The Mellow Mushroom bar has a variety of drinks for you to choose from, so it can be overwhelming to find the right one for your meal. You can significantly enhance the flavors and textures of each dish by matching it with the perfect beer, which will enrich your overall experience. Mastering the art of food and beer pairing allows you to transform any meal into a memorable occasion. This month we are going to show off some of the amazing pairings that you yourself can try at your local Mellow.
Pale ales are great for pairings due to their range. This style of beer is a broad category of ales made with pale malts and ale yeast, and they can vary significantly in bitterness and maltiness. A fantastic choice currently on tap is the Zombie Dust from 3 Floyds Brewing. This American Pale Ale is legendary for a reason – it’s punchy and vibrant, with the intense hop character that defines the style. If you’re a fan of our signature salads, this is the perfect companion. I personally recommend it with the Apple Harvest Salad – the crisp, citrusy hop profile of the Zombie Dust cuts through the earthiness of the cheeses, fruits/nuts and complements the tang of a balsamic vinaigrette. If you’re more of a pizza-and-beer type of person, pair this one with the Pacific Rim. After one slice and one sip, you will notice the hops cut right through the richness of the pork and cheese, while the tropical hop notes highlight the pineapple perfectly.
One of our most popular items here at the Mellow Mushroom is the Cloud 9 Wings – double-baked wings coated in a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. This famous dish needs something with a bit of complexity to stand up to that intense, savory garlic profile. I suggest trying Force Ghost from Mile Wide Beer Company. This is a New England-style IPA, bursting with the kind of juicy, tropical fruit notes that provide a refreshing contrast to the heavy, salty richness of the wings. The hazy, soft mouthfeel of this style bridges the gap between the garlic and the poultry, making for a surprisingly harmonious bite. It’s the perfect way to keep your palate refreshed between every single wing.
Stouts are traditionally a dark, thick ale made with roasted malt and barley, giving the style its signature rich taste and velvety texture. Whether you are looking for something dry, roasty, or creamy, we have you covered. For a dessert pairing, you have to try the Organic Chocolate Stout from Samuel Smith. This award-winning stout is famous for its luxurious chocolate flavors and creamy, full-bodied mouthfeel. It is the ultimate indulgence. Upgrade your next Mary Jane Triple Chocolate Brownie with a cold glass of this milk stout. You can thank me later!
Finally, no trip to Mellow Mushroom is complete without our iconic classic pizza. To stand up to the robust tomato sauce and savory, melted mozzarella, you need a beer with a clean, balanced backbone. I recommend pairing a classic pie with the Two Hearted IPA from Bell’s Brewery. This American IPA is a staple for a reason; its signature piney and floral hop profile provides a crisp, refreshing bitterness that perfectly balances the acidity of the tomato sauce and cuts through the decadence of the cheese. It’s a timeless, reliable pairing that turns a simple pizza night into a truly elevated culinary experience.
With the right beer, you can significantly enhance your overall dining experience, and pairing allows you to transform any meal into a memory. I recommend you give one of these a try. If you didn’t see one of your favorites on this month’s list, feel free to ask one of our awesome servers or bartenders. They’ll be happy to help you find the perfect match for your meal.
-by Maeve Black
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