Fast Food Pairings From Click Wine Group

Of the many innovations Americans have given to the world, the concept of "fast food" and pre-prepared, take-out dinners may be one of the most enduring. Distinctively American chain restaurants have expanded around the world and they've never been more popular at home than they are today. In fact, "Well over half of the meals purchased at the nation's estimated 935,000 restaurants are gobbled up at home...the typical American eats 81 meals inside restaurants but ordered 127 to go," according to research from the NPD Group.

In fact, less than a third of Americans are cooking their evening dinners from scratch, according to a new survey by the Institute of Food Technologists. Although 75% of Americans are eating their dinners at home, nearly half those meals are fast food, delivery, or takeout from restaurants or grocery delis. Statistics show that Americans now spend more money on fast food than they do on higher education, personal computers, software or new cars. They spend more on fast food than on movies, books, magazines, newspapers, videos and recorded music - combined.

Click Wine Group would like to propose the thought that, while getting a take-out dinner may be fast, the satisfaction can be a little more enjoyable with a bottle of wine. The proliferation of moderately-priced selections from companies like Click means a delicious pairing doesn't have to run up the price.

To make choosing the wine as easy as ordering the dinner, the experts at Click have sacrificed their time -- and their tummies -- to pair some of their top-selling wines with selections from the most popular restaurants. Hungry yet? You will be after you read the tasty parings below.

Fast Food Pairing by The Click Wine Group

1. California Pizza Kitchen

BBQ Chicken Pizza -- BBQ sauce, smoked gouda and Mozzarella cheeses, BBQ chicken, sliced red onions and cilantro. Mad Dogs & Englishmen's notes of ripe, red fruits pairs great with the smoky BBQ flavors of the pizza.

Thai Chicken Pizza -- Chicken breast marinated in a spicy peanut-ginger and sesame sauce. Mozzarella cheese, green onions, bean sprouts, julienne carrots, cilantro and roasted peanuts. Fresh and flavorful Clean Slate Riesling offers a refreshing balance to California Pizza Kitchen's intensely flavored Thai Chicken Pizza.

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad -- Chopped lettuce, black beans, sweet corn, jicama, cilantro, basil, crispy corn tortilla strips and Monterey Jack cheese tossed together in our herb ranch dressing. Topped with BBQ chicken breast diced tomatoes and green onions. Fat bastard Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp refreshing choice to accompany this salad. The bright citrus notes in the wine compliment the fresh vegetables and add zing to your meal!

2. Chipotle

Chicken Burrito -- Chicken marinated for hours in chipotle adobo then grilled. Flour tortilla, cilantro-lime riche, beans, salsa cheese, sour cream, romaine lettuce. The rich and complex flavors of Root:1 Cabernet stand up well to Chipotle's full-flavored grilled chicken.

Steak Burrito -- Steak marinated for hours in chipotle adobo then grilled. Flour tortilla, cilantro-lime riche, beans, salsa cheese, sour cream, romaine lettuce. When it comes to steak dishes, nothing stands up like the juicy, rich flavors of Fat bastard Shiraz. The smooth tannins and hint of spice will really make this combination sizzle!

3. PF Chang's China Bistro

Chang's Chicken Lettuce Wraps -- Quickly cooked spiced chicken served with cool lettuce cups. Balance this spicy, crunchy dish with the full bodied flavor of Fat bastard Cabernet. The rich, ripe red fruits won't overwhelm this dish and will highlight its fiery delight!

Chang's Spicy Chicken - Lightly dusted and stir-fried in a sweet Sichuan sauce. The refreshing, chilled fruit taste of Clean Slate Riesling contrasts perfectly with the spicy and salty Sichuan sauce of P.F. Chang's Spicy Chicken.

Kung Pao Chicken -- Quick fired with peanuts, chili peppers, scallions. The bold flavors of the Kung Pao are an excellent match to the spicy blueberry and plum aromas of 2up Shiraz, both flavors envelop your palate in perfect harmony.

Mongolian Beef -- Quickly cooked steak with scallions and garlic. The soft tannins of Flying Fish Merlot match very well with the delicate beef flavors and produce a complimentary palate impression that adds to the overall meal.

4. Legal Seafoods

Legal's Signature Crab Cakes -- Lump crab, mustard sauce, greens tossed with fall fruits and nuts. Legal Seafoods' lush and rich crab cakes call for the vibrant and fresh taste of Root: 1 Sauvignon Blanc.

Fried Fisherman's Platter -- Shrimp, scallops, calamari, clams & scrod french fries and coleslaw. Flying Fish Riesling is the ideal wine companion as the fresh floral aromas of the wine really accentuate the subtle flavors of the various seafood.

5. Olive Garden

Chicken Parmigiana -- Parmesan-breaded chicken breasts, fried and topped with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese. The acidity in the tomato sauce lends a nice sweetness to Mad Dogs & Englishmen, allowing its fruit to really show through.

Lasagna Classico -- Layers of pasta, meat sauce and mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan and Romano cheese. The fruit forward flavors of Fat bastard Merlot stand up well to the rich combination of meat and cheeses. Bellisimo!

Fettuccine Alfredo -- Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of garlic, served over fettuccine. The crisp, citrus-fruit acidity of Root:1 Sauvignon Blanc balances and accentuates the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce.

6. The Cheesecake Factory

The Factory Burger -- Charbroiled with Cheddar Cheese, Tomato and Grilled Onions, Served on Sourdough French or Wheat Loaf. The complex flavors of blackberries, licorice and vanilla in Fat bastard Shiraz pair well with the moist, tender classic burger. Better than a chocolate shake!

Cajun Jamblaya Pasta -- Shrimp and Chicken Sauteed with onions, tomato and peppers in a very spicy Cajun sauce over fresh linguini. Compliment the "very spicy" Cajun flavors with the crisp and refreshing taste of Clean Slate Riesling.

Pasta Bolognese -- Rich meat sauce slowly simmered with porcini mushrooms, wine, garlic and herbs. Italy meets the North West as Flying Fish Merlot adds blueberry and lush cherry tastes to this Italian favorite. If Don Corleone had of grown up on the west coast this would be an everyday pairing.

Famous Factory Meatloaf -- Meatloaf served with mashed potatoes, gravy, grilled onions and vegetables. The bold berry flavors of Fat bastard Cabernet compliment the classic taste of meat and potatoes and proved added comfort to this classic meal.

7. Boston Market

Rotisserie Chicken -- The cool, crisp flavors of Fat bastard Rose make it a perfect picnic match or this juicy, tender bird.

Pastry Top Chicken Pot Pie -- The bright fruits of Flying Fish Riesling integrate perfectly with all the vegetables and chicken while the crisp acidity works in harmony with the pastry and gives a delicious lasting impression.

Meatloaf -- American comfort food meets Australians comfort wine. The hint of chocolate and integrated oak on 2up Shiraz makes this meatloaf taste like a five star meal. Add a roaring fireplace and all is good.

8. Applebees

Chicken Fingers Platter -- The soft and subtle texture of Flying Fish Merlot not only compliments the chicken fingers but has a structure to pair well with almost any dipping sauce.

Penne Rosa with Sweet Italian Sausage -- Tossed in traditional spicy Italian tomato cream sauce mixed with ripe tomatoes and green peas and topped with hearty, sweet Italian sausage and Parmesan cheese. Hearty Italian sauce calls for the elegant and rich taste of Root:1 Cabernet.