Cookin’ on the Coast – Season 13, Episode 11:
Hoyne Por Favor Lager with Gourmet Quesadillas
In Episode #11 of Cookin’ on the Coast Season 13, we’re keeping the vibe light, crisp, and flavourful with a brew from one of BC’s most respected master brewers: the Hoyne Brewing Por Favor Mexican Lager. This beer isn’t just a beverage; it’s a liquid vacation meant to transport you directly to “endless beaches, the shimmering sun, and the best hole-in-the-wall taco bar ever.”
The Por Favor embodies Brewmaster Sean Hoyne’s lifelong dedication to his craft—a dedication that began with mentorship from North American microbrewery pioneer Frank Appleton. From those early days, Sean’s understanding of brewing science matured, fueled by Frank’s wisdom and his own belief that a well-made lager exemplifies the brewer’s craft at its highest level.
After two decades of honing his skills and brewing award-winning beers, Sean, with the encouragement of his wife Chantal, realized his dream: opening Hoyne Brewing Co. in 2011. This brewery was built on a “Values First” approach, a testament to their commitment to quality and community.
This beautiful Mexican-style lager has been expertly crafted with a specific intention:
- Flavour Profile: It delivers a crisp malt backbone, softened by the gentle sweetness of Flaked Corn and Rice, and finished with subtle, herbaceous hops.
- The Finish: The resulting dry and snappy finish ensures it is the ultimate thirst-quenching, highly sessionable beer—perfect for cutting through rich food.
Born out of decades of brewing excellence right here in Victoria, BC, the Por Favor is Hoyne’s promise: to create beer that “looks good in the glass, feels good in the mouth, and lifts the spirit.” It’s the perfect accompaniment to the bold, cheesy flavours of Chef Heidi’s Gourmet Quesadillas.
Head to a Liquor Plus liquor store near you to pickup the Sparkmouth Mocktail Mimosa.
Chef Heidi takes the humble quesadilla and elevates it into a truly gourmet experience with a secret weapon: the Chipotle Honey Sauce. This is not your average quick dinner; it’s a flavour-packed, highly customizable meal where the foundation is a beautiful blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes from the chipotle in adobo, honey, and brown sugar.
The final quesadillas are defined by several key textures and flavors: the crispy, browned tortilla, the rich, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and the smoky heat of the sauce, often combined with savoury fillings like seasoned beef or chicken.
This bold, multi-layered flavour profile demands a pairing that can cool the heat, refresh the palate, and harmonize with the Mexican-inspired spices without being too heavy.
Paired with the Hoyne Por Favor Mexican Lager, the result is a demonstration of perfect culinary synergy:
- Cutting the Heat (Crisp Finish): The smoky heat from the chipotle is the star. The Por Favor provides a dry and snappy finish that acts as the ultimate palate cleanser, immediately neutralizing the spice and refreshing your mouth, making you ready for the next delicious bite.
- Balancing the Richness (Light Body): The dense, melted cheese and any meat fillings require a light touch. Since the Por Favor is a well-made lager, its crisp, clean malt backbone and high carbonation cut through the fat of the cheese and the oil of the tortilla, preventing the dish from feeling heavy.
- Complementary Flavours (Corn Sweetness): The subtle sweetness provided by the Flaked Corn and Rice in the lager harmonizes beautifully with the honey and brown sugar in Chef Heidi’s chipotle sauce. This subtle sweetness enhances the “gourmet” quality of the sauce, creating a smooth transition between the beer and the food.
This pairing is a true celebration of Mexican-inspired cuisine, proving that a clean, expertly crafted lager is the ultimate, refreshing counterpoint to smoke, spice, and cheese.
Grab the recipes below and all the ingredients at your local Country Grocer:
Liquor Plus Sponsors Cookin’ on the Coast
Each week, Liquor Plus sponsors the Pairings segment of Cookin’ on the Coast on CHEK. The show features unique food and drink pairings offered by BC suppliers, with recipes created by Chef Heidi Fink and sponsored by Country Grocer. All of the beverages featured on the program can be found in Liquor Plus stores across Vancouver Island.
