Philly Food Pairing!

CraftBeer.com is featuring a slew of fantastic food-beer pairings.  My favorite of them all?  Duh.  Philly Cheesesteak and Pale Ale!  Here is a selection from the article.  To see all of the delectable combinations, click HERE.  Slainte!

Philly Cheesesteak and Pale Ale

You may visit The Liberty Bell and attempt to sprint up the famous Rocky steps, but if you really want a taste of the City of Brotherly Love, you’ll be indulging in a Philly cheesesteak. The soft, chewy bread is filled with grilled rib-eye beef, either sliced or chopped, depending on who you ask. The sandwich is classically finished off “wit” onions and cheese including provolone or more commonly, bright orange Cheese Whiz.

Although flavorful, a cheesesteak has a mild taste that pairs perfectly with a pale ale. The slight hoppiness stands up to the onions and hearty meat, and the cleaner finish is refreshing after the salty beef and cheese. It’s satisfying but not overpowering, just like the sandwich.

Suggested Pairings

• Yards Brewing Company | Philadelphia, PA | Philadelphia Pale Ale
• Weyerbacher Brewing Company | Easton, PA | Verboten, Belgian pale ale
• All Saints Brewing Company | Greensburg, PA | Laurel Highlands Pale Ale 
• Breaker Brewing Company | Wilkes-Barre, PA | Lunch Pail Ale
• Appalachian Brewing Company | Harrisburg, PA | Purist Pale Ale 
• Copper Crow Beer | Lafayette Hill, PA | Copper Crow Pale Ale 

San Francisco / San Jose: A Brew Review

As I sit hoping my body adjusts to the change in time zones and recovers from the red eye flight, I pleasantly reflect upon my trip to California.  My other half was there for work so, naturally, I decided that it was a good time to take a vacation.  We stayed in the Silicon Valley - perfectly placed to explore San Francisco and San Jose.  I had never been to either city before so I was very excited to see a new part of the West Coast, especially from the perspective of a few pints.

Our first night in town we were ravenous for a hearty and easy meal.  Thankfully, Tied House Brewery & Cafe was close by.  They had a fresh menu of pub grub with a decent all-ale selection.  I decided to focus on the special - the New World Wheat.  Brewed in the typical style of an American Wheat, it was light, crisp, and clear.  Not too heavy, hoppy, or cloudy.  Heck, they even insert the label of your beer with your check (see below)!  A perfect way to end a long day of travel.  Due to my lack of sleep, the time change, and the overall hustle of traveling, I feel asleep at the 7 o'clock that night.  Learn more about Tied House by visiting their website or their Twitter.

Fast forward a few days later to the ever-so-flat San Jose.  As my slightly sore quads took a turn about San Pedro Square and the surrounding streets, I landed at Los Gatos Brewing Company.  What a beautiful restaurant.  It is reminiscent of a Victory or an Iron Hill. I ordered the Pale Ale.  A glass of filled with deep amber/orange-tinted color with the tastes of the hops and bitterness.  I loved their place mats as well - a map navigating the guest through their brewing process.  Learn more about LGBC at their website or on their Facebook fan page.

As you can guess, I had a great time eating and drinking my way through the cities by the bay.  But as much fun as I had scaling the slopes of San Fran and promenading the developing San Jose, the East Coast will always be my home and have my heart. Slainte!

(Photos provided by author)