-FUL! I also love how they display the names of the drinks clipped to the snifter glasses. I can only imagine how excited my group would be if we ordered this and it came to our table. Looks like such an experience in itself!
House of Wine – Each one of the four snacks looks so delicious – a great mix of flavors to pair with the wines. And a good value, too.

Mitten Brewing Pizza – Can’t choose between the Westerdog, Field of Greens or the Hog Heaven? Why not get a flight? Six flavors of specialty pizza served on a wooden paddle feeds four. Pro tip: Wash it down with Peanuts and Crackerjacks Porter. Yum!

Love’s Ice Cream – Where I come from this is called a Pig’s Dinner, but you could also call these allergen-friendly options including dairy-free, gluten-free, vegan and plant-based treats simply delicious. Personal favorite: The lavender ice cream. What’s not to love?

Forty Acres Soul Kitchen- These three shrimp ‘n grits combos are doctored in very different ways- the House is spicy, with smoked tomato puree; The Southern is doused in cream, asiago and parmesan cheese, pancetta, and peppers; The Northern is made with a sweet and savory glaze, whole grain mustard and white wine sauce. Simply phenomenal.

Visit flightsofflavor.com for more information. Other establishments participating in Flights of Flavor.