Cara learns that it’s not just wine that makes for an excellent food pairing. The Brewers Association bring small brewers to London.
Why does an ice-cold lager dance so crisply on the palate with a fiery hot chili flake? And why might a double IPA reveal more character when allowed to rise just a few degrees in temperature after pouring?
The Brewers Association, the not-for-profit trade association for small and independent American craft brewers challenges such perceptions in a one-off event demonstrating how beer temperature can interact with food to create different nuances of flavour.
Taking place at the nose-to-tale Manteca, a 5 course menu curated by Adam Dulye, Executive Chef of the Brewers Association alongside Manteca Head Chef, Chris Leach. Foodepedia explored the art of craft beer pairing that will elevate any dishes if done right.
To start before the dishes begin is a fruity Hazy Little Yhing IPA by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co, with a smooth finish and mild bitterness.
First dish of the day is Wild farmed focaccia followed by house made ricotta, fennel pollen, Manteca salumi selection charcuterie. We are invited to enjoy it alongside, very crisp to a point it tickles my nose, 1944 Golden Pale Lager.
Golden in colour it’s perfect slightly chilled, produced by The Bold Mariner Brewing Co – 1944 Golden Pale Lager. We try the focaccia with a dip on its own and it’s your regular bread and creamy dip, tasty but what comes next is even better.
A sip of the lager brings citrus and herbal notes to life, refreshing and vibrant. The focaccia and the dip offer a soft, creamy contrast, elevated by a hint of fennel pollen.
Alongside it, the salumi selection delivers rich, savory flavors that echo the lager’s light bitterness and crisp finish.
Next is line caught sea bass crudo a spectacular dish, I always appreciate a wild sea bass. Manteca chefs prepare it amazingly, light subtly sweet with just the right zing to it.
For one of our five a day it’s flourish garden leaves, shiso topped with grilled nectarine. Purslane leaves stand out in particular here, considered a weed it’s an overlooked source of vitamins and flavour.
Rich in omega 3, vitamins A and C this spoon shaped weed is both flavorsome and healthy, bland romaine lettuce don’t stand a chance.
The salad is sprinkled with golden roasted crunchy hazelnuts and chilli. Grilled nectarine halves make for a delicious treat too, I’ll copy cat that for one of my home recipes.
To accompany our starters is another IPA (Jamaican Haze) but this time a more citrus dominated balanced and smooth, with unusual coconut notes. This rich golden drink is produced by Hinterland Brewery.
Competing closely to the sea bass crudo and the table’s favourite is the rich Campanelle, duck ragu. Paired with malty and toffee dominated notes of full – bodied Samuel Adams Boston Lager by Boston Beer Co.
It’s rich and strong standing flavours compliment the savoury duck sauce in the pasta just right.
Next and this is my favourite – a sour, if you know you know. Cerise Rouge a pleasantly sour cherry infused ale. Oak barrel aged its then infused with Montmorency cherries from the local valley.
An absolute stunner that completes the cherry rich sauce on the pork chop, the acidity offsets the rich fat, making the dish last, made by Coldfire Brewing.
The beautifully cooked chop is served with roast potatoes and for those who find sour a bit too tart there is also a full bodied hazy King Sue Imperial IPA with peculiar grapefruit finish by Toppling Goliath Brewing Co.
To complete our meal are dark chocolate glossy source profiteroles. Giant and fluffy on the inside with vanilla bean cream filling.
The pairing is spot on here, meet aromatic Pinwheel Oatmeal Vanilla Porter by The Virginia Beer Co.
Chocolate and coffee notes, dark roasted oats and vanilla finish. It’s an ideal dessert paring.
And here you have it, if you do it right ales, IPAs and stouts can be an excellent partner to your main, starter or even dessert.
In the UK, American craft beer is available from select national wholesalers for the trade and on-line retailers such as Athletic Brewing, Cave Direct Brew Export, Beer Merchants.com, select bottle shops, off licences, on-line subscription services, supermarkets and select pubs and bars.
Manteca, 49-51 Curtain Rd, London EC2A 3PT