Crying Eagle Brewing Company's Flavor Evolution: Beer-Infused Culinary Mastery
After an extensive tasting of Crying Eagle Brewing Company's revamped menu, it was impossible to eat for 24 hours. Marketing and Special Events Director Krickett Racca hosted a feast of new dishes, from chicken wings and deviled eggs to avocado toast and bread pudding. Previously loyal to their pizzas, this visit opened new culinary horizons.
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Krickett's Instagram-worthy spreads highlighted the Crying Eagle team's commitment to exceptional cuisine. Beyond beer, Crying Eagle embodies beer and culture, tourism, atmosphere, and culinary expertise.
“We elevated our menu to introduce new flavors and techniques for our guests,” co-owner Fran Avery noted while enjoying chicken wings. “Our culinary team incorporates the deep flavors of our beers into every dish.”
Beer infuses every dish at Crying Eagle, from subtle wing sauces to starring in beer cheese, delivering surprising and delightful results. “We use beer in every way possible,” Krickett explained. “It's integral to our soul and menu.” The team matches beer flavor profiles with innovative dishes.
Head Chef Matthew Kaub, a culinary school graduate with extensive Lake Area experience, crafts the menu around inspiration, staff favorites, local roots, Louisiana flavors, and exotic twists. Continuous evolution defines their food and beers.
The new menu features standout entrees and appetizers like gumbo, pistolettes, crawfish etouffee, and the crowd-favorite Eagle Wings. Guests enjoy eight meaty wings with beer-infused sauces, such as Buffalo Beer using Louisiana Lager's citrus tang or Verreaux BBQ from the Cascadian Dark Ale.
The robust gumbo shines with boudin instead of rice. Pistolettes are stuffed with pepper jack and beer cheese, smothered in crawfish etouffee.
The bananas foster bread pudding stands out, drenched in caramelized banana glaze from their Cognac Barrel-Aged Belgian Quad. Their barrel-aging elevates beers with intense cognac notes and banana brightness, perfect paired with the pudding.
Other highlights include loaded fries with beer cheese and pulled pork, the 44 Farms black angus burger, Eagle Eggs (deviled eggs with Sriracha mayo and bacon jam), spinach artichoke dip with generous artichoke chunks, and elevated avocado toast topped with roasted chicken, caramelized onions, bacon, arugula, and avocado ranch.
Thoughtful beer pairings complement every dish, with staff recommendations based on their own preferences. Crying Eagle rivals top national breweries while remaining a Lake Charles gem, powered by passionate experts delivering creative, beer-forward cuisine.
