Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1) On May 4th, Legal Sea Foods in Park Square will host a special dinner featuring wines from Napa Valley and Sonoma County’s Ramey Wine Cellars. David Ramey, Owner and Winemaker of Ramey Wine Cellars, will be the guest of honor. Ramey will highlight his wines by pairing them with a unique Legal Sea Foods’ four-plus-course menu that will be presented as follows:

Hors d'oeuvres
Smoked West Coast Oysters
Cheddar Polenta Rondelles & Exotic Wild Mushrooms
Pulled Pork Empañadas & Pea Tendrils
Paired with 2008 Ramey Chardonnay, Sonoma Coast

First Course
Hake Ceviche (Micro Cilantro, Aji Amarillo Peppers, Red Onion, Citrus Segments)
Paired with 2008 Ramey “Hyde Vineyard” Chardonnay, Carneros

Second Course
Wood Grilled Shrimp & Clam Pizzetta, Aged Gouda, Arugula Salad
Paired with 2008 Ramey “Hudson Vineyard” Chardonnay, Carneros
Third Course
Wood Grilled Marinated Rack of Lamb with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Quinoa Salad
Paired with 2007 Ramey Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

Cheese CourseMorbier, Vermont Grafton Aged Cheddar, Taleggio with Bone Marrow Pâté, Toast Points
Paired with 2007 Ramey Syrah, Sonoma Coast

When: Wednesday, May 4th at 6:30pm
Cost: $85 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)
Reservations required by calling: 617-530-9397

2) Tamarind Bay announces “Spice & Wine,” a monthly dinner series held in conjunction with local specialty wine shop vinodivino. The three-course meal pairs Indian cuisine’s exotic blends of spices and complex flavors with wines from vinodivino. Examples of pairings include:

§ Loire Vallery Chenin Blanc | Crispy Samosas
§ Piedmontese Barbera | Spicy Tandoori Chicken
§ Rose of Southern France | Spicy Spinach and Mustard Sag Paneer

The “Spice & Wine” dinner also features:
§ Live cooking demonstration
§ Spice collection and recipes to take home
§ Wines from the dinner available for purchase at a discount

The “Spice & Wine” dinners are held once a month at both Tamarind Bay locations.
Harvard Square’s Tamarind Bay Indian Bistro & Bar
§ Every second Monday at 6:00 PM
§ May 9, June 13, July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14

Brookline’s Tamarind Bay Coastal Indian Kitchen
§ Every fourth Monday at 6:00 PM
§ April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, August 22, September 26, October 24, November 21

Cost: $27/per person, excludes tax and gratuity
Please call to make a reservation.

3) Join Blue on Highland, located in Needham, this Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 8th, for a day of celebratory elegance featuring menu specials and complimentary roses for the woman who makes it all possible.

Guests can indulge in the classic culinary stylings of Executive Chef Peter Tartsinis as he presents all-day specials such as: Lobster Cocktail with homemade cocktail sauce ($16) and Jumbo Shrimp and Grilled Filet with bernaise ($29), created exclusively for this year’s Mother’s Day celebration.

From 11am-3pm, their brunch menu will be offered featuring early morning classics like French Toast with blueberry butter and maple syrup ($10) and Sirloin and Eggs with brioche bread, mushroom truffle-butter and home fries ($14). Or try Margherita pizza with fresh tomato, basil and mozzarella ($9) or Lobster Bisque served with paprika oil and fresh cut scallions ($7).  Complement your selections with specialty cocktails such as the Peruvian 75 (cachaca, fresh lemon, champagne, $11), or "Coming Up Roses,” a delicate blend of champagne, razzberry rum, muddled rose petals and rose syrup (both $11), while taking in the smooth melodies of the Tom Wandell Trio during Blue on Highland’s live Jazz brunch. Dinner will be served 3pm-9pm. 

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 781-444-7001.