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Top three Playoff food and beer pairings at FedExForum

Sometimes navigating through FedExForum’s over-45 total food and beverage locations and frequent wafts of Rendezvous barbecue can overwhelm even the most epicurean of Grizzlies foodie fans. Fear not, for Ghost River Brewing Head Brewer Jimmy Randall was willing enough to lend his palate and craft beer expertise to come up with the Top-3 Food and Beer Pairings available at FedExForum during the Grizzlies Playoff run.

Jalapeno Cheddar Cone

#1 – Ghost River’s “Grit and Grind” & the Jalapeno Cheddar Cone With Mac and Cheese and Brisket

Enter the all-new Jalapeno Cheddar Cone with Mac and Cheese, tossed with brisket and candied-peppered thick cut bacon. According to Randall, this savory, sinful eat pairs best with a Ghost River Grit and Grind brew. The Grit and Grind is a soft beer with a little bit of creaminess as it is categorized as a ”cream ale.” It has a touch of sweetness and salt that pairs well with the cheesy richness of the mac and cheese, and brings out the pepperiness of the candied bacon. Find the cone at Section 101 and the brew at any of the two Ghost River bars on the Plaza Level (Section 112) and Terrace Level (Section 217).

Potato Bar

#2 “Ghost River Golden Ale” and the Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Spud

You don’t have to go to Philadelphia to get a good brew and cheesesteak. Instead, you’ll find the recently-debuted Philly Cheesesteak Loaded Spud is the perfect blend of spicy and savory sans the sandwich. That’s why it pairs perfectly with the Ghost River Golden Ale – Ghost River’s flagship ale that has a mellow, refreshing character, accentuated by Memphis’ soft water. Randall says it’s the perfect partner to tag team with the spud because it’s “easy drinking” nature doesn’t interfere with the strong onion, pepper and cheesy tastes of the loaded spud. Find the Philly at the Potato Bar Classic at the 4/4 Grill Landing on the First Tennessee Club Level.

Ghost River

#3 – Ghost River’s “River Bank Red” and Bruce’s Spicy Dry Rub Wings

Bang-for-your-buck is great, but when it comes to beer pairings we’re aiming for bang-for-your-bite. Randall suggests pairing Bruce’s Spicy Dry Rub Wings (found at Crossroads Section 104) with Ghost River’s River Red Ale – a caramel, malty-flavored beer, balanced with a crisp hop finish. “The wings have a kick that comes out amidst the heat of the wings,” says Randall. “The bitterness of the hops helps to stand up against the spicy wings. A cream ale or golden ale would get lost in the flavors.”

Brewer’s Note:

Randall chooses the “Grit and Grind” as the brew of choice for those not looking to grub up while they grind down. “This is the beer that just begs to be drank. It’s geared for a sports setting. It’s not as strong (as other ales) and won’t get you in trouble. If you don’t want to test your palate, and are just looking for a classic brew, the Grit and Grind is the way to go.”