Today we were at Brave Brewery, located in Port Moody on brewery row. Here, to see their new food option; a collaboration and the perfect pairing with their line of craft beers. This is Frankies and despite the name and the wrap job on the truck, they do not do hot dogs.
Parked right outside the brewery, this black Foodtruck with yellow lettering is hard to miss.
It is advised that you go in, order your beverage and secure your table, then head to the food truck window to place your order. You order and pay like you would at any other foodtruck, but here you are able to enjoy your meal in the comfort of Brave’s taproom or their covered patio. The latter of which was bumping today, thanks to the hot sun and fresh beats from their in-house owner/DJ.
The brewery’s name is inspired by the actions of the combined owners in their previous work life. First responders, police men, and firemen looking to retire and enjoy a slower pace life with a beer in hand. A beverage that can easily be shared with their community.
This is Brave. And their name depicted and printed on backwards speaks to their desire of wanting each individual to see what is brave to them, like as if it was in their reflection. We would continue to discover how much this theme encompasses and resonates through to the whole brand from tap to glass.
Despite their original career retirement, the men and woman of Brave Brewing continue to give back to their community. Pledging to donate 1% of everything they make back to it. Therefore this is probably the only time you will have law enforcement encouraging you to drink and keep your glass filled.
Upon first blush look, each name given to each beer available on tap seems non-sensical. A fact we learned was far from
that, after requesting two flights to be able to try them all. In reality, each beer is named after a brave person or a brave concept.
Having tried each, I can take the time to describe the concepts that were explained to us, and the flavour profile of each that I tasted, below.
“Masha” is named after a woman who was murdered due to wearing a hijab improperly.
This dry-hopped Saison was launched during International Woman’s Day to commemorate the act that launched a movement for women’s rights. This was a spicy, yet delicate brew.
“Grace Under Pressure” is an easy and smooth drinking lager that has proceeds going to fund mental health care for first responders.
“Hold the Line” kolsch is a little briny and more tangy to end on.
The “Bare Knuckles” is a dark lager with a hint of spice.
The “Bold and Beautiful” Hefeweizen is not as strong as the other beers before it. Tart, tangy, and bright.
The “First Date” hazy IPA had a nice funk on the nose with a bitter finish.
The “One the Chin” West coast IPA had plenty of tannis and triggered memories of bitter melon, that initially made me wince from childhood memories.
And the “Stiff Upper Lip” was described as a sour with the flavour of grapefruit. Although it reminded me more of a radler and therefore I did like it, as I am not a fan of sours.
And now for the food. The name Frankie actually refers to the roti wraps that they sell, as this is what they call them in Mumbai. And the Frankie truck serves Indian fusion eats that well match the beers above. They do not claim to prepare traditional or authentic Indian cuisine, but a great modern take that is approachable and appealing to the diverse palates of Vancouverites.
They are hard parked outside of Brave Brewing Co. from Wednesday to Sunday, 12-8pm and open until 9pm on Saturdays and Sundays. And when they are not here you can hire them for your next catering need.
The owner also runs Indian Pantry, known for their commercial Indian products that are used by other restaurants as well. A few of the mixes and sauces here are pulled from that line as well.
For the Frankies you choose your protein between grilled chicken tikka, lamb kebab, the vegan fried cauliflower, and the Kula Kitchen vegan curried goat. Each option is wrapped in a grilled tortilla alongside shredded cabbage, pickled turnips and onion, crispy piri piri fries, mint chutney, and a garlic sauce. Jammed packed with so much, each is incredibly hearty and a great flavourful acidic pairing to the more mellow beers above. A medley of tastes and textures that makes each bite different.
And if you are looking for something gluten free, you can ask for any to be made in a bowl, ditching the actual wrap. Also worth mentioning is that traditional Frankies are mostly full of carbs like rice and potato. However in order to make each more healthy, and taking into consideration the beer pairings, they have added more greens and vegetables into each removing chunk potato and seasoned rice. This also makes it less heavy, considering beer does that already.
We ordered the lamb kebab, which reminded me of a shawarma in its sliced meat. Zesty and hearty with a great spice balanced out by the refreshing minty-ness of the chutney.
We also tried the grilled chicken tikka. Both it and the lamb were similar considering both have all the same accompanying filling, and that you got more of them than the featured protein. I would still go with the lamb as the least common and the most flavourful.
Not listed on the menu, but available if you ask, is the fried chicken Frankie. Same as above, but more crunch off of their secret menu.
This is the same fried chicken available in their Indo-Szechuan chicken sandwich. The same twice fried chicken breast tossed in a sweet and spicy Szechuan sauce, topped with a cabbage slaw, and pickled onions; all between a Martin’s potato roll. You can taste the quality of the chicken in both the burger and the wrap, but more so in the former as it is left whole and meaty.
The Lamb smash burger featured a smash lamb patty, cabbage slaw, mint chutney, a slice of Kraft Singles cheese, a lemon vinaigrette, chat masala, and pickled onions; between another Martin’s potato roll.
As for sides you can get their piri piri seasoned fries out of the wrap to enjoy as is. Although as tasty as they are, it is more fun to dipped them into their sauces.
The same sauces that make an appearance in the wraps and sandwiches above, but to really appreciate each, it is best to taste them as is on the side. Garlic sauce, mint chutney, Szechuan mayo, and the House fermented jalapeño hot sauce. The latter was my favourite, very unique with its zing. You can also order a side of the pickled turnips and onions, which serve as a great palate cleanser in between heavier bites and before a gulp of beer.
For a more festive side of fries look to their Butter chicken poutine prepared with Golden Ears Cheese Crafter’s cheese curds, Urban Tadka butter sauce, and mint chutney. A medium thick curry full of layered spice, a prefect coating for the stringy melted cheese and crisp fries.
Although a poutine is just gravy and cheese over fries, you can have it lean more towards butter chicken side, by asking for another one of the secret menu items. For this you actually add chicken to the poutine. The same grill chicken tiki found in the Frankie above.
Similarly, if you want the cauliflower out of the wrap and to have it as a side, you can also order their fried cauliflower as is. It was not as crispy as is, as I would have liked, but I did appreciate that each floret had a harmonious sweetness to it.
In short, the combination and possibilities are endless with this collaboration. Enjoy beers with a cause with a food menu that is unlike any other, at any other brewery. So be Brave and come down for a Frankie.
Brave Brewing Co.
2617 Murray St, Port Moody, BC V3H 1X1
604-492-4905
brave.beer
