What’s Up in Beer: Arrow Factory Brewpub Turns 1, Jing-A’s New Brewer’s Brunch, Slow Boat, Great Leap Courtyard Cookouts
This week, the weather has changed its mind like a diva changes her clothes. Hopefully, regardless of the drizzle, you're still up for putting on a large coat and heading out to have a beer this weekend.
Guys, Arrow Factory Brewpub (Liangma River) is one year old! They will celebrate their birthday this Saturday (Mar 25), starting at 4pm with keg's worth of free Liangma IPA to dole out. There will be even more beer to give out with the spinning of the crew's big ol' Beer Wheel of Destiny at both 5pm and 6pm. If that wasn't enough, Man Man Lai Session IPA will also be two-for-one throughout Saturday. World Cup qualification and Premier League matches will be shown during the weekend at Arrow Factory's Liangma River location too.
Elsewhere, Jing-A teams up with Hachery to release their new Brewer’s Brunch to revamp their previous edition, which was launched back in 2015. Talented Chef Simone Thompson of Hatchery has designed a spring brunch that costs RMB 108 per person for a three-course set, including breads and dips to share, and a choice of mains from eggs Benedict, fattoush salad, "Hungry Man’s Hash," veg Benedict, "Laoban’s Eggs," a NY-style bagel with lox, as well as a dessert of pineapple and granola on a base mix of mascarpone and yogurt.
Our favorite was the eggs Benedict, which was the perfect beer accompaniment, especially the cured, crisp bacon. The pineapple dessert was also spot-on and had us licking the mixture directly from the little pot from which it came. And of course brunch at Jing-A wouldn't be complete without some special beer cocktails, including a Beer Belly-ni (RMB 30) and a particularly potent Breakfast Beergarita (RMB 30); on top of the usual coffee, tea, and juice. The brunch is available on weekends, 11am-3pm. So as to avoid disappoint, you may want to call 6501 8883 to reserve.
As seasoned drinkers, we all know that matching the right beer with your meal can elevate both past the sum of their individual parts. Ever on the ball, Slow Boat’s brewmaster Daniel Hebert and Chef Clement Rol have worked together to bring you a special monthly pairing, in order to help you do just that, this month kicking off with a newly released The Uncharted Waters IPA (RMB 35) paired with grilled salmon (RMB 80).
The Uncharted Waters IPA (7 percent ABV), a Northeast IPA brewed with If grapefruit juice for a fresh and fruity flavor with low bitterness, gets its namesake from a popular adventure RPG Uncharted Waters. The beer is served alongside a slice of grilled salmon with cranberry chips, mashed potato with Gazpacho sauce, and French tian (Provençal-style bake of mixed vegetables). The combo is available at the Sanlitun Brewpub until April 20.
Over in Dongcheng, Great Leap brings its Courtyard Cookouts to their hutong location (#6) this Saturday (2pm). RMB 100 gets you two beers and a range of meats and sides. Organized in collaboration with Andy of Andy’s Sausages, there will be plenty of sausages, as well as Philly cheesesteaks, and a veggie option for those wanting to forgo meat.
Out of Step, the new and stylish Canadian craft beer bar is holding their official opening party this Saturday (Mar 25), starting at 7pm. Throughout the evening, all the beers on tap will cost RMB 40, and DJ Flvcko and DJ Push will be providing the tunes to cheer you on. Register by calling 8532 5266 or 150 1065 6616.
And finally, the 2017 Sunset Craft Beer Run returns on March 30! If you're a drinker who loves to run then you'll want to sign up for this event which sees beery tour guides guide you to a number of the city's brewpubs, including Panda Brew (Wudaoying), Happy Emperor, Jianghu Bar, and finishing at Chuanfu. There are even rewards, such as vouchers, and two skateboards to be won, because as we all know drunk running is just too safe. Gather at 6pm, before starting the run at 6.36pm (the exact time of sunset) at Panda Brew. Entry costs RMB 200 without VIP membership and you can RSVP via WeChat (ID: BJbrew). Limited to 100 people.
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Email: tracywang@thebeijinger.com
Twitter: @flyingfigure
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Photos courtesy of venues
