Without much fanfare, Embers in Boca Park has evolved from a steakhouse into something much more diverse. The versatility of executive chef Aaron Robert Klafter Phillips’ kitchen was on display July 15 at the Firestone Walker beer dinner, the second in a series of monthly pairing events.

About 40 guests were welcomed with sweet Velvet Merlin-flavored caramel corn and spicy Union Jack IPA popcorn from local favorite Popped. The dinner itself showcased six Firestone Walker beers, including a heavyweight duo of Double DBA and Parabola for the dessert pairing—each weighing in at 12 percent ABV or more. Highlights included the Pale 31, a California pale ale, paired with hamachi sashimi atop a subtle red curry vin and Union Jack coupled with blackened pork medallions. The just-spicy-enough pork was optimally moist and accompanied by crispy haricot vert and an addictive cauliflower purée.

If you missed this one, don’t panic. The next dinner, A Journey through Your Mother’s Kitchen on August 12, will include riffs on Pop-Tarts, SpaghettiOs and Lunchables paired with cocktails featuring childhood favorites such as Tang, Capri Sun and Ovaltine.

Embers Grill + Spirits 740 S. Rampart Blvd. #7, 778-2160. Monday-Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.