Drink Pairings 101
By Ryan Robertson
While food and drink pairing remains an inexact science, it’s really not all that complicated. You just have to keep an open mind in order to find what works best for you.
Consider the following recommendations more like guidelines than hard and fast rules:
| Wine Pairing Primer (with assistance from Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s Juliana Santos) |
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| WHITES | CHEESES | MEALS |
| Chardonnay | Provolone | Grilled salmon and seasoned rice |
| Champagne | Colby | Apple pie a la mode |
| Pinot Grigio | Muenster | Chicken Alfredo pasta |
| Riesling | Gouda | Buffalo wings |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Monterey Jack | Caesar, house salads |
| Zinfandel | Edam | Barbecue |
| REDS | CHEESES | MEALS |
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Strong cheddars | Steak and baked potato |
| Pinot Noir | Brie | Cheeseburger with seasoned fries |
| Merlot | Parmesan | Spaghetti Marinara |
| Shiraz | Mozzarella | Baby back ribs |
| Malbec | Mild cheddars | Buffalo wings with Ranch |
| Port | Goat cheese | Chocolate |
| Beer Pairing Primer (with assistance from Westover Market’s Devin Hicks) |
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| TYPE | SUGGESTED FOOD |
| Lager | Barbecue, hamburgers, chili, sausage, spice cake |
| Pale Ale | Cheeseburger, pumpkin bread |
| India Pale Ale | Cheese, curry dishes, carrot cake |
| Pilsner | Chicken, salads, salmon, bratwurst, shortbread |
| Stout | Steak, oysters, cheese, chocolate |
| Porter | Blackened fish, smoked barbecue, peanut butter |
| Hefeweizen | Sushi, goat cheese, mixed berries |
| Cocktail Pairing Primer (Tyler Packwood creations) |
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| TRUMMER’S TAKE | SUGGESTED FOOD |
| The William Saunders bourbon, dolin sweet, chocolate bitters |
Cheeseburger |
| Sage plymouth, elderflower, sage |
Salad |
| Cubana rum, fresh sugar cane juice, club soda |
Barbecue ribs |
| Main Street bourbon, honey, cinnamon, lime |
Buffalo wings |
| Hibiscus Fizz bourbon, lime, hibiscus soda |
Grilled salmon |
| T-Float spiced rum, vanilla, root beer, peanut cream |
Pie a la mode |
| Hefeweizen | Sushi, goat cheese, mixed berries |