This One's for You - Todd Keith

There is a good reason why beer is one of the world’s most popular drinks: It goes with everything—or simply nothing at all.bottle, no matter what’s on the menu.

It’s easy to s e e why Americans love their beer: Unpretentious, casual, and refreshing, beer’s qualities are remarkably similar to what we Americans like to imagine ourselves to be. Just as our appreciation of wine has deepened over the years, so too has our recognition that beer’s complexity of aromas and flavors equals, or posssibly surpasses, that of wine.

Humorist and beer enthusiast Dave Barry recognizes this. “Without question, the greatest invention in the history of mankind is beer,” he asserts. “Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.” Barry was speaking tongue-in-cheek, of course, but he would no doubt appreciate the range of beer choices at Seminole Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood. With more than 20 types of beer available, it’s a sure bet Barry would find just the right one to go with his slice of pepperoni. “There are generally no rules when it comes to pairing beer with food, so drink what you enjoy,” says Michelle Waterhouse, beverage manager at Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. She suggests deciding whether you want the beer to complement your meal or contrast with it. If your food is spicy, choose a mild variety for contrast (heavy spice would obliterate delicate beer). If you’re enjoying a rich, creamy dessert, a creamy beer blends nicely (cream stout with chocolate, for instance).

Most beer drinkers wash down buffalo wings and pizza with lagers (think Budweiser, Miller, Coors, Yuengling) to truly quench their thirst. Others enjoy pilsner (Samuel Adams) with a sharp cheese or curry because it has the zip to stand up to more complicated fare. With a burger or steak, a crisp European lager cleans the palate (Stella Artois, Heineken, Amstel Light). And if your choice is stout (Guinness, Murphy’s), it’s likely that you’re eating grilled meat or even chocolate. So whether you are taking a break at Center Bar, Murphy’s Law Irish Pub, Floyd’s, or Council Oak, feel free to experiment. You’re sure to find some new favorites.

BEER PAIRINGS
Suggestions at Tampa and Hollywood’s Council Oak

COUNCIL OAKS CRAB CAKES
Yuengling
A light and refreshing lager like Yuengling
holds up very well with the richness
of this popular appetizer.

OZZIE’S SPINACH SALAD
Blue Moon
This Belgian wheat ale, spiced with orange peel
and coriander, is a great match with this salad
that features dried cherries, pine nuts, and
a cherry vinaigrette dressing.

RAW BAR SAMPLER
Samuel Adams Boston Lager
With the king crab, shrimp, oysters and such, you just have to think,
"Seafood, Boston, lager". It just goes with the whole theme.

ROAST PRIME RIB OF BEEF
Guiness Stout
This is robust beer to go with a robust steak
- a classic pairing to enjoy.