As craft breweries become ever increasingly popular, I am hearing more and more "pair this beer with that food." This topic is so prevalent that some upscale restaurants that offer an extensive beer list will even have beer pairing guidelines right on the menu. In fact the brewer's association even made this extensive pairing table: http://www.craftbeer.com/attachments/0000/0533/beerandfood.pdf
As a devout beer and food lover, I find myself in absolute disagreement with this. I don't just disagree with the chart and choices, I disagree with the concept of pairing food and beer entirely.
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not entirely against having a beer with a meal. I think some beers are awesome when consumed while eating. If you were to ask me, "should I have a beer with my meal?" my answer is always a resounding YES. Any beer with a light palate and flavor is an awesome beverage with food. Other, more complex, beers should be enjoyed by themselves, BEFORE or AFTER eating. I have never enjoyed mixing the flavors of IIPA's with pizza. GROSS.
As a devout beer and food lover, I find myself in absolute disagreement with this. I don't just disagree with the chart and choices, I disagree with the concept of pairing food and beer entirely.
Don't get me wrong here, I'm not entirely against having a beer with a meal. I think some beers are awesome when consumed while eating. If you were to ask me, "should I have a beer with my meal?" my answer is always a resounding YES. Any beer with a light palate and flavor is an awesome beverage with food. Other, more complex, beers should be enjoyed by themselves, BEFORE or AFTER eating. I have never enjoyed mixing the flavors of IIPA's with pizza. GROSS.