Time to Shine. Show off your "Inner Pairing Guru-ness"

“The discovery of a good wine is increasingly better for mankind than the discovery of a new star” - Unknown

This month will be your chance to show off your food and wine pairing. Maybe you have a favorite, go-to combination. Maybe you need to find a special dish to bring to an upcoming neighborhood party. Or maybe you just like to share off-beat, unusual, or off-the-wall creations. It’s up to you.

In this Meetup, you’re the center of attention. Every attendee is tasked to bring a dish to share, paired with a wine they believe will complement their creation.

Here’s the deal:

• Each attendee is asked to bring a dish of their choosing and a wine they believe will provide delicious, animated discussion. Share why you think wine pairs with the dish to the group. Extra points if you can tie in tastes, aromas, and textures.
• Bring several copies of your recipe to share with fellow foodies.
• There will be an informal competition to identify the “Pairing du Jour” Award Winner.
• Post on the Meetup Conversation Board what you plan to bring so we eliminate any chance of duplication.
• If you need access to our kitchen, oven, or microwave to prepare or keep things warm, let me know and we can arrange access to our house ½ hour or so before the event starts.

The cost for the event is $10.00 to offset the cost of plates, cutlery and to fund the evening’s “Pairing du Jour” Award. Please RSVP and pay by Venmo to Lynne Ryno@Lynne-Ryno (last four of the phone number are 5172 or mail a check to Jack Ryno, 75797 Camino Cielo, Indian Wells, CA 92210. You will be categorized as “not coming” until payment is received. There are fourteen seats available.

Here are a few ideas if you need help getting started:

• Grilled Pepper and Onion Panzanella with Pepperoncini Vinaigrette with a cool climate Cabernet Franc. From Santa Barbara or France’s Chinon area. https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/grilled-pepper-onion-panzanella.
• Dark Chocolate & Red Wine Beef Stew with a dense, ripe Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon. https://www.notquitenigella.com/2012/06/12/dark-chocolate-red-wine-beef-stew/.
• Best Homemade Mac and Cheese. I'm thinking as it's loaded with cheese... maybe a rich, buttery Chhardonnay. https://www.momontimeout.com/best-homemade-baked-mac-and-cheese-recipe/.
• Chicken and Polenta with Broccoli. Hmmm... Italian Gavi or Arneis? https://feastandfarm.com/chicken-and-polenta-with-broccoli/.

If these don’t put a smile on your face or you’re struggling to come up with an idea, here are a few more suggestions from Vanessa Price and Adam Laukhof in their book Big Macs and Burgundy. https://www.bigmacsandburgundy.com:

Prosciutto and Melon with Italian Prosecco
Jalapeno Poppers with German Riesling (Spatlese)
Arancini with Italian Brunello Di Montalcino
Greek Salad with Greek Moscofilero
Kentucky Fried Chicken with California Brut Champagne
Sushi with Austrian Gruner Veltliner
Clam Steamers with Portuguese Vino Verde
Lobster Roll with French Bandol Rose
TexMex Quesadilla with Spanish Red Rioja
Cauliflower Gnocchi (Trader Joe’s) with Italian Lange Nebbiolo
Pad Thai with French Chateauneuf-du- Pape
Hot Caramel Sundae with 20-Year-Old Portuguese Tawny Port
Cherry Garcia (yes, the Ice Cream) with Italian Amarone Della Valpolicella