The Perfect Match at The Perfect Pint: A Local Craft Beer Food Pairing Series

The emerging popularity of local artisan craft beer is no longer a mere passing trend, it's definitely here to stay. Local is definitely the new premium. And it's about time for a serious food pairing event with some of the best local brews. Time for the perfect match at The Perfect Pint...  

The Perfect Pint launches the first and only local craft beer and food pairing showdown, dubbed "The Perfect Match", featuring some of the metro's best chefs and culinary personalities with their special recipes paired with the leading local brews in a series of short three-day runs. And you get to vote the winning pair. Now that deserves a toast...

Since it opened early this year, The Perfect Pint has been an ardent supporter of the local artisan craft beer scene, an advocacy that remains at the very core of its philosophy.  Starting with its own one-day only seasonal home brews paired with their signature dishes, The Perfect Pint is now ready for the next level...

The Perfect Match at The Perfect Pint is a series of craft beer and food pairing events showcasing the best local brews paired with specially curated dishes. The series was launched last October 20 to 23, 2014, with the culinary creations of noted chefs Gigi Angkaw, Ojie Reloj, JA Ventura, and Martin del Prado. The second phase of the series has an interesting spin, this time featuring selected brewmasters of leading local craft beers with their own unique take on the ideal dish best paired with their own brews.         

The Brewmasters' edition of the The Perfect Match is the second in a four-part series, running from October 27-30, 2014. The featured brewmasters include Francis Onate of Joe's Brew, Morgan Kallefjord of G-Point and Kiyo Miura of Katipunan Craft Ales. Each brewmaster was tasked with creating a dish to complement their signature brews: the Sierra Madre Wheat Ale by Joe's Brews, the Red Head Ale by G-Point, the Fish Rider Pale Ale by Joe's Brew and the Signal No. 1 Stout by Katipunan Craft Ales. This particular edition of The Perfect Match is unique in the sense that you get to experience specific flavor profiles from the perspective of the brewmasters. And a better appreciation of their signature brews. Here's what the brewmasters prepared for the The Perfect Match Showdown...

I start with Francis Onate's Blackened Chicken Breast with Charred Cuban Corn Salsa paired with Sierra Madre Wheat Ale by Joe's Brews. The tender, smoky and well-seasoned chicken breast is perfectly balanced by the subtle sweetness of the charred corn salsa, punctuated by a layer of heat. The Sierra Madre Wheat Ale complements the rich flavors of the chicken with its robust yet fresh and clean flavors, almost cleansing the palate as you go for another piece of the blackened chicken. And another. And my craft beer and food pairing is off to a good start.  

Salmon Gravad Lax (or Gravlax) with G-Point Red Head Ale, a unique pairing with contrasting flavors. The sweet, almost fruity notes of the brightly colored Red Head Ale by G-Point is refreshingly distinct, finishing with bold flavors that linger long after the initial sip. In sharp contrast, the delicate, almost creamy and butter-like notes of the salmon add a layer of richness to round out the flavors, as you go for another sip. The contrasting notes, however, are not too jarring. In fact, after a few sips and bites, both seem to deliver smoother flavors for another perfect pairing.   

Mac and Blue Cheese with Katipunan's Signal No. 1 Stout, a bold pairing that isn't shy at all with flavors. This Mac and Cheese version has a more pronounced and upfront flavor profile with the addition of blue cheese for a saltier kick. The dark and mildly sweet, almost chocolatey Signal No. 1 Stout balances the salty notes, blending for a smooth mouth feel and finish. The alternating salty and sweet notes play with your palate, adding an occasional flavorful jolt, just what you need to go for a second round. And another.    

Glazed Pork Belly with Apple Onion Potato Mash paired with Fish Rider Pale Ale by Joe's Brews, a harmonious blend of contrasting yet balanced notes. The sharp and clean flavors of the Fish Rider Pale Ale cuts through the richness of the tender pork and the sweet glaze, without necessarily overwhelming the palate. The contrasting notes are comfortingly subtle, and the transitions in flavors are smooth and easy. Beer and pork are always a winning pair, and this one proves it.    

The distinct and varied pairings from the second edition of The Perfect Match best illustrates the range and diversity of local craft beers, with each pairing bringing out the best flavors from both the beer and the dish. From October 27 to 30, 2014, you too can experience the creative pairings prepared by the Brewmasters. Diners who avail of the Brewmasters' creations on the said dates, priced at P 599 for the set, can cast their vote for The Perfect Match, and even get a chance to win gift certificates or one-of-a-kind Brew Tees from The Perfect Pint. But better hurry. Only 20 samplers will be prepared per day for the three day run.

The winning pair, based on popular votes, will be promoted in both print media and on-line, and who knows, your choice may even end up on the regular menu at The Perfect Pint. The third edition of The Perfect Match is scheduled for November 3-6, 2014, with food writers sharing their pairing ideas; and the fourth and last edition is set for November 10-13, 2014, with another batch of noted chefs. Things are definitely brewing over at The Perfect Pint. The Perfect Pint's Alec Tempongko (C) flanked by the featured brewmasters at the launch of the second edition of The Perfect Match, invite you to experience unique local craft beer pairings and cast your vote for The Perfect Match Showdown. And raise a glass in support of the local craft beer revolution...

The Perfect Pint is located at the Second Floor of the Crossroads Building (across MC Home Depot), 32nd Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City or call 823-1320 for inquiries and reservations.

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