Check out the new food and beer pairing menu descriptions from Gordon Biersch

Jumping aboard the craft beer movement can be intimidating for some customers, mostly because of the knowledge gap. What is different about all of these styles? How can I possibly know which to choose? One great entry point is through food and beer pairings. Gordon Biersch just published an easy-to-follow beer and food pairings guide designed to help its customers learn more about the brand’s five different beer styles and the flavors that perfectly complement each. This menu rollout also coincides with the franchise allowing its local head brewers to get creative and come up with something new for their on-site customers.

“At Gordon Biersch, we pride ourselves on being a leader among beer-centric restaurants in the industry today, and have set ourselves apart by brewing on-site exceptionally unique lagers and ales,” said Tom Dargen, senior director of brewery operations at Gordon Biersch. “We’re excited to debut our new beer and food pairings guide, which will enhance the dining experience for our guests and offer them insight into the Gordon Biersch brewing process and our signature flavor-packed brews.”

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The pairings menu is as follows:

• Hoppy — A beer style that balances out spicy foods and helps emphasize specific flavors in dishes, which creates an ideal combination with spicy meals, pork, poultry and burgers. This flavor can be paired well with Gordon Biersch favorites including Southwest Egg Rolls, Marzen BBQ Chicken Sandwich and Spicy Chicken Fritters.

• Fruity & Spicy — This style of beer complements and balances flavors similar to notes in the beer, such as those found in poultry, salads, seafood and flatbreads. Guests can pair their Fruity & Spicy brews with selections such as the Blue Crab & Artichoke Dip, Cali Beach Taco and California Cobb Flatbread.

• Light & Refreshing — Select this type of beer style when looking for a refreshing craft beer that will cleanse the palate and will also complement lighter dishes. The chef recommends matching this style of beer with Gordon Biersch menu items such as the Cajun Pasta and the Gorgonzola Pear Salad.

• Malty — Fans of roasted, grilled and smoked foods should sample this style of beer, which will give another layer of flavor to the dish. Ideal menu items to be paired with Malty beers include the Gordon Biersch Beer & Mushroom Chicken and the Gastro Burger.

• Dark — This style of beer best complements chocolate and other sweet flavors, as well as meat dishes such as Gordon Biersch’s 10-ounce USDA Top Sirloin and the fan-favorite Brownie Sundae.