“What to Drink with What You Eat” is an essential guide for anyone seeking to transform their meals through the power of thoughtful beverage pairing. Authored by Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page—two culinary experts known for their award-winning work—this book bridges the gap between food and drink, making your meals more harmonious, memorable, and flavorful.

Whether you are planning a dinner party, curating a wine tasting, or simply enhancing your weekday dinner, this comprehensive reference equips you with the tools to pair confidently. It includes more than 1,500 expertly curated suggestions for every type of food and beverage imaginable, ensuring you’ll never be at a loss for the perfect complement.

Meet the Authors

Andrew Dornenburg is a professional chef turned culinary author, recognized for his deep understanding of flavor dynamics and restaurant culture. Karen Page is a culinary writer with an extensive background in food journalism and beverage study. Together, they have created one of the most thorough and practical culinary guides ever published. Their combined knowledge and experience lend credibility and real-world application to every page.

Structured for Maximum Usability

The book’s layout is intuitive and designed with real users in mind. It features two primary sections:

1. Food-to-Drink Index

This section allows you to start with what you’re eating and find ideal beverage matches. Whether you’re enjoying roast chicken, pad Thai, or chocolate mousse, the authors provide a curated list of recommended drinks to enhance the flavor experience. Each entry is straightforward, with multiple pairing options to accommodate different taste preferences.

2. Drink-to-Food Index

Conversely, if you have a drink selected—say a red Bordeaux or a pale ale—this reverse index helps you find the best foods to match. This functionality makes the book incredibly versatile, useful in both home kitchens and professional environments.

Why This Book Stands Out

Unlike other pairing books that rely on general advice, “What to Drink with What You Eat” is comprehensive, specific, and grounded in expertise. It incorporates insights from more than 70 master sommeliers, chefs, and beverage professionals, ensuring the guidance is reliable and results-driven.

The authors explain not just what to pair, but why each pairing works. This educational element empowers readers to go beyond memorization and develop a deeper understanding of flavor principles. Concepts such as acidity, tannin, sweetness, texture, and aroma are all explored with clarity and relevance.

Real-World Use Cases

This book is more than just a reference—it’s a tool for enhancing everyday experiences:

• Home cooks can use it to elevate weeknight dinners.
• Hosts can design more impressive and cohesive meals for guests.
• Professionals in hospitality can improve service quality and customer satisfaction.
• Food lovers can expand their flavor vocabulary and develop a more refined palate.

Beautifully Designed and Easy to Use

In addition to its encyclopedic content, the book features high-quality images and a clean, easy-to-read layout. The hardcover format ensures durability, while the thoughtful organization makes navigation simple. Readers can flip to any section, find what they need within seconds, and walk away with practical knowledge.

Each pairing is presented in a format that encourages experimentation. The authors remind readers that pairing is both a science and an art, offering multiple suitable matches for each item rather than one rigid recommendation.

Comprehensive Pairing Coverage

From classic combinations like wine with steak to surprising matches like tea with spicy curry or beer with shellfish, the book covers a wide range of cuisines and beverages. It also includes suggestions for vegetarian and vegan dishes, desserts, ethnic cuisines, and holiday meals.

It doesn’t matter if you’re planning a romantic dinner or a casual brunch—the pairing possibilities are nearly endless.

What You’ll Learn

• The foundational principles of food and beverage pairing
• How taste and aroma interact between food and drinks
• How to adjust pairings for texture, weight, and acidity
• The importance of personal taste and how to trust your palate
• How to plan full meals with matching drinks from start to finish

FAQs

Q: Is this book suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, the language is accessible, and the structure is user-friendly. Whether you’re new to pairing or an experienced chef, the book adapts to your level.

Q: Does the book only focus on wine?
A: No, it covers wine, beer, spirits, coffee, tea, and water—making it one of the most inclusive pairing guides available.

Q: Is it practical for everyday use?
A: Absolutely. It’s designed to be used frequently, with entries for everyday foods and drinks.

Q: Are the pairings strict or flexible?
A: The book encourages flexibility. It provides multiple pairing options so you can choose based on what’s available and what you enjoy.

Q: Can it be used in restaurants?
A: Yes, many chefs and sommeliers use it as a reference for creating menus and wine lists.

Are you still guessing what drink will go best with your meal? Are you relying on vague tips from the internet or simply choosing randomly? You’re missing out on a key dimension of flavor experience.

This book has already helped thousands of readers upgrade their meals, impress guests, and build confidence in the kitchen. Without it, your next dinner might fall flat. But with it, every meal becomes a well-composed, sensory masterpiece. Don’t let another dinner go unpaired—start mastering your beverage game now.

Final Thoughts

“What to Drink with What You Eat” is not just a book—it’s a lifelong culinary resource. Its award-winning content, expert authorship, and comprehensive coverage make it an unmatched guide in the world of food and beverage pairing.

Whether you are cooking at home, running a kitchen, or entertaining friends, this guide belongs on your shelf. Open it once, and you’ll turn to it for years. It teaches you how to think about pairing, not just follow rules. For anyone who loves food, this book unlocks a world of flavor potential.