Charlotte Happenings is your monthly guide to events and things to do in and around Charlotte, NC.
Issue link: http://charlottehappenings.epubxp.com/i/803895
Pretzels /Appetizers Few things go better together than warm pretzels and craft beer, as the pretzel's saltiness finds relief in a cold one's refreshing malt and hops. Given the pretzel's popularity and European origin, snacking on one with a German-style beer is pretty hard to beat. That's what you'll find with The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery's Hornet's Nest hefeweizen, which is the perfect answer to VBGB Beer Hall & Garden's jumbo soft pretzel. Both the pour and the bite feature finely balanced wheat, and we're guessing that's why a pretzel paired with a side of beer cheese could seemingly solve all of the world's problems. If a little kick is more your forte, try FüD at Salud's homemade pretzel. Owner Jeff McElwee crafts his pretzels' signature spicy beer cheese using Birdsong Brewing Co.'s fan-favorite Jalapeño Pale Ale, which is brewed with fresh, hand-cut jalapeños. That means devouring it while drinking the beer that inspired it all is an absolute no-brainer. Pretzels aren't the only savory snacks that command a side of craft beer. Despite the unspoken rule that wine, cheese and charcuterie are the trio of choice, there's a strong argument to be made for beer's (particularly sours) place in the mashup, too. The acidity of sour beer balances well with the meat's fattiness and the cheese's richness. You can discover it for yourself when visiting Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop and ordering one of owner Dan Davis' famed charcuterie plates (choose meat, cheese or a combination of both). They work beautifully with Lenny Boy Brewing Co.'s citrus-inspired Dat Pale American Ale, a crisp and balanced pale ale featuring Simcoe, Azacca and Citra hops. Craft Tasting Room and Growler Shop VBGB Beer Hall & Garden charlottesgotalot.com 65