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Seven Hens Hatches New Craft Beer Pairings

DECATUR, Ga. (April 22, 2013) — Seven Hens, Atlanta’s only restaurant dedicated to the art of chicken schnitzel, recently obtained its beer license.  Owner Michael Gurevich is proud to introduce a beer-pairing menu that matches local, craft beers with Seven Hens’ international schnitzel menu. Gurevich enlisted the assistance of local beer expert and blogger Ale Sharpton – whose blog, “Cruisin’ for a Brewsin’”, was nominated in 2012 as Drink Blog of the Year by SAVEUR magazine – to ensure that the selected beers complement the globally inspired flavors of the of the restaurant’s seven signature schnitzel sandwiches.

Being that Seven Hens uses only all-natural Georgia local chicken for their signature schnitzel, Gurevich and Sharpton focused primarily on local breweries. Two beers from Wild Heaven Craft Beers located in Decatur, GA are featured on the list. Red Hare Brewing Company in Marietta and Terrapin Beer Company in Athens also made the list. Another Southern brewery, Westbrook Brewing Company in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina and a Wisconsin brewery, Leinenkugel Brewery, complete the selections.

Gurevich explains, “Schnitzel and beer are a perfect pairing. With the craft beer movement growing so rapidly and Georgia’s micro-brew options increasing, I felt this was a great way to enhance the schnitzel experience for my guests.”

While the flavors of the schnitzel span the globe from “The American” featuring Cajun-style seasoning, BBQ sauce and classic American coleslaw to “The Chinese” featuring traditional panko, Chinese mayo and teriyaki glaze, the beers were selected by style not country. “It would have been too easy to pair each schnitzel with a beer from the same country, so we challenged ourselves to find local beers that complement the flavors of each schnitzel creation,” said Gurevich.

Sharpton suggests the following pairings: Ode to Mercy, Imperial Brown Ale from Wild Heaven Craft Beers with “The American”; Hopsecutioner India Pale Ale from Terrapin Beer Company with “The Mexican”; Sunset Wheat Belgian-style Witbier from Leinenkugel Brewery with “The French”; Long Day Lager Bohemian-style pilsner from Red Hare Brewing Company with “The Italian”; Terrapin Rye Pale Ale from Terrapin Beer Company with “The Chinese”; White Thai which is a twist on the classic Belgian Witbier style from Westbrook Brewing Company with “The Indian”; and Invocation Belgian-style Golden Ale from Wild Heaven Craft Beers with “The German.” As with anything else, taste is subjective and both Gurevich and Sharpton encourage guests to find their own favorite pairing. As a tribute to the celebrated tradition of great American breweries, Pabst Blue Ribbon – an American icon – is on the list as a familiar option that pairs well with any of the signature schnitzels.

Checkout the full beer menu here »