WA Beer Week: Co-Op Beer Lunch

Four chefs, five local beers and lots of happy people – that was the scene at East Perth’s Co-Op Dining on Saturday where they held their first, and hopefully not their last, beer lunch for WA Beer Week.

The aim of the afternoon was simply beautiful food and great local beer, a goal that I can safely say was achieved.

Guests were treated to food by Sam Ward from Mt Lawley modern Mexican favourite, el Publico, Kiren from Co-Op Dining, Mitch from Beersine and Sue Lewis, Artisan Chocolatier. Each chef selected the beer to match their dish, bringing the best of WA local brewing and local produce came together.

The afternoon was interrupted/MC’d by yours truly and I was nothing short of thrilled and honoured to have been asked to be part of one of the most delicious events on the WA Beer Week calendar.

finger food by everyone

beer by cheeky monkey – double ipa

All four chefs contributed to the first course of food, a series of small bites presented with Cheeky Monkey Double IPA.

You know you’re in for a great afternoon when the first beer you are presented with is a double IPA – BAM! Personally I love this beer, it is everything you want from a double IPA, big fresh hops balanced by chewy caramel malt in a delicious marriage of flavour.

It’s hard to pick a favourite from the array of finger food. The pork crackle with horseradish, blood crumb and white chocolate was one of the most interesting combinations and the crickets, a signature Sam Ward/el Publico favourite, were crunchy salty and very moreish.

Cuttlefish escabeche by sam ward of el publico

last drop saison by jan bruckner

The acidity from the fresh lime juice and coriander in this dish were perfectly matched to the complex and delicate Last Drop Saison. It was a great example of when the beer and the food are better together, when you try them and you realise that one shouldn’t be enjoyed without the other.

Smoked leek by kiren of co-op dining

feral watermelon warhead by brendan varis / will irving

Brilliant. You just had to be there. I would have never imagined at match like this but it was harmony. Contrast never tasted so good. Smokey soft leek with some crunch for texture and delicate prawns and that super refreshing acidity of Warhead – brilliant.

blackwood valley beef sirloin, brisket & tongue by Mitch of beersine

Nail hughe dunn imperial brown ale by john stallwood / jake brandish

Hello meat, Hello malt. Imagine the best date you’ve ever been on and that’s what happened between the rich malts in the Nail Hughe Dunn Imperial and trio of meaty goodness served up by Mitch.

I loved the compliment of the malty beer and rich meat of the dish plus the added contrast of sharp kimchee and chilli in the food with the sweet/roast imperial brown ale.

chocolate tart by sue lewis of sue lewis artisan chocolatier

eagle bay cacao stout by nick d’Espeissis

A divine chocolate dessert and a smooth-like-Barry-White stout, there was never going to be a better way to end lunch.

Sue’s decadent chocolate tart was like the best friend that Eagle Bay’s Cacao Stout always wanted. The dessert featured Bahen & Co chocolate ice cream and, at the base of the tart, thick wort caramel.

Thank you to Kiren and Kelli for hosting the event at Co-Op Dining, thanks to all the chefs involved who donated their time and efforts to spoil us and thanks to everyone who came along. Thank you especially to Mitch, from Beersine, who asked me to be a part of this event and saved me a seat at the table.