Sometimes you need a snack. And we're not talking about the kind you find in an organic bulk-foods bin, or the crisper drawer. There are events — whether they be a late night study session or an afternoon game — that call for something that smacks of sweet childhood nostalgia, or turns the tips of your fingers orange.
We know these nibbles make you thirsty, but put down the Big Gulp for a minute and come in close, we have to share a little secret — even your low-brow noshing deserves something better.
The beauty of food and drink pairings is that they bring out the best in each other. That can be through acting as Yin to Yang, or by accentuating ones already redeeming qualities — whether that's foie gras or a Frito-Lay product — a pairing is meant to highlight what's best in its counterpart.
You may be under the (faulty) impression that you need fancy food and wine to explore the alchemy of a perfect pairing. As a man-of-the-people pairing expert, I'd like to prove you wrong. The food on offer varies from humble (a local favorite burrito) to hedonistic (umm...Doritos). And these five harmonic marriages of snacks and drinks, when brought together, equal way more than the sum of their sinfully delicious parts. Check it out:
Marshmallow Fluff and a Bubbly Prosecco
Behold the pride of Lynn. Actually, the recipe for what would ultimately become Marshmallow Fluff was created in Somerville, but became popular after it was sold to two Lynn candy makers in 1917 and marketed as “Toot Sweet Marshmallow Fluff". This thick, spreadable treat is a staple around these parts. Ever had a Fluffernutter? Of course you have.
Because Fluff is so sweet and rich, a wine with bubbles is your best bet. The clean, crisp lines of a Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco will cut right through the sugary haze. Try Santome Prosecco from the Venetoregion of Italy. Costing around $13, this refreshing wine shows wispy floral and white fruit tones (especially apple) that clean your palate and get you ready for the next spoonful.
A McDonald’s Filet-o-Fish and an Oaky Chardonnay
Perhaps after a night of catching live music at The Middle East or Cantab Lounge , you’re feeling a bit peckish. Then you see the ubiquitous golden arches, and you realize nothing cures late-night cravings quite like a square of breaded and deep-fried pollock topped with cheese and tartar sauce. Totally hits the spot.
A McDonald's Filet-o-Fish is simplicity itself, and calls for a wine that won’t argue with the full body and richness of the sandwich. This is a job for an oaky Chardonnay. The warm, soft tones of oaked wine play beautifully with the breaded crust and cheese, and stand up to the plump curves of the tartar sauce. Bread & Butter Wines from California makes a Chardonnay for around $12 that works just fine here. Butter, vanilla and citrus notes wrap up the loose ends perfectly. Also, oaked Chardonnay is a total rockstar with french fries.
Strawberry Pop-Tarts and a Fruity Lambrusco
Can we agree the best flavors of Pop-Tarts are all the berry flavors? For me, it’s all about strawberry, although cherry is just fine in a pinch.
Should you find yourself with a box of these tasty toaster pastries, might I suggest a bottle of chilled Lambrusco? Made from a variety of grapes that all want to party, Lambrusco is fizzy, fruity and fun. Deep red in color, these wines can range from bone-dry to almost cloyingly sweet. As the Pop-Tarts are packing sufficient sweetness on their own, I’d opt for a drier version. Try Cleto Chiarli’s Grasparossa. Coming in at a likeable $10 or so, the deeply fruity aromas and dry red fruit flavors are the perfect compliment to the pastry’s berriness.
A Chile Verde Burrito from Anna’s Taqueria and Tangy Micheladas
A local munchie stalwart since 1995, Anna’s Taqueria has been cranking out fantastic comida Mexicana in seven locations. (Fun fact: did you know the truck they use to transport produce from the market to each location runs on the waste vegetable oil from the restaurants?) With offerings including steak marinated in spicy red pepper sauce, carnitas and lengua (yes, slow-cooked tongue), their menu screams satisfaction. My favorite is a burrito loaded with chile verde pork, braised with a variety of hot peppers and other tasty ingredients. Add in the beans, rice and salsa and I’m a happy man.
To drink? I see no reason to leave Mexico. Make mine a Michelada. Think of it as a Mexican Bloody Mary with beer instead of vodka: lime juice, a dash of Worcestershire, hot sauce, line the rim with salt and you’re in the refreshment business. I love this combination because both have hot, spicy tones and lime. The salt helps smooth out the sting, and ties in the chili verde. A six pack of solid Mexican beer is around $9 (I prefer Tecate ), and the remaining pantry staples either already live in your fridge or will set you back just a few dollars. Micheladas are having a moment — popping up at regional Mexican restaurants like El Centro and modern taco bars like Lone Star — but it's a simple drink you can easily enjoy at home.
A bag of Cool Ranch Doritos and a dry Riesling (pictured above)
1986 was quite the year. The Celtics won their 16th championship (I was their ball boy that year. What a rush.) “Rock Me Amadeus” was the #1 song in the country, Pee Wee’s Playhouse debuted, and Doritos introduced a flavor that forever changed the snack world. Thirty years later, people still can’t get enough of those spicy tortilla chips.
Because of their tangy kick, Cool Ranch Doritos are best paired with a wine that has a touch of sweetness to beat the heat. Think dry Riesling, the slightly sweet, richly textured wine tamps down any brush fires that might flareup on your palate. Try Urban Riesling from producer Nik Weis. Straightforward and balanced, this wine shows touches of mango and tangerine without being too much in the sweet department. At around $9 a bottle, it’s just what the doctor ordered.
If you'd like some more advice on pairing your favorite drinks with snacks, or just need someone to encourage your love of Funyuns, I’m your guy, and I’d love to hear from you. You can find me on Twitter @100Loves , and on Instagram @eatdrinklearn . Keep eating & drinking the good stuff!
Some local shops for procuring your drinks- availability subject to change, be sure to call ahead if you are looking for something specific!
The Spirited Gourmet - 448 Common St., Belmont, 617-489-9463
spiritedgourmet.com
Ball Square Fine Wines - 716 Broadway, Somervillle, 617-623-9500,
ballsquarefinewines.com
Streetcar Wine & Beer - 488 Centre St., Jamaica Plain, 617-522-6416
streetcarwines.com
