Proper New Zealand Brewpub Rises on Park Boulevard | Eater San Diego

"Opening today on Park Boulevard in University Heights, I learned Kairoa Brewing Co. brings a slice of New Zealand to the neighborhood with a thoroughly remodeled 1920s building at the corner of Park and Madison that can hold up to 500 guests and includes a new rooftop bar and lounge overlooking the University Heights sign. Named for the founders' hometowns of Kaikoura and Akaroa, the brewpub's design by architect Jason Maune incorporates elements inspired by the New Zealand coastline and countryside and features Maori art. Co-founder Shanan Spearing (who also owns next door’s Red House Pizza) says the menus—led by executive chef Rocio Fleckenstein, an alum of Ballast Point Brewing, The Joint, and True Food Kitchen—will showcase traditional New Zealand dishes rarely seen locally, combining comfort food with lighter seafood fare: seasonal savory pies including a bacon and egg pie, New Zealand mussels, sausage rolls, and a hearty shepherd’s pie made with stewed lamb and Marmite, with vegan versions of many dishes available. Its house beers, brewed by co-founder Joe Peach—who brings almost 20 years of local brewing experience and time at Lightning and Bitter Brothers—will span styles from a San Diego pale ale to German lagers and English-style ales, plus true-to-style New Zealand beers and IPA variations made with imported New Zealand hops." - Candice Woo