Griffin Claw Brewing Co. gets a grip on Maple Theater's Secret Cinema for Sips, Bites & Flicks

Just in time for Michigan Craft Beer Month, the Maple Theater and Birmingham’s Griffin Claw Brewing Co. are serving up something positively cinematic this month. The local brewery’s beers will be featured for a special tasting and installment of the Secret Cinema series: Sips, Bites & Flicks. It will focus on beloved and classic films from the 1980s and 1990s. The Griffin Claw beer tasting selections will pair with a special menu, created by Executive Chef Andrew BeGole and align with this 80s classic. Sips, Bites & Flicks aims to satisfy moviegoers, foodies and beer fans alike.

WHEN: 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23

• 7 p.m. Beer and Menu sampling
• 8 p.m. Secret Cinema movie revealed, showtime begins

WHERE: Maple Theater, 4135 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, Mich.

BEER:

• El Rojo Red Ale – This ale uses caramel and roasted malts giving it a rich ruby color and American aroma. Hops are added to leave it malty.
• Norm’s Raggedy Ass IPA – Using a combination of piney, citrusy and fruity hops this IPA has a low malt profile.
• Grand Trunk Bohemian Pilsner – This beer uses more pounds of hops per barrel than used to brew Griffin Claw IPAs. The brewing method mirrors traditional Czech styles separating it from lagers and ales.
• Triple Lemon Shandy – An abbey tripel fruity style beer with a crisp aroma of lemon and Belgian yeast. 

MENU: The Maple Theater’s own executive Chef Andrew BeGole has developed a tasting menu to accompany these beers and the initial Sips, Bites & Flicks selection:

• Shepherd’s Pie – El Rojo Red Ale-marinated ground beef is combined with a Hunter’s sauce, carrots, peas and onions then tucked beneath mashed Yukon Gold potatoes and topped with farmhouse cheddar.
• The Inferno Taco Bar – Brined for 48 hours, hand-shredded chicken is finished in a slow rotisserie then added to Chef Andrew BeGole’s spicy DET-MEX sauce to give a little spice. Don’t miss an array of fresh sauces like the Maple Kitchen’s Salsa Verde, Diablo sauce and House Salsa along with Manchego Blanco Queso will be offered. Additional toppings include cilantro lime sour cream, roasted corn and black beans, pickled red onions and fresh lettuce.
• One Eyed Willie Pretzel Sticks – Warm pretzel sticks baked Bavarian style served with an array of house-made dipping mustards:
• Rocky Road Blintz – featuring a chocolate cream cheese ganache topped with marshmallows and marcona almonds.

COST: Tickets cost $30 per person includes admission to the film, plus 5 Griffin Claw Brewing Co. beer samples and the movie-inspired menu, as well as a special introduction by a special guest on behalf of Griffin Claw Brewing Co. prior to the film.

VISIT: Tickets are available at themapletheater.com or in person at the theater, at 4135 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, Mich. *Only those 21 and older will be admitted to this event.