By The Glass
RICHARD FIELD
Winning beverages
for a Super SundayWhile most of us are caught up with which teams face off in the sports event of the year, another match up may determine the MVP of hosts at your Super Bowl party.
Along with ritual grill foods such as burgers, 'dogs, salmon steaks and ribs, you'll find poke, tempura and lumpia. How about sushi and mac salad? And of course, potato chips, garlic fries, nachos, salsa and other snack foods.
Now, what do you generally serve as beverages? Beer and soda. But if you want to win that MVP this year, try these suggestions:
>> Kick up the flavor levels of the beer! Some people say they like full-flavored imports but find some of them too strong. Try craft beers such as Samuel Adams and Gordon Biersch. Or, how about a Pacific Island brew -- Hinano from Tahiti. Lots of flavor but not powerful. Many of us like to drink "light" beers for calories' sake. Step up the flavor with Corona Light and if you like the flavor but don't want the alcohol, go with St. Pauli Girl Non-alcohol.
>> To ensure your place in the hall of fame, serve champagne or sparkling wine. For the same reasons that beer works so well with these salty and pronounced-flavored foods and snacks, champagne works even better. Serve cold and you don't even have to use fluted stemware -- use beer mugs or tumblers. Make it a fun surprise. There are sparkling wines that are dry and crisp like beer and there are some that have more sweetness, at levels you aren't likely to find in beer. Look for asti for very sweet (nearly 7-Up sweet) to demi sec and extra dry (White Star), which is actually slightly sweet.
If you're going to mix orange juice or other strong flavors into your champagne, consider low-priced sparklers, since the subtler flavors will be masked. Ballatore, Totts, Andre, Cook's and Frexeinet are value brands running $3 to $8 per bottle. The most popular brand by far in Hawaii is Korbel, which can be found on sale for under $9. Having a few bottles that offer differing flavors is a good idea, especially when many guests are enjoying the game with you.
Now you've ensured that even if the game doesn't go your way, the food and beverages will.
Richard Field owns R. Field Food and Wine Co.
This column is a weekly lesson in wine
pairing written by a rotating panel of wine professionals.
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