Savoring summer one pint at a time
Whether you're kicking back after mowing the lawn for the second time in a week or celebrating an extra-innings win, there's a good chance there's a beer in your hand.
And it's most likely not a stout or porter.
Those heavier brews hit the spot during football season, but summer calls for beers lighter in flavor and lighter on the alcohol, says Becky Nischik of Town & Country Distributors in Itasca.
Some of her favorite seasonal beers for sipping at the racetrack or Ravinia include:
Samuel Adams Summer Ale. This smooth American wheat ale uses malted wheat, lemon zest and grains of paradise. The ale fermentation imparts a background tropical fruit note reminiscent of mangos and peaches. All of these come together to create a quenching, clean finishing beer perfect for those warm summer days.
Blue Moon Honey Moon Summer Ale. Brewmasters add clover honey for hint of sweetness and a touch of orange zest for light spice notes at the finish. The perfect blend of pale malts and white wheat malts.
Harpoon Summer Beer. This light, refreshing, crisp Kolsch-style ale goes well with steaks and chops, salads and seafood.
New Belgium Skinny Dip. Brewed in Ft. Collins, Colo., Skinny Dip's Cascade hops frolic with Kaffir lime and ample malt to create a bright, citrusy nose that's as crisp as a dunk in a mountain pond.
Dozens of new seasonal beers hit the shelves each year eager to be opened, sipped and shared. Wander into your local bottle shop to pick up an old favorite or discover your new summer quencher. Mine's Grassroots Ale from Great Lakes Brewing Co. Thanks for sharing, Matt.
Continuing education: If you want to one-up your neighbor at your next patio party, or need to brush up your techniques before barbecue season, GillU.com can be your guide.
The site, sponsored by Bush's Beans, is a go-to guide for grilling, offering mouthwatering recipes and expert advice from the likes of "Barbecue America" host Rick Browne. You can even hang with country superstar Craig Morgan and explore Duke's Doghouse, a fun little world that's kind of like Webkinz World, but with recipes and prizes.
Vintage Fox: Try more than 150 wines from around the world without leaving the suburbs during Elgin's inaugural Wine Festival from 1 to 8 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at Festival Park, 132 S. Grove Ave., along the Fox River.
Set under one enormous tent, the festival offers guests an opportunity to chat with winemakers and experts while sampling an array of international and domestic wines and noshing on food from Biaggi's Restaurante Italiano, Red Bar Winery and Bistro, Mandile's Restaurant, Casa Lara Restaurant, Buckingham's Grand Victoria Casino and Old Town Pizza Company and other restaurants.
There's also a beer garden featuring Stella, Leffe and Hoegaarden beers, musical entertainment, wine seminars and cooking demonstrations from Meijer's Healthy Living Advisor Maribel Cabrales.
Tickets cost $20 in advance (includes a souvenir glass and 10 tasting tickets) and can be purchased through Friday, May 22, at elginwinefestival.com. Tickets cost $30 on-site. Additional tasting coupons may be purchased at the festival ($5 for 10 additional tastings). Designated driver tickets are $10. Attendees younger than 21 are admitted for free when accompanied by a paid adult.
For groups of 15 or more, tickets are $17.50 each. To reserve group tickets, call Scott at (847) 382-1480 or GroupTix at (877) 447-7849. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association Special Olympics training and cultural arts programs.
Find details and a schedule at elginwinefestival.com.
• Contact Food Editor Deborah Pankey at (847) 427-4524 or food@dailyherald.com. Listen to her discuss food and restaurant trends on "Restaurant Radio Chicago" from 5 to 6 p.m. Saturdays on WIND 560-AM.