Mastering the art of wine service: Neil Ridley discusses revitalizing dining experiences through enjoyable wine and cuisine pairings
In the world of food and drink, pairings are often discussed and debated. But have you ever considered pairing your favourite crisps with a refreshing beverage? That's exactly what Neil Ridley, author of "The Crisp Sommelier", has done.
Ridley, who is also the co-author of "60-Second Cocktails", approached the pairing from his expertise in drinks. He delves into ten white grape varieties, ten red grape varieties, sparkling fortified wines, cocktails, beers, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks, all in the pursuit of the perfect crisp and drink combination.
Ridley's office transformed into a crisp library during the research process, with over 185 different bags of crisps at his disposal, including brands like Space Raiders, Nik Naks, and Torres. He explored a wide range of crisp flavours, from Torres' earthy truffle crisps to the classic prawn cocktail Skips.
One of the recommendations in the book is a cheese and onion crisp paired with a cool glass of Chardonnay, making for an unexpected yet delightful dinner pairing. For a dessert, white chocolate-coated pretzels are suggested to be enjoyed with a creamy cocktail.
For those looking for something a bit more savoury, Ridley suggests ham and mustard crisps with a German lager for lunch, or pickled onion Monster Munch paired with a high-quality lemonade as a mid-morning snack. A standout breakfast pairing, according to Ridley, is Torres Fried Egg crisps with black Arabica coffee.
Ridley, a lifelong crisp enthusiast, notes that ridged crisps can provide a more intense flavour, which is important to consider in pairings to avoid one component overshadowing the other. He also mentions that while a crisp sandwich could provide a textural delight and could be taken to a new level, it was not included in the book due to lack of space.
"The Crisp Sommelier" taps into the zeitgeist of home entertaining and the art of bringing fun back into food and drink. The book is now available for purchase from Amazon and Waterstones, making it easy for you to explore the world of crisp pairings in your own home. Whether you're a crisp connoisseur or just looking to add a bit of fun to your snack time, this book is a must-read.
