The August Jack

august jackRecently opened on 4th Avenue in Kitsilano is The August Jack, a restaurant that “aims to bring foodies and craft-beer enthusiasts together”.  The chef, Benjamin Curtis, is sourcing locally and is very focused on pairing food with beer.   They’ have over 80 bottled craft beers and six rotating taps.

We tried a few items on the menu items along with the suggested beer pairings and he had made some good choices.

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The rich Wild Mushroom Toasts are made with seasonal wild mushrooms, hazelnut basil pesto, shaved manchego and balsamic reduction. Great for sharing along with a Steamworks Pale Ale.

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Truffle popcorn is fresh and could keep one occupied while deciding on dinner.
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The mussels here are superb.  Juicy and flavourful there are a number of sauces to choose to top the Read Island Mussels:
Paprika Rosé Sauce with Basil & Crème Fraiche
{Suggested Pairing: Deschutes River Ale}

Chocolate Porter Cream
{Suggested Pairing: Hopworks Cascadia Dark Ale}

Pilsner Braised with Caramelized Onion
{Suggested Pairing: Odin Freya’s Gold Kolsch}

I’m a big fan of the chocolate porter cream, but all work very well as I’d discovered on a previous visit where I sampled them side by side.
Diners include items such as the Pesto-Grilled Halibut, Squash and Gorgonzola Perogies and Filet Mignon, but we’d filled up so decided dessert was the way to go.
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Dessert was a decadent chevere cheesecake made with quality cheese, a dark chocolate crust and served with house-made raspberry sorbet and fruit.

The staff are well trained and know their beers and food pairings.  Room is quite dark which could deter diners in the summer, but as the fall and winter months come towards us the room will be cozy and warm.

www.TheAugustJack.com