Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my semi-regular column where I briefly mention some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1) There are two new restaurants coming to Reading. First, there is Sam's Bistro, which is located on Route 28 at the site of the old Wayside Bazaar. The restaurant is connected to Stearns & Hill's Bistro in Melrose which I think bodes well. It may have a similar cuisine (Shepherd's Pie?), and looks like it could be open relatively soon. Second, there is Oye's Restaurant, which is at the site of the old Bear Rock Cafe. It appears to be a Japanese-Chinese steakhouse but still waiting for more information about their menu.

2) Executive Chef Raymond Southern of Stanhope Grille at The Back Bay Hotel is launching his new summer menu next week. For the first course portion of the new menu, youll find: Cob Bacon and Shrimp Risotto (shucked corn, tomato jus, chopped scallions - $14); Pan Roasted Sea Scallop (Vermont blue cheese and cornmeal crust, port glaze, lemony pesto, summer greens - $16); Vermont Chicken Liver Terrine (frisee and mutsu apple slaw, porto jelly, cooked stone-fruit - $14); and, Big Eye Tuna Crudo (Tuscan melon, cucumber, toasted sesame, Meyer lemon vinegar, onion syrup - $16). For entrees, check out: Pan Roasted Striped Bass (wilted pea shoots, pancetta tomato jus, tarragon mash - $26); Artichoke and Ricotta Ravioli (lemon pea sauce, crispy fried artichokes - $19); Vermont Skillet Chicken (glazed stone-fruit, sage pan jus, charred scallion mash, braised purple kohlrabi - $25); Grilled Roasted Dry Aged Rib Eye (Russian fingerlings, summer carrot ragout, roasted marrow bone - $36); Butter Poached Maine Lobster Tail (warm baby beet slaw, lobster Bolognese, morel butter - $35); and, New Hampshire Braised Pork Shank (Borscht braised, summer beets, cabbage, apple jam - $29).

3) In celebration of summer, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar has created a 3-course, Summer Prix Fixe menu inspired by the vibrant flavors of the season. To take the guesswork out of the dining experience, Director of Wine Marian Jansen op de Haar provides wine selections for each entree.

Starters
-choice of-
Fleming’ s Spinach and Mushroom Salad or Summer Corn Chowder

Entrees
-choice of-
Beef Flemington Filet Mignon with mushroom duxelle wrapped in puff pastry, Madeira sauce and roasted baby carrots
Suggested wine pairing: Trefethen, Cabernet blend, Double T Napa Valley, 2006/2007
or
Cedar Plank Broiled Barramundi, Delicate white fish with roasted tomato beurre blanc on spinach mashed potatoes
Suggested wine pairing: Sonoma-Cutrer, Chardonnay Sonoma Coast Russian River Ranches, 2007/2008

Dessert
Key Lime Pie with a graham cracker crust served with chantilly cream
Suggested wine pairing: Inniskillin, Vidal Pearl Icewine Niagara Peninsula Canada, 2006/2007

Available now through September 27, 2010.

Cost: $39.95 per person (tax, gratuity, and suggested wines not included)