AND TO DRINK…
Drinks editor Yvonne Lorkin suggests matches for these dishes.
1. BEEF AND BLACK BEAN BALLS WITH WHIPPED
AVOCADO As the Spice Girls once said “Stop right now, thank you very much”. Which is what I said the minute I sipped the Georges Road Block One Waipara Syrah 2016 ($35)
With its layers of pepper, molasses, plum and smooth, earthy, spices and its long, cocoa-laden finish, it’s a winner with everything here, including the avocado. georgesroadwines. co.nz
2. SPICY HARISSA PRAWNS WITH LEMON
AND GARLIC AIOLI Harissa and good beer go down like a tasty, slippery ribbon of flavour, so pair these spicy prawns with the deliciously dry, herbaceously hopped, citrusstacked
Duncan’s Brewing
Co. Pilsner 500ml ($7.95). It’s the Ginger Rogers to the Aioli Astaire, the Dean to that tangy Torvill of garlic and lemon. So yes, this is prawn matching perfection. moorewilsons.co.nz
3. BRIE, MUSHROOM AND CARAMELISED
ONION MINI PIES The instant I saw mushroom and caramelised onion in the ingredients list, I raced to grab my bottle of Jules Taylor Marlborough Pinot Noir 2017 ($32.99) to serve with the final product. With intense cherry, clove, cocoa and berry bodaciousness, it’s sweet enough to wrap around the savoury notes and spicy enough to counter the creamy brie. So good it’s criminal. julestaylor.com
4. POPCORN CHICKEN WITH HONEY BARBECUE
SAUCE Immediately one of America’s favourite brews comes to mind. Lagunitas
IPA 355ml ($6.94) is the most well-rounded, highly drinkable sip here because of its caramel malt barley that gives richness that mellows out the twang of the cascade and centennial hops. The hops work hugely well with the honey barbecue sauce. beercellar.co.nz