Pairing 101 Style

Finding Your &.

In my last post I welcomed our Fishers store and took a moment to explain our beloved Ampersand and what it means to us.

For those that missed it,

our Ampersand is about our commitment to helping you find YOUR Perfect Pair.

In short, we want your dining experience with us to be all about the &.

Pairing 101

We know the rules & We know when to break them.

There are some basic rules of food & beer pairing that are great to know, especially if you're new to the concept. 

Complement (BK101)

This is the tried-and-true way of doing things and includes wisdom like: never pair a heavy beer with a light food, and vice versa; light lagers and wheat beers are great with spicy foods; IPAs have the chutzpah to complement steak and barbecue; and porters and stouts are naturals with dessert. 

Cleanse (BK201)

You can actually use beer to cleanse your palate when enjoying dishes with super-strong flavors. For example, a light beer can soften the spiciness of certain foods while the bitterness of an IPA can cut through the oiliness of fatty foods like French fries or duck.

Contrast (BK301)

This is the graduate school of pairing; it can be risky, but the payoff can be nothing short of amazing if you do it right. We highly encourage experimentation, and our staff is always ready to guide you along in your choices.

The thing about finding your &, is that it’s not the same for everyone.

You can read books, blogs, follow food experts on social media and they will have some really great tips on pairing food and beverage.

But, at the end of the day, it is what tastes good and brings a smile to your face. THIS is how 101 prefers to guide Guests.

Curried Cauliflower Soup

Earthy cauliflower, curry spice & sweetness from the coconut make me immediately crave something darker with a sweet malt backbone and just a touch of hop bitterness to balance. Paulaner Salvator Doppelbock fits the bill nicely.

Shrimp & Grits

Pair so well with a nice light pale ale. The delicate shrimp call for a lighter beer so as not to overpower but the slight bitterness from the hops cuts through the cheesy grits and spicy andouille sausage.

I love 3 Floyds Gumball Head with this dish, which is actually a hoppy wheat style not a pale ale.

Molten Chocolate Pudding Cake

At the end of a meal, consider sipping a Mead, or honey wine to pair with your something sweet. This Wildflower Traditional Mead by Crafted Artisan Meadery is absolutely delightful with its floral notes and sweet honey next to a gooey chocolate treat..

You Had Me at Food & Beer.

Interested in learning more?

Events: The majority of our events are centered around pairing food & beverage and the idea that the sum is better than its parts. Our beer dinners are especially fun and done at least quarterly in each of our stores. Each location’s Chef creates a 5 course menu to pair with a selection of beverages, usually beer but not always. No two dinners are the same and each Chef puts their own “personality” into it.

1/2 Pours: Did you know we offer our drafts in half pour sizes? So next time, get two halves instead and taste the difference! This is one of our favorite ways to self-educate.

Check out our News & Events page for the latest and greatest.