A six-course menu from Sleepy Hollow and Our Brewery was as surprising as it was impressive, writes Joris Minne Tartare of venison with Low Land Oud Bruin Beer and dinner? The very thought of it has me clutching my bloating belly. Some people swear by a cold lager with their chicken tikka masala, a hot dog, pizza or even a steaming bowl of sauerkraut. But frankly, my gut can’t take two bloat-inducers at the same time.

Which is why my go-to pairing with almost everything is a decent pinot noir. A light pinot noir from, say Burgundy, California, New Zealand or Germany will never let you down. It is versatile and as good with spicy oriental dishes as it is with heavier European classics.

You can even drink it chilled with fish. It is always socially very acceptable and no wine snob will turn their nose up at you for ordering a glass of pinot noir..