
Welcome to Sommelier’s Hall!
This is the place to learn how food and beverage pairing can create a true symphony of taste and flavors.
Which combinations of food and beverage bring the greatest pleasure? You have probably realized the glory of food and drink pairing yourself countless times whether through enjoying milk and cookies, beer and pretzels, wine and cheese, or Coke and pizza.
Sommelier, a word not frequently used, indicates an interesting profession which suggests a deep knowledge of how food and wine, beer, spirits and other beverages work in harmony.
They believe that there is “a magic in that distance between the food and wine. The ideal match fills in that space.” – Derek Todd, sommelier, Blue Hill at Stone Barns
We invite you to benefit from knowledge and experience of sommeliers to discover the “magic.”
Here, on this page you will read about outstanding combinations. We hope you will experiment with the full spectrum of taste pleasure that is possible.
Wine
“California Merlot is great with lamb chops and chicken.” – Steve Sarah, chef Devi (NYC)
“Where to find great Riesling: Number one would be Germany followed by Alsace and Australia.” – Jean-Luc Le Du, Le Du’s Wines
“Riesling doesn’t have to just be served with light dishes and seafood. The sweeter they are, the more they can handle caramelization (often a result of roasting) and sweet dishes.”
– Tim Kopec, wine director, Veritas
“Pair Cabernet Sauvignon with food which is slightly bitter. A grilled steak picks up a little bitterness from the charring, so the combination works.” – David Rosengarten , editor in chief of the Rosengarten Report
“Chardonnay never shows as well as when there is butter or dairy in a dish.”
– Craig Shelton, chef-owner, the Ryland Inn
Beer
“Pilsner goes well with spicy dishes, sausages, grilled meats, pizza, and hamburgers. Pilsner Urquell and Czechvar have smoky elements to them and work so well with grilled meats.”
– Carlos Solis, food and beverage director/chef, Sheraton Four Points
Whiskey
“Whisky and Cheese — Yes, please!”
– Michael Gill, the owner of a beverage agency, Canada
Cognac
“Cognac with oranges or better tangerines makes a great combination.”
– Katerina Belik, Rosinka owner |