This is a post I’m writing half out of spite and half because I love fast food. I was on Instagram and I saw someone posting about how she was annoyed that she had to wear a mask at the hospital she works at while there are people eating fast food. To quote word for word, “If I have to wear a mask to protect your health, I’m going to start slapping McDonald’s out of your hands too.”
Leave my McDonald’s alone. Fast food is good AF and I think it’s alright if we indulge ourselves once in a while! The key is to have everything in moderation. What’s in moderation for me might be too little for someone else and vice versa. The point is I’m going to eat fast food whenever I want to.
With all of that being said, one of the ways I love to make wine approachable is to pair it with food that is easily accessible to younger drinkers. Sure you can get A5 Wagyu steak at Costco, but it’s $150 for the whole steak with each bite being $10. You can get a whole feast at Popeye’s for $10 and make it feel luxurious by pairing it with wine.
McDonald’s and Sparkling Wine
McDonald’s is salty, which is why it pairs well with sparkling wine. Sparkling wine is high in acidity, carbonated and a great replacement to McDonald’s Sprite. That Sprite tastes how pins and needles in your legs feel and sparkling wine definitely gives off those same vibes. Plus, we know that acid and fat complement each other very well, so the acidity of the wine will pair with almost everything on the menu except maybe the dessert items. It’s a good thing the ice cream machine is probably broken anyway. What about filet-o-fish? Yes, it would go with that as well.
Taco Bell and Rosé
Taco Bell is one of my favorite fast food places and I can’t really explain why, I just know that it’s good. My go-to order is any cravings box they have available because it usually comes with a burrito, a taco, some nachos, and a drink all for $6. They switch up the cravings box at least once a month, so it’s kind of a surprise as to what it’s going to be. Rosé pairs well with that unpredictability since it’s such a versatile wine. Crunchwrap? Rosé. Chicken quesadilla? Rosé. Nacho fries? Rosé! You really can’t go wrong with washing down Taco Bell with pink wine.
Popeyes and Grenache
This is a controversial opinion, but Popeye’s is superior to Chick Fil A in all ways possible. The spicy chicken sandwich is SO good and they never miss with their sides. I’m basic and get fries, but I have had their red beans and rice, which everyone needs to try at least once. Anyway, I like the pairing of Grenache and Popeyes. I know you’re thinking I’m a heathen for suggesting red wine and chicken. Here’s another reminder that pairings are suggestive and just because I love these two things together doesn’t mean you will. Now, the reason I like this pairing is because Popeyes always uses so many complex spices and I like how Grenache is able to match them, but not compete with them. I’ve always thought that New World Grenaches have a cherry cola characteristic that just complements fast food perfectly. Plus, if you slightly chill the Grenache, it makes the pairing much better.
KFC and Off-Dry Riesling
I feel like KFC is really stepping up their game recently after they popped off on TikTok for their Nashville Hot Tenders. I’ve tried those tenders and yes, they are finger lickin’ good. They’re a little bit spicy and definitely greasy, so off-dry Riesling works because it’s a little bit sweet to balance the spicy, low in alcohol to not make it spicier (even though crazy people like me love that), and high enough in acidity to keep the grease in check. Off-dry Riesling is so underrated too, which is why I love pairing it with lots of things including chicken tikka masala. Anyway, drink more Riesling!
Panda Express and Sauvignon Blanc
If you’ve ever been to Panda Express, you know they have a lot of options to choose from. I decided to choose a wine that was versatile just like rosé is, but would pair a little bit better with sautéed veggies and chicken or shrimp. My usual Panda Express order is a bowl of chow mein with either orange chicken or honey walnut shrimp. It really depends on what I’m feeling that day, but I know that Sauvignon Blanc will go with either. I tend to go with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc because it’s light and fruity compared to a Sancerre which is more chalky and grassy.
Little Caesar’s and Barbera
I don’t understand why Little Caesar’s gets so much slander. Sure it’s kind of greasy, but it’s $5 for a decent-sized pizza and the pizza is actually good. The crazy bread is bomb AF too, so I honestly have no idea what people are talking about it. Growing up, we would have Little Caesar’s and Dr. Pepper or Coca-Cola. Unfortunately, I cut soda out of my diet, so I had to find something else to pair with my favorite pizza. I paired it with one of my favorite varietals, Barbera. Barbera can match the energy of the tomatoes, but also is acidic enough to make the cheese taste even better. I chose Barbera because it’s a little more fruity than Sangiovese is, but if you prefer more earthy wines, Sangiovese would also work well with Little Caesar’s pizza.
Okay, but what else are you supposed to eat at the hospital?
Right? LOL
This is the post I didn’t know I needed!!!