Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.
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1) Chef/Owner Will Gilson is excited to announce the launch of a new bar menu at Puritan & Company. Kicking off the new year in a tasty way, the bar menu now offers a variety of delicious bites ranging from rosemary-maple bar nuts to corned beef ribs.

Available to bar patrons Sunday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., the menu includes:

Dry-Aged Beef Patty Melt with rye, Swiss cheese, American cheese, special sauce ($18)
Buffalo Skate Wings with shaved celery, Calabrian chili, blue cheese ($12)
Potato Croquettes with Parmesan, black pepper, onion dip ($8)
Fried Oysters with Johnnycake, maple aioli, lemon, bonito ($15)
Corned Beef Ribs with boiled dinner giardiniera, mustard-cider glaze ($12)
Rosemary-Maple Bar Nuts ($5)
Scallop-Linguisa Dumplings with piri-piri, garlic, paprika ($13)
Smoked Bluefish Melt with brioche cheddar, celery, red onion ($14)

The Scallop-Linguisa Dumplings sound especially interesting to me & I'll have to stop by to check them out.

2) On Sunday, January 31 from 2-4 p.m., Chef Tony Maws invites guests to The Kirkland Tap & Trotter to see and taste who can stake claim to the title of Boston’s Best French Fries! The Fry-Off is the second event in “Food Fights 3”—a series of charitable culinary competitions hosted by No Kid Hungry, leading up to the local Taste of the Nation this summer. All proceeds from Food Fights 3 and Taste of the Nation will be donated to the non-profit to help end childhood hunger in America.

Four of Boston’s culinary masters will throw-down the fry gauntlet, serving their best versions of French fries and dipping sauces for a cheering crowd. Attendees have the opportunity to sample all of the fries and crown a “People’s Choice” favorite, and a panel of three esteemed judges will select the overall winner. Tickets are $30/person (event is 21+) and include tastings of each chefs’ fries and accompaniments, bites from the Kirkland kitchen, and two complimentary drinks. The competitors are:

Tony Maws (Craigie on Main | The Kirkland Tap & Trotter)
Cassie Piuma (Sarma)
Andy Husbands (Tremont 647 | Sister Sorel | The Smoke Shop)
Lydia Shire (Scampo)

“High on my list of favorite things are cooking, friendly competition, and supporting worthwhile causes—and this event lets me do all three,” says Tony. “I’m honored to work with No Kid Hungry whenever I can, and am pumped that some of my favorite local chefs will be joining! Plus, who doesn’t love fries?”

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased online at http://ce.strength.org/events/boston-food-fights
*Event is 21+

3) On January 27, at 6:30pm, Osteria Nino will host its first pairings dinner of 2016, celebrating the flavors of Piedmont in the northwestern corner of Italy. Known for its Barolos and Barbarescos made from the Nebbiolo grape, wines from Piedmont are often characterized as velvety as the tannins are polished and integrated more and more into the wine.

Osteria Nino’s executive chef Walace Benica and director of wine Sam Alberts will team up to host this evening of perfect pairings, showcasing the best tastes from Piedmont’s vine and rich cooking style heralded as Italy’s most culinary progressive region. The menu is designed around expertly-sourced local ingredients that will transport guests back to the Old Country, honoring the timeless techniques and flavors of “cucina italiana,” while highlighting Osteria Nino’s all-Italian wine program.

The four course menu will be presented as follows:

ANTIPASTO
Bagna Cauda (seasonal vegetables with anchovy & garlic dipping sauce)
Guidobono Nebbiolo 2014
PRIMO
Gnocchi al Castelmagno e Noci (housemade gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese & walnuts)
Cantina del Pino Barbaresco 2010
SECONDO
Bollito di Manzo (braised short rib with carrots, cabbage & salsa verde)
Barolo Oddero 2010
DOLCE
Sorta Nocciola (hazelnut cream tart)
Cocchi Barolo Chinato

COST: $85 per person (does not include tax or gratuity)
Reservations are required via EventBrite at: piemonteseatnino.eventbrite.com. This event is reserved for ages 21+.

4) Following the October book release of Lidia Bastianich's Mastering the Art of Italian Cuisine: Everything You Need to Know to be a Great Italian Cook, join the Emmy-winning host of Public Television’s Lidia's Kitchen and Lidia’s Italy, Lidia Bastianich, January 26 at 7:30PM at the Citi Shubert Theatre for an evening of conversation and storytelling celebrating our love of Italian food.

The best-selling author is a beloved ambassador for Italian culinary traditions throughout the world. Her multiple culinary endeavors have married her two passions in life – her family and food. Her extensive experience as a chef/restaurateur includes acclaimed New York City restaurants ‐ Felidia, Becco, Esca and Del Posto, as well as Lidia’s in Pittsburgh and Kansas City. Lidia and her team opened Eataly, the largest artisanal Italian food and wine marketplace in New York City, Chicago, and Sao Paolo and LIDIA's pasta and sauce can be found in supermarkets nationwide.

Steve DiFillippo, Chef/Owner, Restaurateur of Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse and author of “It’s All About the Guest” will moderate the evening. DiFillippo has been in the restaurant industry for 30 years, DiFillippo was inducted into the Massachusetts Restaurant Hall of Fame in 2008 and in 2014 he was awarded Restaurateur of the Year.

Tickets start at $45 and are available at the Box Office, CitiCenter.org, or by calling 866-348-9738. A limited number of VIP tickets that include a signed copy of her new book and the best seats in the house are available.

5) Executive Chef David Verdo of Outlook Kitchen & Bar at The Envoy Hotel and Chef/Owner Rachel Klein of RFK Kitchen invite guests to brave the cold and celebrate for a cause.

On Tuesday, February 2, from 6:30pm-9pm, Chefs David Verdo and Rachel Klein are teaming up to host “Baby it’s Cold Outside” at The Envoy Hotel. Proceeds from this pop-up event will go directly to the New England Center and Home for Veterans, a downtown Boston facility dedicated to ending homelessness for our Nation’s veterans. Guests are invited to indulge on bites from Chefs Verdo and Klein while listening to tunes mixed by a local DJ and getting a sneak peek at Chef/Owner Rachel Klein’s soon-to-be open restaurant, RFK Kitchen in Needham. Refreshing spirits and wines by the glass will also be available from top sponsors Perrier-Jouët, United, Papa Pilar Rum, and Tito’s.

Tickets are $48.47 including tax & gratuity and can be purchased via Eventbrite.

Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food & drink events.. **********************************************************
1) Boston Nightlife Ventures corporate beverage director Michael Boughton and Ye Olde Tavern Tours host a special cocktail event at The Tap Trailhouse celebrating notable colonial cocktails on Boston’s celebrated Freedom Trail. Ye Olde Tavern Tours and The Tap Trailhouse invite guests to enjoy a unique interactive cocktail class featuring flavors of historic Boston. Guests will learn the history behind colonial cocktails and how to make classic drinks including shrub, flip, grog and punch classics. Boston Nightlife Ventures corporate beverage director Michael Boughton will lead a tutorial focusing on the history and creation of historical cocktails as guests mix up and sip on their versions of the colonial sips.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 3, 6pm-7pm.
Tickets are $35 and required to attend the event. They are available for purchase here: http://bit.ly/1jvJm9e.

2) Osteria Nino in Burlington is debuting a new bar menu as well as a refreshed list of balanced craft cocktails. The Roman kitchen’s “10 for 10” bar menu showcases ten Italian specialties that are available for $10 each weekdays in the bar and lounge area. Designed to encourage a social bar experience, these shareable dishes are created with the tried and true techniques of “cucina italiana” and include the Crispy Roman Risotti Suppli with tomato and mozzarella; Calamari Fritti with lemon and aioli; Bruschetta with fig jam and fresh ricotta; a Salumi Formagi compilation with cured Italian meats and cheese (pictured below, left); a trio of 6 Hour Meatballs made with pork, beef and tomato; Cacio e Pepe, delicate Roman guitar string pasta, pecorino Romano and black pepper (pictured below, right); Cavatelli all’Amatriciana with cured pork, tomato and pecorino Romano; Fettuccine Alfredo with butter and parmigiano; Fettuccine al Rago with a traditional southern beef and pork ragu, tomatoes and parmigiana; and, Margherita Pizza with tomato, basil and mozzarella..

On the liquid side, the cocktails ($12) are organized in four user-friendly categories to easily navigate your palate: “Italian,” “Vodka & Gin,” “Whiskey” and “Other.” Seasonal standouts include the Autumn Sweater with rye, amaro and maple syrup; Apple Crisp with cider, maple bourbon and cinnamon; and, Fall Honey with silver tequila, spiced honey and pomegranate. For a taste of Italy, highlights include the Sicilian Sunrise with Amaro Averna and grapefruit and Old Paesan with rye, orange and bitters. For clear-based spirits, the Water Lily marries gin, violet and citrus while the Berry Gin Fizz shakes up cranberry and citrus with egg white. Whiskey lovers can opt for a twist on the classic, the Nino Manhattan with bourbon, Antica Formula, bitters and a cherry.

Bar menu: Available weekdays from 4pm-6pm

3) In celebration of Halloween, The Beehive is bringing a sensual side to terror on Wednesday, October 28 at its Dead Sexy Burlesque show. This year, the space will be transformed into the Evil Laboratory and Cabaret Space of Mad Scientist Dr. Johanny Porkenpie (Jonny Porkpie) and his three peek-a-boo darlings: Jo “Boobs” Weldon, The Maine Attraction and Nina La Voix. For one night only the slasher flasher showcase Dead Sexy will leave its weekly Times Square, New York City venue for its Boston premiere. Throughout the evening, Executive Chef Gregory Torrech will be serving up devilishly delicious dinner specials alongside special cocktail concoctions from the evening’s sponsor, Jim Beam.

The psychopath who created Pinchbottom Theatrical Burlesque and the infamous international burlesque gameshow "Grab My Junk" has dug up a skeleton crew of ghoulishly gorgeous (and gorgeously ghoulish) burlesque stars, featuring Jonny Porkpie and Jo “Boobs” Weldon (Headmistress, New York School of Burlesque and author of The Burlesque Handbook) to possess the stage of The Beehive just in time for Halloween. Terror has never been so titillating; horror has never been so hot. Come scream — with excitement — at this frighteningly attractive, monstrously talented, insanely seductive night of blood & gore and bump & grind. .

WHEN: Wednesday, October 28, from 5pm-12am. Show begins at 8pm
COST: No cover charge
RSVP: Dinner reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling (617) 423-0069.

4) International Sherry Week is November 2 to 8,  and you can celebrate at Taberna de Haro,  I'm a huge fan of Sherry and have written numerous articles about this wondrous wine. Chef Deborah Hansen is presenting two Sherry classes/tastings to introduce you this compelling beverage. I strongly encourage you to check out either class, or even both of them.

Sherry, She’s My Girl (a great introdiction)
Tuesday November 3, 7pm-8:30 pm
Manzanilla Papirusa (Emilio Lustau)
canapés de brandada y gildas ~ brandade canapés w roasted red pepper; olive-anchovy-caperberry gildas
Fino El Maestro Sierra (El Maestro Sierra)
cazon en adobo ~ marinated & fried shark
Amontiallado La Garrocha (Bodegas Grant)
Puerros gratinados ~ leeks au gratin
Palo Cortado Obispo Gascón (Bodegas Barbadillo)
piquillos con rabo ~ oxtail-stuffed piquillo pepper
Oloroso Don Gonzalo (Valdespino)
morcilla a la parrilla ~ black sausage & grilled apple
Cost: $65 per person (plus tax & gratuity)
Reservation and pre-payment required. Please call 617-277-8272
~~~
Sherry, To Know Her is to Love Her (Learn even more)
Wednesday, November 4, 7pm-8:30pm
Manzanilla Sacristía AB (Selección Antonio Barbadillo Mateos)
Xató ~ salad of chicories with romescu, salt cod, olives, anchovy
Fino Alexander Jules 22/85 (Selección Alexander Jules)
mejillones ~ mussels with sherry & black garlic
Amontillado AB (Gonzalez Byass)
apio horneado ~ slow-roasted celery with jamón ibérico & bechamel
Palo Cortado Wellington (Hidalgo La Gitana)
cordero torneado ~ braised lamb with turnip
Oloroso Emperatriz Eugénia (Emilio Lustau)
queso Payoyo y pera ~ Payoyo cheese on rustic bread with honey & butter-roasted pear
Cost: $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity)
Reservation and pre-payment required. Please call 617-277-8272

5) This November, Harvest restaurant will commemorate its 40th anniversary with special offerings and promotions for guests. Since it first opened its doors in 1975, the iconic Cambridge restaurant has remained an institution in Harvard Square, celebrating the modern New England table with a focus on the region’s freshest ingredients. As it continues to cultivate new talent in all areas of the restaurant, the team at Harvest reflects on the last 40 years by recognizing its culinary legacy, including Barbara Lynch, Chris Schlesinger, Lydia Shire, Gordon Hamersley and Sara Moulton, and how they’ve made an impact on the culinary industry within the region and beyond.

From November 1 through November 30, guests are invited to celebrate Harvest’s 40th Anniversary with a series of in-restaurant programming:
--Anniversary Tasting Menu: Executive Chef Tyler Kinnett and Executive Pastry Chef Brian Mercury have created a special Anniversary Tasting Menu that will be offered throughout November, inspired by the celebrated chefs who have made their mark at Harvest over the past four decades, and their signature dishes during their time at the restaurant. Notable guests such as Julia Child also served as inspiration for the menu. Guests can choose from two tasting menu options, including:
o A three-course menu: Two savory courses, one sweet; $48; $68 with wine pairing
o A six-course menu: Four savory, two sweet; $68; $88 with wine pairing
--Anniversary Gift: Each guest who enjoys the Anniversary Tasting Menu at Harvest will end their experience at Harvest on a sweet note, with a special Birthday takeaway created by Executive Pastry Chef Brian Mercury. Potential delicacies include homemade cashew brittle, goat’s milk fudge and chocolate chip meringue.
--Anniversary Toast: Harvest is offering “throwback” specialty cocktails priced at 1970s prices, including the “Harvest Wallbanger” at $2.95. The Harvest Wallbanger is the restaurant’s take on the classic drink made popular in the mid-70s.
--Anniversary Month Specials: All guests who celebrate a birthday or wedding anniversary at Harvest restaurant throughout the month of November will receive a special “anniversary rate” of 15% off their total bill (excluding alcohol, tip and gratuity). To redeem, guests must note celebration at time of making reservation and mention to their server.
--Anniversary Prizes: Guests who share their past and present Harvest memories and photos on Instagram throughout the month of November using #HarvestThenandNow and @DineatHarvest will earn the chance to win one of three prizes, including:
o Brunch for four at Harvest
o Dinner for two at Harvest
o $50 Gift Card

For more information on Harvest’s 40th anniversary, visit www.harvestcambridge.com.
To make a reservation, guests can call 617-868-2255

6) Executive Chef Daniel Bruce and Sommelier Nick Daddona welcome guests on Wednesday, October 28, at 7pm, to the recently renovated and redesigned Meritage Restaurant + Wine Bar for an evening showcasing flavors of Burgundy. This will be a unique evening featuring the Kings of Burgundy with expert culinary pairings by Executive Chef Daniel Bruce. Meritage Wine Director Nicholas Daddona and Adam Friedberg of AP Wine Imports will guide guests through a rich palette of flavors featuring a variety of truly artisanal wines from Burgundy.

The four-course dinner menu is as follows:
-Amuse-
Domaine Gracieux Chevalier Crémant de Bourgogne
Warm Melted Leek and Maple Smoked Salmon Flan, Sturgeon Caviar
-First-
2012 Domaine du Cellier aux Moines Les Pucelles 1er Cru' Puligny-Montrachet Blanc
Pan Roasted Lemon Sole (Grilled Sweet Corn and Truffle Cream)
-Second-
2012 Domaine Coillot Perre & Fils La Charme aux Pretres Marsannay Rouge
2012 Domaine Bryczek Chambolle-Musigny Rouge
Confit of Duck and Dried Cranberry Tortellini (Local Wild Mushroom and Black Kale Fricassee)
-Third-
2012 Domaine Prieur-Brunet 1er Cru Volnay- Santenots Rouge
2009 Domaine Bryczek Cuvee du Pape Jean-Paul II 1er Cru Morey-Saint-Denis Rouge
Pinot Noir Braised Lamb Osso Bucco (Moroccan Spice Roasted Autumn Vegetables)
-Fourth-
Warm Red Bosc Pear Galette (Star Anise Gelato)

Tickets are available for $195 per person, including tax and gratuity.
For reservations, please call (617) 439-3995

Vacationing In Provincetown: Culture, Entertainment & Community (Part 5)

As further immersement into the culture of Provincetown, we visited the Provincetown Art Association & Museum (PAAM), meeting with Executive Director Christine McCarthy, President Jim Bakker (of James R. Bakker Antiques) and PAAM Development Director Sheila McGuinness. Art is an integral part of Provincetown, which is home to the oldest, continuous art colony in the country. Back in 1899, Charles Webster Hawthorne, a famous artist, came to Provincetown and founded the Cape Cod School of Art (CCSA) at Land's End.

Though a number of artists came to Provincetown before 1899, Hawthorne was probably the first to offer instruction and his school attracted much interest. Other artists followed suit and by 1916, there were six art schools and about 600 artists and students spending summers there. During the last one hundred years, plenty of other art schools, artists and students came to Provincetown, and now there are over 60 art galleries in the town.

"The objects and purposes of this association shall be to promote and cultivate the practice and appreciation of all branches of the fine arts, to assemble and maintain in the town of Provincetown and environs a collection of works of art of merit, to hold exhibitions, and by forums, concerts and similar activities to promote education of the public in the arts and social intercourse between artists and laymen."
--Constitution and By-laws Provincetown Art Association & Museum

PAAM is a small art museum, with an eclectic assortment of art, including paintings, sculptures and other less categorizable pieces. They also have a few rooms where they conduct various art classes, continuing the tradition of Hawthorne. In addition, they hold a couple of art auctions each year.

I thought this tentacle sculpture outside of PAAM was fascinating, reminding me of Cthulhu or some other tentacled sea monster.

We also attended a cocktail reception at one of the art galleries, the Berta Walker Gallery.  This was an interesting visit as Berta was quite a character, as well as very knowledgeable about the history of artists in Provincetown. The artists she displays essentially all come from Provincetown and there is a wide diversity in styles and mediums. The fascinating piece above was done by Elspeth Halvorsen, who creates "box constructions." This one is called "The Whole World Is Watching" and deals with 9/11.

Another compelling sculpture.

"Perhaps it is the fantastic structure of the dunes, carved in intricate mouldings: some with smoothly rounded tops, others combed by unseen fingers, others running into spectral peaks, and still others with long, flat summits — weird sentinels, linked together by the most unstable and most resistless chains."
--Agnes Edwards, Cape Cod: New and Old

My last visit to Provincetown was many years ago, when I was a teenager, and I still recall touring the dunes. I got to do so once again, with Art's Dune Tours, which has been family owned and operated since 1946. You have several different options, such as a one hour Daily Tour ($27) or two hour Sunset Tour ($43). Each vehicle holds 6-8 passengers, and the driver gives you an ongoing history and nature lesson as you drive through the dunes.

The dunes are not just miles of flat sand. There is plenty of varied vegetation as well as numerous hills and valleys. Who would have thought that you would even find cranberry patches in the dunes? Such beautiful scenery and I took many pictures.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the dunes are the dune shacks, primitive buildings, usually without electricity or running water. These shacks once were temporary residences for mariners, artists, writers, playwrights and others who wanted isolation and privacy. There are now around 19 dune shacks, though there once were many others. The government took control of them and destroyed many before they were convinced to maintain them for historical purposes.

A non-profit group now controls some of the shacks and rents them out, through a lottery system, and many artists vie for a spot though anyone can enter the lottery. They still generally lack electricity or running water.    

One afternoon we were supposed to check out the Tea Dance. Historically, a tea dance has its roots in France and England, and often was an early evening dance, often accompanied by tea and pastries. In the U.S., tea dances have become more casual, and in Provincetown, during the summer, they hold a daily Tea Dance at the Boatslip Resort. This is primarily an outside dance party and on the night we were supposed to go, it rained so very few people showed up for the party. On a normal night, this place would have been packed with people.

For the final scheduled event of the trip, we adjourned to the Crown & Anchor, a hotel, restaurant and entertainment complex. The restaurant, Central House at the Crown, provided us a good meal and then we went to a drag show at the Crown Cabaret and saw Dina Martina. I certainly didn't know what to expect, except that it would be a comedy. And it is somewhat hard to describe the show, a combination of jokes, songs, video and more. It was twisted, bizarre and extremely funny. The humor is going to appeal to most audiences and I would recommend that you check out another Dina show. You are sure to laugh plenty. Afterwards, we sat at the Piano Bar, sipping cocktails and enjoying our final evening in Provincetown.

It was a fun, enlightening and interesting time in Provincetown and I would like to return again in the near future to check out what I missed this trip. Put aside your preconceptions about Provincetown and check it out as a cool vacation destination, a place that caters to people of all types. Go for the food, the art, the history, the shopping, the beaches and more. Special thanks go to Anthony Fuccilllo and the rest of the staff at Provincetown Tourism Office for showing us the wonders of Provincetown.

Vacationing In Provincetown: Culture, Entertainment & Community (Part 4)

What is the essence of Provincetown?

This year, Fodor's placed Provincetown on its list of the 10 Best Small Towns in America while
the Smithsonian listed it as #10 of their Best Small Towns To Visit. Provincetown is garnering much deserved praise. I have previously discussed some of the reasons why I find Provincetown compelling and am back to provide even more reasons.

On our media trip, one of our first meetings was at the Provincetown Town Hall, where we learned a bit about the history of Provincetown, as well as about some of its sights, attractions, cultural aspects, and more. The town hall, which has the largest auditorium in the town, used to be located near the Pilgrim Monument, however, in 1877, the building was hit by lightning and burnt to the ground. In 1886, the new town hall, at its current location, was dedicated and has underwent some recent renovations.

Val Marmillion, a resident of Provincetown and the President of Marmillion + Co., a public relations firm, provided an intriguing overview of Provincetown. Obviously, as he works in public relations, you have to carefully consider his words, to separate the truth from the hype. After dealing with many PR people over the years, I have attained a good level of discernment as to what they tell me. With Val, I spent some time outside of this meeting talking with him, and it was clear that his passion for Provincetown is true. He seemed very honest and forthright, so I felt that much of what he said was authentic.

Val stated that Provincetown is a place where diversity is celebrated and promoted, that it is a town where it is not about how much you own, but it is about what you enjoy. It is a "created village" that is not hamstrung by "can't do." It is a progressive, liberal town that values freedom of expression and offers no apologies for its positions. Curiosity is important and each day is unpredictable. The showing of emotion is accepted and not suppressed. It is quaint, a town of pets and bicycles, of art and theater, of eco-tourism and a strong GLBT community.

Brian Carlson, manager at the department of Health & Environmental Affairs, discussed eco-tourism and poetically stated that Provincetown was "a floating sandbar in the middle of the ocean." The town sits on a sand bar, which is about 5000 years old, and has 21 miles of coastal shore line to explore. In the dune region, there are twenty dunes which are at least 100 feet in height. There are also 9 state recognized freshwater ponds, though Provincetown gets its fresh water from Truro. There is plenty of wildlife in the Provincetown region, a great place for birdwatchers. Go swimming, sit on the beach, hike through the dines, go bird watching, rent a kayak. If you want a more active, outdoor vacation, then you can consider Provincetown. Brian also mentioned that the largest environmental problem facing the town is handling waste water, trying to prevent it from flowing into the ocean, but that they are doing a very good job of handling this issue.

In addition, we met Doug Johnstone, the Town Clerk, who discussed the issue of same sex marriage. As Doug teared up while discussing this issue, it was clear how important it was to him, how proud he was of Massachusetts for leading the way on this matter of equality. With the recent Supreme Court decision on DOMA, this can be expected to become even more important. Back in 2003, there were only about 20 weddings held in Provincetown. In 2004, after Massachusetts legalized same sex marriage, there were 900 weddings held in Provincetown, more than any other Massachusetts community. Currently, about 350-400 marriages are conducted there each year, a significant economic boom to the town. People come from all over the country to come here to be married.

Afterwards, we explored some history by a visit to the Pilgrim Monument and Museum where our tour was conducted by John McDonagh, the Pilgrim Monument Executive Director. Construction of the monument, to honor the Pilgrims’ landing in Provincetown, began in 1907 and President Theodore Roosevelt laid the cornerstone. It was completed in 1910, and was dedicated by President William Howard Taft. The monument is 252 feet and 7.5 inches tall and is one of the first sights you see as you approach Provincetown by the ferry. Through 116 steps and 60 ramps, you can walk to the top of the monument for a great view.

The museum, located a short distance from the monument, is medium-sized and fascinating, with exhibits on the Pilgrims, Provincetown history, the fishing industry, theater, Arctic animals, Inuit items, Native American artifacts, and much more.

This is the town’s first fire engine, built in the 1830s by an apprentice of Paul Revere. There is also a small gift store at the museum where you can purchase souvenirs or books about Provincetown. I picked up a cool history of Provincetown, as well as an intriguing book about the origins of Cape Cod names.

We had an opportunity to take to the seas, as part of a Whale Watch excursion on one of the Dolphin Fleet boats. This company originated whale watching on East Coast and they run excursions, three to four hours in length, from April through October, from three to twelve trips per day. The basic cost for an Adult ticket is $44 and Children's tickets, aged 5-12, cost $29. Aboard, there is a galley where you can get food and drink.

A naturalist accompanies each trip and gives a lesson on whales and other sea creatures while the ship tours around seeking whales.

I enjoyed being on the boat, traveling the sea, though we saw few whales, probably only two. It is always an unknown when you board the boat whether you will see many whales or not. They are wild animals, not tame creatures in a pen. However, it is such a fascinating moment when you first see a plume of spray, noting the presence of a whale, and then see its fins or tail break the surface of the sea. Such majestic creatures, sure to instill wonder.

For a more low-key experience, you can check out the Provincetown Theater to see a play, maybe something modern and avant garde, or something more of an American classic, like a play by Eugene O'Neill. Provincetown is one of the originators of the Modern American Theater, and the Provincetown Players, which started in 1915, was one of the "little theaters" that sprouted up during this time period. They performed Eugene O'Neill's first play, Bound East For Cardiff, and would give fame to others too, such as Tennessee Williams. You can even attend the Tennessee Williams Theater Festival or the Provincetown International Film Festival. 

Provincetown has long been a favorite spot for artists or all types. For example, a number of writers have lived or worked in Provincetown, including Norman Mailer, John Dos Passos, Harry Kemp, Stanley Kunitz, Michael Cunningham, Wendy Kesselman, Paula Vogel and John Guare. Some of them spent their time in the isolated dune shacks, gaining privacy and quiet so that they could work. During some of my free time, I was even able to do some writing on the next Tipsy Sensei novel.

To Be Continued...

O.N.C.E in Hell: How Zombies Showed Me The Way

What is it like to dine in Hell? Everyone, including myself, had their own expectations.

J. J. Gonson and the staff of Cuisine en Locale collaborated with Oberon, home of the American Repertory Theater’s The Donkey Show, to present a culinary and theatrical interpretation of the classic work by Dante Alighieri, the Divina Commedia: Inferno. The Inferno is the tale of Dante's journey, led by the Roman poet Virgil, through the Nine Circles of Hell, each dedicated to a specific sin or crime. The event included ten courses of locally sourced food as well theatrical acts to accompany each course.

The venue was intimate, a relatively small hall with a stage, bar, and tiered walkways. It was an excellent location for helping to immerse the audience in a play, and they used nearly every space in the hall during the play. The guests sat at circular tables and the servers were also participants in the play. I eagerly anticipated what would come.

I have to admit I was a bit disatisfied when I left the event. A number of the theatrical elements did not conform to my expectations. I was hoping for a darker edge to the acts, an emphasis of the terrors of Hell, the horrors of the Nine Circles. Instead, there were plenty of comedic elements and that was disconcerting to me. It almost felt like a mockery or parody of the Inferno.

But I knew something was wrong with my perception. So much time and effort had been invested in this play and I just couldn't believe they had chosen to make it a parody. I had to admit that it had been quite a long time since I had last read the Inferno. So my memory was spotty in many areas, and I assume that others were in a similar position. We probably only remembered the key points of the tale, the bare skeleton of the plot. So many of the details eluded us. What was I missing?

It actually took a zombie book to set me straight! The book, an examination of George Romero's zombie movies, referenced Dante's Inferno, pointing out its various comedic elements. It was not solely dark as my faulty memory had told me. That gave me a better appreciation of O.N.C.E in Hell.

I then read a post about Hell by Jennifer Ede, one of the cooks for the event, giving more background on some of the decisions that were made in preparation for the event. Her post indicated the subtleties inherent in the theatrical acts, their adherence to the themes and details of the Inferno. I had missed much it seemed.

There would have been plenty of benefit if I had read the Inferno prior to attending this event. As I had not, I failed to properly understand everything I was seeing, failed to fully appreciate the intricacies of what I witnessed. I am sure I am not alone, that many other guests lacked a sufficient familiarity with the Inferno to really appreciate the play.

What might have been useful for the guests would have been a summary sheet of the play and its major characters. That might have helped us better appreciate the event, as well as understand more of the nuances. I really wish I had better understood the Inferno before I had attended the event. In retrospect though, I am very appreciative of all the effort, thought and planning invested in the event.

For me, the highlights of the play were Lust, Heresy and Heaven. Lust presented the lovers Francesca and Paolo tangoing across the hall. They danced well, and the tango is certain a sexy dance, one filled with passion. Heresy presently three scantily clad, leather booted nuns doing a bit of a sexy bump and grind, with men yearning for them but being unable to have them. Obviously such a nun is a heretical idea, and any man would appreciate their erotic moves. Heaven displayed Beatrice doing some incredible acrobatics while God played a sitar. She was a vision of beauty and grace, of strength and agility.

The food highlights included the courses for Lust, Treachery and Heaven. Lust presented a Duxbury oyster shooter with a Keown Orchards Green Apple mignonette sauce. Salty and tart, it made an excellent beginning to the meal. Treachery offered Beelzebub's Beelzeburger and Fries, actually just a juicy burger slider on a fresh roll. I could easily have eaten a half dozen of them. Heaven then served up a Pavolva with Creme Anglaise and Verrill Farm Basil Blue Preserves, a creamy and sweet concoction, closing out the meal on a high note.

This was an ambitious event, a true challenge, and I do believe it was a success. Though it probably has not received sufficient appreciation because most of the guests failed to understand and/or remember the details of Dante's Inferno. I very much appreciate all the hard work that was invested in this event, and look forward to see what challenges they accept in the future.

And maybe I will read Dante's Inferno again.

Would You Like To Dine In Hell?

Lasciate ogne speranza, voi ch'intrate!

Which translates as a familiar refrain, "Abandon all hope, ye who enter here!" The inscription before the entrance into Hell.

Abandon hope, all ye who join Cuisine en Locale and their friends at Oberon, home of the American Repertory Theater’s The Donkey Show for a culinary and theatrical interpretation of the venerable 14th c. work by Dante Alighieri, Divina Commedia: Inferno.

The Inferno is a famous tale of Dante's journey, led by the Roman poet Virgil, through Hell. They pass through the Nine Circles of suffering, each dedicated to a specific sin or crime.

Join ONCE for a culinary tour of the nine circles of Hell, including ten courses of locally sourced food. The food will not just be 'spicy.' Everything will be eatable, and not scary. They have only done gross for ONCE Upon a Midnight Dreary, and this ONCE is going to be tastilicious and complicated in other ways. While they usually have a vegetarian alternative, they will not for this event.

This ONCE will take place thrice, on the 15th, 16th and 17th of December. Performances begin at 6pm, and the show will run for three hours to be followed by a dance party in "Heaven." Tickets cost $80 per person, exclusive of beverages and gratuity. There will be a full bar available and they will offer special Inferno-appropriate cocktails all night long.

Tickets are available online at Oberon.

I think this is a very intriguing concept and it has much potential. Which course will they pair with each sin? For example, what food will pair with the Second Circle, Lust, or the Sixth Circle, Heresy? Will we actually meet Dante and Virgil? And what about Satan? Plus, it seemes reasonbly priced for 10 courses of food, plus the entertainment of this special event.

I will likely attend this event and hope to see some of my readers there too!