Good Beer Kitchen at Arbory Bar & Eatery 2019
Good Beer Kitchen at Arbory Bar & Eatery has become a popular mainstay event for Good Beer Week in Melbourne. The World Loves Melbourne was invited along to this iconic event where craft beer and fine food is celebrated in a magical setting by the Yarra River. We were celebrating Good Beer Week festival's favourite long lunch with a group of chefs loose in the kitchen, armed with some of the country's finest craft beers.
Arbory Executive Chef Nick Bennett rounded up some of his mates to each cook a dish that will be served alongside their favourite ferment. Arbory has hosted some epic events over the years and this is one of their best. Cam Smith from Triple R, host of the event, noted the progression of Good Beer Kitchen over the last three years. So popular is the event that punters are marking it in their diary to attend every year. And this year was a cracker.
Chefs stepped up to the plate with stunning food that paired brilliantly with the beers.
Cam Smith from Triple R masterfully and playfully connected us with brewers and chefs at this stunning event.
Nick Bennett, Arbory Bar & Eatery kicked things off with Chicharron, Vinegar & Cucumber Dip paired with Crystal Healing Gose Ale from Stomping Ground Brewing Co.
Always stunning views of of the Yarra River at Arbory.
A cameo also from Matt Forbes from Cobb Lane with his beer inspired Seaweed Sourdough bread paired with Sailors Grave Uni. We love the ongoing creativity from Sailors Grave Brewing with seasonal new beers regular release and this beer is stunning with Sea Urchin and Lemon Myrtle Gose. Sea Urchins were supplied fresh by the diver on the day of brewing. Indigenous lemon myrtle nuances are another highlight.
Nick Mahlook, The Atlantic was on fire with House Made Fish Charcuterie, Pickles and sea Urchin Butter paired with Sailors Grave Brewing "UNI" Gose Ale. This fish charcuterie was a triumph featuring a fish head terrine and standout pickled octopus.
Renee Trudeau, Little Latin Lucy cooked a highly impressive Smoked Duck Croquette, Macadamia & Pickled Rhubarb paired with stunning Pinot Noir Brett Saison from Stomping Ground Brewing Co. The beer was like a natural wine and was delicious. The duck croquette was intense and perfect with the Saison. After all, it was a duck and pinot combination.
Uppercut from Grean Beacon from Queensland but available in Melbourne. Queenslanders know how to do IPA in their sub-tropical climate.
Josh Murphy, Harley & Rose created another superb dish with Brined & Wood Roasted Chicken Thigh, Lovage, Tarragon & Buttered Baby Turnips. Love me some lovage. The crispy skin on the chicken thighs was a highlight as was the pairing with "Uppercut" Double IPA from Green Beacon Brewing Co. This craft beer was a personal favourite, as a double IPA.
Nick Bennett, Arbory Bar & Eatery stepped up a second time with Johnny Smoke Porter Braised Beef Cheek, Pickled Vegetables, Potato Tart & Winter Truffle. A rustic and rewarding dish served in pots and paired with "JSP" Johnnny Smoked Porter from Wolf of the Willows Brewing Co. A dark delicious porter beer with smoky nuances, something you may have enjoyed centuries ago in London.
DJ Chico G spinning tunes was another feature of this event, even playing some catchy Italian dance music at times.
Craft beers were top notch.
Thanks to all the top notch breweries Stomping Ground Brewery Brewing Co. (Collingwood), Sailors Grave Brewing (Orbost), Green Beacon Brewing Co. (QLD) and Wolf of the Willows (Cheltenham).
An event to remember and to note in the dairy for next year. Highly recommended.