MYSTERY TRAVELER
A SURPRISING TUESDAY NIGHT IN
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LaGrange
ost any town worth its spot on Google maps has something fun to do on a Saturday night. This time of year, weekend festivals, special events, concerts, competitions and celebrations abound. But what about a week night? Is there anything interesting to do? Not every community can pass, say, the Tuesday Night Test. Can LaGrange? Join this mystery traveler for a truly surprising Tuesday night on the town. A lot of people are surprised to learn that a small city like LaGrange has a flourishing symphony orchestra. Plenty are surprised, too, to discover a flourishing craft beer scene. Perhaps most surprising, you can enjoy both in a single, memorable Tuesday evening. At first blush, Beacon Brewing Company and the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra (LSO) would seem an unlikely combination. Other than geographic proximity – Beacon at 700 Lincoln St., the LSO less than half a mile away in Callaway Auditorium – what could the two possibly have in common? You may be surprised. Again. My Tuesday night outing found the brewery and the LSO to be a harmonious combination. What they have in common is a passion for what they do. And cool places
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May 2019
in which to do it. The folks at Beacon are plenty passionate about their beer, their food and their heritage. It shows in the originality of the menu, the smooth individuality of the beer, the laidback yet lively vibe of the rustic, restored storefront-turned-brewpub. The place has Character, capital C. Similarly, the LSO is passionate about enriching the community through music with its varied concert series, exceptional youth programs and inspired educational outreach. It shows in the originality of their programming (earlier this season, they dedicated a whole concert to Women in Music), in the enthusiasm of board and volunteers, in the impressive turnout of loyal listeners. LaGrange College’s Callaway Auditorium, with its world-class acoustics, has Class, capital C. And then, there’s artistry. A brewery and a symphony are both hands-on operations. Brewmasters, chefs, conductors and musicians have different skill sets, but similar qualities: deep feeling for the product, dedication, creativity, an expert touch. People who know beer consistently praise Beacon’s brews as “well-balanced, deceptively complex and always intriguing.” Reviewers make similar comments in describing the orchestra. So back to that Tuesday night. It all started with a short drive to Beacon – no need to fill the gas tank, no hassles, no hurry.
It said a lot that all the inside tables were filled at 6 p.m. on a weeknight. There was space in the outdoor “beer garden” but we chose seats at the counter, the better to observe the friendly, fast-moving staff and admire the original wall art – distinctive and nostalgic black and white images taken from old issues of the Callaway Mills newsletter, known as the Beacon. The décor is appropriate. Father/son founders Charles Hudson Jr. and Chase Hudson are descendants of Callaway Mills’ founder Fuller Callaway, whose textile mills were once the heart of the Hillside district. It just seemed right to order a beer called Fuller’s Earth, a light, farmhouse ale style with a beautiful golden straw color. It was easy to like and paired well with the inventive menu featuring Asian cuisine with a Southern flair. Think pork belly sliders with braised greens as a side. Ramen bowls and yaki soba. Hot dogs made from Wagyu beef and tempura dogs, battered and served with napa cabbage kimchi. My tasty taco had Ahi tuna, seared with sesame and siracha and served with wasabi aioli and napa cabbage slaw. Definitely not your grandmother’s tuna casserole. My companion had confit duck sliders (pulled whole duck, roasted garlic duck sauce, cucumber kimchi and alfalfa sprouts) and a smoked pork taco made with local pasture-raised pig from Sims Pond Farm, topped with a yummy watermelon barbecue sauce.
