Ramen and beer at Hemingway’s; the perfect combination

Business Feature

Jamie Jansen

Journalist

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Ramen and beer is always a winning combo! Image: Jamie Jansen


Who doesn’t love ramen and a nice cold pint? That’s exactly what they thought at Hemingway’s Port Douglas. Their first Ramen Night took place last week and will be returning every Friday.

Being a slower time of the year for the hospitality industry in Port Douglas, venue manager Chris Barber liked to jump outside of the box to come up with something different.

“We asked our staff for some interesting ideas. Not only to boost revenue but also to keep our customers engaged throughout these uncertain times,” he said.

“One of our chefs, Milko van Oerle, has a background in Ramen so we thought why not have a Ramen night here at Hemingway’s.”

The vegan ramen was exceptional. Image: Jamie Jansen

According to Mr van Oerle a hot broth bowl with ramen and beer on the side is the perfect combination for this weather. “Especially with a lighter beer like our pale ale or tropical ale”, he said.

Mr van Oerle began his culinary career in the Netherlands with a qualification as Chef in French Cuisine and working as Head Chef before starting his travels.

“Over the last five years I have been travelling around Australia, Asia and New Zealand,” he said. “I developed a strong affinity with the Asian kitchen and the creation of distinctive flavours and cooking techniques, specifically within the Japanese cuisine.”

He expanded his knowledge of Japanese cuisine while working at a ramen shop in New Zealand and experimented with combining French cooking techniques into Japanese dishes.

Dutch chef Milko van Oerle has a background in Ramen. Image: Jamie Jansen

“When I came back to Australia I really missed the Asian cooking. That’s why I am excited to combine the craft beers from Hemingway’s with the distinct flavours of Japanese ramen.

Hemingway’s offers two delicious options; Pork and Vegetarian - which can also be prepared vegan.

Newsport’s Jamie Jansen tried out the vegan option and was happily surprised. The bowl consisted of a mix of appetizing Enoki mushrooms, edamame beans, corn and deep fried sweet potato.

Mr van Oerle was happy with how the first ramen night went. “The turnout was great and the responses were amazing. “If the numbers pump up we might do a night with just a ramen menu.

“In the future I would also like to mix French cuisine with Japanese cuisine. We will also expand the ramen options with seafood, beef or even duck.”

If this sounds appetizing to you, Hemingway’s Port Douglas serves up their ramen bowls for $18. There is a limited supply every Friday night so it’s first in best dressed. More info can be found on the Hemingway's website.

Victoria Vaira and Josh Lacey enjoying a bowl of pork ramen. Image: Jamie Jansen

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