Make your restaurant unforgettable with food pairing

Food pairing is based on the idea that certain flavor combinations, even unexpected ones, can create a symphony for the palate. By combining food and beverages based on their shared aromatic compounds, chefs and sommeliers can elevate dishes to a whole new level.

The fundamentals of food pairing

Understanding chemical compounds: the science behind pairing

Every ingredient has a unique aromatic profile. For example, esters found in tropical fruits are also present in certain white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, explaining their perfect harmony with pineapple-based dishes.

Generally, it is essential to consider the organoleptic characteristics of a meal to pair it with an appropriate beverage. A successful pairing requires thoughtful planning from your kitchen team and professionals such as sommeliers, beer experts, or mixologists.

Basic rules for food and wine pairing in restaurants

Complementarity

Pair similar flavors to enhance the experience (e.g., Sauternes with crème brûlée).

Contrast

Oppose flavors to balance the palate (e.g., Riesling with spicy dishes).

Examples of successful pairings

• Red wines: With their tannins and acidity, they pair well with bold red meats and dishes with rich aromas.
  Example: Roast Lamb & Bordeaux.

• White wines: Perfect for seafood and spicy dishes; their freshness balances the flavors.
  Example: Dover Sole & Chardonnay.

• Sweet or dessert wines: Their natural sweetness complements spicy or exotic dishes.

Example: Thai Chicken Curry & Gewürztraminer.

• Rosé wines: Versatile and ideal for meals with diverse flavors.

Sparkling wines: Their acidity and refreshing bubbles pair wonderfully with shellfish, goat cheese, or even smoked salmon.

New types of food pairing in restaurants

Food and beer pairing: An innovation in restaurants

For beer experts, or zythologists, the development of food and beer pairings can be based on three key approaches:

1. Contrasting pairing: Combine spicy dishes with mild beers or creamy cheeses like soft brie with a bitter IPA. For more luxurious pairings, consider foie gras paired with a sour beer.
2. Complementary pairing: This follows the same principle as wine pairing, where similar flavors are matched to enhance the overall taste.
3. Resonance pairing: The dish and the beer share similar characteristics. For example, a chocolate fondant paired with a Stout featuring notes of coffee and cocoa creates a perfect harmony.

This trend is growing internationally, especially in Canada, where the book “Accords chefs, mets et bières” highlights insights from over 60 international chefs, including Michelin-starred chefs, Meilleurs Ouvriers de France (MOF), and disciples of Escoffier.

In France, the Ambassador of Gastronomy stated in the book’s preface:
“While France is often associated with gastronomy and wine, we sometimes forget that it is also a country of beer, with over 2,500 breweries—making it the largest in Europe.”

In the UK, craft beer culture is thriving, with pubs and restaurants such as The Draft House in London embracing beer pairings that include options like a rich ale paired with shepherd's pie or a pale ale with a classic fish and chips.

Food and champagne pairing

Michelin-starred restaurants like Le Grand Cerf in France and The Ritz in London showcase luxurious food and champagne pairings at their tables.

• Rosé Champagne: Light and delicate, it pairs beautifully with seafood such as oysters, sushi (e.g., salmon sashimi), or grilled prawns.
• Blanc de Blancs: Fresh and elegant, this champagne works well with starters such as white fish, scallops, or langoustines.
• Blanc de Noirs: Richer and more structured, it complements intense flavors like roasted meats, spiced dishes, or game birds.

These pairings not only elevate the dining experience but also bring a touch of sophistication to special occasions like anniversaries or business events.

How to introduce food and wine pairings in your restaurant

If you’re considering introducing food and wine pairings (or general food pairings) in your restaurant, here are some practical options to explore:

• Tasting menus with multiple pairings: Offer a multi-course tasting menu, with each course accompanied by a carefully selected wine or beverage.
• Optional food and wine pairings for specific menus: Add an optional pairing to certain menus or à la carte dishes with a fixed additional price (e.g., £20 for 3 glasses of wine / £25 for 4 glasses of wine).
• À la carte pairings: Allow guests to choose food and wine pairings for individual courses such as starters, mains, or desserts. By suggesting pairings for specific dishes, guests are more likely to explore these options based on their preferences.

The suggested wine pairings can be tailored to match the guests’ tastes, as the sommelier's preferences might not align with the diners' choices.

Example of a food & wine pairing menu with a Zenchef client

Zenchef’s tools make it easy to set up pairing options, helping you create a seamless experience for your guests.

Exemple with Septime

What are the benefits of food and wine pairings in restaurants?

Offering food pairings in your restaurant provides significant advantages for both your guests and your establishment:

1. Extend your storytelling: Food and wine pairings allow you to continue your restaurant's narrative. For example, if you focus on fresh, local, and seasonal products, pair these dishes with regional wines for a cohesive story.
2. Differentiate from competitors: A thoughtfully curated wine list or premium spirits selection sets you apart with high-quality products.
3. Enhance special events: For special occasions like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or New Year’s Eve, Zenchef’s software enables you to activate food and wine pairing options temporarily for unique celebrations.
4. Boost guest satisfaction: Offering well-matched pairings contributes to a complete and memorable dining experience.
5. Increase revenue: Food and beverage pairings can significantly raise the average spend per guest in your restaurant.

Optimise your restaurant with Zenchef

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