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) Chef Carolyn Johnson of 80 Thoreau in Concord is presenting a special Striper menu, for one week only. From July 29 to August , you can order the special, four-course Striped Bass Menu for only $55. Chef Thoreau is very talented and fresh seafood is always a good choice so take advantage of this upcoming dinner.

Menu
--Striper Crudo (Summer truffle, hakurei, pickled chanterelle)
--Striper Minestrone (Lobster, haricot, basil)
--Pan Roasted Striper (Cabbage, coriander, poblano cream)
--Mascarpone Mousse (Peach, raspberry, ginger)
There will also be a whimsical Striper surprise from Pastry Chef Katie Hamilburg. Maybe Candied Striper? Striper Gelato?

2) On July 26, Brass Union Executive Chef Jonathan Kopacz will be the featured grill master at the third session of the 2015 Riverside BBQ Series hosted at the Harry Parker Boathouse (20 Nonantum Road, Brighton). Now in its fourth season, the Riverside BBQ Series pairs New England’s most creative chefs with inspired craft brewers and popular bands. Situated along the Charles River, the Riverside BBQ Series is a pop-up kitchen that has drawn the likes of James Beard award winners Barry Maiden and Jamie Bissonnette that comes complete with an intimate concert and a beer festival for one all-inclusive experience.

Chef Kopacz will dish out an array of bites including Brass Union’s signature TLT (smoked tofu, arugula, tomato, kewpie), Pork Cheeks (with tomatillo) and sweet treats from Gilly’s Throwback Snacks to complement the day’s featured brewers, all hailing from New England: Harpoon Brewery, Rising Tide Brewing, Notch Brewing, Narragansett Beer, Downeast Cider House, Cisco Brewers and Peak Organic Brewing. On the music side, Tweed River Music Festival will present acts such as Bow Thayer, Josh Buckley and JMC.

WHEN: Sunday, July 26, from 4-8pm
COST: $35 per person in advance; $40 per person day-of
HOW: Advance tickets are available via HoldMyTicket.com: http://holdmyticket.com/event/214726.
MORE INFO: Reserved for ages 21+ with proper ID. Patrons under 21 admitted when accompanied by a legal guardian. This is a rain or shine event.

3) On Tuesday, August 11, at 6:30pm, Legal Sea Foods in Park Square will host a wine dinner with Paumanok Vineyards. Founded in 1983, the 127-acre estate located in Long Island, New York, is owned and operated by the Massoud family. I've visited Paumanok a couple times and think they are one of the best wineries on Long Island. This should be an excellent wine dinner and I highly recommend you check it out.

Legal Sea Foods will team up with Paumanok’s Winemaker, Kareem Massoud, to host a four-plus-course dinner featuring cuisine paired with his selections from the Paumanok vine.

The menu will be presented as follows:

HORS D’OEUVRES
Curried Scallop Tartlets, Peach Relish
Coconut Shrimp, Garam Masala Orange Marmalade
Cochinita Pulled Pork, Plantains
Paumanok Semi Dry Riesling, North Fork, 2013
FIRST COURSE
Prosciutto-Wrapped Halibut (haricot vert, feta & strawberry salad, Dijon-agave vinaigrette)
Paumanok Dry Rosé, North Fork, 2014
SECOND COURSE
Fish Stew (salsa verde, lobster tomalley crostini)
Paumanok Chenin Blanc, North Fork, 2014
THIRD COURSE
Pan-Seared Tuna Steak (salsa veracruzana, fragrant lime rice)
Paumanok Cabernet Franc, North Fork, 2013
DESSERT COURSE
Caramelized Peach Tart (honey mascarpone, candied almonds)
Paumanok Late Harvest Riesling, North Fork, 2012

COST: $75 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 617-530-9397

4) Summer is in full swing and Terramia Ristorante is bringing Boston’s North End a $1 oyster special. Beginning Sunday, July 26,guests can enjoy an ever-changing selection of oysters at a fraction of the price. From 5pm-7pm, Sunday through Thursday, savor the flavors of New England’s best oysters, served alongside Terramia’s signature seafood, pasta and meat dishes.

Toast to the remaining summer months with selections from Terramia’s extensive wine list, from a glass of Sauvignon Blanc “Ballard Lane” ($9) to a bottle of 2013 Rose Castello Banfi “Centine” ($34). ,

For more information or to make a reservation, please call 617-523-3112.