Here are a few resources which I have found quite helpful in my culinary explorations
Beer+Food:
The Brewmaster's Table Garrett Oliver: An amazing work, explaining not only the basics or pairing, but also giving an extensive description of beer, beer styles and how to pair with each one. Has provided me with a boon of knowledge, and many wonderful pairings ideas.
New Brew Thusrdays: A good beer video cast to begin with, and the "master pairing portion is worth a watch
Beer:
Tasting Beer Randy Mosher: Good all round book on beer. Well presented covering everything from beer styles and the brewing process to how to taste beer and the proper glassware. Easy enough for a beginner, enough depth to still be interesting to someone with a bit more beer knowledge.
The Joy of Homebrewing Charles Papazian: "Relax. Dont worry. Have a homebrew". The centennial book on home brewing and the best way to get into it really.
The New World Guide to Beer Michael Jackson: The pioneering work of the craft beer movement. A must read.
Food:
Food Rules
Food Matters
Tokyo:
Beer in Japan: A good listing of Bars which serve good beer in Japan, reviews and articles as well
The Tokyo Booze List: A list of whats on tap in Tokyo and Yokohama, also good for finding decent bars
