Beachside Brews
By OCinSite At-Large | May 10, 2011 12:33 PM
House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer
By Brett Callahan | Photos by Jody Tiongco | Laguna Beach Magazine, May 2011
It should come as little surprise that beer ranks only behind water and tea as the most consumed beverage in the world. The delicious blend of simple components including water, barley malt, hops and yeast creates a rather complex final product that is rich in taste, body and aroma. Variations of beer continue to grow as microbrews, and even homebrews, develop fresh and unique flavors. The versatile, quenching beverage is at its best when accompanying laughter, music and, of course, food. Although virtually every Laguna Beach restaurant offers beer, we’ve rounded up seven spots that pour a wide-ranging medley of lagers, ales, stouts and craft beers, catered for beer lovers of all types.
Tommy Bahama
The surroundings at Tommy Bahama’s Laguna Beach Bar & Grill emphasize relaxation and class, and its beer selection is no different. Chimay Blanche Abbey Tripel, Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat and Duvel Ale top a listing that also includes imported standbys like Corona, Heineken and Guinness. “Our guests are looking for a discovery that cuts through all the noise that the beer revolution has delivered,” Rod Goldberg, senior vice president of restaurants, says. “Now more than ever, people need expert advice to guide them through the vast selections.” Tommy Bahama’s beer selection is based on three factors, Rod says: quality, guest appeal and pairing. Try an Allagash Belgian White alongside the swordfish sandwich for a glimpse at the flavors available at this beach house environment. (400 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-376-6881; tommybahama.com)
Tommy Bahama
House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer
“Our goal was to have the largest and most diverse selection of beer in town,” Amy Amaradio, marketing manager, says, “especially since ‘ice cold beer’ is in our name.” It is safe to say no one else in town carries Samuel Smith Organic Raspberry Ale alongside King Cobra Malt Liquor, or a Maui Brewing Coconut Porter next to a table with a five-liter mini-keg of Widmer Hefeweizen. Serving more than 60 beers in a variety of fashions—bottle, big draught, pitcher, bucket, or mini keg—House of Big Fish and Ice Cold Beer gives its patrons plenty of options. “We wanted to create a place for the locals to come and try a different beer each day of the month,” Amy says. (540 S. Coast Hwy. #200; 949-715-4500; houseofbigfish.com)
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
This brewpub chain from Huntington Beach has been brewing for decades, and their in-house offerings range along the whole spectrum of beer. Proudly serving eight regulars, like the Piranha Pale Ale and the Tatonka Stout, and two constantly rotating seasonal beers, like the summer favorite Nit Wit or the autumnal pumpkin ale, BJ’s has a brew for every drinker. “I think you’re making a mistake as a restaurant if you ignore craft beer drinkers and just have Bud, Miller and Coors available,” Senior Vice President of Brewing Operations Alex Puchner says. Alex also contends that beer is a much stronger food pairing than wine. “With literally hundreds of beer styles and flavors out there, there really is a beer to pair with any meal,” he comments. (280 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-494-3802; bjsbrewhouse.com)
Rock’N Fish Laguna Beach
Touting a dozen classics in addition to another dozen ever-changing seasonal and craft brews behind its bar, Rock’n Fish has a list worth investigating. England’s Old Speckled Hen, Czech Republic’s Czechvar, Germany’s Franziskaner White Wheat lead a list of imports that complement domestics like California favorites Firestone Lager, Bear Republic Racer 5 IPA and Stone Brewery’s Arrogant Bastard Ale. “Beer isn’t just beer anymore,” says co-owner Mike Zislis. “It’s really just starting to get going in the last several years. Microbreweries out there are really making world-class beer and just knocking it out of the park.” As a man who has attended five Oktoberfests and spent last St. Patty’s Day at the Guinness factory, Mike knows a thing or two about beers being world class. (422 S. Coast Hwy.; 949-497-3113; rocknfishlb.com)
Lumberyard
Brussels Bistro
Brussels Bistro pairs its authentic Belgium cuisine with a listing of exclusively Belgian premium beers. Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, Leffe Blonde, Chimay White Triple, Maredsous, Affligem Blonde, De Koninck, Grimbergen Double and La Chouffe comprise the lineup of beers to savor with hors d’oeuvres like Belgium fries or an entrée such as the lamb shank. Brussels offers seating on its terrace or the underground casual-urban setting where live jazz or house music warm an evening of socializing and beer. (222 Forest Ave.; 949-376-7955; brusselsbistro.com)
Lumberyard
“First and foremost, our customer base dictates what beers stay on our list,” says owner Cary Redfearn. Lumberyard carries two categories of beer, those of the big brewery brands like Bud Light and Stella Artois, and then smaller craft brewers like Escondido’s Stone Brewery. Beer’s flexibility as a partner with the many dishes served at Lumberyard is an asset to Cary and his kitchen. “Spicy foods pose challenges for many wines,” Cary says, “and a good cold beer quells the palate and says, ‘bring on the heat, I can take it.’ ”
(384 Forest Ave.; 949-715-3900; lblumberyard.com)
Hennessey’s
Following the mold of Irish and English pubs, Hennessey’s strives for a cozy feel for its guests. A good pub, of course, must have good beer. “Beer’s the oldest known recipe to man, and it’s always been a social thing,” General Manager Dan Lang says. “Obviously restaurants offer different types of beer because they all go with different meals.” One such tasty pairing is Hennessey’s blue cheese bacon burger optimally washed down with a Mirror Pond Pale Ale by Deschutes Brewery. As Dan says, “Doesn’t matter if someone’s old or young, white collar or blue collar, beer accommodates everyone.” (213 Ocean Ave.; 949-494-2743; hennesseystavern.com)
