About a week ago, I planned to make my first post for the #beer community, intending to participate in the #beersaturday challenge. I wanted it to be special by visiting a place that serves great food as well. I figured it would be a nice way to unwind during the holidays and experience something different from my usual food review posts.
So earlier today, I spent over an hour googling restaurants that were open today. I was looking for a place that serves good food and a nice draft beer. Gladly, I found a place that suits my preference.
I'm not an expert when it comes to draft and craft beers since I usually just grab bottled ones from the grocery store. So, I did a quick search on what makes draft beer better than bottled beer. I read that draft beer is supposed to taste fresher and smoother because it stays in a container with consistent pressure. I wasn’t entirely sure what that meant, so I wanted to experience the difference firsthand—how it actually tastes and feels on my palate—and share my impressions.
There's no doubt that there are many places in the city that serve beer, but for me, the ambiance matters just as much. I prefer a place with a nice environment that is also family-friendly. Among the places I searched, Essen @ The Anchorvale checked all the boxes for me.
The place has a very spacious indoor dining (and drinking) area, as well as an outdoor dining space facing the Punggol River. The environment alone is already top-notch, in my opinion.
The interior is specially decorated to celebrate today's holiday, the Lunar New Year!
Aside from the food and drinks, the place also features evening entertainment with a live band. I arrived too early, as the show starts at 8:00 PM. This is something I look forward to on my next visit. For now, I’m happy just to soak in the vibe by taking photos of the stage.
Overall, I really like the ambiance. The modern vibe is complemented by timber tables and comfortable leather seats. The hanging lanterns are a perfect touch as well!
Time to pick my beer!
I came here starving, so I also intended to dine—and I already had something in mind: pineapple fried rice! To complement the dish, I chose a beer that I felt would pair well with it—a pint of Kronenbourg Blanc!
It was my first time drinking Kronenbourg Blanc, so I did a quick search while on my way to the place. According to the reviews, I should expect mild sweetness and fruity notes—and I totally agree!
This is exactly the kind of beer I would pair with a seafood dish because of its citrusy taste—much like a mild lemon.
Just look at how well it goes with my early dinner: pineapple fried rice!
Pineapple Fried rice!
To complete the experience, I also ordered dinner. They offer a variety of dishes, including rice meals, burgers, pizza, and plenty of appetizer options. Today, I was in the mood for a filling meal to go with my beer, and the pineapple fried rice was a winner!
The fried rice is cooked to perfection, rich with butter, spices, and topped with seafood, nuts, raisins, and meat floss. It pairs perfectly with the Kronenbourg Blanc beer—there's no doubt about that!
It also comes with a pair of chicken skewers, which surprisingly pair well with the beer too. In fact, I feel like almost anything would go well with this beer because of its mild taste and light fruity notes.
Overall, my experience at Essen @ The Anchorvale was thoroughly enjoyable, from the cozy ambiance to the delicious food and refreshing Kronenbourg Blanc. The pineapple fried rice was the perfect pairing with the beer, and the chicken skewers added a nice touch to the meal. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to explore more of their offerings and enjoy the live band entertainment.
