Capital Grille’s Wagyu and Wine menu makes sophisticated ingredients approachable

While some people think of a burger as a simple, straightforward meal, that prime beef sandwiched between a bun can be more than just another grilled meat. With Capital Grille’s Wagyu and Wine, the sophisticated pairing is a touch of flavor elegance without becoming too bougie.

Elevated ingredients have become more widely available. Whether it was the caviar bump or serving it on Pringles, the need for a pearl spoon and a dimly lit restaurant has become erased.

The same can be said for wagyu beef. While the price tag will always be more than a quick bite at a casual restaurant, the reality is that people are ready, willing and able to make the investment to enjoy the nuanced, superior flavor.

At the same time, people do not want that meal to be stuffy or stodgy. Fun with food is a priority. Whether it is presenting that ingredient in an innovative way or a convivial atmosphere during dinner, all those factors bring diners back to the table.

Capital Grille’s Wagyu and Wine menu captures all of those sentiments. Available now through November 1, the specialty burgers and wine pairings are reasonably priced. Starting at $35, the superior beef with the Duckhorn Portfolio Red wines make for a meal to remember.

Diners can choose one of three wagyu burgers and one of three Duckhorn Portfolio red wines. Each meal is served with duck fat sea salt fries. Guests can upgrade to Chips and Caviar for an additional $20.

While diners can choose to pair wagyu and wine however they choose, Capital Grille has a few suggested wagyu and wine pairings.

For example, one option is Capital Grille’s Wagyu Cheeseburger with the Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot. This Duckhorn wine has a lot of structure with plum, black cherry, and spice notes which pair well with the Vermont white cheddar cheese. The cheeseburger’s steak sauce and grilled onions hit every flavor profile for a complete bite.

The pairing with a punch is the Wagyu Blue Cheese and Black Truffle Burger with the Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Like many Napa Cabs, this wine is big, bold and demands drinkers to take notice. The burger is full of robust flavors. Beyond the blue cheese and pungent black truffle, the cabernet-braised red onions add a tanginess to the overall bite.

Lastly, the Wagyu Roasted Wild Mushroom and Swiss Burger paired with Migration Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir suggestion is feels a touch jammy but it is very approachable. The burger is all about big bold flavors. From the roasted shitake to the truffle aioli, the contrast is a lovely flavor journey.

While Capital Grille offered these food and beverage pairings, guests can choose to enjoy the menu however they choose. Given the menu value, it might be worth visiting more than once to explore a couple combinations.

Capital Grille’s Wagyu and Wine is available now through November 1. Check with local restaurants for more information.