Food & Drink Pairing: An Essential Aspect of Dining
Food and drink pairing is an essential aspect of dining that can elevate your entire culinary experience. Finding the perfect match for pairing your food and choice of beverage can feel like a daunting task, but with some expert tips, you can make the process more accessible and enjoyable. When pairing beverages with food, consider the dish's brightness and acidity, tannin and bitterness, and sweetness levels. For example, a classic Aperol Spritz can provide a refreshing contrast to grilled seafood, while a Bloody Mary or mimosa can be the perfect accompaniment to a brunch spread.
Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just starting your journey, let’s explore the art and science of pairing food with an appropriate beverage, unlocking the secrets to enhancing flavors and taking your culinary experiences to new heights.
Guide to Wine and Beer Pairing for Foodies
Pairing food with alcoholic beverages is an art that can elevate your dining experience to new heights. There are some general guidelines to follow that can help you achieve the perfect pairing every time. One important consideration is the flavor profile of both the food and the beverage. Some pairings work by complementing each other, while others balance flavors. Another factor to consider is the weight and intensity of both the food and the beverage. Lighter dishes often pair well with lighter beverages, while heavier dishes require a more robust beverage to balance the flavors. Finally, the acidity of the beverage can play an important role in pairing, as it can cut through rich or fatty foods and refresh the palate. With these general guidelines in mind, you can experiment with different combinations and find the perfect pairing to enhance your dining experience.
Here are some additional tips to guide your dining experience:
Look for commonalities in the flavors and aromas of the food and beverage, such as spices or fruit notes
Be mindful of the alcohol content of the beverage, as higher alcohol levels can overpower more delicate flavors in the food
Consider the texture and ‘mouthfeel’ of both the food and beverage, aiming for a complementary pairing
Keep in mind the seasonality and freshness of the ingredients, as well as the occasion or setting of the meal
Appetizer Pairing Perfection: Buffalo Wings, Brussel Sprouts, and more
When it comes to appetizers, finding the right drink pairing can set the tone for the entire meal. For buffalo wings or buffalo cauliflower wings, consider a craft beer or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir to balance out the heat.
For dishes like our crispy brussels sprouts or roasted heirloom carrots, a buttery Chardonnay or a refreshing wheat beer can be a perfect choice, complementing the caramelized flavors and the nuttiness of the vegetables.
Perfect Pairings: Enhance Flavors in Salty and Spicy Dishes
Salty and spicy dishes can be challenging to pair with drinks, but when done right, the results are truly mouthwatering. When enjoying a salty dish, it's essential to balance the palette with a sweeter drink. For instance, a fruity cocktail, such as a sangria, or a soda can help cool down the palate when indulging in a spicy meal.
For spicy dishes like buffalo cauliflower wings or our fried pickles with sriracha mayo, an IPA beer is an excellent choice. The hoppy and bitter notes in the IPA can help cut through the spiciness and enhance the dish's savory flavors. Another option for spicy food is a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir, whose acidity and fruitiness can balance out the heat.
Mastering Food and Beverage Combinations for Every Dish
To truly master the art of food and drink pairing, it's important to consider the specific elements of each dish and how they interact with different beverages. For instance, when pairing drinks with a burger, you should consider the type of burger and any toppings or condiments it includes.
One of the New Deal’s most popular burgers is The Roosevelt. This tasty burger incorporates applewood bacon, sharp cheddar, avocado, butter lettuce, and a russian tarragon sauce into the perfect combination of savory and tangy flavors. When it comes to pairing alcoholic beverages with The Roosevelt burger, there are a couple options that could work well:
Red Wine: A medium-bodied red wine, such as a Pinot Noir, can pair well with this burger. The acidity and fruitiness of the wine can help balance out the richness of the sharp cheddar and the creaminess of the avocado, while the tannins can complement the bold flavors of the Russian tarragon sauce.
IPA Beer: An India Pale Ale (IPA) can also pair well with The Roosevelt burger. The hoppy and bitter notes in the beer can cut through the richness of the cheddar and bacon, while complementing the spicy and herbal flavors of the tarragon sauce.
Braise, Roast, and Grill: Best Drink Pairings for Savory Meals
Savory meals like braised beef short ribs and grilled vegetables deserve the perfect drink pairings to truly shine. For braised dishes, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon can complement the richness of the meat and balance out the flavors of herbs and spices.
For grilled vegetable dishes, consider the char and smoky flavors that the grilling process imparts. A refreshing wheat beer can help to cut through the richness of grilled vegetables.
Raise Your Glass: Pairings for Every Food Lover's Palate
Food and beverage pairings can add an extra layer of enjoyment to your dining experience, offering a wide range of flavors and textures to complement your meal. Whether you're looking to enhance the sweetness of a dessert or cut through the richness of a savory dish, the right beverage pairing can take your dining experience to the next level:
Mama's Meatloaf: A rich red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or a dry white wine like Chardonnay would complement the meatloaf's savory flavors. For a beer pairing, a brown ale or porter would be a good match.
Pan-Roasted Crispy Mary's Organic Chicken: A buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc would pair well with the chicken's juicy flavor. For beer, a refreshing pilsner or IPA would be a great choice.
Marinated Skirt Steak with Chimichurri: The bold flavors of the steak would be complemented by a full-bodied red wine like Syrah. For beer, a rich stout or Belgian ale would be a good match.
Green Goddess Salad: try pairing it with a crisp and refreshing white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc.
Cedar Plank Salmon: A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would complement the salmon's delicate flavor. For beer, a refreshing pilsner or wheat beer would be a good match.
Cheesy Mac: A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a dry white wine like Chardonnay would pair well with the cheesy mac. For beer, a refreshing lager or IPA would be a great choice.
Beer-Battered Fish & Chips: A light beer like a pilsner or lager would complement the fish and chips' crispy flavor.
After reading these tips to help you pair food with drink, we hope you feel inspired and equipped to elevate your dining experiences like never before. So, whether you're dining at the New Deal Restaurant, or cooking up a storm at home, let the art of food and drink pairing be your trusted guide. Cheers to the endless possibilities for foodies like you!
Home and Here – Two Good Places to Eat!
The New Deal Restaurant & Wine Bar is a family-owned restaurant offering an elevated take on nostalgic American dishes, surrounded by relaxed, 1930s revival décor. We have a vast selection of wine, beer, and cocktails. And with the right wine or beer paired with your meal, you will not only enhance the flavors of the food, you will also make each bite more memorable!
The New Deal Restaurant is located in Magnolia Park at 3501 W Magnolia Blvd. in the charming Magnolia Park neighborhood. Call ahead for reservations: (818) 861-7731 or order online for pick up or delivery today!