As the world’s elite athletes gathered in London for the 30th Summer Olympic Games, the SacFoodies came together last Friday to kick off the opening celebrations with a gold medal-worthy happy hour at Grange Restaurant and Bar.
The Grange’s Executive Chef, Oliver Ridgeway, has pulled together a brilliant happy hour menu inspired by his home country’s traditional British cuisine. But this is no ordinary pub fare – each dish incorporates seasonal and fresh ingredients.
And while there is no Olympic event for eating, Team SacFoodies has perfected the sport of tasting to bring you the menu highlights:
Jake
Favorite sipper: The West Bengal Cocktail – which is made with Hangar One Mandarin, orange zest and Darjeeling-Infused Yellow Chartreuse giving it a taste of tea-fitting for celebrating London
Gives the appetizer gold to: Artisan Sausages with Flavored Mustards
Won’t miss Olympic event: Swimming
Sarah
Favorite sipper: California London Style Gin Flight – favorite gin was the No. 209 San Francisco CA
Gives the appetizer gold to: Wild Salmon Croquettes
Won’t miss Olympic event: Any swimming event with Ryan Lochte
Shelly
Favorite sipper: The English Ale
Gives the appetizer gold to: Miniature English Scones with House Preserves and Clotted Cream (crazy good!)
Won’t miss Olympic event: Women’s gymnastics
Vanessa
Favorite sipper: The house sangria
Gives the appetizer gold to: Wild Salmon Croquettes with Pickled Cucumbers
Won’t miss Olympic event: Women’s gymnastics
Kim
Favorite sipper: What the Blue Blazes, but loved the presentation of the California London Style Gin Flight
Gives the appetizer gold to: Artisan Sausages with the Horseradish Mustard
Won’t miss Olympic event: Swimming!
Liz
Favorite sipper: What the Blue Blazes (this isn’t part of the Olympic Happy Hour menu, but it’s delish!)
Gives the appetizer gold to: Chilled Watanabe Tomato “Tea” with marinated baby tomatoes
Won’t miss Olympic event: Gymnastics! It’s the most nerve-wracking sport to watch
Rachel
Favorite sipper: The No Pimm’s no. 1 Cup
Gives the appetizer gold to: The Scotch Eggs with Jalapeno Remoulade
Won’t miss Olympic event: Women’s gymnastics and diving
Tracy
Favorite sipper: The No Pimm’s no. 1 Cup – so refreshing and scores a gold for presentation
Gives the appetizer gold to: Artisan Sausages with Flavored Mustards
Won’t miss Olympic event: Women’s gymnastics – I hold my breath during each event!
Sallie
Favorite sipper: The No Pimm’s no. 1 Cup – huge fan of Pimm’s cup and this one did not disappoint!
Gives the appetizer gold to: The English Style Cheeses with Chutneys and Pickles
Won’t miss Olympic event: The water sports – swimming, diving and water polo
This high tea happy hour runs for only a limited time until August 12 from 3-6 p.m. daily, so head over to the Grange to cheer on Team USA in true foodie fashion.
A special thank you to the Grange and Chef Oliver Ridgeway for providing us with a complimentary spread of their happy hour menu.
thanks for the love the West Bengal Cocktail was the cocktail that earned me first place in California for a state wide cocktail competition
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