Show 214, March 11, 2017: Evan Rapport, Founder & COO, Evans Brewing Co., Irvine

Evans BrewingEvans Brewing Co. was formed in 2014 when it absorbed the assets of Bayhawk Ales, Inc., Orange County’s oldest operating microbrewery established in 1994 and then became publicly traded.

The production brewery (with new, enhanced equipment) is still based in an unusual space adjacent to McCormick & Schmick’s in Irvine where Bayhawk Ales was originally founded. The brewing process can be observed through floor-to-ceiling windows from the adjacent Pilsner Room at McCormick & Schmicks’s

The new Director of Brewing, Kevin Hammons, has tweaked all the beer recipes. Year-round styles are Chocolatte (Chocolate Porter), The Krhopen (India Pale Ale), Pollen Nation (Honey Blonde), and Oaklore (Brown Ale).

Last December Evans Brewing Co’ launched The Public House in Fullerton, a full-service restaurant and Tasting Room. A 2nd The Public House is slated for 2017 in Huntington Beach.

The menu of elevated from-scratch pub fare was developed by executive chef, Amanda Platt and features dishes that pair well with the company’s craft ales & lagers. Brunch is served on Weekends from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Selections include the signature Sweet Corn Skillet Hoe Cake, with peppers and onions, applewood smoked bacon and honey butter; Fennel Sausage Flatbread with shaved onions, marinara, shredded mozzarella and grated aged parmesan Reggiano; Fried Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich with arugula, manchego, charred cherry tomatoes and buttermilk ranch on a pretzel bun; and Wild Caught Salmon with a creole sauce. Even the vegetarian option is a thoughtful Grilled Portobello Banh Mi Sandwich served with pickled carrots and daikon, cucumbers, jalapenos, fresh herbs and sriracha aioli.

The COO and Founder of Evans Brewing Co., Evan Rapport, joins us with a cold one.