Pride Pub: Orlando City vs. Miami FC — U.S. Open Cup Edition

Welcome to the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round 4 edition of Pride Pub. The Lions start off the Open Cup right here in the Sunshine State and take on Miami FC next Wednesday. Miami FC beat the Jacksonville Armada to advance to the fourth round. We have plenty of time to get prepared for this one, so enjoy a relaxing Pub. At least until kickoff.

Just a reminder on how this works: we choose a craft beer from the city of our opponent and we include an appropriate recipe to go along with it. Of course, we also choose an Orlando craft beer to complement our other recipe and to represent our Orlando City Lions here in the City Beautiful.

From Miami: Baltizar Baltic Porter, M.I.A. Beer Company

The M.I.A. Beer Company is pretty flashy in its marketing, just like the city of Miami. Plenty of neon and bright colors. Their Baltizar Baltic Porter is a bit more understated than some of their other beers, but it’s still quite good. Kudos to owners Eddie Leon, Kevin Smith, and Johann Beckford on another fine concoction.

According to the brewery:

"Epic Baltic porter built with a complex malt layering yielding a port wine, dried fruit sweetness that finishes with a hint of dark chocolate & light roasted coffee"

Pair with: Crock Pot Beef and Sausage Chili. Porters tend to go well with any type of meat, so we’re going to double down with the chili. Plus, given how much time you have to prepare, a little crock pot cooking is perfect.

Dave’s Recommendations: Homemade Cornbread. Since we have so much time, you’ll be able to bake some classic cornbread to sop up the chili.

From Orlando: Mr. Tractor Kolsch, Crooked Can Brewing Company

Brewers Kent Waugh and Nolan Clark have some of the most interesting labels, and some of the most interesting names for their beers. They also have some of the most delicious beers in Orlando, and Mr. Tractor Kolsch is no exception.

According to the brewery:

“Brewed as a lager and cellared to be clean and crisp, the Kolsch though appearing simple with its straw color, moderate hop bitterness, and 5% ABV demands much of the brewer's attention. Such simple flavors leave nothing for flaws to hide behind. It is the perfect "lawnmower beer" that will quench anyone's thirst after a day of chores. With the right balance of German hops and 2-Row malt, this is a great session beer.”

Pair with: Slow Cooker Beer Brats. Kolsch beers are a bit more complex, and less bitter than a traditional Pilsner, despite being brewed from the same malt. We’re sticking with the slow cooker theme, and what better way than to be able to use some of the beer to make the brats.

Dave’s Recommendations: German Potato Salad. I’m not a big fan of mayo, and that’s why I like German Potato Salad. No mayo. Of course, it’s also a great pairing with both the beer and the brats. Enjoy!

Thanks for stopping by this Open Cup special edition of Pride Pub. Hopefully, it will be just the first of many. Let us know which pairing you went with, while you enjoy watching the Lions take on Miami FC. Go City!