10 Things You Should Know About Food and Wine Pairings
If you’re looking to have an exquisite night out with some outdoor dining in Pawley’s Island, then you’ve come to the right place. With executive Chef Bill Austin in command of the kitchen, Austin’s Ocean One tends to be at the top of the list of places to eat near Myrtle Beach. With several mouth-watering menu items to choose from, you can’t go wrong in finding something to suit your palate. But have you ever wondered how to best pair your food selection with the right glass of wine?
Check out our list of ten things you should know for the perfect food and wine pairing.
1. Ask the sommelier for a recommendation. Whether you are dining at Austin’s Ocean One, the Cabana Café, or one of the other splendid restaurants in the area, if there is a sommelier on staff, know that they will always be ready and willing to make a suggestion, so don’t be afraid to ask.
2. Select a wine that is more acidic than your food selection.
3. Your wine should have a sweeter flavor than your wine selection.
4. Your wine selection should have the same flavor intensity. So, if you are going for something bold like a steak, then be sure to select a bold red wine.
5. As we suggested in the tip above, red wine pairs best with red meat and other flavored meats. For example, Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with rich red meat such as beef steaks or grilled burgers. A Merlot, on the other hand, has medium tannins and pairs best with roast beef or even meatloaf. Try caramelized vegetables on the side for a delightful taste combination.
6. White wines are best to accompany lighter-intensity meat such as poultry or chicken. White wines also pair beautifully with any of our seafood selections, including shrimp, crab, and lobster. You may also enjoy pairing white wine with appetizers and salads as well as cheese plates. So, a Chardonnay will pair exceptionally well with the seafood dishes offered on the menu at Austin’s Ocean One.
7. Think about matching the wine with the sauce more than just the meat. When selecting a steak with a bearnaise sauce, you may find that a pinot, Meursault, or another full-bodied Chardonnay will be a delightful match. However, if you prefer older red wines, you will want less sauce on your steak as the wine will draw out the richness of the meat itself (and vice versa).
8. Sparkling wines go well with fruit-based desserts such as tarts, crepes, or honeyed delights. Smoked salmon, caviar, fried calamari, and oysters also make a great accompaniment to sparkling wine.
9. Lovers of rosé will want to pair this favored pink wine with chicken, niçoise salad, salmon, duck, lamb served pink, barbequed veggie skewers, charcuterie, and light-colored soft cheeses.
10. Know that you can always break the rules. Just because a particular wine pairs well with a particular food doesn’t mean that you can’t mix and match based on your individualized palate and preferences, so, if you are craving Austin’s Low Country Chicken and want to pair it with a Robert Mondavi Oakville, don’t let anything stop you. The goal is to enjoy your meal your way.
Pair your favorite wine and meat selection at Austin’s Ocean One
If you plan to dine in the Pawleys Island area and look for a Litchfield Beach restaurant, then Austin’s Ocean One is the oceanfront restaurant. With a beach bar and outside dining, we match a fantastic ambiance with food that will leave your mouth-watering. So come on in and show us your recommended food and wine pairing. We might love it too.