Fall Feast Collab
Fall Feast Collab
Distillery and catering service team up for an evening of dinner and drinks
Photos / Billy McClain and ellicottvilleNOW
Some things are meant to go together. Peanut butter and jelly, meat and potatoes… But is there a more iconic pairing than dinner and drinks? Food and libations are a staple for any gathering, so what happens when a local cultivator of amazing spirits teams up with a brand new catering service? The Ellicottville Distillery and Billy McClain’s “Make A Difference Private Dine & Catering LLC” can answer that question.
You can reserve a spot for yourself (and your friends) for their “Fall Fest Collab” dinner happening October 26th from 2:00-6:00pm at the Ellicottville Distillery (5462 Robbins Road, Ellicottville). Our team at ellicottvilleNOW spoke with Distillery co-owner Renee Scharf and Make a Difference Private Dine & Catering’s owner Billy McClain and they filled us in on all the details.
As most good things happen, the collaboration between the two businesses was by chance, as Billy explained. “I have catered for years doing BBQ, but I'm looking to expand my culinary diversity,” he said. “I am looking to get into doing private dinner parties or breakfast or brunch for AirBnb clients. So, I stopped into the Distillery one day and I happened to be having a conversation with owner Bryan Scharf about doing a bourbon tasting-themed dinner at a different venue, and I asked him if he minded if I used his bourbon as well to show some local support. Bryan then asked if I'd like to do something at the Distillery, and so we put a plan into action, and just like that, the “Fall Feast Collab” was born.”
Renee agreed. “Billy had found his way to the Distillery for his first time and seen how our setup was and somehow got to talking with Bryan. We have more than enough the space for something like this. It’s funny how things come together sometimes.”
October 26th’s Fall Fast Collab is a private dining event with only 40 spots available. If you don’t want to miss out, you’ll need to give Billy a call at 716-307-2659 to reserve a seat before they are gone. Cost is $70 a person, which gives you venue access, two handcrafted cocktails made just for this event by the Ellicottville Distillery, and Billy’s delicious four-course menu.
The Distillery is still working on their speciality cocktails for the event. “We are considering maybe a dessert type drink using the maple bourbon creme and maybe a bourbon cocktail with pumpkin in it to really bring out the fall flavor,” said Renee, “but we’re still working out the final decisions. Whatever we make is going to pair well with the menu line-up.”
And the line-up for this dinner is impeccable. For starters: a crunchy Philly cheesesteak egg roll - full of delicious melty cheese and beef, it is a tantalizing way to begin. Then onto the second course: a warming wild rice soup (perfect for the cold and wet October weather we’re having). The main entree is sure to please: a comforting crispy panko pan fried chicken breast served with garlic mashed potatoes, topped with a Montecarlo cream sauce and a vegetable medley. This tasty journey ends with a spectacular Bourbon Pots de Creme made with the Distillery’s infamous Bourdon Maple Cream.
“Some people may have had my cooking before and some might not have had the opportunity to enjoy it yet,” Billy said. “I’m always doing my best and cooking with heart when I’m creating a meal. I want to make this first event a memorable one. We are looking for people to come out and enjoy themselves, enjoy good food and hopefully we can make a difference in their day. The Distillery will be decorated to highlight the ambience, and as it’s a small group, it will give the diner a more intimate and special feeling.”
If you miss out on this event, don’t worry too much. There may be more collaborations in the future. “We are hoping this one has a great turnout because we would love to host more dinners down the road!” Renee exclaimed.
Billy laughed, "If this goes well, I would definitely like to collaborate again. I mean, if I put together a good meal and Bryan keeps creating good spirits, it only makes sense. Our goal is really to make our guests happy, to give them an experience that they will reminisce on fondly. My motto is, ‘Whenever possible, make a difference’.”
Reservations must be made prior to the event through Billy at his number referenced above. Cost is $70 per person. While there isn’t an official dress code, it is recommended that you dress like you’re taking your special someone on a special date, but also be mindful that this is an outdoor dining experience, under a canopy, so do dress for the weather.
If you’re interested in other upcoming events at the Distillery, make sure to follow their Facebook and visit ellicottvilleDistillery.com. And to keep your eye on Billy’s new venture, follow him on Facebook (Billy McClain) and be ready when his new business page goes up.
