Pick a Pairing
Many coffee aficionados are curious to learn how their favorite blends match up with food. Restaurants have the opportunity to teach them.
By Mary Boltz Chapman, Editor-in-Chief -- Chain Leader, 1/22/2008 2:21:00 PM
Can you pair coffee and espresso blends with food the way you choose a wine to complement your entree? There is an argument among coffee fans.
Proponents cite the unique flavors and characteristics of coffee blends that mingle better with certain dishes than others. Opponents argue that one doesn’t drink coffee with each course, and that the coffee-drinking experience is distinctive and should not be forced into the norms of wine appreciation.
Like it or not, as customers continue their appreciation of coffee, they will look for ways to learn more about it. And wine pairing is a concept they relate to. Coffeehouses and the growing list restaurant chains that are upgrading their coffee programs are in a good position to educate their customers.
Desserts Are a Natural
Seattle’s Best Coffee, which opened its 500th cafe location in 2007, encourages operators to offer food pairings with coffee. For example, it recommends the Columbian blend with flavors like lemon, butter and nuts, complementing desserts like poppy-seed muffins, nut scones, sticky buns and lemon bars. And the organic French roast, which is described as bold and smoky, pairs well with toasted nuts, chocolate and caramelized sugar, complementing desserts like chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon rolls, snicker doodles and chocolate cake.
The company also releases limited-time specials using the prominent flavors of the season. This winter, it’s promoting the Peppermint Mocha Trio topped with whipped cream and a sprinkle of peppermint candy; Gingerbread Latte: espresso, steamed milk and gingerbread flavors; and SleighBell Blend, which combines Latin American coffees that are medium to full-bodied.
Starbucks makes flavor pairings easy on customers who visit its Web site. It suggests customers try its Kenya blend with a berry tart to enhance the black currant and tropical fruit flavors. And it recommends its smoky French roast with toasted nuts or roasted vegetables.
Multiple Courses
Java City, a Sacramento-based coffee chain, offers tasting events that include pairing the blends with food. Some restaurants have held dinners in which each course is paired with a different coffee. Chains with significant local-store marketing efforts might find such an event not only educates their customers about their coffee blends but brings in guests on a slow evening.
The Food Network offers a chart listing the characteristics of coffee and the ideal food pairings for coffee from around the world. Here is a sampling.
For a thorough look at what makes up coffee flavor and how to match blends with food, read this article by coffee experts from Starbucks. http://www.foodproductdesign.com/articles/1100cc.html
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