Together We Stand

The Sip Advisor makes a mean PB&J… but it’s not that difficult when you have two ingredients that work so well together. Their pairing has even created the saying “[insert item here] and [add second item here] go together like peanut butter and jelly”. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of those famous combos that just look odd when one member is missing:

Salt and Pepper

These two items go so well together that hip hop girl band Salt-N-Pepa adopted the combo (although spelled horribly wrong) for their group name… they were a trio, though, so I did a little research and discovered that while one was “Salt” and the other “Pepa,” the third member was “DJ Spindarella”. What ingredient is that!?

Bacon and Eggs

While my preferred breakfast is comprised of bacon and hash browns, I must concede that bacon and eggs share a special relationship. Things get a little kinky when you put bacon IN eggs, but who am I to judge what goes on in the privacy of kitchens everywhere. Bacon is such an awesome food that it really pairs with everything.

Bread and Butter

While Mrs. Sip might say that lobster and butter are better companions, bread and butter is also one of her vices. When we’re at a restaurant that offers the two, I may have a slice, while my lovely wife is more inclined to ruin her dinner with the appie. It’s quite the show as we move through the meal and she regrets her early choices.

Hamburger and Fries

With advancements in culinary techniques and consumer’s tastes, many restaurants have tried to change the typical burger and fries options, leaving that for the fast food joints of the world… but nothing beats a good ol’ fashioned burg and fries. I wonder who first joined these two in holy EATrimony. They should have patented it.

Crackers and Cheese

With an overall view of this article, it’s like it was meant for Mrs. Sip, this combo be another of her favourites. I can’t count how many times I’ve see a plate of crackers and cheese coming out of our kitchen. This is the wine lovers go-to accompaniment. I’ll never be on board with the whole thing, given my contempt for cheese.

Fish and Chips

While chips may augment a number of main dishes, fish is rarely seen without its potato-based sidekick. In fact, they go so well together that they share similar condiments, such as salt, vinegar, tartar sauce, and ketchup. This means that you don’t have to be cautious while dousing your meal with additions and can let loose!

Meat and Potatoes

Typical meat dishes are almost always accompanied by a starch side like potatoes. Also, saying that someone is a meat and potatoes kind of person translates to them getting the job done without being very flashy. It is often used in hockey circles to describe a hardworking player who doesn’t put up high offensive numbers.

Movies and Popcorn

If the Sip Advisor had his way, it would be “Movies and Potato Chips,” but alas, my motion to have the traditional theatre snack changed has fallen on deaf ears. I’m not a popcorn advocate – heck, I don’t even like going to many movies – but I can respect how these two go so well together. What I don’t get is the marked up price.

Milk and Cookies

In my younger days, I used to love sitting back with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk. Now that I have to be a little more conscious of what I put into my body, I don’t get to enjoy this tradition much anymore. I still eat cookies, but never enjoy a full plate and rarely combine milk in the practice anymore. That’s sad, isn’t it…

Coffee and Donuts

While I love my donuts (the proper way to spell the word… how ridiculous does “doughnuts” look!), I absolutely deplore coffee. Interesting tidbit, though, the whole dunking a donut into coffee was first popularized in the classic movie “It Happened One Night,” which featured star Clark Gable performing the simple task.

Chips and Salsa

Being a potato chip fiend, I’m more inclined to do the chips and dip thing, but tortilla chips and salsa are a natural alliance and got me through many meals at Mexican restaurants when I was a young, picky eater. “And what would you like to order young man?” “Who, me? Oh, I’m fine with the free chips and salsa, thanks!”

Flavour Revolution: The King

• Rim glass with Peanut Butter and Jelly
• 2 oz Van Gogh PB&J Vodka
• 1 oz Banana Liqueur
• Garnish with Bols Banana Liqueur Foam

My favourite PB&J of all-time was a grilled version that included bacon and jalapenos. Mrs. Sip and I enjoyed this sandwich while getting blitzed at last year’s Portland Beer and Wine Festival and we hope it will be available again this year.

Sip Advisor Bar Notes (4 Sips out of 5):
I’ve made this martini numerous times for guests of Mrs. Sip and I, but have never tried a full serving of it myself. Now I can see why this drinks typically earns me rave reviews! It looks neat with the PB&J rim and tastes fantastic, thanks to the Van Gogh Vodka and Banana Liqueur. A great liquid tribute to ‘The King!’