Tantalise your taste buds and elevate your seasonal dining experience with our updated EPIC menu. Whether you're planning a romantic evening or a night out with friends, EPIC has you covered. Our article will uncover the finest pairings for the wide array of options we offer, to suit every palate and occasion. Embark on a culinary journey and discover expert insights on selecting the ideal wine or cocktail to complement your meal, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or an ardent cocktail enthusiast, EPIC Food & Drink offers something for everyone. Join us as we explore and discover the perfect pairings that will transform our favourite fall and winter dishes into a symphony of taste and delight.
What Makes A Good Restaurant Menu
When it comes to dining out, the menu is one of the most important aspects of the restaurant experience. A well-crafted menu can make or break a restaurant's reputation, and it's important to get it right. Here are some key factors that we considered when creating our restaurant menu:
Variety
A good menu should offer a variety of options to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions - and this is at the core of EPIC’s values. This is why we offer 5 distinct and complementary cuisines: French, Italian, Asian-fusion, Tapas, and Plant-forward. We include vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options so there is something tasty for everyone.
Clear Descriptions
A good menu should have clear and concise descriptions of each dish. This helps diners understand what they're ordering and what to expect. It's also helpful to include information about the origin of ingredients or cooking techniques used.
Pricing
Pricing is always a consideration for diners, and a good menu should offer a range of prices to suit different budgets. It's important that prices are fair and consistent with the quality of the food and the overall dining experience.
Overall, a good restaurant menu should offer a variety of options, have clear descriptions, and fair pricing. By considering these factors, restaurants can create menus that appeal to a wide range of diners and help build a loyal customer base.
Why Change The Menu Depending On The Season
As culinary experts, we understand the importance of changing menus with the seasons. It's not just about creating variety for our customers, but also about utilising the freshest and most flavorful ingredients available during that time of year.
In the fall and winter, we see an abundance of hearty root vegetables, squashes, and dark leafy greens. These ingredients are perfect for creating warm and comforting dishes that are perfect for the colder months. Not only do these ingredients taste amazing, but they are also packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for our health during the winter months.
On the other hand, during the spring and summer months, we see an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables that are perfect for creating light and refreshing dishes. These ingredients are perfect for salads, smoothies, and other dishes that are perfect for the warmer weather.
By changing our menu with the seasons, we are not only providing our customers with delicious and nutritious meals, but we are also supporting local farmers and businesses. We believe that utilising locally sourced ingredients is not only good for the environment, but it also helps to support our local economy.
In conclusion, changing our menu with the seasons allows us to provide our customers with the freshest and most flavorful ingredients available while also supporting our local community.
What Makes Food And Drinks Pairing Special
Pairing food and drinks is an art that has been practised for centuries. It involves the careful selection of food and drinks that complement each other, enhancing the overall dining experience. The right pairing can elevate a dish from good to great and can make a simple meal feel like a gourmet experience.
One of the main reasons why food and drinks pairing is special is that it enhances the flavours of both the food and the drink. The right pairing can bring out the subtle flavours of the food and can highlight the unique characteristics of the drink. For example, a full-bodied red wine can complement a rich, meaty dish, while a crisp white wine can pair perfectly with a light, fresh salad.
Another reason why food and drinks pairing is special is that it can create a harmonious balance between the flavours and textures of the food and drink. This balance can make the meal more enjoyable and satisfying. For instance, the fresh tomato and basil flavours of bruschetta would go well with a crisp and herbaceous gin cocktail. The vibrant, herbaceous elements in both the bruschetta and the cocktail fuse together, resulting in a delightful medley of fresh, tangy flavours and aromatic sophistication.
Lastly, food and drinks pairing is special because it can be a fun and educational experience. It allows us to explore new flavours and combinations and to learn more about the different types of food and drinks. By experimenting with different pairings, we can discover new favourites and expand our culinary horizons.
Overall, food and drinks pairing is a special art that can enhance the dining experience in many ways. It allows us to explore new flavours, create harmonious balances, and elevate simple meals to gourmet experiences.
Best Sellers Items That Are Staying
At EPIC, we are always looking to bring you new and exciting flavours to enjoy. However, we understand that some items have become customer favourites and we are happy to announce that they will be staying on our menu throughout the fall and winter seasons.
Carne by Chef Peter Keith
One of our most popular items is the Prawns Flambé. Indulge in a luxurious treat with our Pacific king prawns, kissed by the flames of sambuca-infused butter, delicately sprinkled with fine herbs, and served alongside perfectly toasted bread. This dish is a sensational symphony of flavours that will tantalise your taste buds, especially when paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Harvest by Chef Oliver Butterworth
Our Caramelized Onion Tahini Labneh is a culinary masterpiece. Delight in the creamy richness of herbed yoghurt combined with the sweetness of caramelised onions, the tang of pickled shallots and grapes, the crunch of pine nuts, and the drizzle of balsamic glaze. Served with house-made focaccia, this dish offers a harmony of flavours and textures that will leave your palate enchanted and would pair perfectly with a Rosé wine.
Maneki by Chef Winnie Chen
Savour the exquisite taste of our Honey Butter Fries. They're perfectly fried and drizzled with a delightful combination of brown butter and amber honey for a sweet and savoury treat. A touch of truffle oil and chilli flakes adds depth, while fresh parsley brings a burst of herbal freshness. A harmonious blend of flavours that's simply irresistible. Great pairing to a cold glass of Pilsner or Kolsch.
Osteria by Chef Lindsay Porter
Maybe the most popular item on our menu, experience a burst of Italian flavours with our Mushroom Arancinis. Crafted from Arborio rice, these delectable orbs are generously stuffed with a medley of wild mushrooms and porcini, creating a rich, earthy base. A drizzle of truffle oil adds a touch of decadence, while the creamy Fontina and Parmesan cheeses infuse each bite with irresistible creaminess. Surprisingly, a hint of apple brightens the dish with a subtle sweetness, making these arancinis a delicious blend of textures and tastes that will leave your palate delighted. A match made in heaven for a Chianti.
Petite by Chef Alex Edmonson
Delight in the classic simplicity of our Steak Frites. A succulent 6 oz steak, cooked to perfection, is served with a luscious peppercorn sauce that enhances its natural flavours. Accompanying this masterpiece are perfectly crispy and seasoned fries, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite. Fresh parsley crowns the dish, offering a touch of herbal brightness to this timeless favourite. Pair with an Old Fashioned for extra class(ic).
EPIC Bar
Our Las Brujas Margarita is a spirited concoction that awakens the senses with its bold, spicy, and warm character. Crafted with Nodo Blanco, Ancho Verde, and pineapple and jalapeno-infused agave nectar, this margarita is a tantalising flavour explosion. The zesty brightness of fresh lime adds the perfect citrusy balance to this exhilarating blend, making it a fiery and unforgettable experience for those who dare to sip. Would pair nicely with another of our best-sellers, Carne’s Prawns Flambé.
We are excited to continue serving these customer favourites and hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
New Dishes And Cocktails On The Menu
We are excited to announce our updated fall and winter menu at EPIC! Our chefs have been hard at work creating delicious dishes that pair perfectly with our signature cocktails.
Carne by Chef Peter Keith
Inspired by the Dutch-style croquettes with hot mustard that Chef Peter Keith's Grandma used to make, our Pork Croquettes are a nostalgic journey through flavours. Beginning with pork shoulder braised in apple juice and cider vinegar, the meat is lovingly pressed, breaded, and fried to a golden perfection. Each croquette is then generously drizzled with a dill and peppercorn honey Dijon sauce, offering a delicious blend of tangy and sweet notes. Complementing this dish are Meuwly’s Bread & Butter Pickles, providing a refreshing, zesty contrast. It's a culinary masterpiece, combining tradition and innovation, promising a delightful dance of textures and tastes on your palate. Would pair well with a cold pint of Stella Artois.
Harvest by Chef Oliver Butterworth
Savour the vibrant and aromatic flavours of our Vegan Thai Curry, a masterpiece of plant-based cuisine. This dish is a harmonious fusion of assorted fresh vegetables, red Thai curry paste, and rich coconut milk. Drizzled with a delicate touch of sesame oil and tamari, it delivers a symphony of savoury, sweet, and spicy notes. Served over a bed of fragrant rice, this curry is a delightful journey for your taste buds, offering a balance of textures and a medley of authentic Thai flavours. Pairs great with our Ginger Fizz mocktail.
Maneki by Chef Winnie Chen
Tantalise your taste buds with our Winged Gyozas, a delightful twist on the classic dumpling. Filled with succulent chicken and expertly seared to golden perfection, these gyozas are kissed with aromatic sesame oil, imparting a nutty essence. Served with our house-made yuzu ponzu sauce, each bite is a harmonious blend of savoury and citrusy flavours, offering a delectable dance for your palate, with the added bonus of a satisfyingly crunchy component from the ‘wings’. Would pair nicely with a citrusy IPA.
Osteria by Chef Lindsay Porter
Indulge in a classic Caesar Salad with a twist. Our crisp Romaine lettuce is adorned with a delightful crunch from crispy bread crumbs and savoury charcuterie bits, adding layers of texture and umami. Drizzled generously with our house-made anchovy Caesar dressing and a hint of zesty lemon, each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, salty, and tangy, making this salad a satisfying and refreshing culinary experience. A glass of crisp white wine would be a good pairing to this dish.
Petite by Chef Alex Edmonson
Prepare to savour the scrumptious simplicity of our Petite Smash Burger. Featuring a perfectly seared 6 oz ground chuck patty, this burger is the epitome of flavour and juiciness. It's crowned with the luscious melt of gruyere cheese and crisp lettuce, creating a harmonious blend of textures. A rich and indulgent bone marrow smash burger sauce adds a layer of umami depth, while a delicate onion croquette adds a delightful crunch. All this is nestled within a soft and golden brioche bun, resulting in a burger that's both comforting and gourmet, promising an unforgettable journey for your taste buds. Add a cold pint of Amber ale for a delicious pairing.
EPIC Bar
Elevate your taste experience with our Ginger Pear Mezcalita, a cocktail that masterfully combines smoky, savoury, and refreshing elements. Crafted with El Occidental mezcal, this libation exudes a captivating allure. The addition of triple sec and lime juice infuses it with zesty brightness, while the harmonious blend of ginger honey and pear and cinnamon syrups offers a tantalising medley of flavours. Each sip is a journey through layers of smokiness, citrusy tang, and sweet warmth, creating a cocktail that's as intriguing as it is refreshing. A fun pairing to bright salads.
On the sweeter side of the cocktail spectrum, experience the Orxata, a cocktail that envelops you in warmth. Crafted with spiced rum and our house-made horchata mix, this libation delivers a comforting embrace of flavours. The spiced notes of the rum intertwine with the creamy richness of the horchata, creating a delightful blend that is as sweet as it is satisfying. Each sip is a soothing journey through a world of spiced, warm, and comforting sensations, making this cocktail a true indulgence for your taste buds and a great drink for desserts.
Come visit us at EPIC to try our new fall and winter menu!
Epic Pairings
When it comes to pairing food and drinks, the possibilities are endless. Our EPIC Fall and Winter Pairing Guide has curated a list of the best pairings to complement your favourite seasonal dishes.
Carne by Chef Peter Keith
Our tapas-inspired menu offers a diverse range of flavours, and the right drink pairings can enhance the experience. Here are some drink pairing suggestions:
Wines
Sparkling wine: Prosecco, Cava, or Champagne are ideal for toasting and pairs well with seafood dishes like Prawns Flambé.
Rioja: these wines from Northern Spain are excellent choices to pair with meats and cheese, due to the Tempranillo versatility and ability to express the region's terroir, offering a range of flavours from cherry and plum to tobacco and leather.
Black Sage Pipe: Black Sage Pipe is a rich and opulent red wine, a play on a port or sherry, which can pair wonderfully with olives, almonds, and cured meats.
Cocktails
Sangria: A classic choice, red or white sangria - like our Pick of the Patch - with its fruity and refreshing profile complements a wide variety of tapas.
Gin-based cocktails: due to their herbaceous quality, our gin-based cocktails - Peddlers Old Fashioned and Mardi Gras Sour - are trendy and refreshing choices to pair with small plates.
Beers
IPA (India Pale Ale): The hoppy bitterness and citrusy notes of an IPA can cut through the richness of fried tapas like the pork croquettes.
Amber Ale: An amber ale's maltiness and mild hop character make it a versatile choice that pairs well with many tapas, from cheese platters to croquetas.
Non-alcoholic
Virgin Sangria: A non-alcoholic version of sangria made with fruit juices and sparkling water, providing a fruity and refreshing pairing for a wide range of small plates.
Lemonade: Classic lemonade, whether sweet or tart, pairs well with many tapas, offering a touch of citrusy brightness.
Ginger Beer: The spiciness and warmth of ginger beer can complement tapas with bold and savoury flavours.
Harvest by Chef Oliver Butterworth
Wines
Sauvignon Blanc: A crisp and zesty Sauvignon Blanc can complement lighter plant-based dishes, such as salads and dishes with citrusy elements.
Pinot Grigio: A clean and light Pinot Grigio works nicely with simple and fresh plant-based dishes like crispy Brussels sprouts.
Rosé: A dry or semi-sweet rosé can complement a range of plant-based dishes, especially those with Middle Eastern flavours like our caramelised onion tahini labneh.
Cocktails
Sangria: A red or white Sangria with a mix of fruit, wine, and a touch of sweetness can enhance the flavours of plant-based dishes.
Shrub cocktails: Shrub cocktails - like our sugar plum fairy -, which feature a mixture of fruit, vinegar, and sweetener, offer a complex and flavorful profile that can enhance the diverse flavours of plant-based dishes.
Moscow Mule: A Moscow Mule, made with vodka, ginger beer, and lime, adds a zesty and spicy note to plant-based Asian-inspired dishes.
Beers
Pilsner & Kölsch: with its crisp and light character, a pilsner or kölsch complements plant-based appetisers and lighter dishes.
Sour Beer: The tartness of sour beers can provide a unique contrast and freshness to plant-based dishes with acidity, such as salads, pickled vegetables, or dishes with citrus elements.
Non-alcoholic
Lemonade: Classic lemonade adds a tangy and citrusy element to salads and light plant-based dishes.
Shrub mocktails: Shrub mocktails - like our plump plum - offer a complex and flavorful profile that can enhance the diverse flavours of plant-based dishes.
Maneki by Chef Winnie Chen
Wines
Sparkling Wine: The effervescence of champagne or sparkling wine can cleanse the palate and be a great match for appetisers and dishes with a variety of flavours.
Pinot Grigio: The subtle flavours of Pinot Gris/Grigio make it a versatile choice, suitable for a variety of Asian dishes, including lighter stir-fries.
Tempranillo/Rioja: This Spanish red wine works well with dishes with savoury, earthy flavours, as well as Chinese cuisine.
Cocktails
Sour: these cocktails can pair well with certain Asian cuisine, particularly dishes that are tangy, spicy, or feature elements of acidity. The tartness in sour cocktails - like our Cross Pacific and Mardi Gras Sours - can complement and balance the flavours in the food.
Old Fashioned: The rich, smoky, and slightly sweet notes of an Old Fashioned can pair nicely with bold and savoury Asian dishes, such as our chicken teriyaki skewers.
Beers
Lager or Pilsner: Crisp and clean lagers or pilsners are versatile choices and pair well with a variety of Asian dishes. Their mild flavours can complement the subtlety of the food.
IPA (India Pale Ale): IPAs with their hoppy and citrusy notes can balance the heat and spice of dishes, particularly when enjoying spicier fare.
Non-alcoholic
Green Tea: Classic green tea is a versatile choice that pairs well with a wide range of Asian cuisine, providing a refreshing and slightly grassy note.
Ginger Ale: The spiciness and warmth of ginger ale can pair nicely with dishes featuring ginger or chilli, such as Chinese stir-fries.
Osteria by Chef Lindsay Porter
Wines
Prosecco: The bubbly and fresh nature of Prosecco is a popular choice for pairing with Italian appetisers.
Chianti: Chianti, a medium-bodied red wine from Tuscany, pairs well with classic Italian dishes like pasta with tomato-based sauces.
Barolo: Barolo, a full-bodied red wine made from Nebbiolo grapes, is a great match for rich and hearty Italian dishes, such as our mushroom arancini.
Cocktails
Martini: A classic Martini with gin or vodka, accompanied by an olive or lemon twist, can complement Italian dishes
Negroni: A classic Negroni, with its bittersweet and herbal notes, pairs well with Italian antipasti, risotto, and dishes with tomato-based sauces..
Beers
Lager: Crisp and clean lagers, such as Pilsner or Helles, are versatile choices that pair well with a variety of Italian dishes, from pizza to pasta.
Amber Ale: Amber ales offer a balance of maltiness and hoppy notes, making them suitable for a wide range of Italian dishes, from pizza to risotto.
Kölsch: A crisp and light Kölsch pairs well with a variety of Italian dishes, from appetisers to main courses.
Non-alcoholic
Iced Tea: traditional black iced tea can be a great match for Italian dishes, providing a refreshing and slightly sweet contrast.
Non-Alcoholic Spritz: You can create a non-alcoholic version of the classic Aperol Spritz by combining non-alcoholic Aperitif, soda water, and a slice of orange.
Petite by Chef Alex Edmonson
Wines
Sparkling Wine: Champagne and sparkling wines, with their effervescence and acidity, are a celebratory wine that pairs well with French desserts.
Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc wines pair excellently with French dishes featuring goat cheese, like our tomato galette.
Bordeaux: Bordeaux-style wines, a mix of merlot and cabernet sauvignon, are versatile and pair well with a variety of French dishes, especially meaty ones like our burger or steak frites.
Cocktails
Sangria: a sangria - like our Pick of the Patch - can add a refreshing and fruity element to your dining experience.
Cognac: Sipping a glass of Cognac, a French brandy, is a luxurious option that goes hand in hand with rich French desserts like Crème Caramel.
Beers
Pilsner: A classic and crisp pilsner works well with a variety of French dishes, offering a refreshing contrast to those with fresh ingredients and light sauces.
Amber Ale: Amber ales offer a balance of maltiness and hoppy notes, making them suitable for a wide range of French dishes.
Non-alcoholic
Shrub mocktail: The sweet and tangy nature of shrub mocktails - like our Plump Plum - can offer a delightful contrast to various French dishes.
Ginger Beer: The spiciness and warmth of ginger beer can complement dishes with bold and savoury flavours, like our Parisienne gnocchis.
At EPIC, we're confident that these epic pairings will take your seasonal dining experience to the next level.
In conclusion, EPIC's Fall and Winter Pairing Guide is a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to elevate their dining experience this season. We have provided a variety of pairing options for different palates and occasions, from hearty red wines to crisp white wines and refreshing cocktails.
We hope that this guide has inspired you to try new flavour combinations and explore the world of food and drink pairings. Remember, the key to a successful pairing is balance and harmony between the flavours of the food and the drink.
Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own unique pairings that suit your personal taste preferences. Whether you're dining out at EPIC, hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, this guide has got you covered.
Cheers to a season filled with delicious food and drink pairings!