The Heat is On

Finally, after several weeks of uncharacteristically cool June weather, the sweltering, all too familiar summer heat is back. I feel like a slab of baby back ribs slowly cooking in a 225 degree oven every time I step outside. Even Suki, our shrub smelling, bird chasing chow mix doesn't want to test the scorching pavement against her paws.

It's Sunday afternoon, and I'm thinking...what to eat tonight? I need something light and refreshing. But the food still has to be substantial and speak to me if you get my drift. What's that? Grilled chicken apple sausage and a salad dressed with a tangy citrus vinaigrette? Why that sounds delightful thank you.

You see folks, it would never do to just have a salad for dinner. I mean, it would have to be one ginormous salad heaped with steak or chicken for me to actually consider it a meal. Ever since I was a wee lad, I've always consumed lunch and dinner with huge hunks of animal on the plate. Really, it's just not a meal without meat. I'm probably isolating the legion of vegan readers I have, but it had to be said.

Now I've got to figure out the beverage situation. I could serve it with Chardonnay, which would compliment the chicken and vinaigrette. But that seems like taking the easy way out. Perhaps a Rose of Pinot Noir is the perfect pairing. Everyone goes crazy for Pinot these days. It's the reigning king of food and wine pairing right? And Rose is supposedly one of the best wines for picnic food. So why not? Both of the options seem completely reasonable and tasty. But let us take it one step further. Why not a heftier varietal like Viognier? After all, In my humble opinion, the only true rule in food and wine pairing is: "Drink what you like". That said, lunch or dinner should be a joyous and happy time with friends, family or a loved one. We shouldn't be confined to hard fast rules and other food/wine pairing snobbery. I find it best to keep it simple when selecting a beverage to go with a meal. I end up enjoying the experience much more if I just try something without over analyzing and dissecting the food and wine. Whatever the choice tonight, it has to be cool and refreshing!

Until next time, stay cool peeps!