Pride Pub Bonus Edition: Orlando City vs. Flamengo

Welcome to a bonus edition of Pride Pub! This Sunday, we get to see our Orlando City Lions in action versus Clube de Regatas do Flamengo from Brazil's Serie A. If anyone is actually going to see this one in person, like our own Andrew Harrison, enjoy Rio de Janeiro. For the rest of us, we can use the money we're saving to stock up on brew and ingredients for a delicious meal to enjoy during the match.

Just a reminder on how this works. We choose a craft beer from the (in this case) country of our opponent and include a delicious recipe to pair with that beer. Of course, we also choose a Florida craft beer to represent our Orlando City Lions and the beautiful Sunshine State.

From Brasil: Xingu Black Beer, Xingu Beer

According to the brewery:

Inspired on old recipes of Indian beer, Xingu Black Beer is a two-time winner of Beverage Testing Institute's Gold Medal as the best dark lager in the world. This exceptional beer is a great success worldwide, and has a following that ranges from beer critics to fans and consumers alike. It is a very well balanced beer, with subtle aromas and personality.

Not very descriptive of the actual beer, so let's turn to our friends at www.thebeerstore.ca for a more in-depth analysis.

Xingu Black Beer is a dark lager brewed from wheat & crystal malts, torrified wheat, Tettnang hops, barley, hops, water and yeast -- nothing else -- which you might find surprising considering the heavy notes of anise and treacle (which is like a heavy, almost medicinal molasses). Look for flourishes of black currants and vanilla beans. The opaque blackness is a result of using a variety of black-roast malts from South American-grown barley.

Pair with: Brazilian beer-marinated chicken

Steven Raichlen flavors this speedy chicken dish with Xingu (a Brazilian black lager that has a distinctive cola-like flavor), plus mustard and onion -- evoking the classic combination of beer and bratwursts. "The marinade brings a lot of flavor to a meat that really needs it," he says (Food & Wine).

Dave's recommendation: Twice baked potatoes

If you haven't had the deliciousness of twice baked potatoes, now is your chance!

From Florida: Jai Alai IPA, Cigar City Brewing

According to the brewery:

Jai Alai, a game native to the Basque region of Spain, is played on a court called a fronton. Jai Alai players attempt to catch a ball using a curved mitt whilst the ball travels at speeds up to 188mph! Proving they have a sense of humor, the Spanish dubbed this game, with its ball traveling at race-car speeds, "the merry game." Tampa was once home to a bustling Jai Alai fronton but sadly all that remains of Jai Alai in the Tampa Bay area is this India Pale Ale that we brew in tribute to the merry game. The India Pale Ale style of beer has its roots in the ales sent from England to thirsty British troops in India during the 18th century. Pair Jai Alai India Pale Ale with beef empanadas, deviled crabs and other spicy dishes.

Once again, we'll turn to a third party for a better description. This time we check in with Draft Magazine.

Soft breadiness supports an intense tropical bouquet of orange, tangerine, melon and a touch of pine. Likewise, the bright, playful swallow sends a fresh, fruity blend of grapefruit, peach, melon and tangerine across the tongue, backed by light grainy bread notes. Gentle bitterness cleans up the swallow, resulting in a smooth finish that caps off the incredibly delicious sip.

Pair with: Beef empanadas.

When the brewer tells you what to pair with their beer, you go with it! These flaky, spicy, delicious treats will be perfect for your watch party.

Dave's recommendation: Keep the spiciness going with Mexican rice.

Thanks for joining us for this international edition of Pride Pub. As always, vamos Orlando!