Boston Brewing Co.
678 South Coast Highway, Denmark
Ph: (08) 9848 1555
www.bostonbrewing.com.au
The Best Brew Pub in Town
Boston Brewing Co. is located in Denmark, the heart of the Great Southern of Western Australia. On entering, I was immediately welcomed by a tail-wagging dog. I smile and reach down to give the pooch a tickle behind the ears; I already knew I liked the place, but this welcome sealed the deal. You see, this is what is so appealing about Boston Brewing Co. It is casual and unassuming, making it accessible to everyone.
Starting life as a small onsite micro-brewery as a side piece to the popular Willoughby Park winery, Boston Brewing Co. soon took off and has grown into quite the establishment.
Surrounded by rambling vineyards and bushland, the beer garden is large and sprawling, as is the playground which is located at a distance, “so parents can still see their children playing, but be far enough away to relax”, owner Jess Fowler tells me. Then there’s the giant wood fire in the heart of the restaurant, creating the perfect winter hangout. It’s a space one can come to eat at throughout the day, while enjoying a tipple or two. Over the years, it has also built up quite the reputation. When I mention that I’m headed down that way, many friends commented on their love of the place and some even ask if I could “pick up a few things” for them.
The staff are friendly, headed up by Manager Rhys Fisher and you will find it’s a place you’ll always feel welcomed.
In the kitchen, Malaysian born Head Chef Vignes leads a team whose range of international experiences create a wonderfully diverse menu. He tells me they don’t offer classic pub style foods, rather catering to a “diversified culture of food”. He is true to his word on this. As you peruse the menu you will see a range of Asian and Western meals, along with some good old family favourites.
Whatever your style of cuisine, or beverage, there will be something here for you to enjoy; so sit back and relax while I tell you more about it.
Our first dish was the cauliflower and lentil curry. This is a mild south Indian style curry served with basmati rice, coconut raita and a papadum. It is a deeply personal dish from Chef Vignes, one that speaks to his heritage; you can tell in the way it tastes and how it feels in your belly. It is warming, nurturing and stunning in its simplicity. The coconut raita is sweet, balancing the heat from the curry so perfectly. We paired this curry with the Great Southern IPA. At 5.8% with a fruity and tropical palate, it was a great match to the heat of the curry.
The Chimichurri Cauliflower Florets is a visually stunning dish and just as exciting to enjoy. The acidity of the sweet and sour chimichurri opens up the flavour of the dish, bringing out the earthy flavours of the cauliflower and hemp seeds, which just seem to pop with flavour as you eat them. It’s a great combination. The 2020 IronRock Riesling was the wine we enjoyed with this dish. A dry styled Riesling that balanced the acidity of the dish.
We were told the Pork Belly Bites are the most popular dish on the menu and I know why. These little morsels are twice cooked Korean style, with fresh chilli and spring onions. Sticky and a little naughty, these nuggets of gorgeous fatty pork belly melt in your mouth. This is such a fun dish. The sweet sauce fuels your tastebuds and you cannot seem to get enough of it, and then you get a pop of fresh chilli which is exquisitely warm and exciting. The Boss Lager was a great match here, and is only 4.8%. This clean, crisp pilsner styled lager balances the richness of the pork belly and tempers the chilli nicely.
If you are after something light, then Boston Brewing Co’s Candied Walnut and Pear Salad is a lovely option for you. This salad of poached pears, baby spinach, candied walnuts, shaved parmesan cheese, pomegranate seeds and red onion with a lemon dressing, is a deliciously subtle dish. The pear comes to life when mixed with the sour pop of pomegranate, sweet crunch of walnut and the tart parmesan cheese. It’s a smart blend of flavours that when brought together create a lovely taste experience. Paired beautifully with the Afterglose Raspberry Gose 4.5%. The tart raspberry works hand in hand with the pomegranate and pear, whilst the salty, sour characteristics balance the sweetness of the salad.
The garlic prawns are an indulgence. With tiger prawns perfectly poached in creamy garlic, butter sauce and served with crusty slices of baguette, you will be forgiven for wanting to drink the sauce straight out of the bowl. It is wickedly decadent, incredibly full of flavour and leaves you wanting just a little bit more. We enjoyed it with a glass of the 2020 Kalgan River Chardonnay whose dryness enhanced all the flavours we experienced and really brought the dish together nicely. For a beer pairing, we suggest the Mexican Lager 4.6% (Limited Release). This delicious lager is stacked with fresh lemon peel which added a fresh citrus note to the rich garlic cream, leaving a clean crisp palate.
Our final dish of the day was the woodfired BBQ meat pizza, one of the most popular dishes on the menu. Chock full of ham, pork belly pieces, pepperoni, fennel meatballs with a rich tomato base and BBQ drizzle – what’s not to love. Tasty and rich, this pizza will fill that hot spot of hunger while you enjoy your beverage of choice and catch up with friends. The Devilslide Red IPA at 7.4% was a great match for this pizza. Full of body, the malty caramel base worked well with the BBQ sauce, whilst the bitterness of the hops balanced the meaty flavours.
Next time you are in the region, be sure to add Boston Brewing Co. to your itinerary. Stop in and relax a while; there is live music on Saturdays, room for your special function or just get comfortable indoors near the giant woodfire oven. Maybe we’ll even see you there.
By Sarah Schmitt
