To say I had been looking forward to Beaten Track’s degustation dinner would be an understatement. A very large understatement given that on Saturday afternoon, having been sick 14 times, I found myself in the emergency department of my local hospital and still knew I wouldn’t be missing dinner. After running a hundred tests the doctors finally let me go at 6pm with medication and instructions to monitor myself for possible appendicitis. By 7pm I was sitting down at the Brewery, about to embark on a four course meal with matching beers. Ondansetron truly is a miracle drug.

All that cutlery.

Our charming company for the evening, Emily and Tristan.

Caaauuuute

Beaten Track is an absolute gem and I’ve been there for tastings a few times. This was their first degustation dinner (that I’ve heard of anyway) and it was a an absolute success.

We sipped Autumn Lager on arrival and tucked into the homemade bread.

Mmm buttery.

First course

Scallop and black tiger prawn tortellini with lemon beurre blanc, fried shallots and herb salad paired with Munich Lager and Hamelin Bay Hefeweisen.

It was delicious.

Light and creamy

I know what you’re thinking, and no, I didn’t drink all the beer on my rather sensitive stomach. But I did try them all before passing my glass over to a very obliging boyfriend.

Second course

Grilled paprika rubbed quail with skordalia mash, baby rocket and a reduction sauce paired with Belgian Lager and Small Batch Belgian Saison.

I always forget how adorably tiny quails are. And tasty.

Tucking in.

Third Course

Braised beef cheek cassoulet with parmesan gratin and green beans paired with Niro Winter Stout and Small Batch Red Ale. This was my favourite course along with dessert.

These were my favourite beers

The beef cheeks were beautifully tender.

Dessert

Triple chocolate tart with cinnamon and ginger ice cream paired with Double India Pale Ale and French Oak Aged Sour Lager. My god the Double IPA packed a punch. I’d never really thought about matching beer with food, but it was amazing the difference it made. I found the Double IPA far too intense until sipping it between mouthfuls of dessert, the sweetness really balanced everything out. Amazing.

The cinnamon ginger ice cream was to die for. It tasted just like Christmas, I’m going to try to recreate it one day.

We finished up with tea and coffee and chocolates made by a very talented local lady, Cathy. She uses local flavours like quandong, wattle seed, lemon myrtle and even a Beaten Track stout in her handmade truffles. (I did a story on her once)

That orange square is the Beaten Track logo, clever!

It was such a delicious evening and I’m really glad we scored tickets before the event sold out in just two hours. Thanks to Nick and everyone at Beaten Track for having us.

Oh and my appendix is just fine!