Date Night in: Upgrading Your Takeout Game with Wine Pairings
The Perfect Wine Pairings to Complement Every Type of Takeout
Perfect Wine Pairings for Takeout
When Saturday night rolls around, it usually looks something like this: My fiancé and I frantically search for a new restaurant to try, desperately trying to secure a reservation before they’re all snatched up. But here’s the plot twist – we end up canceling the reservations, throwing on our comfiest and most oversized clothes, and indulging in takeout for the umpteenth time. Because in our books, date night in is not just our love language, it’s a full-blown romantic comedy.
Now, while we relish sitting cross-legged on the floor, laughing over trash TV, and sipping wine, we decided it’s time to level up our nights in. So, I reached out to a professional chef to spill the beans on the best wine pairings for our favorite takeout dishes. Who says takeout can’t be lavish and filled with romance?
Meet the Expert: Chef Tracey Shepos-Cenami
After years of working as an executive chef, Tracey Shepos Cenami found herself drawn to the wine industry. Talk about a grape transition! Tracey has played a pivotal role in developing the culinary program at La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard. Her expertise includes introducing a VIP wine and cheese pairing experience, expertly combining local artisan cheeses with La Crema wines. With her recipes published in magazines and newspapers, she’s even a three-time winner of Food Network’s Guy’s Grocery Games. Now that’s the kind of chef I want to take cooking advice from!
Italian Takeout + Chardonnay: A Match Made in Pasta Heaven
Italian cuisine is known for its rich, saucy dishes like layered lasagna, bolognese, and homemade pizza. To complement these tomato-heavy masterpieces, Chef Tracey recommends pairing them with a Chardonnay. She says that “the acidity of the wine is very much like most tomato-based sauces,” making La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Chardonnay or Kelli Ann Chardonnay the perfect choices. But let’s not stop there! Elevate your evening by playing soft Italian music in the background, lighting some candles, and sprucing up your takeout dishes with fresh ingredients like basil and grated Parmesan cheese. Now, you’ve got yourself a romantic Italian escape right at home.
### La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Can’t wait? Order on InstaCart to get it delivered today! Shop now
### La Crema Kelli Ann Chardonnay Use code LCEVERYGIRL for 15% off + free shipping when you buy four or more bottles! Shop now
Chinese Takeout + Pinot Gris: A Winning Duo
Ah, the joys of fried rice, crab rangoon, and orange chicken! These delectable dishes often grace our household. But to give our takeout feast an extra oomph, Chef Tracey suggests pouring a few glasses of La Crema’s Monetery Pinot Gris. According to her, “An off-dry version will pair well whether the dish is spicy, sweet, salty, or sour.” The flavor notes of citrus blossom, lemon, and Gala apple will simply enhance the flavors and textures of your meal. Now here’s the real twist – forget about those plastic takeout containers and elevate your Chinese food spread by plating it on your finest dinnerware. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, why not snag some reusable wooden chopsticks for an authentic experience? Don’t forget to complete the ambiance with some essential wine accessories.
### La Crema Monterey Pinot Gris Use code LCEVERYGIRL for 15% off + free shipping when you buy four or more bottles! Shop now
Japanese Takeout + White Wine: Where Sushi Meets Sauvignon Blanc
Japanese takeout, including sushi and ramen, is like a heavenly union with most white wines. White wines work their magic by enhancing the unique flavors of these delicate dishes, providing an extra layer of texture. Chef Tracey recommends having La Crema’s Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc or Monterey Chardonnay on hand for your Japanese-inspired feast. So, spark deep conversations over dinner inspired by the Japanese concept of “ikigai” – finding your life’s purpose. Sip on these exquisite wines and ponder the question, “What is your ikigai?” It’s the perfect start to a night filled with meaningful conversations and a glass of fine wine.
### La Crema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc Can’t wait? Order on InstaCart to get it delivered today! Shop now
### La Crema Monterey Chardonnay Can’t wait? Order on InstaCart to get it delivered today! Shop now
American Takeout + Pinot Noir or Chardonnay: Stars and Stripes, Meets Wine and Delights
America, the melting pot of the world, offers a wide array of flavors and dishes. With such a diverse culinary landscape, Chef Tracey recommends food-friendly wines for your American takeout extravaganza. If you and your partner prefer reds, reach for La Crema’s Pinot Noir. If you lean towards whites, opt for Chardonnay. To sweeten the deal, both wines perfectly accompany after-dinner delights. So, indulge in a slice of key lime pie while sipping on Chardonnay or enjoy creamy chocolate mousse alongside a glass of Pinot Noir. To add more charm to the night, why not turn your date night into dinner and a movie? Break out a nostalgic flick, transporting yourselves back to the good old days. You’ll find yourselves stopping the movie every few minutes, laughing at shared memories and saying, “OMG, I love this part!”
### La Crema Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Can’t wait? Order on InstaCart to get it delivered today! Shop now
### La Crema Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Can’t wait? Order on InstaCart to get it delivered today! Shop now
Mexican Takeout + Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc: Spice Up Your Night
Mexican cuisine boasts bold and spicy flavors that require a wine as fiery as its dishes. Chef Tracey spills the beans on this sizzling combination: “The spicier the food, the colder and sweeter the wine should be.” She recommends reaching for Rosé or Sauvignon Blanc to cover all the bases. These wines perfectly balance the heat and pair wonderfully with dishes featuring white or red meat. Now, here’s where the night takes a turn – keep the heat going by starting a game night just for the two of you. Whether it’s Never Have I Ever, Truth or Dare, or Two Truths and a Lie, the games will spice up your evening and have you both laughing and learning new things about each other. Or, if cards are more your style, try your hand at a competitive game like Poker or War. Just remember, the winner gets an extra sip of wine!
### La Crema Saralee’s Vineyard Pinot Noir Rose Use code LCEVERYGIRL for 15% off + free shipping when you buy four or more bottles! Shop now
### La Crema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc Can’t wait? Order on InstaCart to get it delivered today! Shop now
Indian Takeout + Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling: A Spice Journey Worth Savoring
The tantalizing flavors of Indian cuisine, from Aloo Gobi to garlic naan, never fail to hit the spot. But why settle for just a mango lassi when you can pair your favorite spicy dish with the perfect wine? Chef Tracey suggests La Crema’s Sauvignon Blanc or Late Harvest Riesling for your Indian takeout adventure. She advises, “You’ll want to tone down the heat with a chilled white wine that can offer a touch of sweetness or fruit to offset it.” And here’s where the night gets even more exciting – swap your cozy matching set for a fantastic outfit that you’d wear on a fancy dinner date out. Putting in a little extra effort to dress up will make the evening all the more special. If you’re in need of fashion inspiration, check out these chic fall date outfit ideas. Now you’re ready to dig into your flavorful feast while looking like a million bucks!
### La Crema Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc Can’t wait? Order on InstaCart to get it delivered today! Shop now
### La Crema Late Harvest Riesling Use code LCEVERYGIRL for 15% off + free shipping when you buy four or more bottles! Shop now
This magical adventure through the world of takeout and wine pairings is brought to you by La Crema. And while this post is sponsored, all the opinions are those of VoiceAngel editorial board. So, my fellow fashion and wine enthusiasts, which takeout and wine pairing will you try first? Let the feast begin, and don’t forget to share your fabulous date night experiences in the comments below! Cheers to love, laughter, and sumptuous evenings at home.
