Romantic Beer Date Ideas, Part I

Sure, we know that beer isn't commonly thought of as 'romantic.' That's usually left to wine, or more expensively, Champagne. However, breaking down beer stereotypes is something we love to do so here's our take on how beer can be enjoyed in a more romantic setting.

Pair beer with food! Of course, we're not talking about lunch at the pub or dinner at home, but perhaps something that takes just a bit more effort. You could get all dressed up and attend a beer and food gala event, or even go to your local brewpub and see what they have to offer. Our suggestion - imbibe and gourmandize at Spinnakers Brewpub in Victoria.

They have an excellent selection of craft beers and the food is well above normal pub quality. We chose their beer and cheese tasting plate and enjoyed it on a sunny patio overlooking the water. And we were thrilled when a couple that were decades our senior took the table beside us and had a romantic beer date of their own.

The cheese selection was all local and artisanal from Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and the quality was exceptional. The pairings were all complimentary but some really accentuated yummy flavors in the cheese. For example, I especially enjoyed the way the ale made the Amsterdammer extra buttery and creamy, while Spunkybrewster raved about the bitter and feta. While we were completely satisfied with our romantic lunch date, you could take it further with their beer and chocolate sampler. And if you are going to do that, you might as well book one of their guestrooms with a soaker-tub!

A great pair at the Spotted Bear

You'd be hard pressed to find someone with a bit of an appetite who'd turn down a slice of pizza and a beer. Come to think of it, I can't remember ever not enjoying the two together. I believe the combination of the two are a great starter kit for anyone who wants to start pairing beer with food. My wife and I are fairly new at this pairing game and we've had our share of hits and misses, but this is a straight-forward and enjoyable match. All you have to do is choose a quality amber lager and your favorite type of pizza and observe what happens in your mouth- fireworks! A beer and food pairing epiphany! For example, I had the pleasure of enjoying the house pizza at the Spotted Bear Bistro in Tofino, complimented by a Brooklyn Brewery - Brooklyn Lager tonight. And the experience reassured me, that pairing beer and food is fantastic.

(another amber lager suggestion is Samuel Adams Boston Lager, better yet compare the two and see which combo you like the best!)

Beer and Hockey, Got Your Attention Anyone?

Tonight we watched the oh-so-disappointing Canada vs. USA hockey game, but luckily we enjoyed an ever-so-agreeable beer that made the loss a lot more bearable. Fat Cat's Honey Beer, made just across the island at Nanaimo's "beer from scratch" microbrewery, made a great first impression with a fabulous head, was olfactory-orgasmic with a honey-goodness aroma, and teased our palate with its sweet yet citrusy taste. For more information check out http://www.fatcatbrewery.com/products.html

Beer Wars the movie.

We just watched this great documentary and we both agree its a must see for the conscience beer consumer.If it is not available from your local movie store, you can rent it off itunes or purchase it off the Beer Wars website. Definitely checkout the trailer.

Happy Valentines Day Loovie!

I thought it would be fun to start a website called helovesbeershelovesbeer.com that would document our beer adventures together.I have reserved the domain name but also constructed this blog as our satellite or example.I think it would be a another fun thing to do together and Im sure you'll agree. Love you tones,your co-author Funkybrewster.