LCBO Food and Drink Holiday 2015

DRINK  BEER

The holidays are filled with memorable food and drink mo- ments that allow a welcome reprieve from a hectic schedule. All this eating offers a great opportunity to try pairing your food with beer. Beer is a truly versatile beverage, and with so many different styles, there’s always a perfect option. To help get you started, we’ve compiled a list of typical holiday dishes, both traditional and comfort-food-style, matched with some fantastic brews.    First, I went to those in the know and asked the LCBO’s beer buyers to share what they’ll be pouring in their glasses this season. They’re a knowledgeable lot with great taste to match, so where better to get solid advice on terrific pairings. Chris Robertson highlighted an American icon of craft brewing. Leanne Rhee, an expert in Ontario’s craft brewing scene, prof- fered two favourites. And Mark Wilson suggested two holiday- perfect beer styles—a German doppelbock and a flavourful oatmeal stout. Rounding out the list are some of my favourite classic beers, along with a good handful of craft brews and sea- sonals. So here’s to the holidays, and may all your food and drink bring you new and wonderful pairings—and great pleasure. BEER & BITES BY TONIA WILSON-VUKSANOVIC  •  PHOTOGRAPHY BY VINCE NOGUCHI 1 2

Glazed Ham & Affligem blonde LCBO 379305, 300 mL, $2.75 The seductive spicy flavour and aroma of Affligem, considered a Belgian blond, is a beautiful match with the sweet succulence of a glazed ham. Both complement each other because of their similarities of nuanced spice notes and honeyed flavours. Placing Affligem on your holiday table will bring an immediate level of sophistication to any meal.

Roast Turkey with Beau’s Gigantic La Formidable LCBO 419747, 600 mL, $5.25 La Formidable is an interesting creation, taking cues from both Belgian ales and American IPAs. Its wealth of aromas includes grapefruit, orange and a typical hint of pine. Its sweet maltiness plays really well with the crisp, caramelized turkey skin, and its bright effervescence is great with the moist, juicy meat. (Well, we’re hoping moist and juicy.)

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Beef Stew and Left Field Eephus

BUYER’S PICK

oatmeal ale LCBO 416818, 473 mL, $2.85

Beef stew is the perfect make-ahead dish as it only gets better as it sits, which will give you more time to sit back and enjoy Leanne Rhee’s match, Left Field Brewery’s Eephus. An easy- drinking oatmeal brown ale full of “roasted malts, toasted nuts, a touch of bitterness and a surprisingly creamy, smooth taste.”

PRODUCT SHOTS BY MICHAEL MAHOVLICH

FOOD & DRI NK HOLIDAY 2015 55