7 April 2015 FEAST OF FLOWERS – A Greek dinner featuring Chefs Todd Villani and Peter Minaki

FEAST OF FLOWERS – A Greek dinner featuring Chefs Todd Villani and Peter Minaki

April 7, 2015 By
Chef Todd Villani

Chef Todd Villani

A Connection to Greece and a Passion for Fresh, Seasonal Ingredients Unite Two Chefs for a Mediterranean-Style Feast at Terre à Terre on May 19th at 7:30PM.

Todd’s culinary journeys started in Greece when he accepted a cooking post at Sani Resort – a luxury 5-star resort in Northern Greece.  The resort is made up of 17 restaurants, four hotels and a marina complex that’s an attraction for Europe’s rich and famous.  The resort has a huge private nature reserve that features rare plants, flowers, herbs and other edibles.  The 1,000 acres is fringed by pine forests and beautiful beaches.  It’s here that the kitchen staff would wander for hours picking ingredients for the evening’s dinner.  And the bounty of the sea provided fresh-caught fish each day.  Chef Gogo called the cuisine “New Greek” because the dishes featured a lot of fresh ingredients and imaginative ideas based on classic French cooking technique.

One of the first dishes Todd remembers preparing was a culture-bending combination of flavors and ingredients:  Salmon and potato cake dressed with Dijon Crème Fraiche, on a bed of julienne carrot with pickled caper leaves and Beluga caviar.

Chef Peter Minaki Photo Credit: Kalofagas

Chef Peter Minaki
Photo Credit: Kalofagas

With these vivid memories of fresh local ingredients and a diversity of tastes, Todd enters the kitchen with chef and cookbook author Peter Minaki for an evening of good food and, in true Greek style, good stories.

Amuse: Yellow Springs Farm Feta cheese in puff pastry – Chef Todd

1st Course: Black Berkshire braised pork “gyro” – Chef Peter

2nd Course: Blue Moon Acres Farm arugula fennel and orange salad – Chef Todd

3rd Course: Charred baby octopus, smoked eggplant in tomato sauce – Chef Peter

4th Course: Elysian Fields Farm rosemary lamb, oregano roasted potato coins, crispy artichokes with mint yogurt – Chef Todd

Dessert: A Chefs’ Collaboration, Mastiha Crème brulée

The cost of the dinner is $79/person plus tax and gratuity.

Reservations can be made by calling Terre à Terre at 201.507.0500.

Terre à Terre – 312 Hackensack Street, Carlstadt, New Jersey 07072.

Cheers,

Veronique

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30 March 2015 Earth Day Chefs Collaboration at Chakra 4/22

Earth Day Chefs Collaboration at Chakra 4/22

March 30, 2015 By

EarthDay-Image_003Chefs Thomas Ciszak of Chakra, Bobby Varua of Blue Morel and Todd Villani of Terre à Terre will join forces in the Chakra kitchen to celebrate Earth Day on 4/22 at 6:30PM. Jointly, they’ll create a five-course wine-paired menu and a “From the Farm” hors-d’oeuvres ‘station’ incorporating ingredients from Bracco Farms. As an extra perk to the amazing menu, Anthony Bracco of Bracco Farms will be onsite to challenge the chefs to prepare a dish using ingredients picked fresh from his farm that day.

Reception
Hors d’oeuvres from Bracco Farms
First Course

“Garden State Salad” Blue Crab Blini
Wine: SAUVIGNON BLANC, SCHOLIUM PROJECT PRINCE IN THE CAVES 2010, CALIFORNIA
Second Course

Viking Village Scallops with Lavender-Scented Pea Puree, Lemon Quinoa, Fennel Confiture
Wine: PUILLY FUISSÉ, J. J VINCENT MARIE ANTOINETTE 2012, Mâconnais
Third Course

Morel Mushroom Ravioli Ramps, Asparagus
Wine:  PINOT NOIR, REX HILL ESTATE, 2012 WILLAMETTE VALLEY
Fourth Course

Lamb Crepinette Olives, Fingerling Potatoes, Fried Artichoke, Cured Chorizo
Wine: BANDOL, CHÂTEAU JEAN-PIERRE GAUSSEN 2008, PROVENCE
Fifth Course

Chilled Elderflower Soup Strawberry in Gelée, White Asparagus Ice Cream
Wine:  MOSCATO D’ASTI, CASCINA CASTLET

The reception is at 6:30pm followed by dinner and is $89/person including wines (tax and gratuity additional). Call Chakra to reserve – 201-556-1530.

Cheers,

Veronique

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28 March 2015 Domaine Vincent Latour Dinner at Escape

Domaine Vincent Latour Dinner at Escape

March 28, 2015 By

Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the Domaine Vincent Latour dinner at Escape in Montclair. In the Escape kitchen, Chef Bryan Gregg and his team assembled a five-course menu that paired beautifully with the fabulous white Burgundy wines of Domaine Vincent Latour as hand-picked by Sharon Sevrens of Montclair’s Amanti Vino.

Here’s the menu and the wines we enjoyed:

Reception wine: Parigot Cremant de Bourgogne

First Course: Oyster, smoked rice milk, seaweed powder. Paired with 2012 Domaine Vincent Latour Bourgogne Blanc

Second Course: Scallops, asparagus, creamed morels. Paired with 2012 Domaine Vincent Latour Meursault Cuvée St Jean

Third Course: Pheasant terrine, apple, warm pheasant juice. Paired with 2012 Domaine Vincent Latour St Aubin Cuvée Thomas

Fourth Course: Halibut, lardo, early peas, spring onion. Paired with 2012 Domaine Vincent Latour Meursault 1er Cru Perrieres

Dessert: Rhubarb cake, sweet yogurt, honey pollen

I’ll review the wines in an upcoming post, but they were wonderful and hearing, in French, from winemaker Vincent Latour about the complexity of the vintages we tasted and the inside story on them was delightful (yes, there was a translator for my fellow diners who aren’t francophone).

Escape and Amanti Vino partner on wine dinners periodically, so to stay abreast of future events, follow Escape on Facebook or keep an eye out for future events on the Escape website events page.

Cheers,

Veronique

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27 March 2015 Dusted Valley Winemaker’s Dinner – 4/2

Dusted Valley Winemaker’s Dinner – 4/2

March 27, 2015 By

Columbia Inn LogoThe Columbia Inn in Montville will welcome Janet Johnson, of famed Dusted Valley winery, to guide guests through seven wines and a wonderful meal.

Course # 1 Hors d’oeuvres

Lobster taquitos Assorted Bar Pies, Oysters – Rack of Lamb Scottadito – Artichoke Fritters, Coconut crabmeat with a Pina-colada sauce

served with

Wine 1: BOOMTOWN By Dusted Valley Pinot Gris

Wine 2: BOOMTOWN By Dusted Valley Merlot

Course # 2

Sunny Day Salad with baby spinach, fresh fruit, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano served with both balsamic and creamy Parmigiano vinaigrettes

served with

Wine 1: BOOMTOWN By Dusted Valley Pinot Gris

Course #3

Wild Mushroom Risotto with caramelized onions and cremini mushroom Parmigiano cheese

served with

Wine 3: BOOMTOWN By Dusted Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine 4: BOOMTOWN By Dusted Valley Syrah

Course # 4

Berkshire Pork Rib Eye topped with poached pears and Gorgonzola cheese served with BOOMTOWN By Dusted Valley Merlot Reduction

served with

Wine 5: Dusted Valley Petite Sirah

Wine 6: Dusted Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Course #5

Cheese Platter

served with

Wine 7: Dusted Valley Stained Tooth Syrah

$75 per person with tax and tip Included. Seating is limited.

The Columbia Inn – 29 Main Road (Rt 202), Montville, NJ 07045. Phone: 973.263.1300.

Cheers,

Veronique

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26 March 2015 Garden State Chef Throwdown at NJ Wine & Food Festival

Garden State Chef Throwdown at NJ Wine & Food Festival

March 26, 2015 By
John Greeley - photo credit Robert Yaskovic

John Greeley – photo credit Robert Yaskovic

This past weekend, I was pleased to have been invited to attend the New Jersey Wine & Food Festival’s first ever Garden State Chef Throwdown. This entertaining, interactive event took inspiration from today’s popular food competition shows for a friendly chef challenge to see who could make the most delicious beef dish.

Bryan Gregg - photo credit Robert Yaskovic

Bryan Gregg – photo credit Robert Yaskovic

 

 

The participants included three of New Jersey’s top chefs, Bryan Gregg of Escape, who made Pave of Beef with huitlacoche, mushroom, Carolina gold rice porridge, Francesco Palmieri of The Orange Squirrel who presented a slow-braised Black Angus Short Rib “Chipped Beef” Slider on sesame brioche with beef marrow mayonnaise and John Greeley of Crystal Springs serving Smoked Brisket with shrimp grits & chimichurri. The chefs’ dishes weren’t known until the competition took place and each dish had to be completed in front of the audience in twenty minutes.

Francesco Palmieri - photo credit Robert Yaskovic

Francesco Palmieri – photo credit Robert Yaskovic

After the audience votes were tallied, the winner of the Throwdown was Crystal Springs Executive Chef Greeley with his Smoked Brisket with Shrimp Grits & Chimichurri. Even with fresh snow outside, Chef Greeley had dared the cold to fire up the smoker in the outdoor Chef’s Garden restaurant to make his brisket.

The event sold out quickly and was a very popular session with the audience and will return at the 2016 NJ Wine & Food Festival.

To be ‘in-the-know’ about the 2016 New Jersey Wine & Food Festival, please visit: www.njwinefoodfest.com

Cheers,

Veronique 

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20 March 2015 Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at Crystal Springs

Easter Egg Hunt and Brunch at Crystal Springs

March 20, 2015 By

Crystal EasterCrystal Springs Resort has activities for the entire family this Easter, with Easter brunch and dinner being served at resort restaurants. Kids can also take part in Easter Egg Hunts at Minerals Resort & Spa at 11am and Grand Cascades Lodge at 12pm (free for hotel guests and brunch attendees). The Easter Bunny will appear at the day’s events.

Emerald Ballroom at the Grand Cascades Lodge (1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, 855-421-2170) will host a lavish Easter Brunch buffet with seafood, carving and made-to-order omelet stations, along with a vast array of delicious hot dishes, pastries, breads, cheeses, salads, fruit and decadent desserts from 11am – 3pm. The David Aaron Trio will accompany this festive brunch with live jazz. The Easter brunch is $49 for adults; $25 for children 4 – 11; kids under 3 free.

Minerals Resort & Spa (Route 94 & 2 Chamonix Drive, Vernon, 855-977-6473) will host an Easter Egg Hunt at 11am (free). An Easter Brunch Buffet will be served in the Diamond Ballroom from 11am – 3pm featuring a build-your-own pasta station, fresh seafood, carving station and more. Kids have their own buffet with mini pizzas, hot dogs and other favorites. The buffet is $38.95 for adults; $16.95 for children 4-11; Kids under 3 free.

Restaurant Latour (1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg, 855-421-2170) will serve its regular dinner menu from 5pm – 10pm, offering the five-course Anthology menu with choices or 7 course Chef’s Tasting.

For Easter weekend, both Springs Bistro and Crystal Tavern will be serving prix fixe dinner menus on April 4-5 from 5pm – 10pm. Springs Bistro will offer an Italian-themed 3-Course Prix Fixe Easter Menu ($55; $85 with wine pairing) and the a la carte menu will also be available.

Crystal Tavern will serve a 3-Course Prix Fixe Easter Menu ($55; $85 with wine pairing) featuring dishes like Mustard and Herb Crusted Lamb Loin with honey cap mushrooms, red quinoa, and white asparagus and Day-Boat Halibut with baby carrots, cipollini onions, and lobster & carrot emulsion. The a la carte menu will also be available.

Crystal Tavern is located at 1 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg and Springs Bistro is located at Grand Cascades Lodge, 3 Wild Turkey Way, Hamburg. Reservations can be made by calling 855-421-2170.

Best,

Veronique

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19 March 2015 MFEE Chili Cook-Off to Benefit Montclair Public Schools

MFEE Chili Cook-Off to Benefit Montclair Public Schools

March 19, 2015 By

MFEE Chili Cook OffThe Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) is serving up a tasty fundraiser this spring with its first-ever Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, April 11 at 7 pm at the Woman’s Club of Upper Montclair (200 Cooper Avenue).

The culinary competition benefiting Montclair Public Schools will feature tastings of dozens of chili recipes created by area individuals and teams (both professional and non-), a craft Biergarten with Jersey’s best brews, live music and desserts prepared by MACHE (Montclair Academy of Culinary Hospitality Education), a program launched at Montclair High School and funded by the Montclair Food & Wine Festival.

The chilis will be judged by three food world pros: Karen Schloss Diaz, Restaurant & Food Trends columnist for The Montclair Times/NorthJersey.com; New Jersey Monthly magazine’s Rosalie Saferstein and Andrew Zimmer, Thrillist’s New York Editor. 

The trio of judges will award 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons to the top chilis, while guests will select worthy winners for a People’s Choice Award. 

Tickets start at $35, with all guests receiving a fun commemorative bandana. Preferred tickets and sponsorships, starting at $250 a couple, come with perks like a basket of locally sourced artisanal products or a private dinner party prepared by a top Montclair chef. Tickets & Sponsorship Opportunities HERE

About MFEE

The Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence (MFEE) was founded in 1991 to generate private funding and community support for Montclair Public Schools and to enhance the educational experience of all of Montclair’s public school students. It operates on a model common to all Local Education Funds (LEFs) in which collaboration — between educators, families and individuals, community groups and local businesses — forms the foundation for all programs and progress. For more information, visit www.mfee.org.

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10 March 2015 Easter Egg Hunts and Brunch at Liberty House and The Ryland Inn

Easter Egg Hunts and Brunch at Liberty House and The Ryland Inn

March 10, 2015 By
Liberty House Easter

Liberty House Easter

Liberty House in Jersey City and The Ryland In in Whitehouse Station will each host Easter egg hunts sponsored by H.U.G.. Every year, 10% of each of the restaurants top three producing tables is donated to programs that give back to our community. Part of this is hosting the annual Easter egg hunt at Liberty House and this year, The Ryland Inn as well.

At Liberty House, the 10th annual Easter Egg Hunt starts at 11am on Saturday April 4th with activities for children ten and under such as face painting, arts and crafts and entertainment.

This year, the Ryland Inn will host its first annual Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday at 11am, with a kickoff by Senator Bateman.

On Easter Sunday, a Grand Buffet will be served by Chef Ken Trickilo at Liberty House and at The Ryland Inn by Chef Craig Polignano .

RSVP to the Easter egg hunt at Liberty House by calling 201.448.9750 and at The Ryland Inn by calling 908.534.4011.

To view the Easter brunch menus please visit: www.libertyhouserestaurant.com and www.rylandinnnj.com.

Reservations for Easter Sunday brunch can be made by calling The Liberty House at 201.395.0300 and The Ryland Inn at 908.534.4011.

Check out last year’s video by clicking here!

Cheers,

Veronique

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7 March 2015 Montclair Food & Wine Festival 2015

Montclair Food & Wine Festival 2015

March 7, 2015 By

LogoThe Montclair Food & Wine Festival will be back in 2015 with new events, educational seminars and fun for all.

Monday, June 8, 2015 – THE GALA DINNER at The Manor

An exclusive evening of collaborative culinary wizardry!

A six course custom dining experience, designed and prepared by:

  • Chef Mitchell Altholz, Highlawn Pavilion
  • Chef Michael Carrino, Pig & Prince
  • Chef Ryan DePersio, Fascino, Battello, Nico
  • Chef Ariane Duarte, CulinAriane
  • Chef Francesco Palmieri, The Orange Squirrel
  • Kevin Sippel, Jockey Hollow Kitchen & Bar

To learn more about the chefs – CLICK HERE.

Wines paired by Sharon Sevrens, proprietor of Montclair’s Amanti Vino

CLICK HERE for additional information, for pricing and to buy tickets to the gala dinner.

Friday, June 12, 2015 – NEW – Bourbon & Biergarten at the Montclair Art Museum

Join the Montclair Food & Wine Festival’s first ever Bourbon & Biergarten!

A casual evening filled with the finest bourbons and craftiest brews, the Bourbon & Biergarten will feature food samplings from over 25 local restaurants and food artisans.

Each attendee will receive a commemorative sampling stein. 

Beers and bourbons curated by Amanti Vino.

PARTICIPANTS (check back for an updated list)

Montclair Bread Company

Escape Montclair

CLICK HERE for additional information, for pricing and to buy tickets to Bourbon & Biergarten.

Saturday June 13, 2015 – THE GRAND TASTING at the Montclair Art Museum

Gala Dinner by Christina Nuzzo | LifeMosaic Photography

Gala Dinner by Christina Nuzzo | LifeMosaic Photography

Enjoy an evening of diverse culinary offerings from many of the state’s finest restaurants and purveyors!

Amanti Vino will be presenting wines and spirits from around the world.

DETAILS ON PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS COMING SOON!

Want an exclusive experience? 

The VIP Grand Tasting Ticket ($135) gets you into the Museum at 6 pm (LIMITED).  Sip your favorite wines and spirits, and nibble on diverse, exquisite fare one hour before the crowd arrives. 

CLICK HERE for additional information, for pricing and to buy tickets to the Grand Tasting.

To stay abreast of all things Montclair Food & Wine Festival, visit:  http://montclairfoodandwinefestival.org/

About the Montclair Food & Wine Festival

The Montclair Food & Wine Festival, Inc. was incorporated in September 2011 by of a unique group of community volunteers, local chefs, restaurateurs, and industry professionals. As food and wine enthusiasts, our Board of Trustees has designed a two-day event that will recognize, celebrate and share the culinary wealth and diversity of Montclair, while pursuing charitable and educational purposes.

Cheers,

Veronique

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5 March 2015 A Year in Champagne the Movie

A Year in Champagne the Movie

March 5, 2015 By

AYearInChampagne_Poster_2764x4096A YEAR IN CHAMPAGNE will be released by Samuel Goldwyn Films in select theaters and on iTunes tomorrow, March 6, 2015. I was invited to preview the first feature-length film exploring and celebrating the world of Champagne prior to its release and I absolutely loved it.  

A YEAR IN CHAMPAGNE is the follow-up to A YEAR IN BURGUNDY and offers interesting insight about France’s most famous beverage. As in A YEAR IN BURGUNDY, legendary wine importer Martine Saunier is the guide as we get a rare glimpse behind the scenes through six Champagne houses — from small independent makers like Champagne Saint-Chamant, where each and every bottle is still turned by hand in the cellars, to the illustrious houses of Gosset and Bollinger, which have been instrumental in shaping the image of Champagne around the world.

If you read me from time to time, you probably know I am a huge fan of Champagne and I have had the pleasure of visiting Epernay and Reims where A YEAR IN CHAMPAGNE was filmed. I highly recommend a visit and getting your hands on bubbly from this region.  

LINK TO PRE-ORDER THE FILM ON ITUNES:  http://bit.ly/1vmfxgn

WEBSITE:  www.ayearinchampagne.com

VIEW THE TRAILER HERE

Cheers,

Veronique

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