6 French menus to prove that beer pairing is more exquisite than you think

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It was usually wine, out of all beverages, we had imagined was the perfect choice for an elite-level food pairing experience. Sorry if you were expecting us to give you a lowdown on a glass of cabernet sauvignon with seared seabass — no, we’re here to prove that you can have a flavor-bursting experience with beer instead. In fact, it doesn’t even have to be from a niche batch from one of those craft beer kegs.  

Before any beer bellies hop to any conclusion, we’re simply talking about one label within an arm’s reach at any nearby store, and one that you can enjoy on its own, or sometimes even better with food. Here’s a hint — it carries a long-standing French heritage since 1664. Guessed it yet? It’s the Kronenbourg 1664. However, you must be wondering how Kronenbourg’s lagers, whose 350-year legacy of brewing beer using Strisselspalt hops (the champagne of hops, if you will), manages to pair with food, speaking in terms of texture and taste? Tsim Sha Tsui’s Michelin-Starred restaurant, Epure shows us how. 

Of its signature formula, Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc brings a moderate, wheaty body to the table (literally) but don’t let this hazy blond beer take you by surprise as it also radiates a mellow, citrusy (some might even say is fruity) and refreshing flavor. On the other hand, its classic Lager has a sharper, more crisp body and tender golden aroma that goes with a wide range of cuisines. 

In its latest partnership with Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2019, Kronenbourg 1664 has just cooked up a six-course cuisine journey ‘DinnerInBlue menu experience’ celebrating the French heritage and its ‘way of life’, pairing fresh exquisite specialties with both the Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc and Lager:

1. Blue lobster imported from Brittany, France served with pickled palm heart, Corsican pomelo, yogurt, seasoned with vanilla and olive oil — paired with Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc.
2. Noirmoutier Island’s selected batch of baby potatoes garnished with textured onion puree, salmon roe, and beef consomme — paired with Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc.

3. French John Dory with heirloom pineapple tomatoes in creamy clam and mustard sauce — paired with Kronenbourg 1664 Blanc.

From the palate-stimulating appetizers, paired with hazy, citrusy Blanc to bolder savory flavors in the main course:

4. Veal cheek with baby artichoke, eggplant, and kumquat with caramel reduction — paired with Kronenbourg 1664 Lager.
5. An artisanal selection of cheeses from French fromageries — paired with Kronenbourg 1664 Lager.

6. Ending the course with soft, creamy rice pudding atop a bed of warm French strawberries and homemade strawberry sorbet — paired with Kronenbourg 1664 Lager.

Pairing the main courses and dessert with Kronenbourg 1664 Lager works in each course’s favor as every dish has a balanced, round flavor thanks to the bitter, malty edge we know and love of a Kronenbourg. To experience this exclusive DinnerInBlue gastronomy treat, you’ll just have to head down to Epure in Tsim Sha Tsui before June 30.