Things are really looking up for the local craft beer industry these days. The Tempongko brothers, inspired by the emergence of young craft beer brewers, decided to put up a restaurant that would highlight their creativity. In a nutshell, dining at The Perfect Pint is all about introducing one’s self to the art of homemade brews and excellent food pairings.
“I learned to love craft beer when I found myself finally being able to distinguish an industrial creation from that which was made by someone who really cares about his brew,” shares Noel Tempongko, Jr. “Flavour-wise and aroma-wise, it’s really a notch higher than most beers readily available out there. We met up with these budding young entrepreneurs, tasted their material, and felt like their talent would be a unique selling proposition. The restaurant business is overcrowded, and you need to come in with a strong, unique selling proposition that will attract people to you.”
Located at the second level of CrossRoads,
37th St. corner 7th Avenue in BGC
It’s not just about the art of the craft beer for The Perfect Pint, though – it’s all about food pairings, too. To get this concept off the ground, the Tempongko brothers chose to partner with Chef Gene Gonzales, famous for his creations at Café Ysabel. “Chef Gene Gonzales is one of the country’s biggest experts on wine and food pairing,” Tempongko affirms. “We felt that it would be great to have his expertise onboard and apply it to the craft beer and food pairing concept for The Perfect Pint.”
Gonzales, on the other hand, fondly recalls his first meeting with Tempongko at a food pairing seminar. “All of a sudden, I heard this gentleman saying, ‘Wala bang beer diyan? Hindi ba pwede ang food at beer?’ That very man was Noel Tempongko himself.” Together with three other chefs from the Centre of Asian Culinary Studies, he diligently worked with the Tempongko brothers to create The Perfect Pint’s menu, which the chef fondly describes as “fun”.
The first page of The Perfect Pint’s menu contains a list of pairing recommendations that resulted from the chefs’ experimentations. Each pairing pays attention to the combined flavour of the food and the craft beer, which really works wonders on the palate.
We were first introduced to some of their appetisers, which all, not surprisingly, go well with beer. The Truffle Fries (P200) are understated yet sublime. As a big fan of truffle, I had a lovely time snacking on these truffle oil-braised frites and dipping them into the tasty truffle-infused mayonnaise. The Smoked Fish Spring Rolls with Salsa (P160) was a dish I found rather imaginative. I’ve had several variants of meat and vegetable spring rolls before, but this was the first time I had smoked fish lumpia-style.
Another standout was the Bacon Wrapped Liver with Hot Mango Cilantro Mint Dressing (P280). The contrast of the flavours and textures of the two types of meat is really quite something. Add to your arsenal a plateful of Cheezy Croquettes with Mustard Sour Cream (P200) and you’re well on your way to the beginnings of a food coma.
The intrigues behind the house specialties also come in measures. I found myself eagerly awaiting the Heap of Fresh Bacon with House Pickles (P380) the whole night, and was not at all disappointed upon seeing it in all its glory. Possible health hazards aside, it was so easy to partake of it as one would a bag of chips because the bacon is just that crispy. As Chef Gene likes to say, “even if you’re sick, try it, anyway.” The Stinky 5 Cheese Pizza (P560) is another wonderful dish. When it comes to cheese, I abide by the-stinkier-the-better rule; those who share my sentiments will definitely have to watch out for this one.
The Perfect Pint experience would not have been complete without drinks. For the night, we tried two craft beers: Craftpoint Summer Sessions (P240/pint; P170/330ml) and Katipunan Indio Pale Ale (P260/pint; P190/330ml). The Katipunan is one of their most-coveted sellers, being described as “the ideal gateway to craft beers” due to its well-balanced sweetness and bitterness. The Summer Sessions is a blonde ale with notes of honey and peach. This goes well even with some dessert dishes.
We were able to sample some cocktails, too. The Lychee Margarita (P190) is a served as an icy slush with a salt-ringed rim. The Formosa Sling (P220), a more unusual drink, blends peach and tomato to create a subtly sweet concoction.
For the people behind The Perfect Pint, the challenges lie ahead, but the fun is also just beginning. “We’re taking things one step at a time, but it’s exciting,” Tempongko says jovially. “It’s a never-ending search. It’s an endless opportunity to keep creating things. It’s a small industry right now, but it will catch on in the next few years. People just need to keep themselves open-minded. We will always be on the lookout to see who will come out with the next exciting brew.”
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The Perfect Pint is located at the second floor of Crossroads Building in BGC. Like The Perfect Pint on Facebook (ThePerfectPintPH) for more information, and follow them on Instagram (@theperfectpint_ph).
