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) Gordon Wilcox, CEO of Wilcox Hospitality Group; Dr. William G. Austen, Jr., Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital; Brian Poe, chef & co-owner of The Tip Tap Room, Poe’s Taco Room at Lower Depths and Bukowski Tavern – Cambridge, will all come together on Monday, October 2, at 6:00pm, for the 4th annual “Chefs for Clefts” fundraiser at The Tip Tap Room to benefit the Massachusetts General Hospital’s Global Surgical Initiative.

Funds raised from the charitable fête will directly assist Dr. William G. Austen, Jr.’s “Cartagena Surgical Missions” that support children with facial deformities and cleft lips as well as burn victims in Colombia. During its existence, the Cartagena Surgical Mission has served more than 700 children who otherwise would have no access to care.

This festive “Night in Colombia” themed event will kick-off with South American music as well as complimentary Colombian-inspired cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres, as prepared by The Tip Tap Room’s Brian Poe and David Spinazzola.

Brian Poe and chef friends Andy Husbands (Tremont 647; Smoke Shop), Jose Duarte (Taranta), Lydia Shire (Scampo), Rodney Murillo (Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse; Davio’s Cucina), Nick Calias (Brasserie Jo), Mark Sapienza (BOND at The Langham, Boston), Will Gilson (Puritan & Company) and Jason Bond (Bondir) – among others – each graciously have donated a three-course “dinner for ten” with wine pairings at their respective restaurants which will be up for bid during the live auction. Supporters also will have the opportunity to mix and mingle with some the city’s top culinary luminaries who will be present at this evening with a cause.

COST: General Admission (includes open bar and passed hors d'oeuvres): $80 per person in advance; $100 per person at the door
MORE INFO: To purchase event tickets or to make a donation to the Cartagena Surgical Mission, please visit: https://because.massgeneral.org/events/-/e142342.

2) On Monday, September 25, from 6:30pm-9:30pm, North End seafood destination il Molo will host its first-ever wine dinner inspired by the Southern Hemisphere’s unique wine culture. Featuring a four-course dinner specially crafted by Executive Chef Pino Maffeo, each dish will be complemented by hand-selected wines from vineyards across Australia and New Zealand. il Molo is teaming up with local wine making specialist Tom Tellier of Signature Brands for the evening, who will be on-site to guide guests through the nuances of the four wines.

MENU
Upon Arrival
Spy Valley Rose 2017 Marlborough, NZ
First Course
Tuna Crudo (soy, wasabi, olive oil, bread crisps)
Satellite Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Marlborough, NZ
Second Course
Watermelon Salad (Fried Oysters with sambal aioli)
Roaring Meg Riesling 2014 Central Otago Au
Third Course
Hay Roasted Trout (Warm Brussels salad, smoked raisin emulsion)
Roaring Meg Pinot Noir 2014 Central Otago Au.
Fourth Course
Coconut Cake
House made vermouth

TICKETS: Tickets are $69 each (plus tax and gratuity) and can be purchased on Eventbrite
For more information or for grouped seating requests, please call (857) 277-1895.

3) The Mandarin Oriental, Boston has announced the return of Maki@MO, a pop-up sushi lounge located in the hotel lobby.

"An inviting place to gather socially and unwind after a busy day in Back Bay, guests are able sit amongst the lobby’s exotic blonde wood paneling and enjoy an assortment of traditional and signature hand-rolled sushi, appropriately paired with sommelier selected wines and a unique assortment of Japanese beer and whiskey."

Available through October 28, the select Maki@MO menu will be served as follows:
--Atlantic Maki tuna and avocado 8 pieces for $12
--New England Maki tuna, tempura flakes, and spicy mayonnaise 8 pieces for $12
--Boylston Maki crabmeat, avocado, cucumber and tobiko 8 pieces for $12
--Boston Maki salmon, avocado and cucumber 8 pieces for $12
--The signature Mandarin Oriental Maki crabmeat, avocado and cucumber, topped with a colorful display of salmon, tuna, shrimp and avocado 10 pieces for $18.

Serving Tuesday to Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., both casual seated dining and Maki@MO “to go” orders will be available. The Lobby Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Boston is able to entertain 25 seated guests or a reception for up to 50.