A well-rounded meal begins with the first sip of your whiskey cocktail and the last bite of that sweet dessert. The Valley Smoke pit crew looks at BBQ as a science and eating as an art. Swap paint brushes for a fork and knife and we’re in business! In a society where dining is often rushed and true flavor pairings are no longer savored, we’re here to bring back the beauty of the perfect meal.
Tried-and-True Tips for a Well Balanced Dinner
1. Savor cream-based foods during just one course. A heavy appetizer like a cream-based soup may be too much if followed by creamy side dishes during the main course. The one exception to the rule is dessert, of course. If you’re in the mood for a scoop of ice cream, we say go for it.
2. Avoid ordering different menu items that have duplicating flavors. If you opt for a burrata appetizer, you likely wouldn’t order a burrata pasta dish. (You’re in luck! We focus on meats for our mains here at Valley Smoke.)
3. The sauce is such an important part of the flavor profile that we recommend you enjoy each sauce only once. If chimichurri plays a major role in one of your side dishes, it may not be complementary to order a main course with the same flavor profiles.
4. It’s rare to see sweet fruits as the focal point of an appetizer. Why, exactly? Sugary foods dull the appetite, which is why chefs typically save them for the last course. Grapefruit and watermelon are the only exceptions!
Complementary Elements are Key to a Great Meal
The perfect meal blends contrasting flavors and taste elements into an excellent combination of courses. Here’s what we’re talking about:
1. Complementing Textures: There’s just something so refreshing about a perfectly moist piece of meat contrasted by crunchy grilled veggies or a crisp salad. Soft and crunchy textures blend together so well, which is why soup and salad is the perfect combo.
2. Complementing Flavors: We’re talking about fresh herbs, marinades and seasonings. Certain foods lack bold flavors, like romaine lettuce. Subtle foods are the perfect complement to flavor-forward dishes.
3. Complementing Colors: A colorful plate of fresh food is a true sight for the eyes. Focus on a combination of colors when creating your main dish. Bright shades of green, yellow and red (we’re talking about veggies, here!) alongside meats are a sign of a healthy, balanced meal.
Experience the Perfect Meal at Valley Smoke BBQ
We’ve traveled far and wide to create dishes juuuust right for our friends all over Jacksonville. When you walk into Valley Smoke this season, you’ll find seasonal ingredients, top-quality meats and outstanding cocktails.
Make a reservation here and come on by this summer. We can’t wait to see you!
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