Jackson Free Press

In the Neolithic Age, about 10,200 B.C. to 2,000 B.C., mankind invented agricultural methods and began domesticating cereals for steady food supplies.

Shortly after, ancient peoples of the Fertile Crescent, a region between western Asia and northeast Africa known for its moist, fertile soil, discovered that these cereal grains could undergo a process of spontaneous fermentation, producing one of civilization's oldest (and most beloved) beverages: beer.

On Oct. 7, Sal and Mookie's New York Pizza and Ice Cream Joint will celebrate the genesis of beer and its progression through history with a five-course meal that will take diners from ancient Mesopotamia to German beer gardens and back home to the United States.

"I'm not sure which came first: my interest in history or my interest in beer," says professor James Bowley of Millsaps College, where he teaches religious studies. Bowley is bring his knowledge of ancient civilizations of southwestern Asia and the Middle East to the dinner.

"After I lived in the Middle East, I became interested in all things ancient—daily life sorts of things, like what these people drank and ate," Bowley says.

Bowley is teaming up with Dan Blumenthal, co-owner and executive chef of Sal and Mookie's, and Lucas Simmons of Lucky Town Brewing Company to create a menu featuring historically accurate pairings of food and drink ancients may have eaten.

"Several of the beers will be flavored in a way to try to replicate what beer in the ancient times might have tasted like," says Jonathan Webb, bar manager at Sal and Mookie's, and one of the organizers of the History of Beer dinner.

Some of the ancient beers featured at the dinner include brew recipes that have been passed down over time—even etched on clay tablets.

Bowley will lead a discussion about the five-course meal that will also make stops in beer havens Ireland and Germany before finishing in America.

"One of the earliest patriots and founders of (America) was a brewmaster himself—Sam Adams," Bowley says.

He adds that the Americas played an important role in the modernization of beer, especially with the introduction of the lager, which has roots in yeast found in South America.

Sal and Mookie's carries the beer-drinking tradition into the 21st century, a time that has seen significant growth in the craft-beer industry.

"We've always really focused on (craft) beer here," Webb says. "Ever since we've opened, the bar has had at least 15 taps."

The History of Beer dinner is Oct. 7 at Sal and Mookie's (565 Taylor St., 601-368-1919) from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $60. To purchase, call the restaurant or email [email protected]. For more information, email Jonathan Webb at [email protected] or go to salandmookies.com.