Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Chef Michael Symon pairs the best brews with the tastiest foods
I t’s no secret: beer is big. A craft brewing revolution has been sweeping across the country, and even folks who don’t drink the stuff have to appreciate the passion that brewers are putting into their craft.
It’s not just new brews that are getting people excited, though. Some of the world’s oldest breweries in Europe have been witnessing an explosion in the popularity of their timetested beverages as people wake up to the endless varieties of beers that are available.
What better to pair with all these tasty suds than the best American burgers and barbecue? At least that’s chef Michael Symon’s philosophy.The Iron Chef is touring around the country looking for the best burgers and “’Que” that cities have to offer, as well as the best beer that he can find to wash it all down in the latest season of “Burgers, Brew & ‘Que,” premiering Friday, Sept. 9, on Food Network.
The premiere finds the chef starting out his summer road trip in New York City at his favorite burger joint, where he meets up with former NFL star Michael Strahan for some award-winning burgers. As they set out to explore the Big Apple, they try out St. Louis-style ribs, pizza topped with pastrami, and succulent meatball sliders — all washed down with a nice, cold beer.
Each week, Symon visits another city and hangs out with another friend. In the next episode, airing Friday, Sept. 16, he hangs out with musician Nick Lachey in Philadelphia, a city with a reputation for great beers. They pair the seemingly endless selection of local and European brews with a burger from fellow “The Next Iron Chef” winner Jose Garces, and with authentic German smoked sausages made with just the right amount of smoke.
Mouthwatering? You bet. Over the course of the season, our host pairs up with actor Anthony Anderson (“Black-ish”) and chef Mario Batali, visiting Chicago and northern Michigan, respectively, and feasting on smoked fish, olive burgers and fantastic pork — all washed down with a perfectly paired beer, of course.
The latest season of Michael Symon’s “Burgers, Brew & ‘Que” premieres Friday, Sept. 9, on Food Network.