Marnie Old

I must confessed that I only skimmed some of the pairings. I'd be tempted to get this book, but only for some of the selections. I think the "dialog" between the wine expert and the brewer was intended to be humorous but quickly lost any sense of humor. Instead it sounded childish and like pointless bickering. Given that these two people work together on a regular basis I can only suspect it was all meant to be in good fun but just failed.

The other parts look promising as to good reasons why to pick a certain wine or beer. Hopefully I'll be able to get it at the library at some point or perhaps even purchase it.… (mehr)

The debate between wine and beer aficianados over which quaff is paired best with food is never-ending, as each side fiercely defends their choice with all the passion of a political debate. Throwing their hats into the ring are Sam Calgione (arguing for beer) and Marnie Old (arguing for wine), both distinguished representatives of their drink of choice. (Sam is the creator of Dogfish Head, a microbrewery known for creative and fine beers; Marnie is a sommelier extraordinaire who worked for fine restaurants and holds educational seminars on wine.)

The book tackles the beer vs. wine debate very light-heartedly, with good-natured ribbing, glossy photos, and scorecards for the reader to make the ultimate decision. The book is divided up into food categories, with each side suggesting what is best prepared with common dishes. At the end are recipes in which you can incorporate beer or wine.

This book is probalby best for beer and wine geeks who want to see what it's like on the other side. Gourmet foodies will also appreciate the helpfulness of being given choices of what to serve with a meal. I can't speak for the wine suggestions, but as a beer geek, I noticed all the beer suggestions were not only spot-on, but were choices one can easily obtain, at least in my neck of the woods. With so many different kinds of wine out there, it's nice to be given some direction in which to select the right wine.… (mehr)

Wine and food is old news. Fine beer with food is new to me, (I have not read Garrett Oliver's "The Brewmaster's Table") and Sam Calagione does a good job of bringing the reputation of beer up to fine dining. I've just imbibed a restaurant commissioned ale at Babbo (and a grappa sampling), Brooklyn Local #1 and Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Ale at Chanterelle, and Brooklyn East IPA at Balthazar, and I can attest that beer holds up to fine dining. The book is a quick read, with enough pairing recommendations to use as a reference. Generally the chapters are approachable, though the "which drink wins" summations are snarky, diminishing the whole. OTOH, the recipes and suggestions for holding beer/wine contests look doable.

Any meal good enough for wine is good enough for beer.… (mehr)

I was really looking forward to this one, as I happen to enjoy beer and wine and food. ;) However, I felt as if the execution left a lot to be desired. The recommendations were overly specific - I would have rather seen more general guidelines, and less "try Old Bay crabs with Trimbach Reserve Pinot Gris". The cheesy "Which Drink Wins" sections were a complete waste of space - how many people are actually going to sit down and try all of those specific combinations? And the fact that so many Dogfish Head beers were recommended, when one of the authors is the founder of that brewery is a little suspicious (don't get me wrong, they are good beers, but - still).… (mehr)