Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting wine and food items that are upcoming. **********************************************************
1) The Wine ConneXtion, located in North Andover, will be holding another special wine tasting event on Saturday, March 1, from 1pm-5pm. 2014. The Wine ConneXtion has winnowed down a list of Cabernet Sauvignon wines, including omitting famous brands such as Caymus and Silver Oak, to give way to the “Rise of the Underdogs.” Guests will have an opportunity to sample some of the more unknown, yet delicious, Cabernet on the market.

Guests will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite Cab of the afternoon. Regardless of the winner, all of the featured wines will be available to purchase for a special price throughout the day. This his tasting is free to the public and, as always, walk-ins are welcome all day. *Please note: Must be 21 or older.

2) Executive Chef Paul Turano of Tryst has launched a new menu with unique takes on classic American cuisine. The new dinner menu stays true to the cuisine Chef Turano has always served, but now offers guests a wider selection of both small and large plates. Perfect for something light or for sharing, guests can choose from a selection of starters such as the Snacking Plate, chorizo stuffed dates, Serrano ham, peppadews, olives & almonds ($10), Oxtail Arancini, Barolo syrup & shaved Piave ($8), and Steak Tostada with capers, radish & cress ($10), or opt for fresh fare, a selection of salads including Chef Turano’s famed Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad ($11).

For entrée-portioned dishes, Chef’s “larger plate” section of the menu has something from everyone. From the newly added Cioppino, local white fish, gulf prawns, mussels, Sardinian cous cous ($25), Chili Glazed Pork Shank, stir fried vegetables & quinoa ($20), Roasted & Pulled Pork Sandwich ($12) to some of his staples such as the Faroe Island Salmon and Bourbon Marinated Steak Tips, the new selection of dishes will please any palate.

Tryst’s new dinner menu will be available now through spring 2014 when new seasonal dishes will appear.

3) Chef Ed Hoffey invites home cooks to the Heirloom Kitchen’s Dedham storefront to sharpen their culinary chops with a hands-on cooking class series geared towards families on the go.

Heirloom Kitchen launches its monthly “Cooking for Real Families” culinary class series on Saturday, March 1, from 7pm-9pm, as Chef Ed Hoffey leads a hands-on session on creating the perfect pasta feast for everyone in the family, including those with dietary restrictions and picky palates. Attendees will join Chef Hoffey in Heirloom Kitchen’s spacious open kitchen, working side-by-side to prepare home-style favorites from scratch:

· Use local greens and vegetables to assemble the perfect Simple Greens salad with a fresh lemon herb vinaigrette
· Learn to mix, roll, and cut Pastas like papparedelle and tagliatelle by hand and get pointers on eggless and gluten-free modifications that make it easy to accommodate dietary restrictions at home
· Cook up Heirloom Kitchen’s signature scratch-made sauces: a veggie-rich take on the classic Pomodoro; Pistou, a herbaceous Provençal sauce that is a nut-free alternative to pesto; and Creamy Parmesan sauce with comfort-food appeal for kids of all ages

After two hours of stirring, simmering, and slicing appropriate for any level of expertise, attendees will take home the delicious results of their hard work, along with recipes, tips, and techniques that make it easy for families to gather around their kitchen tables for a homemade meal.

COST: $55 per person including all supplies and ingredients
Classes are limited to ten guests to ensure opportunities for one-on-one learning and conversation.
Reservations are required; please call 781-326-4060 to learn more or secure your spot.

4) On Sunday, March 9, from 11am-1pm, Ristorante Olivio, located in Arlington, will open its doors for a special brunch to help raise money for the Boston Children’s Hospital Marathon Team, Miles for Miracles. Traditionally only open for dinner, Executive Chef/Owner Angelo “Uncle Ang” DiGirolamo will be dishing up breakfast classics in support of his son, Vince DiGirolamo’s marathon run and fundraising efforts.

Vince has devoted the past few months to training for the 2014 Boston Marathon while raising mosey to go toward helping patients at Boston Children’s Hospital—such as his 13 year-old patient partner, Jack G. In addition to training for the marathon, Vince has created VinceRunsBoston.com, where he posts about his experiences, updates, and his own inspiration for supporters to track his progress. To donate to Vince’s marathon run, please visit http://www.milesformiracles.org/goto/vdigirolamo.

For just $25 per person, family, friends and guests are invited in for a special brunch buffet featuring dishes such as: French toast panini, filled with fig, banana and mascarpone jam, ricotta pancakes and an assortment of frittatas and omelets. Chef DiGirolamo will be donating 100% of proceeds to his son’s fundraiser, all of which will be used to help Boston Children’s Hospital provide the best possible care to children and their families in a time of need.

Reservations are necessary and can be made by calling (781) 648-2300.

5) “Laissez les bons temps rouler!" is a Cajun expression meaning "Let the good times roll!" and it strongly conveys the joie de vivre ("joy of living") attitude of The Beehive’s 7th Annual Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, March 4. The South End hot spot has spared no expense in making this year’s festivities as authentic as possible. Diners and party goers alike can look forward to the traditional jazz style of BT New Orleans 2nd Line Brass Band which will keep the crowd singing and swinging all night long!

From 8pm-12am, Boston-based trombonist Brian Thomas, one of the most sought after musicians in the country, and his brass band will take The Beehive’s stage. Brian has been playing trombone since the age of 10 in his hometown of Rochester, NY and leads his own jazz quartet, big band, and funk power house Akashic Record, each of which feature his original compositions.

From 5pm-12am, guests can indulge in Chef Marc Orfaly’s Cajun inspired à la carte specials featuring authentic NOLA-style dishes such as Louisiana shrimp and grits, pan-fried catfish and Cajun seafood jambalaya. In addition to dinner, Mardi Gras revelers can enjoy entertainment at one of The Beehive’s two bars along with a celebratory Hurricane cocktail and complimentary Mardi Gras beads before hitting the dance floor! There is no cover charge for this event. Regular menu served in addition to all special items.

Reservations recommended, so please call 617-423-0069.