Peanut Butter and Jelly at its Finest: A Funky Buddha Beer Dinner at the Boca Resort & Spa

Peanut Butter & Jelly — the perfect combination of sweet and salty, a classic American lunch option and my little obsession. From young on, it was my lunch of choice and even after eating a Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich everyday for 8 years, I’m happy to go back in time and savor one of my favorites. Although my taste buds have expanded since then, the comfort that I get from savoring these flavors always has me smiling in delight.

Why let the much-loved flavor combination be limited to the traditional, it’s time to create an explosion of flavors in your mouth — having a talented chef prepare dinner for you works just as well.

I was recently invited into 501 East for a Funky Buddha Beer Dinner. This was planned at the perfect time, as the restaurant recently launched a new beer list, that includes mostly small production craft beers and 10-20 local beers. Knowing that I can’t just randomly walk into the restaurant (it’s only open to club members and hotel guests), I was eager to check it out. One peek at the menu, and my eyes immediately were drawn to course #4 — No Crusts Beer (that’s peanut butter &  jelly beer) paired with The King Roll. A little odd, I must admit, but Funky Buddha does a fantastic job of going out on the edge and making it work. When I picked up the glass, I could smell the peanut butter and jelly rising and I was ready to dive in head first. And then, it got even butter. Served alongside, the No Crusts beer was Chef Ray Dolan’s take on “The King” Roll. A crispy roll filled with bacon, banana and celery was dotted with strawberry caviar – a combination that I’m still salivating over.

There was more to this dinner than me obsessing over the pairing — the complete dinner was a hit. While each course was presented, the group learned about each beer that was served for that course and the paired dish. From a salad of compressed watermelon and heirloom tomatoes to a Berkshire pork dish with a fresh corn cake, baby kale and Florida Peach Mostarda, our palates were dancing in delight.

Now, we just need to find a way to sneak into the next one.

501 East Kitchen & Bar is located at the Boca Resort & Spa, 401 E. Camino Real; 888-543-1277

Clockwise: Beer Dinner Menu | Compressed Watermelon & Heirloom Tomato Salad | Florida Hefeweizen by Funky Buddha | Chef Ray Dolan | Plantain Cup filled with Citrus Marinated Local Rock Shrimp & Crab, raspberry salsa & pickled fresno chile

L-R: Local Cauliflower Soufflé with truffled egg yolk, duck confit, crispy potato and herbs | Berkshire Pork with fresh corn cake, baby kale and FL Peach Mostarda served with Crusher beer | Trio of Beer | NIB Smuggler served with a crispy hand-rolled chocolate cigar