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) Chef/Owner Will Gilson and the Puritan & Co. team invite guests to enjoy the flavors of the season at Puritan’s upcoming Harvest Dinner. On Wednesday, November 14th, from 7pm-10pm, Puritan & Co. will be hosting its sixth annual Harvest Dinner highlighting the best flavors the season has to offer! Tickets to the communal-style dinner include a multi-course meal of Puritan & Company’s signature seasonal New England fare, wine pairing, and gratuity.

The menu will feature:
Hors d’oeuvres
Clothbound cheddar stuffed kielbasa with mustard & apples
Potato mille fueille with smoked salmon, crème fraiche & chives
Taleggio, apple & truffle grilled cheese
Root vegetable crudites
Wine pairing: NV Le Colture Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Brut “Fagher” Veneto, Italy
First course
Duck confit with glazed carrots, swiss chard, hen of the woods, mustard cream
Wine pairing: Gamay ’17 Domaine de Vissoux Beaujolais Rosé “Les Griottes” France
Second course
Roasted pumpkin veloute with bay scallops, maple crème fraiche, spiced pepitas
Wine pairing: Riesling ’09 Geschwister Simon Ayler Kupp Auslese Mosel, Germany
Third course
Baked cod with macomber turnip, speck, alliums, kale
Wine pairing: Verdejo ’15 Menade “Nosso” Castilla y León, Spain
Fourth course
American lamb loin with parsley crust, sweet potato, brussels, rosemary jus
Wine pairing: Grenache | syrah ’16 Domaine de Beaurenard Rasteau Southern Rhône, France
Dessert
Pecan pie with roasted apples, bourbon caramel, cinnamon ice cream
Wine pairing: Sauvignon blanc ’13 Bodkin Wines Late Harvest Dry Creek Valley, California

Tickets cost $105 and can be purchased at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/harvest-dinner-tickets-51597949857

2) Once a year, cheese enthusiasts have the chance to sample dozens of cheeses – all made from Massachusetts milk – at a grand indoor tasting called The Massachusetts Cheese Festival. This year the festival takes place at The Armory, 191 Highland Avenue, Somerville on Saturday, November 3, and tickets are available for $40 ($10 for kids) online at macheesefest.org. The festival offers two potential sessions: from 10:30 a.m. til 1:00 p.m., and again between 1:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

--Sample and perhaps purchase dozens of different cheeses from 14 artisan cheesemakers whose operations are located throughout the Commonwealth
--Meet and chat face to face with award-winning cheesemakers
--Enjoy cheese pairings with a wide variety of other local artisan products like breads, jams, honeys, fruits, candy and charcuterie
--Taste wine and hard cider from top New England beverage makers
--Learn about the craft of cheesemaking, and the stories behind the cheeses, by dropping in on a free class conducted by cheese experts

The festival is made possible by The Massachusetts Cheese Guild, and by primary sponsor Seacrest Foods, along with The Luke Group, The Cheese Shop of Concord, Mill City Cheesemongers of Lowell, Shubie’s Marketplace of Marblehead, Westfield Farm, and Paul W. Marks and Company.

The Massachusetts Cheese Guild encourages and supports the production of great cheeses and cultured dairy products such as yogurt, all made from Massachusetts milk. The Massachusetts Cheese Guild is made up of Artisan Cheesemakers, cheese Enthusiasts, and members of the Trade: cheesemongers, retailers, wholesalers, distributors, journalists, chefs…anyone and any company that loves MA cheeses. Enthusiast memberships to the Guild will be available that day for a cost of $25 per year.

3) The Filipino Festival in Malden presents "Holiday Handaan," a Filipino style pop-up dinner by Jules' Kitchen. A perfect start to the Christmas season, with live music and wonderful sharing about Christmas in the Philippines. This will be held on December 1at the Malden Senior Center Cafeteria, located at 7 Washington St. from 5:00PM to 7:00PM.

The ultimate Christmas feast or "handaan" in the Philippines is called Noche Buena. Warm conversations, filled with love and laughter surround this meaningful meal as loved ones celebrate, reminisce, and have fun.

The Menu is as follows:
Appetizer: Tinapang Tahong, Lumpiang Sariwa with Peanut Sauce, Hot Pandesal at Kesong Puti (Smoked Mussels, Fresh Spring Roll with Peanut Sauce, Hot Bread Roll and Philippine White Cheese)
Soup: Cansi - Ilonggo Soup (Beef Shank with Jackfruit and Potato in Chili-Tamarind Broth)
Intermezzo: Avocado-Calamansi Sorbet
Main Courses:
Squid Ink Risotto, Inihaw na Pusit, Ulang, Kapis at Aligue ( Squid Ink Risotto, Grilled Squid, Lobster and Scallops with Aligue)
Papaya Topped with Sugar and Drizzled with Lemon Juice
Spaghetti Carbonara with Pork Belly Hamonado
Dessert (Trio): Puto Bumbong, Ensaymada and Tsokolate De Batirol (Purple Rice Cake, Philippine Brioche and Hot Chocolate Made from Tablea)

There is a fee of $75 per person for a 9-course scrumptious and festive meal. You may purchase your ticket at Eventbrite