Address: 58 The Esplanade
Website: http://www.thebiermarkt.com/
Type of Meal: Dinner
The Bier Markt has long been a
popular destination, especially for larger groups in the downtown core. With
over 150 types of beer available, there’s bound to be something to satisfy all
tastes. Even for the beer challenged (like me) there are plenty of easy drinking brews – I personally like the Stiegl Grapefruit Radler, which is
refreshing (tastes like grapefruit juice), affordable (only $5) and low in
calories (88 for a 12oz portion).
While visiting during Oktoberfest,
I felt a celebration was in order opting for a pint of a German brew and pork
schnitzel ($24). The schnitzel is huge and easily
shareable with the addition of a salad or appetizer. The meat was thin and
crispy, but could have been cooked a touch less to allow it to be juicer. The
lingonberry jam helped a bit and the fruity sweetness went nicely with the
pork. There was also a Leffe Brune Abbey Ale demi-glace on the side as well but
I couldn’t acquire the taste for it.
The highlight for me (and what
Bier Markt should consider offering as a side) was the spatzle on the bottom. Covered
with melted gruyere (?), it was comforting and delicious, akin to a German
mac n’ cheese. I thoroughly enjoyed the toasted crust encapsulating the soft
spatzle mixed with a good portion of cheese.
My friend ordered my go-to dish -
the Bangkok mussels ($21). It arrived looking and smelling as it always has - a
generous portion of mussels cooked in a flavourful broth made of lemongrass,
chilies, coriander, ginger and shrimp. Moreover, the soup is perfect for
dipping fries into.
Another friend tried Bier Markt’s
steak frites ($32), which contained a decent sized striploin topped with
butter. In the end, she noted it tasted okay but a little lean.
For dessert, the four of us
shared the chocolate, pecan and bacon waffle ($9). I know, it sounds like a lot
of for one dessert! The hot fluffy waffle was covered with a warm milk
chocolate ganache, candied pecans, sweet caramel coulis, whipped cream and crumbled
bacon. Although I wasn’t a fan of the bacon (crispy pieces instead of soft blobs would work better), I still enjoyed the rest of the dessert. With it’s big
portion, this is great for sharing (pictured below is only a quarter of the
waffle).
Overall mark - 7 out of 10
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Gastro World's Grading System
- Anything under 5 - I really disliked and will never go back
- 6 - decent restaurant but I likely won't return
- 7 - decent restaurant and I will likely return
- 8 - great restaurant that I'd be happy to recommend
- 9 - fantastic restaurant that I would love to visit regularly and highly recommend
- 10 - absolute perfection!
