An Evening Of Gluten Free Burgers and Brew

It has been two days since the amazing dinner and New Planet Beer tasting at Kim Klopstock's 50 South Restaurant in Ballston Spa.

Now, let's discuss soul food for a moment. Soul food nourishes your body and mind all the way to your soul. Soul food feels like home, comfort, and pure contentment.

On Tuesday we experienced the full meaning of soul food and much more. The dinner was in an intimate setting. When we walked through the doors of 50 South, we were greeted with a smiling hostess, and taken to the bar area. Here, we greeted our friends, as fabulous hors d' oeuvres, including dates stuffed with chevre wrapped with bacon and parmesan toast made on a potato crisp, were passed about. A very nice gentleman handed us a tasting glass of New Planet Beer's Blonde Ale. The New Planet Blonde Ale was light, cold and crisp, the perfect compliment to the sweet and savory bacon wrapped dates. Kim's in house Sheldon Farm potato chips and her Solively tapenade were awaiting us at each table as we took our seats.

Kim greeted everyone with such love and happiness. She made everyone feel as if they were part of the family. On a quick side note, it is obvious that everyone who was working there that evening was happy to be there and is part of Kim's 50 South Family. Kim is one of the most authentic, passionate people I have ever met. She genuinely cares about her guests, transforming ingredients into soul food, where she sources her ingredients from, local farmers, the planet, and sustainability.

Where to begin with New Planet Beer. Every course was paired with a different New Planet Beer. All of the appetizers were paired with New Planet's Raspberry Ale. My Dad and I enjoyed the Spicy Calamari topped with Shaved Parmesan Cheese with a Sweet and Spicy Asian dipping sauce. The heat of the Calamari paired beautifully with the smooth and slightly sweet finish of the New Planet Raspberry Ale. Pierre loved the Raspberry Ale Poached Pear Salad and my Mom raved about the  Cold Strawberry Soup with Raspberry Ale. 



Jeanne & Maryanna
From Saratoga Gluten Free Goods

Brian, was great! You could not have asked for a more attentive, knowledgeable, charismatic waiter. When the main courses arrived with a glass of ice cold New Planet Pale Ale it was time to dig in. Kim's menu was inspired to say the least. Pierre ordered the Long Lesson Farm Grass Fed Beef Burger topped with Beer Battered Onion Straws, Local Cheddar Cheese, Local Bacon, Grace Cheese, and House Made BBQ Sauce.  All of this burger goodness was served atop a toasted Saratoga Gluten Free Goods Multigrain Roll! DELICIOUS! I ordered the Pan Seared Line Caught Tuna Burger with an Asian Slaw and an Asian inspired Brown Rice! BRILLIANT! One of our friends, Robin, ordered the Portobello Mushroom Burger stuffed with Chevre served with a side of loaded potato skins. Robin, who is very much a "foodie," said her dinner was absolutely fabulous. The combination of rich and bold notes of New Planet Beer's Pale Ale paired seamlessly with all of Kim's burgers.

Now for the big finale, all I can say is that I am still thinking about that dessert course! Brian delivered to our table the decedent Espresso Bombe with a  Fresh Light Whip Cream and the first glasses on the entire East Coast of New Planet's BRAND NEW Brown Ale! The Brown Ale was rich, with notes of cocoa and coffee which highlighted the rich chocolate and espresso bombe. When I tasted the fresh whip cream, then sipped the beer, I almost detected a hint of vanilla in the Brown Ale.

Everyone went home wanting to know when the next exclusively gluten free dinner and beer tasting will happen at 50 South featuring New Planet Beer.  All I can say is, not soon enough!

For more pictures and to see the full menu please go to my Facebook Page.



Robin and Marty enjoying the evening.

Thank You to everyone who made this event possible, and to everyone who supported all of us. We are looking forward to the next time we all get together again over a special meal.


For more gluten free tips, fun ideas, and delicious recipes log on to www.glutenfreewithamy.com , like us on FaceBook, and follow us on Twitter.



Warmest Regards & Happy Cooking,



Amy