4 Favorite Dishes You Didn’t Know Pair with Champagne
(StatePoint) While you may think of Champagne as just for toasting, experts point out that it can actually be quite foodfriendly. “Champagnes with a higher proportion of Chardonnay in their blends -- such as the signature style of Champagne Taittinger -can be particularly versatile when it comes to food pairings,” says Chicago-based sommelier, Belinda Chang. For this purpose, Chang recommends the family-owned and operated champagne house, which offers a distinctive, light and delicate style, a longer aging period before release and sustainable production processes. “Every self-respecting foodie and wine geek knows to pair Champagne with a towering icy plateau of shellfish like chilled lobster, crab and oysters,” she says. “But you can get a lot more creative than that.” To help you expand your Champagnepairing palate, Chang is offering four of her August 2018 | 50 + Living
favorite suggestions. 1. Tacos and Bao. “I love a Taco Tuesday, a Taco Thursday and a taco every day, and to me, a bao is essentially a Chinese taco. I have enjoyed many an ice-cold beer and many a mediocre margarita at taquerias and food trucks, but I have learned that there’s a better match for my favorite tacos and bao: a chilled bottle of Brut La Française (SRP: $64.99) in my purse,” says Chang, who points out only a classic style Champagne that’s complex itself will handle the infinite permutations possible with tacos and bao. 2. Eggs. “Are you a breakfast for all meals person? I am!” says Chang. “Occasions like managing to perfectly poach an egg and getting the omelet to flip just like on TV are causes for celebration in my book.” Chang recommends popping that bottle of vintage, prestige cuvée Champagne continued on page 20 Page 19