Photo courtesy of Alexandra Gunn.
Could it be a coincidence that CRAFT Beer Market opens its doors on one of the hotter days this spring? Likely, but there couldn’t be a better excuse to head to Lansdowne Park to taste test one (or two) of their 100 plus beers on tap.
True to its name, CRAFT has an extensive offering of local, North American and European brews. You just need to walk by the Bank Street custom built keg room windows to see the impressive lineup.
CRAFT isn’t likely to fall flat either. With their state of the art draft system (twinned, thinner than average, draft lines to maintain the freshness of the beer) and an impressively diverse menu (yes, they have gluten free, lactose free and vegetarian options), including items like fast food sushi and beer can chicken, it won’t be long before they’re known for offering more than just great craft beer.
Did I mention gluten free beer? They’ve got that too.
Corporate Chef Paul McGreevy has created a menu billed as “New North American Classic Cuisine”. “These are timeless comfort dishes and traditional pub favourites mixed with modern fare and innovative combinations,” says McGreevy. “We pride ourselves on making all of our dishes in house from scratch and work with local producers and farmers as much as possible to serve only the freshest and most sustainable ingredients available.”
Ottawa is CRAFT’s first foray into eastern Canada after opening in Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver. “We’ve been keeping our eye on the Ontario market for a couple of years and see so much potential for a concept like ours,” says PJ L’Heureux, President and Founder of CRAFT Beer Market. “There are a lot of great things happening in the Ontario craft beer community and we are excited to help spread the word and be part of such a great community.”
When you pair craft beer, great food and a thoughtfully designed room, you have the formula that CRAFT has been using to achieve success in western Canada and perhaps, eastern Canada as well.
CRAFT opens its doors to the public on Thursday, May 12th.
