TO DO: Frederick Beer Week Kickoff Cookout at VOLT

I'm a little focused on Frederick, MD lately. Why, you ask? Well, I've got my first reservation at VOLT coming up in June (squeeeeeeeeeeeee!) and am trying to figure out what else I can do in and around Frederick besides eat my face off with Chef Bryan Voltaggio's food.

My local gal on the Frederick scene and my former PR agency co-worker, Hilda, clued me in Frederick Beer Week. It kicks off May 10th from 6-9pm with a backyard cookout at VOLT and the debut of Voltaggio's new collaboration with Flying Dog brewmaster Matt Brophy: Backyard Ale. Turns out this guy's not just a Top Chef, but Esquire magazine has named this beer one of the best beers for spring.

You'll need to snag a $45 rezzie for this one, but the May 10th beer and food pairing event will feature four small plate pairings with four Flying Dog ale tastings.

If you can't make it out to the country... look for Backyard Ale in your local beer and wine stores.

VOLT is located at 228 North Market Street in Frederick, MD. You can make reservations at (301) 696-8658.