Brew-tiful flavours

by Chris TraBEr

Traditional craft-brewed beer can transform a meal from ordinary to amazing. Discover great options close to home

fOr beer devOtees, flavourful libations created by artisan brewmasters are an affordable, accessible luxury. With roughly 270 Ontario microbreweries, and a national craft beer industry with more than $1.9 billion in annual sales in 2018, it’s all adding up to something big.

“People are excited to support their local craft beer breweries and restaurants, and connect with a local culinary and beer experience,” says Michelle Planche, President of Paradigm Events and the Director of Community Craft Beer Festivals. She notes festival attendance is growing in step with the interest. “Folks are interested in the story behind craft beer; how it’s made, its makers, the creative process and what food pairs well with it.”

Old Flame Brewing Co. Taproom and Event Manager, Ariana Laxdal agrees. “People appreciate the craftsmanship and quality of craft beers,” she says, adding that the brewery uses the finest local and imported ingredients for their lagers, ales, IPAs and stouts crafted onsite at their Port Perry and Main St. locations.

Microbreweries are part of Newmarket Main Street’s renaissance, says Mike D’Angela, who along with his wife, Donna, owns The George Brew House & Eatery. “We have a wide selection of styles and flavours to satisfy purists and adventurous beer drinkers alike,” he says.

But Main St. isn’t the only area in town where you can enjoy great craft beer. We explore some of your options here.

red ThreAd brewiNg

rtbrewing.ca

as its moniker implies, Red thread’s mission is centred around connecting with community. locally owned, sourced and produced, the company focuses on a sustainable core line up of its beers which it supplements with special time limited ones and, most recently, its own line of artisan food offerings made with beer! While you’ll find Red thread beers in a wide variety of locations, including lcbo outlets and local stores and restaurants, don’t miss their online shop for the full Red thread selection and experience. there, alongside favourites like Make tracks lager, Red X ale, levelution lager and 23:13 lager (so named for the time of toronto Fc’s first league goal), you’ll also discover other Red thread offerings like its dreamy mustard, smokey hot sauce and beer bbQ sauce.

mArkeT brewiNg CompANy

17775 Leslie Street marketbrewingco.com

trivia and euchre nights, charitable bingo, live Friday night music and guest culinary and fitness experts add to the “quirky cool” vibe of Market brewing, a relaxed neighbourhood brewery that draws fans from across town and beyond. Since 2017, the company’s leslie St. taproom has been serving a variety of ales, lagers, stouts, pilsners, ipas, porters and tantalizing ciders. Sparkling water and fun merch are also available. While not a restaurant, patrons can order from local partner caterers and food trucks or bring their own meals. the venue can also be rented for private events.

Market Brewing is a craft brewery and event space located at 17775 Leslie St. Photo by Dan Tardif for LINLEE. Turn to page 25 to see more.

“ people are excited to support their local craft beer breweries and restaurants, and connect with a local culinary and beer experience.” —michelle planche

Old Flame Brewing Co. has two locations: One in Port Perry and another in Newmarket at 140 Main St. S. Photo, Dann Tardif for LINLEE

old FlAme brewiNg Co.

140 Main Street South oldflamebrewingco.ca

things have gotten a whole lot hotter at the old Fire hall since old Flame opened its doors in 2020. these days the repurposed space is a welcoming community hub and pub that also pays homage to the building’s past. though food options are limited, craft beers and activities abound (it’s even pet friendly). the luscious, crisp, clean and complex lagers range from the super light No Regrets to blonde and hazy blonde, Red, brunette and Raven—all available in-house or via take out or local delivery. brewery tours, live music in the taproom, comedy shows and concerts in their new Main Street Music hall along with trivia nights, beer and food pairing events, make the old Flame an outstanding experiential destination.

The george brew house & eATery

236 Main Street South thegeorgeonmain.com

located in the restored 19th century building that housed Newmarket’s original King george hotel, the george serves up character and charm alongside its artisanal beer. courtesy of the irv (a separate business that operates the restaurant), the menu features comfort dishes, including wings, charcuterie boards, cod ‘n’ chips, classic poutine and mushroom risotto along with soups, salads and sides. Each entree includes a suggested pairing from a selection of 16 varied styles and strengths of craft beers, all skillfully nurtured by head brewer, Steven herold. on tap are beguiling options, including temperance table beer, pay the bills pilsner, chocca Kaan smoked chocolate stout and apple Jack spiced herb beer.