9 July 2014 Coming Soon – The Butcher and The Chef Web Series

Coming Soon – The Butcher and The Chef Web Series

July 9, 2014 By
Photo Credit : Boozy Burbs

Photo Credit : Boozy Burbs

A series of 10 webisodes titled The Butcher and The Chef will be starting on Tuesday July 15th on www.boozyburbs.com. Each episode will air each Tuesday starting next week.

The show will cover a wide range of food and dining topics as butcher Sal Petruso of Westwood Prime Meats and chef John Vitale of Caffe Anello go on informative and entertaining culinary adventures.

The primary focus of the show centers on how local chefs create their modern foods using of old world techniques but will target international culinary talents in future webisodes.

To view the Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=je_cA6Jp_No

It should be a fun series with unexpected surprises. Let me know how you enjoy it by posting comments here.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , , , ,
1 July 2014 WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2014

WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2014

July 1, 2014 By

WITS WinesI’ve explained the concept of virtual wine tasting in other posts and I enjoy participating in a few of them each year. Last night was the Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) and a virtual tasting hosted by my friends at WineTwits of six California wines.

For those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what it entails:

  • Get a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured in the virtual tasting.
  • Invite fellow wine enthusiasts to join you to share the tasting, or simply snuggle solo in your pajamas in front of the computer.
  • Swirl, sniff, sip then share your wine thoughts with other global tasters using the designated hashtag on Twitter and Facebook!

The virtual tasting was well-attended and the wineries whose wines we sampled were very active with the virtual tasters. Cheers to Kendall-Jackson, Jamieson Ranch Vineyard, Franciscan Estate, Wente Vineyards, Garnet Vineyards and Renwood Winery for interacting with us to the extent they did. I’ll follow up and connect with dozens of new wine friends today as a result of last night’s tasting.

Here are my tasting notes from the featured wines:

2012 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

For those of us who enjoy moderately-oaky Chardonnay, this is a nice option. 50% of this wine was barrel-fermented in French oak and the other 50% was fermented in stainless steel tanks creating a wine that’s not overly oaky/buttery and has some fruit freshness to it.

Aromas of Asian apple and lychee jump out of the glass. In the mouth, the 2012 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay is medium-bodied with Meyer lemon and tropical fruit flavors. Finish lingers with some oaky notes and a nice level of acidity.

Pairings: Roast chicken, salmon, pasta in light creamy sauce

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Livermore Valley, CA, USA

Price: $13

2012 Garnet Vineyards Monterey County Pinot Noir

Garnet pinot noirs have garnered rave reviews over the years and the 2012 Monterey County Pinot’s no exception. The wine is a tad more transparent in the glass than I would have suspected, it doesn’t lack in aroma and flavor. On the nose, the strawberry aroma is more prominent that the expected cherry. In the mouth, it’s silky and there’s lovely cherry flavor with notes of vanilla and oak.

Pairings: Roasted duck, chicken or turkey, mushroom dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey County, CA, USA

Price: $14.99

2011 Renwood Winery Premier Old Vine Zinfandel

This is a big, beautiful baby. I really enjoy this style of Zin. It’s a big mouthful of dark, ripe berries with mocha and a bit of pumpkin spices on the finish.

Pairings: Barbecue ribs, grilled beef or lamb

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Zinfandel

Region: Amador County, CA, USA

Price: $19.99

2011 Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Leggy in the glass with ripe berry aromas with a bit of oak and pepper. Rich and bold with mocha and dark chocolate layers. Light tannins, elegant, long finish.

Pairings: Grilled meats

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 94.8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4.4% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Merlot, 0.2% Cabernet Franc

Region: Sonoma County, CA, USA

Price: $28

2011 Jamieson Ranch “Double Lariat” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Gorgeous deep-red in the glass, this wine offers red berry aromas with complex licorice, spice and leather notes. Cherry and dark berry flavors abound with light-jammy fig and mocha notes – touch of oak on the long, velvety finish.

Pairings: Grilled beef, cheese plate

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Price: $55

2011 Franciscan Estate Magnificat Napa Valley

Inky in the glass with fabulous dark berry and stone fruit aromas. The dark berry continues on the palate with ripe cherry mixed in – rich, elegant with a long, round finish from the Merlot.

Pairings: Barbecue ribs, grilled beef or lamb

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Price: $50

For those of you on Twitter, search for #WITS2014 and see all the fun conversations folks had during the virtual tasting. You’ll likely find interesting wine fans to connect with.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Food & Wine Events, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Sousao, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , , ,
24 June 2014 31 Days of German Riesling

31 Days of German Riesling

June 24, 2014 By

 

Me in Germany's Mosel in 2005

Me in Germany’s Mosel in 2005

Starting July 1st, Wines of Germany is giving New Yorkers the opportunity to embrace their Riesling love with the 31 Days of German Riesling, a celebration of Germany’s most famous wine varietal.  

Participating wine stores nationwide will dedicate July to all things German Riesling, with in-store tastings and specials. In New York, two local stores have confirmed that they will host a German Riesling tasting as part of the nationwide program, with more stores continuing to sign on:

·         Dry Dock Wine + Spirits on July 19th from 4:00-7:00pm

·         Acker Merrall & Condit on July 10th from 5:30-7:30pm

Additionally, many restaurants, including Gramercy Tavern, will offer two German Rieslings by the glass for the entire summer. This is the fourth year Wines of Germany has partnered with Summer of Riesling to enlist over 100 restaurants and wine shops to celebrate Riesling all summer long!

We’re kicking off the month of July with a Riesling blowout on Tuesday, July 8 when reigning German Wine Queen, Nadine Poss, hosts the 5th annual Riesling Concert Cruise aboard The Jewel as it sails around New York Harbor for 3 hours ($45). Tickets are available for purchase.

A full list of participants, as well as additional information about the program can be found at 31DaysGermanRiesling.com.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With:
23 June 2014 Jersey Girls Food Tours – Foodie Fun in the Garden State

Jersey Girls Food Tours – Foodie Fun in the Garden State

June 23, 2014 By
Photo Credit - Danny Chin Photography

Photo Credit – Danny Chin Photography

Formerly known as Garden State Food Tours, the name “Jersey Girls Food Tours” highlights the two NJ female entrepreneurs who founded the company. But don’t let the name fool you, the tours are created for both ladies AND gents looking for a fun, delicious way to explore their local food communities.

Jersey Girls Food Tours co-owners, Janis Borroto and Alessia Aron say their mission is “to provide unique and interactive dining experiences for guests which highlight food destinations across the state of NJ and promote the local restaurants we work with as well as the cities themselves, attracting visitors, and offering locals something new, too”.

The “Jersey Girls” have handpicked the best eateries and food samples for their guests (tough life testing all the restaurants and food vendors)! They endeavor to showing off what the New Jersey culinary scene has to offer.

I’ve had fun on their tours in the past and look forward to joining them again for good eats.

For a list of upcoming tours, visit Jersey Girls Food Tours online at http://www.jerseygirlsfoodtours.com or on Facebook or Twitter.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , ,
5 June 2014 Chakra Pre-Father’s Day Scotch & Rum Dinner

Chakra Pre-Father’s Day Scotch & Rum Dinner

June 5, 2014 By

ChakraChef Thomas Ciszak of Chakra serves up an early option for Father’s Day with a four course dinner paired with single malt scotches and rum all aged in sherry casks on Thursday June 12 at 7pm. Each spirit has been aged in sherry casks, allowing guests to learn about the influences that sherry-seasoned oak imparts on the spirits.

Guests will taste The Macallan 12 year old in sherry-seasoned oak, triple cask aged The Macallan 15 year old, Highland Park 18 year old aged in Oloroso sherry casks, and Brugal 1888rum, which is double-aged, first in American whiskey oak then sherry casks. 

For the menu, Ciszak has chosen dishes like Smoked Pork Tenderloin crusted with coffee-cocoa nibs and 40-hour Short Rib with pastrami spices and duck fat potatoes that play into the nuances of the spirits, while also using fatty meats to cut through the alcohol. Dessert marries the Brugal 1888’s sweet, toffee caramel and licorice notes with a Milk Chocolate and Raisin Bread Pudding with caramelized bananas.

Dinner is $79 including food & spirits (tax & gratuity additional). Chakra is located at 144 W. State Rte 4, Paramus. Reservations can be made by calling 201-556-1530.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , ,
30 May 2014 NJ Beer & Food Festival at Crystal Springs

NJ Beer & Food Festival at Crystal Springs

May 30, 2014 By

BeerJune 13-14, the NJ Beer & Food Festival will take place at beautiful Crystal Springs’ Grand Cascades Lodge in Hamburg, NJ. The craft beer event happens Father’s Day weekend, a perfect occasion to show dad beer love.

The two-day festival will include the “NJ Chefs & Brews” walk-around tasting on Friday 6/13 (8pm-11pm, $75) with five chefs crafting a menu that will be paired with five New Jersey and New York beers.

Participating chefs include the new Executive Chef John Greeley of Crystal Springs (formerly of New York’s ‘21’), Chef Michael DeNigris of Stony Hill Inn (Hackensack), Carlo Carbonara of Bottagra (Hawthorne), Andrew Rodriguez of Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern (Ho-Ho-Kus) and Eric Levine of Morris Tap & Grill (Randolph).

On Saturday 6/14, the Beer & BBQ Festival tasting event gives attendees a chance to try 120 beers from 40 breweries including many craft brews from New Jersey and New York matched with barbeque in a scenic outdoor setting (3pm-7pm, $75 early bird, $85 after June 1st).

Also on Saturday 6/14, the “Brews & Birdies” golf tournament starts at 9am on the resort’s award-winning Wild Turkey and Ballyowen courses. Tastings of craft beers will be available on six holes of the course ($195 for golf and beer tastings, includes entry to Beer & BBQ Fest).

On Sunday 6/15, there will be a special Father’s Day BBQ Lunch from 12pm-4pm in the Chef’s Garden with Crystal Springs Executive Chef John Greeley and Top Chef Kevin Sbraga of Sbraga restaurant in Philadelphia and Bravo’s Top Chef Winner (Season 7). Adults $70, Ages 12 – 20 $45, 4 – 11 $22, Under 4 Free.

Reservations for all events can be made at www.njbeerfestival.com or by calling 855-977-6473 x 3.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Beer Reviews, Food & Wine Events Tagged With: ,
18 May 2014 NJ Beer & Food Festival at Crystal Springs – Father’s Day Weekend

NJ Beer & Food Festival at Crystal Springs – Father’s Day Weekend

May 18, 2014 By

BeerJune 13-14, the NJ Beer & Food Festival will take place at Crystal Springs’ Grand Cascades Lodge in Hamburg, NJ. The weekend-long craft beer celebration happens Father’s Day weekend, a perfect occasion to show dad beer love.

The two-day festival will include the “NJ Chefs & Brews” walk-around function on Friday 6/13 (8pm-11pm, $75) with five chefs creating a menu that will be paired with five New Jersey and New York beers.

Participating chefs include the new Executive Chef John Greeley of Crystal Springs (formerly of New York’s ‘21’), Mike Carrino of Pig & Prince Restaurant & Gastrolounge (Montclair), Carlo Carbonara of Bottagra (Hawthorne), Andrew Rodriguez of Ho-Ho-Kus Inn & Tavern (Ho-Ho-Kus) and Eric Levine of Morris Tap & Grill (Randolph).

On Saturday 6/14, the Beer & BBQ Festival tasting event gives attendees a chance to try 120 beers from 40 breweries including many craft brews from New Jersey and New York matched with barbeque in a scenic outdoor setting (3pm-7pm, $75 early bird, $85 after June 1st).

Also on Saturday 6/14, the “Brews & Birdies” golf tournament starts at 9am on the resort’s award-winning Wild Turkey and Ballyowen courses. Tastings of craft beers will be available on six holes of the course ($195 for golf and beer tastings, includes entry to Beer & BBQ Fest).

On Sunday 6/15, there will be a special Father’s Day BBQ Lunch from 12pm-4pm in the Chef’s Garden with Crystal Springs Executive Chef John Greeley and Top Chef Kevin Sbraga of Sbraga restaurant in Philadelphia and Bravo’s Top Chef Winner (Season 7). Adults $70, Ages 12 – 20 $45, 4 – 11 $22, Under 4 Free.

Reservations for all events can be made at www.njbeerfestival.com or by calling 855-977-6473 x 3.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Beer Reviews, Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , , ,
17 May 2014 New Orleans – Not All Work

New Orleans – Not All Work

May 17, 2014 By

I’m at a conference in New Orleans and while I’m here for work, it just couldn’t be all work and no play for me. This city is a foodie’s paradise with bold flavors, friendly folks and delightful cocktails.

While I’ll do more in depth reviews of the wonderful restaurants I’m dining at this week, I wanted to share a few pictures I’ve taken so far. Don’t hate me ’cause I’m eating all this!

Beignets

Cafe du Monde Beignets

Crawfish Maque Choux

Crawfish Maque Choux

Oysters

Oysters at Drago’s

Pralines

Praline

Soft Shell Crab

Soft Shell Crab

Enjoy the weekend,

Veronique 

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With:

Chakra 10th Anniversary Throwback the Clock Specials

April 23, 2014 By

 

Chakra Dining Room

Chakra Dining Room

Chakra Executive Chef/ Partner Thomas Ciszak will for three days only April 29 – May 1, put his spin on these old Chakra favorites. Each dish will be $20.04 and include selections like Coconut Shrimp with mango chili sauce, Skate Wings with fennel, capers and lemon vinaigrette, and Short Ribs of Beef with glazed cipollini onions and mousseline potatoes. Both appetizers and the Dark Chocolate Tartufo with black Perigord truffle will be served for the table. The full regular menu will be available as well.

Also during the anniversary celebration, GM and Beverage Director Evelyn Ciszak has pulled some special older wines (that would not otherwise be poured by the glass), many from the 2004 vintage, from the cellar to serve by the glass for $20.04. Also all wines by the bottle from the 2004 vintage will be 20.04% off. Seating is limited so call for a reservation. Chakra – 144 W. Rt 4, Paramus, 201-556-1530.

Filed Under: Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , ,
14 April 2014 Barrel Aged Beer Dinner – Morris Tap & Grill

Barrel Aged Beer Dinner – Morris Tap & Grill

April 14, 2014 By
Pork Belly

Pork Belly

Last week I attended the Morris Tap & Grill barrel aged beer dinner featuring six dishes paired with six pretty incredible beers. Morris Tap & Grill General Manager, Michael DeSimone, chose the beers and Chef Eric LeVine paired the food.

Here are the dishes and their paired beers:

First Course – Garlic Shrimp and Clams over Mushroom Rosemary Risotto

Garlic Shrimps

Garlic Shrimps

ALLAGASH INTERLUDE – Belgian Strong Ale aged in French Merlot & Sirah Barrels

Second Course – House Cured & Smoked Pork Belly w/ Chili Almonds, Grilled King Trumpet Mushroom Raft & Parmesan Dust

TOMMYKNOCKER LEGEND – A Nut Brown Ale aged in Hungarian Oak

Third Course – Smoked Brisket Croquette w/ Smoked Blue Gorgonzola Cheese

FOUNDERS BACKWOODS BASTARD – Scotch Ale aged in Bourbon Barrels

Fourth Course – BBQ Monk Fish “Osso Bucco” w/ Sevendust, Smashed Potato & Tasso Crisps

SHIPYARD BARREL AGED XXXX IPA

Dessert

Dessert

Fifth Course – Ginger Duck Ham, Corn Pudding & Port, Stuffed Figs

WEYERBACHER INSANITY – Blithering Idiot Barley Wine aged in Oak Bourbon Barrels

Sixth Course – Chocolate Pop w/ Maple & Vanilla Gelato, Caramel Chili Popcorn & Honey Goat Cheese Mousse

DEL DUCATO VERDI IMPERIAL STOUT – Stout brewed w/ Hot Peppers & aged in Scotch Barrels

The cost for the six courses and the six beers was $75 per person. To stay abreast of future dinners, classes and special events taking place at Morris Tap & Grill, follow it on Facebook.

Morris Tap & Grill – 500 Route 10 West, Randolph, NJ.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Beer Reviews, Food & Wine Events Tagged With: , ,
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