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Ballard Beer Awards Returns April 16 – May 11!

2017 Ballard Beer Awards Winner Lucky Envelope Brewing
2017 Ballard Beer Awards Winner Lucky Envelope Brewing

Beer lovers rejoice! Ballard Beer Awards is back at Ray’s Café and it’s up to you to crown the victor in the battle of the best Ballard beers! But… in true Ballard fashion it’s more like a friendly neighborhood competition.

How it works: from Monday, April 16 to Friday, May 11 the Café will feature one beer on tap from each of the following Ballard breweries: Stoup Brewing, Reuben’s Brews, Lucky Envelope Brewing and Maritime Pacific Brewing. Each purchase of one of these beers (any size on our menu) counts as one vote for that brewery.

On Monday, May 14 we’ll announce the winner and along with bragging rights, they’ll receive a dedicated tap in the Café for one year!

Bonus! Every Wednesday throughout the duration of the contest a different brewery will host a happy hour from 4-6pm in the Café where you can chat with their team and learn more about your favorite Ballard beers. Here’s the lineup:

Wed., April 18 – Reuben’s Brews

Wed., April 25 – Stoup Brewing

Wed., May 2 – Maritime Pacific Brewing

Wed., May 9 – Lucky Envelope Brewing

Share your Ballard beer photos with us on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter by tagging #BallardBeerAwards. Cheers!!

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Reuben’s Brews Dinner at Ray’s March 5!

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Congrats to Reuben’s Brews!! Winner of our first Ballard Beer Awards voted by the people! Thank you to all who voted throughout the contest! It was a great showing and we’re prouder than ever to be a part of the Ballard community!

Join us for our Ballard Beer Awards Dinner with Reuben’s Brews on Saturday, March 5 at Ray’s Cafe!

Our 5-course menu compliments the flavor notes of each Reuben’s beer paired alongside it, from smoky to sweet. Meet Reuben’s team, and our Executive Chef Paul Duncan, as they guide you through the menu and talk about the nuance of flavors in each course.

We’re also excited to debut Reuben’s first canned beer! Their Gose will be making its first public appearance during our reception. You can be the first to try it!

Seating is limited and by reservation only. Please reserve today by calling 206.782.0094 or emailing rays@rays.com before they go! $65 per person, inclusive of gratuity and tax. Dinner begins at 6pm for all guests.

Reuben’s Brews Beer Dinner Menu

Reception
Tarragon fritters, spiced Marcona almonds
Gose – German style sour ale; bright lemon, refreshingly tart

Appetizer
Penn Cove mussels and Uli’s chorizo
Sherry reduction, grilled bread
Dark Lager – Light lager notes, cocoa, crisp and refreshing

Starter
Crispy pork ribs
Sweet and spicy mustard
Crikey IPA – Tropical citrus, pine backbone

Entree
House smoked sablefish and chips
Cole slaw, jalapeno tartar sauce
Hoppy Rye – Sweet berry fruit, lime, grapefruit, crisp finish

Dessert
Chocolate Caramel Crème Brûlée
Caramel sauce
Foreign Export Stout – Coffee, sweet caramel

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1st Ballard Beer Awards at Ray’s Cafe – Jan 14-Feb 14!

Rays Boathouse Sunset Deck

Vote for your Favorite Ballard Brew!

Ray’s is thrilled to bring you the first Ballard Beer Awards voted by the people! In 1982 Paul Shipman started Redhook Brewery in a fire hall in Ballard. Later that year Ray’s Executive Chef Russ Wohlers, and Paul carried the first keg of Redhook into Ray’s and we’ve been a champion of Ballard beer ever since!

From January 14-February 14 we’ll be featuring 5 Ballard-based breweries for you to taste and vote for! Come in and purchase a pint of beer from one of the breweries below and that counts as your vote. Or fill out a ballot if you choose not to imbibe.

Want to try them all at once? Ray’s will offer a special Ballard Beer Flight throughout the month with a sample from each of the five breweries for $5. Then purchase a pint of your favorite to cast your vote, or fill out a ballot!

On February 15 we’ll announce the winner and they’ll host a special Winning Brewery Dinner at Ray’s on Saturday, March 5 for you to attend!

Each brewery will stop in to Ray’s Cafe for a special tasting night during the month. Join us on the following dates to meet their team and vote for your favorite. You can also vote for them any day from January 14-February 14!

January 15 – Stoup Brewing
January 19 – Lucky Envelope Brewing
January 21 – Hilliard’s Beer
January 26 – Maritime Pacific Brewing Co.
January 28 – Reuben’s Brews

Follow along with us using #BallardBeerAwards on social media!