The holidays are fast approaching, and everyone is starting to get in a jolly, happy mood. Life is becoming less stressful for people as they prepare for time off to enjoy the holidays. The holidays are for letting loose, relaxing, and enjoying the company of friends and family (from a distance). What are some things that can ease us into the holidays? We can start with the cliché fires, hot chocolate, cozy socks, and throw blankets as we cuddle up and brace for the white Christmas we don’t typically see (here in British Columbia). However, realistically speaking, we don’t need to brace ourselves for that. Instead, we want a relaxed time to enjoy some excellent food, drinks, and good company while enjoying a well-deserved break.

So what is one real way to break into the holidays? I think many people would agree - a great beer and a well-paired meal. With restrictions, social distancing, and limitations set on the public, sometimes going into a store to buy things is difficult when you don’t have a plan. 

Don’t stress that part; that is where we come in to help guide you to pairing your favourite beer with a meal so you can spend less time in the stores and more time in your home.

Let’s start with a porter, a darker beer medium-bodied with a nice balance of malty sweetness and bitter hoppiness. The porter goes excellent with smoked food, barbecued meats like sausages and wings, chilli, and more. They offer a great pairing that contrasts with the typical pub-style meals seen in North America but are popular in Europe.

Let’s explore the world of pilsners next. Pilsners offer a “spicier” taste compared to your typical lager, according to vinepair.com. The pilsner goes well with a wide variety of foods from cheeses to seafood, even taking a continental twist and matching well with Mexican food. Cheese’s are a great addition to beers when wanting a snack while enjoying a crisp pilsner. 

An IPA is also a fan favourite of most. With simple tastes that are light on bitterness, they go well with many foods. Some good foods to try with it are grilled foods, tacos, or even curries. Grilled foods that we would recommend are a mouthwatering grilled steak, a juicy burger, or some grilled chicken.

The final beer we will recommend food for is the sour beer. In recent years, the sour beer has become more of a regular beer for people as they release seasonal options for the beer style as new fruits come and go through the cycle. What are some foods that go well with this? Sours go well with cheeses that are creamier such as goat cheeses. It pairs well as a snack while sipping on a tart taste. Sour beer also goes well with seafood adding to the flavours of garnishes and additions to seafood such as lemon or lime juices.

Taking steps away from traditional domestic beers and diving into the world of craft beers may be one of the best decisions you make for yourself. We recommend exploring the options and finding your taste before giving up after trying one type of craft beer. With breweries experimenting with different flavours, like Ravens Brewing Co’s ‘Hot Chocolate Porter’, it isn’t hard to see that breweries will find a way to test and come out with unique beer flavours that you would not have imagined. 

So where can you find beer and food without worrying about going through the in-store cycle of keeping a safe distance, rushing your way through a checkout line just to run home? DirectFood.Store can help you skip the lines, the mask, and the hassle of unnecessary shopping with our newly launched liquor section and our food sections meat & seafood and Dairy to help you find some great meats, fish, and cheese’s to pair with your meal. 

Take on the holidays with a craft beer and a well-paired meal; you will feel relaxed and less stressed, knowing you can enjoy yourself in the comfort of your own home.