News

Asian Box serving gluten-free beer, wine, hard cider

August 28, 2013

Asian Box announced today the launch of a new beverage program, heavily focused on naturally gluten-free hard ciders. Asian Box, which will test the program in its Mountain View, Calif., unit, expects the new beverage options to appeal to adults looking for a new option to pair with the customizable menu, while maintaining the completely gluten-free environment at the restaurant, said CEO Frank Klein. Beer and wine will complement the cider program.

"Hard ciders pair well with our food. We have selected several that vary in flavors from on the fruity side to more earthy and textured," Klein said. "We will work with larger producers but also local purveyors as we expand to ensure we maintain our commitment to local businesses."

Cider selections at Mountain View will include local, Sunnyvale Red Branch Hard Apple Cider on draft in a "shorty" or "tall" size ($4.95 and $7.95), and the Spire Mountain Pear Cider from Washington State, which is available by the bottle and won a gold medal from the North American Brewers Association. Bottled beer options come in three varieties and range from crisp, light brews to fuller-bodied ales. The staff tasted more than a dozen offerings to select New Grist Pilsner, New Planet Blonde Ale and the New Planet Amber Ale.

Executive Chef Grace Nguyen, formerly of Charles Phan's Slanted Door and Out The Door, and Culinary Director Chad Newton selected wines to offer that pair with even the spicier elements on the menu. Asian Box in Mountain View will launch with Cannonball Sauvignon Blanc and an assortment of Rhone blends on the red side. A limited three-bottle-reserve list will offer cult boutique wines like the 2010 Dehlinger Chardonnay.

Palo Alto, Calif.-based Asian Box will continue to expand throughout California and beyond with a third location opening in San Francisco early this fall and more locations planned outside of the Bay Area in late 2013, and early 2014.

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