Have you ever seen Beer Fest? Every time I think of delicious, thirst-quenching beer I think Beer Fest but that may change with Bluebird Brasserie in the mix.
“The beer culture in Belgium runs very deep and is something that we have always wanted to bring to Southern California,” said Tony Yanow, one of the founders of ABC (Artisanal Brewers Collective).
The brasserie opened on April 2, 2018 in Sherman Oaks and it’s offering authentic Belgian brewing…in America. Sure you can hop on your private jet to Belgium for a quick Belgium-beer sip but when you have beer craftsman Noah Regnery next door, who brings nearly a decade of brewing expertise to Bluebird Brasserie, and has won numerous local, national, and international awards from revered events such as the Great American Beer Festival and World Beer Cup, why waste precious and costly jet fuel? Regnery honed his skills as a local San Diegan in the city’s rich craft beer culture at the legendary Pizza Port Brewing, so it’s safe to say you’re in good hands.
Bluebird Brasserie’s seven-barrel brewing system will brew a rotating selection of Belgian-style beers available on tap that pay homage to traditional Belgian brewing techniques, while the remainder of the tap list will be replete with 16 taps of Belgian-style beers from California breweries such as “The Lost Abbey”, “The Bruery“, “Allagash“, “Ommegang” and more. A curated bottle list rounds out the beer menu with Belgian offerings such as Duvel, St. Bernardus 12, Deus, as well as some Trappist beers such as Orval, Chimay Red, and Westmalle Tripel.
The restaurant’s liquor program will feature variations of classic cocktails that incorporate traditional Belgian elements such as Genever, considered to be the national spirit of Belgium and grandfather of gin, in cocktails such as “Belgian 75” with No. 209 gin, Saison Dupont, and lemon. In addition to the expansive cocktail list, the bar will also offer guests a unique Absinthe experience with several varieties such as “Mata Hari Bohemian” style absinthe, California based St. George Verte, Letherbee Brun absinthe finished in charred oak, and La Clandestine Blanche absinthe, all with the option of being served from a traditional Absinthe fountain.
“Our goal with Bluebird Brasserie is to pay tribute to Belgian beer culture by creating our own version of a refined, yet casual Old World Belgian pub that is very much a gathering spot for locals. From the brickwork to the traditional beer styles and even the frites, we’ve worked hard to make sure every detail is perfect to help create the most authentic Belgian brewpub experience we can.”
Now you know: if you’re in L.A. and want a taste of Europe, something a whole lot more than a standard beer experience, head to Bluebird Brasserie in Sherman Oaks.
Editor’s Note: Bluebird Brasserie is open from 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. on Sunday-Wednesday, and 12:00pm-2:00am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Photo Credit: Bluebird Brasserie
