Local Flavors: Pairing Craft Beer with Regional Cuisines
Craft beers have become increasingly popular across America, and with good reason. The unique tastes of craft beer allow for a wide range of pairing possibilities with various foods. Whether you're trying new craft beers or sticking with your favorites, there are plenty of regional cuisines to explore that will conveniently complement your beer choices.
The Northeast
The Northeast region boasts some of the most established craft beer breweries, including Harpoon Brewery, Sam Adams Brewery, and Dogfish Head Brewery. When pairing your craft beer with regional cuisine, you should try the famous New England clam chowder or steamed lobsters, which go perfectly with a nice cold lager or pilsner.
The West Coast
When it comes to the West Coast, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to pairing craft beer with regional cuisine. From California burritos to fish tacos, the variety of regional cuisine in the West Coast is endless. However, when it comes to pairing craft beer, you should definitely try the famous San Diego-style IPA with some spicy Mexican dishes.
The Midwest
Dark beers like stouts and porters dominate the Midwest region, and they pair perfectly with the heavier and savory dishes. Regional cuisine in the Midwest ranges from deep-dish pizzas to barbeque-style meat. It is recommended to pair heavier dishes with rich and full-bodied beers which come from the Midwest region.
The Southeast
The South is known for its fried chicken, biscuits, and delicious seafood dishes. And when it comes to pairing craft beer with regional cuisine options, Southern Comfort (SoCo) drinks like rum, cherry and cola, whiskey, and coke are common. You can search for the preferred beer if you want to make traditional Southern dishes.
The Pacific Northwest
The Pacific Northwest has a reputation for being a hotbed of craft beer, with microbreweries popping up left and right. Local cuisine consists of seafood, such as salmon, and organic farm-to-table ingredients. It is recommended to stick with the hoppier beers such as pale ale to complement these organic flavors.
In conclusion, pairing craft beer with regional cuisine is a perfect way to explore different tastes while also supporting local restaurants and breweries. The combinations are endless, so it's best to experiment and discover new flavors that work well together. So, have some fun and enjoy new experiences with local foods and craft beers.