Gone are the days of wine dominating the food and beverage pairing scene. Sommeliers, chefs, and even devoted wine connoisseurs have seen the light in terms of how well beer pairs with food.
In fact, some would argue that beer is actually more food-friendly than wine. There is certainly more room for flavour variety since beermakers have the ability to work with a multitude of different ingredients. Modern beermakers experiment with barley (for sweetness), hops (for bitterness), yeast (for that characteristic "bready" flavour), as well as a variety of spices, nuts, chocolate, fruits, and vegetables.
When it comes to pairing beer with seasonal fare, the key is to look for commonalities and contrasts and choose a beer that highlights the unique flavours of your dish.