Video: Sarah Simmons On Pairing Food With Champagne And Sparkling Wine

Champagne may not be the first type of wine that comes to mind when talking about food pairings, but executive chef Sarah Simmons of NYC's Birds & Bubbles is out to change that perception. Not only does she view the bubbly beverage as the ideal accompaniment to a large array of dishes across a number of cuisines, but she notes that it's both accessible and fun — a perfect indulgence suitable for any evening and not just for special occasions. At Birds & Bubbles, located on the city's Lower East Side, Simmons serves elevated Southern food (the signature dish is her take on fried chicken) alongside a wide variety of champagnes and sparkling wines.