Brooklyn Brewery Comes To Town On Tap, at TGG Plaza Arkadia

It's always a pleasure to be invited to Carlsberg events, and when the invite is for the opening of a new craft beer bar at TGG, Plaza Arkadia, one cannot say no.  The entire upstairs of the TGG place has been decked up as a Brooklyn dedicated bar.

So what is Brooklyn? (Apart from being a place)
It was an educational session for us, to learn that Brooklyn Brewery is the no. 1 American craft beer exporter and is available in more than 30 countries.
It was founded in 1988, currently ranking #11 in volume among United States craft breweries. It has received numerous accolades and awards for its brews, including the 2018 Beer World Cup Gold Medal for Brooklyn Lager. Now who knew there was a Beer World Cup...that would be a match I wouldn't mind watching.

Carlsberg Malaysia is the exclusive distributer for two of their most popular variants – Brooklyn Lager and Brooklyn East IPA.  Hence their presence here.

The host for the night was Thomas Teo, the Commercial Development Manager of Craft and Specialty of Carlsberg Singapore, interviewed by Kim of Thirstmag, who shared with us interesting insights on craft beer and food etc.  It's exciting that these are going to be monthly events hosted by Carlsberg Malaysia, with thoughtfully paired foods from selected Carlsberg partner outlets.

At TGG, the food pairing was with five specialities including the TGG Special Fried Rice, TGG Spicy Steamed Pork Ribs, moo ping (BBQ pork skewer), salted-egg chicken, and Thai mango salad.

The pairing of Brooklyn Lager with it maltiness paired splendidly with the Moo Ping, which incidentally was superb.  I would have been happy just to eat that all night paired with the Lager. 

One of the most beautiful sounds in the world is the sound of clanking glasses to a spirited Cheers or Yam Seng, especially amongst friends.

The TGG Spicy Steamed Pork Ribs and Thai mango salad were paired  the robust, hoppy aromas in Brooklyn East IPA.  Actually food pairing is rather subjective, and to me the differences were minimal, and I felt that both the Lager and IPA would have gone well with any one of the dishes.  In fact, the IPA with the Moo Ping was also superb. 

So what are craft beers?  They're usuall brewed in smaller batches by Independent Brewers, and usually would have their distinct richer flavour which would appeal to various types of beer drinkers.  The brewers can obviously play around with their recipes to produce beers that are unique to the brewery, by playing around witht eh combinations of hops, malt, etc.

For now, craft beer lovers in Malaysia have two Brooklyn Brewery beers to choose from: the award-winning Brooklyn Lager and the hoppy Brooklyn East IPA – available in bottles since Dec ’17, and finally in draught this year!

The Brooklyn Mega Set comes with your choice of Brooklyn Lager of Brooklyn East IPA in a frozen mug at a special promo price of RM40++ (normal price: RM50++). You can also enjoy more frozen mugs of Brooklyn Lager / East IPA all night long at RM15++ only (normal price: RM19++). Both promotions are available until 28 February 2019 or while stocks last.

Visit carlsbergmalaysia.com.my for more information on Brooklyn’s craft brews!

Go With THE GOOD GUYS for this World Cup 2018 Finals, Plaza Arkadia

Frankly, and I know I can be lynched, flayed and scalped for saying this at this time, I couldn't be less interested in football or soccer, so when I was invited to the Carlsberg and TGG launch of the restaurant and bar in Plaza Arkadia, as a venue to watch the finals, I was seriously in two minds whether or not to go.  But then, the lure of a Carlsberg party tipped the scales, as they always know how to throw a good one.  TGG in case you are wondering, stands for THE GOOD GUYS (perasan much?)

Well, as fate would have it, I can safely say I know at least ONE Good Guy in the group of THE GOOD GUYS, an old friend who is also one of the co-owners...the other 4 I cannot vouch for their goodness or otherwise, but heck, sometimes just knowing one is good enough.

The good guy, Brian Wong and I.

Located in the trying to be swanky Plaza Arkadia, THE GOOD GUYS is actually located away from the madding crowd, and aims to be a family but yet happening kind of place.  The extensive porky menu looks interesting, and if I am not wrong, this is their second outlet, the first being in Damansara Uptown.  To add to the "family friendly" theme, it is the only outlet in Plaza Arkadia that serves Sommersby Cider on tap.  Although I know it's not alcohol free, somehow in my mind cider ranks as "soft drink".

Big Screen Area, perfect to watch the Finals of the World Cup. 

The place has a comfortable area which has a large screen, almost like a large living room, but I imagine or dread to imagine how packed it will be on the night of the finals.  However, I think the entire street and plaza will be filled with the World Cup Finals related events.

The owners were presented a special bottle of beer by Carlsberg MD, Mr Lars Lehmann, a bottle that contains yeast from 1883.  I really would be quite curious to know what that bottle tastes like.

 Managing Director Lars Lehmann with that precious bottle brewed with 1883 yeast...

Leeching on to Mr Lehmann to "tumpang glamour".

As with many establishment run by Malaysians of Chinese descent, of course the ubiquitous Lion Dance and ceremonial roast pig are essential as emblems of good fortune and prosperity as well as a visit by the god of  Prosperity himself.  This launch was no different, and even had the cacophonous explosion of fire crackers to ward away any spirits that were not Carlsberg related.

The ceremonial pig...

A visit by the god of Prosperity...

The Lions are checking out the roast pig...

Cheers to the Lions.....With Probably the Best Beer....

And the ceremony ends with a bang...

Of course nothing like freshly carved roast piggy with Probably the Best Beer In the World.

So, head on to THE GOOD GUYS (TGG) at Plaza Arkadia for the World Cup Finals. 

I look forward to checking out their food menu soon, which looks exceedingly promising.