On April 12, I enjoyed a wonderful meal along with a delicious pairing of Steel and Oak beers. As it turned out this was the first ever beer pairing dinner for Vij’s Restaurant and what a wonderful night it was.

In advance of taking our seats at the long table, they served a Reception beer, the Simple Things Pilsner; this was paired up with some tasty appetizers which included the Curried Chicken Liver Pate on potato pooris; and Dungeness crab spoons & Cauliflower pakoras.

Now on to dinner and the pairings!

1st Course:

Japanese eggplant in tamarind kalanji curry paired with Encore Yellow Dog collaborator Pale Ale

2nd Course:

Spiced duck breast with fresh mango paired with the Towers & Trains Earl Grey India pale ale

3^rd Course:

Seared Venison Medallions with a delicious fig & pomegranate curry; paired with the Baltic Porter; this was an outstanding pairing.

4^th Course:

Chickpea & roasted almond butter pudding paired with the Kaffee Coffee Blonde.

My favourite dish and beer pairing was the Seared Venison Medallions with a delicious fig & pomegranate curry; paired with the Baltic porter; this was outstanding and this was the best pairing of the meal. My next favourite dish was the Japanese eggplant in tamarind Kalonji curry. I loved the beer descriptions by their brewer Eric as well as the brewery co-owner Jorden Foss. Chef Vikram Vij described each of the dishes as well as the cuisine and how it is best paired with beer. For their first beer dinner, Vij’s team did an incredible job creating a night full of tasty food, beer, culture and education for us all to enjoy.

Vij’s Restaurant is located at 3106 Cambie Street in Vancouver. You can follow then on Instagram @eatdrinkvijs Learn more about Steel & Oak Brewing Co. here, and follow them on Instagram @steelandoak

By: Richard Wolak