Victory Brewing’s White Monkey and Verdad’s Shrimp-Scallop Trio

There’s nothing subtle about either of these gems. Chef Nick Farina’s shrimp in scallop purée offers bold flavor punched up by agave nectar, and Victory Brewing Company drops a heavy hitter in white-wine-barrel-aged White Monkey.

The Sip

Victory Brewing Company’s White Monkey recasts its iconic Golden Monkey Belgian-style tripel into a smooth, sophisticated ale. Matured for three months in Wente Vineyards’ American oak, white-wine barrels, this corked, high-octane brew is an easy-sipper—but, at 9.5 percent ABV, we advise caution. $10. 420 Acorn Lane, Downingtown, (610) 873-0881, victorybeer.com.

The Bite

For one of the area’s more unique seafood hybrids, Verdad Restaurant and Tequila Bar chef Nick Farina tucks a high-quality shrimp into scallop puree, vacuum sealing the combo to fuse overnight. Upon order, a trio of shrimp-scallops is seared golden brown and set on a plate accented with Brussels-sprout leaves, micro-cilantro and a drizzle of agave nectar. $17. 818 W. Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, (610) 520-9100, verdadrestaurant.com. 

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