Hey Yinzers! Let me spin you a tale of a night when all the bourbon gods smiled down on Clark's Restaurant in McCandless. The occasion? A private Bourbon and Steak dinner hosted by none other than the Big Red Sipper. For a cool $100, we feasted on mouthwatering steaks and savored four exquisite pours of hand-selected bourbons. The house was brimming with bourbon enthusiasts, each eager to taste the unique selections personally introduced and poured by the Big Red Sipper himself. It was a night of good food, great company, and spirits that warmed the soul.

The Big Red Sipper's Bourbon and Steak Experience

The evening kicked off with a 128 proof (Yup, that's right) Rebel bourbon, mixed into a Boulevardier—a bourbon twist on the classic Negroni. This cocktail was the perfect icebreaker, setting the tone for the night as we mingled with fellow guests and anticipated the main course.

Next up was the main event: a full-course steak dinner, cooked to perfection. The steaks were served exactly as ordered, accompanied by perfectly seasoned asparagus and creamy mashed potatoes. As we savored our meals, the Big Red Sipper made his rounds, personally pouring tastes of the other three bourbons. Each bourbon was a single barrel selection, meticulously chosen by Big Red himself during private tours of select distilleries.

One highlight was the Yellowstone from Limestone Branch Distillery. The Big Red Sipper sampled 15 barrels before selecting the best two for the night's tasting. The evening wrapped up with a decadent dessert—a hot pecan-topped pie crust, perfectly paired with Woodford Double Oak, another single barrel pick. This bourbon's rich, oaky notes complemented the dessert beautifully, making for a memorable end to the meal.

Clark's Restaurant: About the Venue

Clark's Restaurant provided the perfect backdrop for this private event. The service was spot-on, attentive yet unobtrusive, ensuring that glasses were never empty and plates were cleared with impeccable timing. The backroom, where the event was held, offered an intimate setting ideal for such gatherings. It's a great space for any private party, whether you're celebrating a special occasion with friends or enjoying a themed tasting event.

Noodles, Hollywood, A Cook, Maybe a Mob Guy... Who knows... pretty tuned by now...

Among the vibrant crowd of bourbon aficionados, one standout attendee was my good buddy, Hollywood. Known for his knack for striking up engaging conversations, Hollywood quickly found common ground with the Big Red Sipper over their shared love for West Virginia University (WVU). As the night progressed, the two were deep in conversation, discussing everything from bourbon nuances to Mountaineer football.

Hollywood, ever the social butterfly, also managed to rub elbows with the owner of Clark's Restaurant. His charm must have left a good impression, as we weren't told we weren't welcome back—always a good sign! So it's safe to say Hollywood represented us well, adding to the night's friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Adding to the mix of colorful characters was a local cook who, after a few bourbons, sounded like the greatest golfer to ever grace the greens. Can't blame the guy. After all, is not Noodles the greatest writer after a few bourbons? Whether he was reminiscing about birdies or recounting tales of near-mythical rounds, his stories grew larger with each pour.

And then there were a few other guys who, in the hazy, bourbon-infused glow of the evening, we half-jokingly imagined might be mob guys. After all, that would make for a great steak and bourbon night right? Hey, after enough bourbon, who's to say who everyone really is? It was all part of the fun, creating a tapestry of stories and laughter that made the night truly memorable.

And let's not forget the star of the evening, the Big Red Sipper himself—a true Pittsburgh man's man. He's the kind of guy who could hold court in any setting, whether discussing the finer points of bourbon or swapping tales of Yinzer life. His down-to-earth demeanor and deep knowledge of bourbon made him the perfect host for the evening, ensuring everyone felt welcomed and well-served. The Big Red Sipper’s passion for bourbon is matched only by his love for Pittsburgh, and it showed in every pour and every story shared.

Hat's off to the staff at Clark's for hosting a flawless evening. Their attention to detail and seamless service made the event not only enjoyable but also memorable. From perfectly cooked steaks to timely refills, they handled everything with grace and efficiency, contributing to the overall success of the night.

This just goes to show that at events like these, it's not just the food and drink that make the evening; it's the people and the connections made over shared interests. Here's to many more nights of good company, great conversations, and, of course, excellent bourbon!

Looking Ahead

If you missed this event, don't worry—Clark's Restaurant regularly hosts similar gatherings, including wine tasting events. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming events and more opportunities to enjoy fine dining paired with exquisite drinks.

If you're a bourbon lover or just looking for a fantastic night out, keep an eye on Clark's. It's a spot that promises great food, excellent drinks, and an unforgettable experience. Cheers to another great night in the Burgh!

Thanks to the Big Red Sipper for showing us exactly how bourbon is done right! Now, if anyone sees an ice pack, send it my way—looks like I bourbon'd a bit too hard last night! Cheers to a great night and a slight hangover!