Whether I'm at a trendy restaurant or bringing beer to a backyard party, there is one beer that never lets me down — or rather, one beer style. And that would be the Belgians.

I have been insanely curious to try this gluten-free pale ale from Omission Beer ever since I first heard about it. Gluten-free beers are notoriously mediocre, but this one has been making waves of the omgwow! sort in the beer community. Until very recently, Omission's beers were only available in Oregon and a few select bars outside the state, so when I saw a bottle at my favorite local brew shop, I snatched it up and headed straight home.

Get ready for a sneak attack. This one looks all warm and malty, but with a name like Evil Twin and from a West Coast brewery like Heretic, you know you're going to be in for a tour of Hop Town. My suggestion: just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Don't be scared off by the word "bitter" here. This ESB is a seductive, honey-sweet brew with just enough of a bitter edge to keep things interesting. It's a classic British ale and for a good reason: it's just that good. 

If you have yet to experience the pleasure of cheese and beer together, or if you're a strict believer in pairing cheese with wine and wine alone, here's a book to open, widen, and/or convert your mindset. 

And if you're already on the beer and cheese bandwagon, there's no question that this is a book for you. 

Item: 64 oz Wide Mouth Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Growler
Price: $49.99
Overall Impression: This is a fantastic product for keeping beer and other beverages cold — and hotter foods hot — for hours. Works like a charm.

Love. Love. Love. I love this growler. I love it for keeping my beer carbonated and chilled all the way to the party. I love it for keeping my big batch of soup hot for the potluck. I even love it for keeping my milk cozy at it turns into yogurt. I just love it. Times a million.

I just returned from my first trip to Lebanon, where I spent a week eating and drinking all over the country. Whether in a restaurant or someone's home, no matter where I stopped for a drink, I was always offered a bowl or two of mixed nuts. This, I learned, was no coincidence.

Sunshine. That's all I want right now. Bright golden sunshine — enough to justify a pair of flip flops. And if it comes in liquid form, like this seasonal brew from Sam Adams, I'll totally take it. 

The scenario: you don't drink alcohol, but you're having people over who do. What's a teetotaler to serve? 

A chalkboard menu hangs prominently in our living room, and if you look closely, you'll notice the remnants of a faint inscription scribbled in large capital letters. GUINNESS CAKE! This cake is a special delight my wife prepares for me every year on my birthday. And it gets better every year — one of those things worthy of its own tradition.