The perfect match beer & fries: Makikihi Fries and Wigram Brewing Co
Beer and fries: a classic pairing that offers a delicious contrast of flavours and textures, and a favourite treat for peckish punters.
So you could say that Makikihi Fries and Wigram Brewing Company neighbouring each other is a match made in culinary heaven. Wigram’s Hangar 57 Fillery and Taproom, which has been in production since 2002, has become a destination for beer enthusiasts looking for a craft brew.
When asked what sets Wigram Brewing Company apart from other craft beer brands, co-founder Caroline McGurk says the secret is simple. “We love beer,” she enthuses. “We’ve kept it simple through our 22 years, sticking to what we know and experimenting with flavours as trends dictate.”
Everchanging beer trends mean a diverse range is available to suit all palates. “Our Captain Fantastic Hazy NEIPA is still really popular, and IPAs, pilsners and lagers are always a staple with beer drinkers. We have a Red Ale about to be released soon,” she says.
Partnering with brands that focus on keeping to tradition is essential to the brewery ethos, so it seemed like divine intervention when a hot-chip company landed next door to their Wigram premises.
“We teamed up with Makikihi Fries as soon as they moved in. We couldn’t believe our luck… and now we have solid fries to complement our solid beers,” Caroline laughs.
Makikihi Fries are committed to honouring their roots and have not wavered from the original recipe, developed in 1983 by founder Jac Bleeker.
These days, it is Jac’s grandson Simon carrying the family legacy of ‘keeping things simple’ by using minimal, high quality ingredients.
According to customer services manager Hayley Crothers, staying true to the company’s heritage is why a Makikihi chip tastes better than the competition. “We are the only fries that are par fried in beef tallow,” Hayley says. “It is how we have always done it. Nowadays, a lot of companies use seed oils but we have stuck to the old-school favourite.”
The company believes the beef tallow brings out the rich flavour of the potatoes, making for a better eating experience. Honouring tradition extends to finding the perfect spud and relies on four South Canterbury growers to produce top quality Agria potatoes.
From paddock to plate; customers have the opportunity to experience the perfect crunch, and can purchase Makikihi Fries through most major supermarkets across New Zealand, or from the Christchurch factory shop at 57 Sonter Road, Wigram.
makikihifries.co.nz | wigrambrewing.co.nz
