Tuesday night The American hosted their spring wine pairing dinner, where Colleen Nixon and the jazz trio performed.

The wine pairing dinner was a four-course meal that paired with a wine that would complement each dish.

The first course was a spring sushi roll that consisted of tempura- fried gulf shrimp, jalapeno, cream cheese, cilantro and topped with Peace Valley strawberries and a spring time glaze. It was served with Domaine De Fief Aux Dames.

Chef Tyler Thomas was excited to create a sushi dish. During his training, he worked at a restaurant with a wine bar that served late night food and sushi took off and was a hit amongst the customers. Thomas became trained on how to roll sushi and said he thinks after more practice, it is something customers may see more of on the menu.

The second course was pan-fired triggerfish ratatouille with smoked gouda béchamel, squash, eggplant, zucchini, basil, lavender and gulf triggerfish. It was paired with a Sonoma Cutrer Chardonnay.

Thomas explained that once he decides what dish he wants to create he meets with his wine partner, Kevin Swindle and they discuss what Thomas is looking for palate wise and what aromas and flavors would match best.

The third course was a braised Grady Ranch brisket pappardelle. It was a slow braised local grass fed brisket with homemade papperdelle pasta, spicy tomato beef demi, local micro greens, carrots and cheery tomatoes. It was paired with Maison L’Envoye Two Messengers Pinot Noir.

Thomas admits he could not have done this without the help of Mason Stewart, who helped him hand roll all of the pasta and braise the brisket slowly.

The final course was a lavender sorbet with a house-made shortbread cookie paired with a Benvolio Italia Prosecco.

Thomas was excited with the feedback he received from the dinner.

“I think it was probably the best one ever executed,” he said. “We got a lot of good feedback  that the wine was paired well and that everyone had a blast.”

Jazz singer, Nixon also thought the night was a success. She performed with Michael Bakan, drummer, Josh Cossette on piano and Anthony Casolari on bass.

“For us as adults, this was extremely appealing,” she said. “It was a sunset drive from Tallahassee with beautiful scenery and a great atmosphere; somewhere we would definitely come again.”

Thomas hopes everyone enjoyed their night and encouraged everyone to come to the American Bluegrass and Folk Festival.

People can still purchase their VIP tickets on eventbrite.com.