Burgers and Wine 12 Ways… Happy Dad’s Day!

“A tie! Gee thaaaannnks… I’ve never seen that shade of, uh, green before… I love it!”

As firm believers that ties should go the way of pantyhose, into the dark reaches of the closet to feed the boogeyman, it’s time to get some inspiration about what your Dad really wants on his day – Sunday, June 20. Chances are it’s much simpler than choosing a tie.

The foodie side is a barbecue breeze thanks to Food Network Magazine for their scrumptious 50 Burgers article and booklet insert in the June issue. The wine pairings are a celebration of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Great Wine Captials Global Network. All nine world-renowned Great Wine Capitals' countries are represented in the World Cup!

 aries
march 21 - april 19

Hoisin Burger (#23)– with hoisin and soy sauce, rice wine and honey; on a Asian-spiced bun with broiled scallions and mayo! Exotic, spicy, at the head of the table, just like Aries Dad. Let him put his mega-mojo on it and don’t worry about the 3-foot flames, it’s his day.
Wine pairing: Porto - Port
Gift suggestion: A silver-plated, engraved fire extinguisher with a quick release wall mount.

taurus
april 20 - may 20

Bison Burger (#28) – grilled to perfection with a toasted bun and onion dip. Simple, yet complicated to honor his many contradictions. Don’t forget the sweet potato fries!
Wine pairing: Bilbao | Rioja - Rioja Reserva

Gift suggestion: Patio massage chair and 4-hour gift certificate to Gardeners-4-U.

gemini
may 21 - june 20

Chipotle Corn (#32) – toss corn kernels and bell peppers with lemon juice, olive oil and salt; mix into burger and dust with cumin before grilling; serve on crusty bun with Chipotle mayo! It’s two burgers in one… a true veggie burger!
Wine pairing: Mainz | Rheinhessen - Riesling
Gift suggestion: The new iPhone 4, nuf said!

cancer
june 21 - july 22

Creole Crab (#38) – crab cakes on a roll with Creole slaw! What could be more comforting than breaded seafood on bread? Your Dad will come out of his shell for this amazing creation, just give him a distraction to keep him out of the kitchen until it’s ready.
Wine pairing: Cape Town - Sauvignon Blanc
Gift suggestion: A great piece of sports memorabilia from his favorite team.

leo
july 23 -august 22

Chile (#17) – classic burger mixed with diced roasted poblanos topped with sharp cheddar! Top with salsa verde and sliced chiles. Don’t forget the ice cream!
Wine pairing: Chianti – via Firenze!
Give suggestion: Celebrate their flair for vanity and promote cardiac health with a monogrammed gym bag.

virgo
august 23 - september 22

Portobello (#49) – wow this burger would make a vegetarian out of a Leo! Season two Portobello caps, fill with 2 slices Muenster cheese, and secure with toothpicks. Dip in beaten eggs, then panko and fry in hot oil until crisp. Serve on soft bun with his favorite condiments!
Wine pairing: Christchurch | South Island - Pinot Noir
Gift suggestion: A luxurious Turkish bath robe… something he won’t buy for himself, but will completely appreciate!

libra
september 23 - october 22

Pesto Chicken (#46) – chicken burgers (#45) topped with sliced mozzarella melted on at last minute. Mix up equal parts pesto and mayo for the bun and top with tomato and arugula.
Wine pairing: San Francisco | Napa Valley – Zinfandel
Gift suggestion: A subscription to Zagat.com to keep up on the best restaurants and a gift card to iTunes for new music!

scorpio
october 23 - november 21

Smashed Onion burger with French Onion twist (#35 & 36) – season thick onion slice and brown on one side in hot cast-iron skillet, flip, separate rings and smash hamburger meat on the rings. Brown on both sides and serve on crusty herbed bun with 2 slices of gruyère cheese.
Wine pairing: Mendoza - Pinot Blanc
Gift suggestion: Handset-style police scanner with bar mount attachment.

sagittarius
november 22 - december 21

Thai Pork (#34) – this is a mixed up international sensation… you’ll have to click on it to believe it... you had me at pork!
Wine pairing: Bordeaux – Cabernet Franc
Gift suggestion: A weekend getaway that includes his favorite sport and visit to a nearby weird monument (World’s Largest Ball-O-String!).

capricorn
december 21 - january 19

Turkey (#39) – just like our Caps, this steadfast bird meets Dad’s Day with aplomb! Mix with green apple, scallions, and seasoned panko; grill and serve on whole-wheat bun with his favorite fixin’s.
Wine pairing: San Francisco | Napa Valley - Chardonnay
Gift suggestion: An engraved silver money clip or a first edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People.

aquarius
january 20 - february 18

Trattoria (#20) – innovative, yet perfectly classic… spread a thick, well-seasoned burger with gorgonzola and serve on an Italian role topped with arugula, pomi tomatoes and fried pancetta!
Wine pairing: Firenze - Super Tuscan
Gift suggestion: An eco-friendly Lava Lamp and a lifetime subscription to Popular Science.

pisces
february 19 - march 20

Scallop Sliders (#37) – sear sea scallops in butter, serve on mini buns with fresh avocados and mayo spiced with hot chili sauce. Dreamy!
Wine pairing: Bordeaux - Sémillon
Gift suggestion: Fantasma's Deluxe Legends Of Magic DVD Set.

 
Wine pairings inspired by: Great Wine Capitals Global Network
Wine pairings assist from: Nat Decants fantastic FREE mobile app!
Photos by: Tina Rupp (Food Network Magazine)