Desiree Koh:
We began with the Petrus Brown Ale, which at first sniff was nutty and full (as brown ales should be).
Desiree Koh:
Upon tasting, it was full of apples and woodsy aromas - this is a beer that is fermented for 24 months.
Desiree Koh:
Our beer host Lincoln and our chef Joseph perfected the evening's pairing after three sessions, and it was clear they'd done their homework.
Desiree Koh:
First, we were served this braised Japanese infused pork belly with garden greens. Yes, that is a slab of fat.
Desiree Koh:
This was accompanied by the Petrus Aged Pale, a tart, cidery oud bruin (Flanders browne ale) that dissipated any guilt from indulging in the pork belly. In fact, the fat tasted even more fragrant accompanied with the Aged Pale.
Desiree Koh:
Next, this pan-fried foie gras with caramelized apple. Tantalizingly excellent. I love foie gras. I'm sorry, duckies. :(
Desiree Koh:
It was complemented by the Petrus Blond, which while tasty, didn't seem that much different from most blond ales out there. I liked it though - I love the blonds, always so full on taste and sparkling.
Desiree Koh:
The entree was this roast chicken with fresh potato salad. Now, the chicken. Although most of us struggled with it, the smarter ones at the communal table discarded the silverware and went with their hands. The skin was nicely crisp and the flesh succulen
Desiree Koh:
This was accompanied by the Petrus Speciale, which upon first sniff may either smell like vomit or a lovely aged blue cheese, depending on whether you're a beer glass half empty or half full kind of person (I'm the latter). I liked it a lot though - I tho
Desiree Koh:
The dessert beer, the Wittekerke Rose (not a Petrus, but from the same brewery), seems a little pansy. Its tagline? "The fruity pink beer." Frou frou, but it was sweet and pleasant, so why not?
Desiree Koh:
Ahhh, speaking of heavy hitters, how about this chocolate truffle with strawberry puree? That truffle was amazing.
Desiree Koh:
And, guess what? Two more beers were waiting! Here is the Petrus Tripel - the tripel is my favoritest type of Belgian beer. I still like my Karmeliet best, but this was tasty enough... however, a bit hard to go down after the dessert beer.
Desiree Koh:
I missed the name of the last beer we had -- perhaps a dubbel? It was good as well but having the misfortune of being the last of many different flavors and refills, alas, I would be none the wiser. Thanks for a wonderful time and the generosity and passi