SB XLVII: Sunday's Excuse for Beer & Eats

Whether or not you follow football you're probably aware that "The BIG Game" is coming up on Sunday. While I do follow football I don't care which team wins this match up but I am looking forward to a reason to gather with friends to drink beer and enjoy some tasty food.

If you're hosting a party or attending one and contributing to the spread perhaps you'd like to impress your friends by not just bringing beer or food but bringing a food and beer pairing. There are plenty of resources to help you put together a match made in flavor heaven including North Coast Brewing's beer and food pairings and Smashburger's Summit beer pairing menu.

Image courtesy of North Coast Brewing

A cheese plate is one of the easiest, most hassle free ways to present a beer and food pairing. A couple of cheeses, a couple of beers and some crackers or bread and you're done. North Coast's ACME IPA pairs beautifully with Cowgirl Creamery's Mt. Tam triple cream (CA) and for a more decadent pairing try Old Rasputin with Epoisses de Bourogne (France).

Perhaps you want to tackle something more ambitious. How about grilling up some burgers or sliders? Pair a Swiss cheese and sauteed mushroom-topped burger with Summit's Great Northern Porter or cook up some bacon (it does make everything better) and slice up an avocado to top a burger served with Summit's Pilsener.

For those with a great cheese shop nearby, like the Cheese Bar in Portland, you could stop in to get their recommendations. Or perhaps you know someone like Michael Agnew who has a wealth of knowledge about beer and foods that pair well with it. Whether you strike out on your own or employ the knowledge of someone else I'd love to hear what your favorite beer and food pairings are and/or what you'll be eating and drinking this Sunday.