Anyone who has been to our restaurant or any Piguet’s Prime Time event knows we offer amazing food, drink, and atmosphere. It’s truly an experience when you join us at Piguet’s Prime Time.
In the two years that we’ve been open, we’ve had weddings, business meetings, birthday parties, girl’s night out festivities, anniversaries, and many other kinds of celebrations in the restaurant or on our property. Each time, our food offerings delight our guests but what about drinks to accompany their meal? Our full bar has many options and sometimes it can be hard to decide which alcoholic beverage to choose with your meal.
Most of our guests choose something from our Caymus and Quilt lines, in part because they are delicious and pretty exclusive for this area. They know they are getting fine wine to go with a delectable meal!
Beyond those two brands, what styles of wine, beer, or spirits should you choose? Here are a few suggestions that you should consider. Let us know what you recommend!
First, we believe that like anything you eat, alcohol choice will vary with not only the meal but also the person. But a good rule of thumb is to choose a sweeter drink if your meal is spicy or savory and a drier option if your meal already has some sweetness.
Let’s look at a few specific food/drink pairings.
Steak
Our wood-fired steak is legendary, and anyone who has tasted it knows the reasons why. The perfect hand-cut and flamed steak is rich with juicy flavor. Depending on your personal tastes, here are some ideas on what to pair it with:
If you like red wine, try a Cabernet Sauvignon. Its bold tannins and rich fruit flavors (like blackcurrant and plum) complement the robust flavors of a wood-fired steak. Another red wine option is Malbec, which is known for its dark fruit flavors and smoky notes, Malbec can complement the steak’s charred exterior while enhancing its juiciness. A third potential red wine option is a Syrah/Shiraz. This wine often has peppery notes and dark fruit flavors, adding complexity to the pairing.
If you’re more into whiskey, you have a couple of options. Bourbon’s caramel sweetness and smoky undertones can complement the charred flavors of the steak, especially if the bourbon has been aged in charred oak barrels. If Scotch is more your style opt for a peaty Scotch whisky, as the smoky and earthy notes can harmonize with the wood-fired taste of the steak.
Craft Beer? Try a porter or stout if you like roasted and chocolatey flavors. These can complement the steak’s charred exterior, creating a harmonious pairing. If Brown Ale is more your style, its nutty and caramel notes can provide a flavorful contrast to the steak’s smoky elements. Red Ale or IPA are other good options. The malty sweetness and slight bitterness in a Red Ale can balance the steak’s richness while providing fresh contrast. The hoppy bitterness of an IPA can cut through the fattiness of the steak, while its citrusy and piney notes can add a refreshing touch.
Did you know our bartender often creates custom seasonal cocktails? You can also have a custom cocktail for your special occasion. Two popular cocktails with wood-fired steak are the Old Fashioned and Whiskey Sour. The sugar’s sweetness and the bitters’ complexity in an Old Fashioned can complement the steak’s savory flavors. In contrast, the tartness of lemon juice in a Whiskey Sour can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the steak, while the whiskey ties the flavors together.
While wood-fired steak is our specialty, we have many other protein options on our rotating menu. Here’s a glance at some ideas that you can use either at our restaurant or at home!
Fish/Seafood
White Fish such as cod or haddock pairs lovely with a light-bodied white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Alternatively, a crisp and dry sparkling wine like Champagne or Prosecco can complement the fish’s delicate flavors. If you’re choosing salmon, opt for a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir. Rosé wine can also be a refreshing choice. Chardonnay is also a great choice for shellfish such as shrimp or lobster. You might also enjoy a light red wine or a full-bodied white wine with some good acidity.
Chicken
Grilled It’s hard to go wrong with a Chardonnay or a light-bodied red wine like Pinot Noir. Some might even enjoy a delicious dry rose.
Pork
Grilled pork pairs with a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Grenache. Rosé wine with good acidity can also be an excellent choice. Opt for a medium to full-bodied red wine such as Syrah/Shiraz or Malbec if you’re dining on roast pork. If the dish has a sweet glaze or sauce, consider a slightly off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer.
Remember, personal preferences play a significant role in pairing food and alcohol. It’s always fun to experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your taste buds. Ask your server for suggestions of what you we offer in house and we think you’ll be delighted with your choices!