Beer is the world’s most widely consumed alcoholic beverage and is the third most popular drink overall, after water and tea. But beer is more than just a drink and Le Méridien St Julian’s Hotel & Spa, in partnership with Farsons, is currently exploring the unlimited possibilities of the rich flavours contained in a pint.
Throughout the Hops & Fork initiative, which runs until Friday, beer takes centre stage at KuDéTa Lounge & Bar, with special offers, an à la carte beer pairing menu, weekend entertainment and giveaways.
“Beer might not be popularly included in traditional home cooking but it indeed presents endless and very interesting pairing possibilities,” explains executive head chef Reuben Grixti. “We have embraced this initiative with Farsons with great enthusiasm... and it sparked a lot of creativity among our chefs.”
The menu features tantalising items such as asparagus ravioli with a Blue Label Ale beurre blanc, beef stroganoff gnocchi with a Guinness and truffle cream sauce or ginger, and a Cisk Export cake with hazelnut ice cream.
Other dishes come with surprising accompaniments such as Hopleaf Pale Ale cream sauce, Woodpecker sauce and bacon compote infused with beer. Among interesting highlights are black shell mussels cooked with Cisk Lager and even a choice of homemade pizzas with a beer dough.
The hotel is also extending specials on all beers during this period: every two glasses of any beer are selling for the price of one. With their first purchased beer, all clients will also receive a free pint glass.
This original initiative will end on a particularly exceptional note with an amazing four-course beer pairing dinner on Friday. Unique recipes concocted just for the occasion will include roast Irish lamb rack with Blue Label Ale-infused couscous or cappuccino of woodland mushrooms and Guinness soup.
Beer connoisseurs from Farsons will explain the beauty and art of brewing throughout the dinner and a live jazz band will set the atmosphere right for an unforgettable evening. The €45 price per person includes a different paired beer for each delightful dish.
For bookings call 2311 5230 or send an e-mail to events.malta@lemeridien.com. For more information, visit http://facebook.com/maltalemeridien or http://facebook.com/cisk .