A Date With Flavor » Condiments

Truffle Honey

Ali — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 02:08:21 +0000

When eating cheese or putting together a mixed plate I usually have quince paste or honey comb. Sometimes the cheese is so special that you need a little something extra. Truffle honey goes great with almost all salty meats and cheeses. I happen to prefer semi-hard to hard cheeses, but it did complement Crater Lake’s Blue, spread on a toasted baguette. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe it works with everything!

Fiore Sardo: sheep's milk. Sardinia, Italy

Traditional Coop’s, Fiore Sardo was the winner. This semi-hard cheese is so rich in flavor and grainy but the finish is so smooth. Barely Buzzed is a cow’s milk, cheddar like cheese. The rind is made up of ground coffee and espresso, and a touch of lavender. This intense rind seeps into the cheese creating an earthy flavor and drives your palate crazy. Aika seemed to think that it was fine on its own, but in my opinion, the honey is a must to cut the bitter grinds and match it’s earthiness.

Barely Buzzed: cow's milk, Utah

This honey is truly delicious and can add endless opportunities to a cheese plate. I buy my honey at Far West Fungi and my cheese at Cowgirl Creamery, both in the Ferry Building.

Lagunitas Brown Shugga Ale

Ali — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:30:18 +0000

Every time I walk through Andronico’s, I stop at the beer aisle and stare. Brown Sugar Ale? It always caught my eye, and finally my date said “let’s just give it a try”. I wasn’t going to argue. We barbecued some vegetables and buffalo and topped them both with Bone Suckin’ Sauce (make sure you buy the HOT). The hidden caramel notes of the barbeque sauce and the Lagunitas Brown Shugga’ Ale paired perfectly. If you have an Andronico’s near by, go get some fresh produce, buffalo, bbq sauce, and Lagunitas, you won’t be disappointed.

Info:

9.90% ABV
Smaller head, spotted lace
Medium Amber in color
Smells like: Brown sugar (obviously), cinnamon, just all around sweetness
Tastes like: Extremely flavorful, a bit of citrus came and went with hoppy and burnt caramel with the aftertaste of molasses
Full bodied
Velvety and thick finish almost syrupy
Limited Release
Lagunitas Brewing Company, Petaluma, California
www.lagunitas.com

Grade: A-

Being that the ABV is a bit high, and the smooth beer is so easy to drink…if you look below, my little date couldn’t handle this cervesa.

Tabasco Sauce

Ali — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:42:43 +0000