Mimosas and Bloody Marys may dominate the brunch-beverage rankings, but MateVeza is aiming to change all that with their line of caffeinated brews, which derive their buzz from yerba mate. With a brew that packs both alcohol and caffeine, it's no wonder they're promoting the concept of "Beerunch," a magical time when drinkers can knock back a couple of brews without returning to bed by 2 pm.
Beerunch will be in full swing this Sunday, and the MateVeza folks have brought a lot of good friends along for the ride, with their rare brews in tow. The event boasts seven beers in total, each paired with a different brunch dish. San Diego-based Ballast Point's beloved Sculpin IPA, which is rarely found on draft in these parts, will be paired with huevos rancheros, while Sierra Nevada and Dogfish Head's second Life & Limb collaboration (also a draft rarity) will go head-to-head with Medjool dates wrapped in Niman Ranch bacon.
Orange County's The Bruery, whose offerings can be tough to find in SF, will contribute an autumn maple ale, which should interact well with the sweet flavors of an al pastor taco with caramelized pineapple. Fairfax-based Iron Springs will offer their Fairfax Coffee Porter on cask, perfect for enjoying alongside some mini churros with Mexican chocolate. Even gypsy brewers Stillwater are getting in on the act, with a Stateside Saison that should match up well with fried baby artichokes. And of course, MateVeza will have their Black Lager, which they'll pair with a Pink Lady apple, walnut, and goat cheese salad.
The event also serves as a launch party for MateVeza's new Morpho Herbal Ale, which was brewed in collaboration with Mill Valley Beerworks, a brewery known for using herbal ingredients. The resulting beer, named for an electric-blue South American butterfly species, boasts sweet hibiscus and lemony bay leaves, as well as the standard yerba mate kick. Thanks to a microloan from Samuel Adams' new Brewing the American Dream Program, the concoction should hit store shelves soon.
Public House and Mijita, the dual restaurants at AT&T Park, are hosting the event. The Giants are out of town for the weekend, but they'll still have a presence; since they're playing the Rockies at 12:10, you'll be able to cheer them on via the big-screen TVs while you taste the beers.
Beerunch will be held on Sunday, September 18th from 11:30 am-2:30 pm at Public House, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, SOMA. Tickets are $49 and can be purchased here.
