Media Release

Food Finds its Best Mate At Murray’s Brewery Bar
Grape vs Grain Dinner 17 April 2013

It’s the age old question that warrants a serious debate over at Murray’s Brewery Bar – grape or grain? Wednesday 17 April sees the folks at Murray’s and Robert Oatley Vineyards putting their drinks to the test, matching five courses of food to five flights each of wine and beer for one fun filled degustation dinner.

Hosting the evening will be Murray’s Head Brewer Shawn Sherlock (2012 Australian Brewer of the Year) and acclaimed wine expert Darren Jahn, who hails from Robert Oatley’s vineyards himself. Both Shawn and Darren are pretty serious when it comes to their drinks, so no doubt the competition at Grape versus Grain will be fuelled by their passion and possibly their ability to convince a room why their drink is best!

A special Grape vs Grain menu has been devised by Murray’s Brewery Bar Head Chef Ryan Smith and includes dishes such as Berber spiced seared tuna with pepperonata and citrus dressing for starters, matched with Murray’s Rudeboy Pilsner and Robert Oatley 2011 Finisterre Pinot Noir, and a deconstructed brulee, matched with Murray’s Grand Cru, and a 2009 Craigmoor Estate Botrytis, for dessert.

Recently taking up the pans at Murray’s Brewery Bar, Ryan arrived at Murray’s in Manly via Bill Granger’s London digs Granger & Co where he worked as sous chef. A 14 year industry veteran, Ryan has also previously worked at Sydney’s famous Balzac and Banc restaurants and also completed a stint at London’s 2 Michelin starred restaurant, The Square.

For the Grape vs Grain dinner, punters will be asked to decide which drink complements each dish best, with the final decision tallied from the anonymously cast ballots. Murray’s reckon they’ve got it in the bag, while Robert Oatley Vineyards are equally as sure of their tipple. Do you prefer an Angry Man Pale Ale with your loin of lamb and autumn vegetables? Or would that be the Robert Oatley Finisterre Great Southern Shiraz? Whatever way, that lamb is set to taste mighty fine!

So, by our calculations, that’s five courses of deliciousness served with a hefty side of our country’s finest beverages at one of Australia’s most iconic beachside locations. Throw in a bunch of mates and that, friends, equals one rollicking good Wednesday night.

Tickets

Tickets for the Grape versus Grain dinner on Wednesday 17 April at Murray’s at Manly are $125 per person and are strictly limited. The evening will kick off at 7pm with Murray and Shawn from Murray’s hosting beers in the bar, with dinner to follow at 7.30pm.

To book, contact Murray’s at Manly directly on 02 9977 0999 or info@murraysbrewerybar.com.au. $10 from each ticket sold will benefit the North Steyne Surf Lifesaving Club.

About Murray’s Craft Brewing Co

Murray’s Brewery Bar at Manly Beach is the first Sydney venue of leading Australian brewer, Murray’s Craft Brewing Co. The Port Stephens-based craft brewer handcrafts some of the highest rated beers in Australia, with 8 beers recognised in this year’s Critic’s Choice Top 100 Beers list and recently recognised as Australia’s ‘Brewer of the Year’. From humble beginning in Taylors Arm (population 50) on the NSW North Coast just over seven years ago, Murray’s Brewery relocated to larger premises at Port Stephens in 2009 where today it runs a micro-brewery, Cellar Door and one of the region’s best restaurants. Murray’s Brewery Bar, Manly Beach, features 18 craft beer taps, 2 traditional hand pumps, great food and wine and awesome beach views. For further information about Murray’s Craft Brewing Co and its full range of beers, visit www.murraysbrewingco.com.au.