Make your reservation quick….because Executive Chef Nick Shipp has knocked it out of the park once again. Upper West has invited Jim Beam Whiskey to dinner this Thursday, August 8th.

The swanky Santa Monica restaurant has established original and educational events  that keep customers coming back. The popular pairing evenings have become a welcome ritual for Upper West. Each pairing spotlights a different spirit, such as Irish whisky, single malt scotches, bourbons, cognac, tequila, or beer and wine. In the past, Upper West has offered bourbon pairing dinners with Jim Beam, however this is the first time it’s whiskey will be featured.

Ambassadors from the selected spirit’s company are on hand to help facilitate the event. Attendees are taught how to properly pair food with the selected spirit, while making new friends and enjoying a night out on the town.

Chef Shipp works with the attending ambassador, and together they create a delightful menu to be enhanced by Jim Beam Whiskey. “The wealth of knowledge the ambassadors bring with them to the event is very impressive,” Chef Shipp says.

This Thursday, August 8th, the evening will start off with Jacob’s Ghost paired with Rolled Oyster Green Apple Tartar Sauce, Wasabi Caviar, Sriracha, and Lemon Verbena. Next, Devil’s Cut will accompany Fennel & Lamb Burgoo, along with Smoked Tomato and Croutons with Cilantro. Basil Hayden will be featured with Kentucky Hot Brown Brioche and Braised Turkey, complimented with Curried Tomato, Bacon Crumble, Cheddar Onduta and Basil Oil.

For the main course, Makers 46 will make a grand entrance joined by Upper West’s own specialty Kentucky Fried Chicken, embellished with Pepper-Chorizo Grits, Ginger Mole, and Thai Basil.

Last but not least, the evening comes to a close when Knob Creek Rye will be paired with a Kentucky Butter Cake and Rye Chocolate Sauce along with Cream Cheese Ice Cream.

All the while, ambassadors will be on hand to answer any questions.  Partner and bar manager Eyal Raziel explains the process, “It’s exciting to watch Nick & the brand ambassador working as a team and supporting each other in a creative way….and it’s extremely satisfying to watch our customers enjoying the result. Since we work with a different brand ambassador each event, it makes every event special & unique….you never know what to expect.”

The five-course pairing is $60.00 per person. Call soon to reserve your table for this event at Upper West Restaurant (3321 Pico Blvd., in Santa Monica), (310) 586-1111. http://www.theupperwest.com/