Do you want to know where all the men in Sydney are?
Redoak Boutique Beer Cafe
I discovered a fair few of them at Redoak Boutique Beer Café in Clarence St. When I find a place that excites me I want to tell everyone I know. Beer and food matching is very vogue at the moment and like all trends it is sometimes not done very well. But then you come across a venue that does it so well you can’t help but be blown away.
David Hollyoak started brewing beer at the age of 14 when he created his first ginger beer. Over the years he developed his own unique methods of brewing specialty beers and has used these, along with some more traditional methods, to create the Redoak Boutique Beer range. He is affectionately known as the Willy Wonker of Beer, a man with a mission and zero tolerance for anything but the best.
David and Sister Janet opened The Redoak Boutique Beer Café in 2004 and it has become Australia’s most awarded Brewery. David has stayed true to his dream of brewing all beers without any preservatives or additives, not pasteurised or with any sugar. Using age old brewing techniques his unique beers range form the smoky Rauch to the lovely rich raspberry Framboise Froment, the velvety Belgium Chocolate Stout to the much loved Honey Ale.
Redoak Seafood Tasting Board
Chris Beard the Head Chef and Simon Beveridge the Beer Sommelier were interviewed on my radios show on 89.7FM and brought in some of their well-designed tasting plates. That day I was lucky enough to be joined by Susan Frazier of Whispering Brook and the two of us indulged in a beer degustation. Each tasting plate has four small dishes matched with a beer. You can select from Fish and Meat to Vegetarian and Cheese, there is even a dessert option. Each plate is $20 great value for money and you get a beer education at the same time!
Chris uses beer throughout the menu in marinades, jus, ice creams, sorbets and even truffles. Some of his biggest hits have been a recent sticky date pudding made with Baltic Porter served with handmade vanilla bean ice cream and caramel sauce. Simon is a true beer connoisseur; his beer knowledge is encyclopedic, having informed us of interesting little historical anecdotes along the way. I loved the Honey Ale but my favourite was the Irish Red Ale.
Oatmeal Stout and Redoak Handmade Chocolates
Beer Classes: Beer classes we run throughout the month on Saturdays. This is a 2.5hour journey through beer history, beer appreciation and the brewing process, all enjoyed with a 4-course meal with matching beers. Cost: $75pp Bookings essential. Click here for more information
