Spearheaded by chef Mano, the exclusive food-pairing event delivers a multitude of flavours in haute Indian cuisine infused or prepared with Carlsberg Smooth Draught.
BEER lovers and connoisseurs of spicy food are in for a treat with Carlsberg’s “Real Spicy, Real Smooth” campaign.
During a closed invite, diners got to experience a specially curated menu by chef Mano Thevar from Singapore’s Michelin-starred restaurant Thevar.
The dinner took place at Senja Restaurant in The Saujana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.
The entire dining “ex-beer-ience” consisted of a four-course meal which showcased creative combinations of spicy Indian cuisine that complemented or was infused with Carlsberg Smooth Draught (CSD).
“The exciting journey of creating new flavours with Carlsberg Smooth Draught was not just stimulating but thrilling,” said Mano.
“While beer and spicy food have always gone well together, I believe that the ‘Real Spicy, Real Smooth’ experience will give beer lovers a new appreciation for Carlsberg Smooth Draught and elevate their future beer-drinking celebrations,” he added.
To start the evening, guests were greeted with an amuse-bouche of fluffy naan bread, served with a Carlsberg Smooth Draught-infused butter that carried curry flavours with a slight tangy taste.
Carlsberg Malaysia managing director Stefano Clini (centre) and the management team toasting to their collaboration with chef Mano (second from left).
As guests settled in the al fresco dining area, they also had the opportunity to try a bottle of Carlsberg Smooth Draught or pour themselves the perfect mug at the mini bar.
Once seated, the menu spiced things up with a Beetroot Chaat, Maitake Mushroom Samosa and Chettinad Chicken Taco, or Vindaloo Jackfruit Taco for those who opted for the vegetarian menu, as snacks.
The chaat had been braised in the smooth draught to produce a very soft and flavourful mouthful. The extra crunch from the mould that held the chaat along with the pomegranates tied everything together and balanced out the pickle-like flavours of the chaat with some sweetness.
Meanwhile, the samosa was a clever reimagining of the classic dish.
Made with finely diced maitake mushrooms, the dish was seasoned with truffle oil, rice flour and garlic, making it fragrant without being overpowering.
A hint of mayo in the last bite helped give it that extra kick, too.
Chettinad Chicken is a dish usually prepared for the family but Mano captured the taste and essence in the form of tacos.
The tacos had tender chicken that hit big with flavours. Even better, the crunchy and slightly salty taco shell went down well with a cold Carlsberg Smooth Draught.
The snacks were followed by a fresh Hokkaido Scallop appetiser prepared with sothi, nelika (Indian gooseberry) and Oscietra caviar.
Perfectly cooked with a slightly translucent centre, the sweetness of the scallop and sothi nicely contrasted with the natural saltiness from the caviar.
For vegetarians, they could opt for the Crispy Nasu Pajeri, which had the same sothi and came with sweet corn poriyal.
The mains — Lamb Burra Kebab, Snapper Coconut Chutney and Cauliflower Malabar as options — all carried uniquely spicy earthy Indian flavours, with Carlsberg Smooth Draught as one of the key ingredients.
Dinner ended with Rasmalai and CSD ice cream. Presented with a Saffron Cloud, the dessert had ghee cake and pistachios underneath the beer ice cream.
Mano’s restaurant in Singapore, Thevar, currently has a three-month-long waiting list, so Carlsberg Smooth Draught “Real Spicy, Real Smooth” dining “ex-beer-ience” is the next best option to taste some divinely delectable food prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.
Until the end of May, Carlsberg Smooth Draught is on the hunt for 100 contest winners and their partners who will be rewarded with the ultimate dining experience.
The full VIP excursion includes accommodation, a chauffeur-driven ride for the evening and a date with Chef Mano, serving up his distinct delicacies specially created for the “Real Spicy, Real Smooth” spread worth RM2,000.
To increase the chances of winning, beer lovers will need to frequent their favourite bars or pubs and purchase 10 half-pints, six full pints, two buckets or a tower of Carlsberg Smooth Draught.
To find out more about how you can win a “Real Spicy, Real Smooth” experience, visit www.carlsbergsmoothdraught.com
