This week, Catherine Klene is obsessed with...

{At a recent Brewmaster Beer Dinner at PW Pizza, I was skeptical when the Blue Moon brewmaster introduced Tongue Thai-ed Ale to pair with our Spicy Lemongrass Marinated Chicken Pizza. Talk about a jolt. This somewhat hoppy brew punches the palate with lemongrass and basil. Alone, it was too intense for my taste; sipped with my pizza, it was the perfect complement, enhancing the lemongrass on the chicken while the pizza mellowed the bite of the beer. I can't wait to try it with pad Thai or a curry and see what other flavors it brings out.}

{My family has one rule when dining out: Everyone must order something different. We make an exception at Fletcher's in Belleville, where I often beg someone to split the Belle Isle Pizza. Bits of plump Gulf shrimp and hot andouille dot sweet barbecue sauce with a healthy squirt of spicy mustard, all on a crisp, wood-fired crust. I try to justify this spicy Cajun treat by ordering a side salad, too, but I never fail to eat one piece more than I should.}

{John G's Bier Deck in Washington, Mo., is the backyard deck of my dreams: two levels of patio seating that overlook the Missouri River. A bar on the upper deck doles out plenty of beers, many from August Brewing Co., located just a few miles away. And of course, you can't forget the fire pits, TVs, and box of classic games including Jenga and Life. At least once a month, you can find me sipping a Tornado Alley Amber as the sun sets over the river – and maybe taking the edge off a long week with a round of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots.}