Friends + Lager = A Very Merry Christmas

Beer lovers can rejoice this Christmas! Friends Restaurant & Catering is collaborating with Kronenbourg 1664 to produce an inventive menu of beer-infused festive specialities for both dining in and take-outs.

At Friends@Jelita, the roomy interior makes it an ideal venue for parties, celebrations or a simple gathering with friends and family. Illuminated by orange lighting that creates a cosy and inviting ambience, the décor is kept simple and uncluttered without having to be pretentiously ornate.

Kronenbourg 1664 is a modern brand with a rich heritage originating from France; it has been the best-selling beer in France for years. Only the purest waters from the Vosges Mountains are used to brew Kronenbourg 1664 and Blanc 1664, thus giving a clean, smooth taste. This can be the beer of choice for sophisticated urbanites who enjoy the civilised pleasure of a premium beer.

The Kronenbourg 1664 is a smooth, slightly bitter lager with a dense, creamy froth and fine small bubbles with touches of yeast.

Personally, I prefer the Blanc 1664 that is lighter and less bitter with a refreshing taste; it is a specialty white beer with light malty aroma and citrus notes. Crisply carbonated and easy to drink, this beer will be popular amongst the ladies.

If you feel weird about having beer in your food, rest assured that the premium French beer has tenderising qualities and a sophisticated taste that help enhances without overpowering the natural flavours of meats.

Warm Kronenbourg 1664 foccacia bread

To pull off good bread that will tempt even the staunchest carbo-avoiding health junkie isn’t an easy feat, but the warm foccacia bread infused with Kronenbourg 1664 will win many hearts. Possessing a crisp crumbly texture without being dry, this bread is so delicious that many diners were seen asking for seconds! The fine pairing of balsamic vinaigrette makes a perfect dip.

Chilled angel hair pasta & Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 fish roe
S$13.90++

An award-winning dish, the chilled angel hair pasta is perfectly seasoned, tossed with konbu, chives and topped with luxurious fish roe. The distinctive white truffle essence is what makes the dish so memorable, with slight nuances of Blanc.

As an appetiser, the portion is a good size; it isn’t heavy and makes a good precedence to the main course.

Turducken with Kronenbourg 1664
S$49 for 1kg
S$23.90++ for dine-in

The turducken with Kronenbourg 1664 is an obvious crowd favourite; you will hear raves across the table, with carnivores especially thrilled. This festive must-have comprises layers of pork sausage, chicken leg, smoked duck breast and turkey breast, all of which have been lined with sautéed onions, garlic and mixed herbs in Kronenbourg 1664 lager, and finally rolled in a bacon-wrap. The beer keeps the meats succulent and flavourful, while the blend of textures of the various meats makes an extremely satisfying carnivorous feast.

Ultra slow-cooked pork collar with Kronenbourg 1664
S$$29++ per kg

The lager-infused pork collar is tender and moist with a pleasant firm bite, a testament to Chef Thomas’ ingenuity in marrying the tenderising characteristics of Kronenbourg 1664 with patient slow-cooking process. The pork is neither fatty nor tough, and pairs perfectly with a special sauce.

For takeaway, reheating is as simple as immersing the vacuum-sealed packs in hot water or popping them into the oven for ten minutes at 180-200 degrees Celsius.

Ultra slow-roast beef ribeye roast in fresh herb rub with Kronenbourg 1664
S$49 for 1kg

The premium ribeye cut is rubbed thoroughly with a secret blend of fresh herbs and marinated with Kronenbourg 1664. If you’re thinking of hosting a party of red meat aficionados, this slow-cooked roast will impress your guests. Briefly pan-sear or grill this takeaway item to desired doneness and it is ready to be served.

Kronenbourg Blanc 1664 chilled poached pear
S$8.90++

As for dessert, the chef has created chilled poached pear with the infusion of beer to match the theme. The fruits’ natural sweetness is enhanced by light syrup mixed with Kronenbourg Blanc 1664, with the hints of beer giving a pleasant after-taste. It is overall a light dessert, although I would have preferred something more ample, such as a beer-infused cake pudding.

These unique offerings are available from now till 31 December 2011 at:
– Friends Restaurant & Catering for takeaway, catering and dine-in
– FairPrice Finest @ Scotts for takeaway and catering only

All takeaway dishes are pre-cooked and can be kept for a week in the chiller or up to 6 months in the freezer.

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Beer in your food – yay or nay? Tell us in the comments!

Friends Restaurant

FairPrice Finest @ Scotts