Darlinghurst’s Biru Biru does finger lickin’ chicken and beer
Biru Biru has a Japanese pedigree is as bold as the rising sun. A keg of ‘Orion’, the only mainstream beer to be brewed and bottled exclusively in Japan, stands guard over the entrance and it feels like we’ve been given the password to a classy hidden bar in Tokyo.
The tantalising aromas of fresh Japanese cuisine heightens the senses and we are drawn to the bar. It’s filled with the widest variety of traditional Japanese beers, whiskey and sake. Biru Biru is the sister restaurant of Zushi, the well loved Surry Hills institution, so our expectations were as high as Mount Fuji.
Our host Serena explains the concept of Biru Biru’s new degustation with paired Japanese beers. Biru Biru has a strong focus on sustainability, the makings of a well thought out and holistic approach to Japanese dining.
A bowl of perfectly salted edamame arrives. Let us begin the journey of Biru Biru’s Japanese cuisine and paired brews.
The opening dish of the degustation is the daily tataki of line caught deep sea bream with flying fish roe and a chilli ponzu dipping sauce. The delicate flavours of the fresh fish paired brilliantly with the Hitachino Nest White Ale. The light citrus notes in the ale were subtle enough to allow the bream to shine. A meal more reminiscent of the ocean could only be found at Poseidon’s table.
The tempura of the day was sustainably sourced Dewfish, dressed with a wasabi mayo and Japanese vinegar. The tempura batter is made using the same beer that the meal is matched with, the Ocean Kujyukuri Pilsener. The shell was delightfully light and crunchy while the fish resting inside was the perfect creamy counterpoint to the impeccable tempura. Another great combination from the brains trust at Biru Biru.
The crispy chilli chicken dish up next was a sight to behold. A mountain of stir-fried crispy chicken coated in a deep red, aromatic sauce. I couldn’t tear my eyes away, that is until the matching beer was presented, the Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale. The bold design on the bottle not only complemented the aesthetics of the meal but the sweet strawberry and sake flavours of the beer also help to balance the spice and crunch of the chicken.
The beef short ribs braised in Hitachino Nest White Ale sauce was the meal I was most looking forward to and they certainly didn’t disappoint. The jumble of meaty bones smothered in thick, sweet sauce left me satisfied like a sumo at a buffet. The strong flavours of the ribs play in tandem with the Ocean Kujyukuri Pale Ale that presents a smooth, dry and balanced counterpoint to finish the degustation.
Biru Biru is Sydney’s first Japanese beer bar and restaurant, but it will surely not be the last. The team are onto a real winner here, so head over to try it for yourself.
Check out the Biru Biru website here http://www.birubiru.com.au
239 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, Sydney NSW 2010
(02) 9357 3533
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