Oktoberfest is a well-known German tradition that has expanded to the entire world.
Now, a brewery from Caguas called FOK Brewing Co. has taken up the task to create a unique event with aims to become the go-to spot in Puerto Rico to celebrate their own version of the worldwide recognized tradition FOKtoberfest.
Roam Puerto Rico spoke with Maria del Mar Ortiz, FOKtoberfest’s coordinator and FOK’s marketing director, to learn about how the event came to life, FOK’s new signature beers and future events that will take place at the brewery.
How did the idea for FOKtoberfest come to life?
The first event of a similar style occurred three years ago at the Four Points by Sheraton in Caguas using the same name. There were various food stations, live music, and of course, FOK beer — the event was a total success back then.
As of May 2021, FOK Brewing separated its beer production process from the entertainment, food, and experience component of the brewery, which will now be left in charge of Angel Serrano, Emanuel Ocasio, and Maria del Mar.
Angel Serrano, a previous executive chef at the Four Points, reminisced about FOK’s first event of a similar style that occurred three years ago under the same name. In that event there were various food stations, live music, and of course, FOK beer — the event was a total success back then.
That memory led Angel to suggest doing FOKtoberfest once again this fall.
Since we’re still in a pandemic, how was the decision made to move forward with the event?
“After opening at 50% capacity, we came to the conclusion that the facilities at FOK Brewing will allow us to have a successful event — basically we want to make a statement given this is the first gastronomic event in Puerto Rico post-pandemic.”, Maria del Mar told Roam Puerto Rico.
Being an open air space, allows us to give our customers a much more intimate, and safer experience.
We will be requiring guests to show their vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 test result. Plus, the use of masks will always be enforced whether that is going to the bathroom, ordering a beer, or leaving and entering the brewery.
FOKtoberfest will feature over 10 locally recognized chefs, could you let us know about the selection process along with the type of food that will be present at the event?
They were chosen based on their talent, friendship, and culinary trajectory within the industry, which demonstrates the caliber of each one.
“The idea was to have all these industry friends come together who for years have seen each other, attended the same events, and bring them to our home, make them part of our home, which is the brewery.”, Maria del Mar added.
In terms of food, we will be offering ‘asopao’ around 11 to 11:30pm made directly in our kitchen. We don’t want our guests to leave with an empty stomach.
Besides that, we didn’t tell the chefs what food to cook. They personally chose what they will be making. But, all of the chefs will use FOK beer for their sauces and recipes.
Even though I don’t fully remember all the details of the food that we will have at the event, I do remember a few such as dumplings stuffed with pork and longaniza and ‘mampostea’o’ croquettes with skirt steak made by Chef Yashira Salicrup.
In addition, there will be two ice cream creations, one of them made by Chef Miguel Campis which is a coconut flavor with beer caramel; the other ice cream will have bacon bites and a beer sauce poured over.
Furthermore, we will also be providing vegetarian, and flexi-vegan dishes. There will be food for every kind of diet, except gluten-free.
I think it is also important to mention that FOK Brewing facilities are accessible to anyone with a physical disability and/or requires a wheelchair for mobility.
Given the family environment, will kids and pets be allowed to go?
Yes, we will allow pets to go. As for kids, only those ages 12 and up will be able to attend.
FOK Brewing will launch three new beers on the day of the event: Kölsh, IPA, and Blonde. Were these beers supposed to launch on the same day of the event?
“It was the perfect timing to be honest. We wanted to have a beer for the brewery. I’ve been 8 years with FOK Brewing and after knowing what our customers’ palettes were like, we realized the need for more fruity beer. So I spoke with Angel and Emanuel about having a signature beer. The perfect excuse was to launch one during FOKtoberfest. Initially, it was supposed to be one beer, but we ended up with three”, Maria del Mar remembered.
The names of the beers are: ‘Guayabinga’, ‘Acerolita’, ‘Mangonera’
After asking about the name selection process, Maria del Mar responded: “Being in marketing, I always look for the ‘why’, the roots, history, colors, among other factors. This time, that did not happen. Both Angel and Emanuel came up with the names and I just went with it.”
Is FOKtoberfest going to happen every year or is it just a one-time thing?
“Yes, FOKtoberfest is here to stay”, said Maria del Mar enthusiastically.
Will FOK Brewing be having additional events later this year?
Yes, we will have another event which will mark the beginning of Christmas called “Se Prendió El Fogón”.
This one, we actually gave it a bit more thought. It will be a bit different than FOKtoberfest.
FOKtoberfest Details
FOKtoberfest will be taking place this Saturday, October 16 at FOK Brewing Co. in Caguas, Puerto Rico from 4pm to 11pm.
Tickets include the following:
- Unlimited drinks (beer & mojitos)
- Unlimited bite-size food from locally recognized chefs
- Live performances by local artists
- Free parking
Live performances by:
- Kalinell
- Juan Velez
- Richard Silva
- Los Pleneros de la Cresta
Chefs who will be present at this year’s FOKtoberfest:
- Miguel Campis
- Emmanuel Horta
- Jose Maisonet and Jason González of Areyto
- Edwin Ramos of Flavor Fusion
- José Ramos of Tortillas Doña Lola
- Héctor González and Christian Meléndez of Piñango
- Gabriel Santiago of Cocina 727
- José Sánchez of Pera Paladar Bohemio
- Yashira Salicrup of Skilett and Grill
Don’t miss Puerto Rico’s best beer event.
