Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I'm back again with a new edition of Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I highlight some interesting, upcoming food and drink events. I hope everyone dines out safely, tips well and are nice to their servers.
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1) On Tuesday, April 22, Chef Kegan Stritchko will welcome Matt Kramer, Executive Chef of Michelin-recognized Rosella KPT (Kennebunk, ME), to XOXO Sushi Bar in Chestnut Hill for an unforgettable evening of combined star chef power. Chef Stritchko, a master of jukusei omakase, will be joined by Kramer, a force in sustainability, in presenting a 16-plus-course menu that celebrates their shared passion for dry-aging and over a decade of friendship.

Fittingly hosted on Earth Day, the duo – who first met while working at Uchiko in both Austin and Denver – will come together behind the counter for two exclusive seatings. Featuring the day’s freshest locally sourced ingredients, Kramer and Stritchko will expertly prepare an extraordinary culinary experience with some surprises along the way that culminates with a sweet treat. Guests can expect to luxuriate in a collection of sea treasures including Island Creek oysters, fluke usuzukuri, Acadian redfish, porgy, bluefish, black seabass, golden mussels, American unagi, Boston-area scallops and mackerel, bluefin from North Carolina waters, akamutsu, and more.

The showcase can be complemented by optional beverage pairings, ranging from wine and sake to premium Japanese whiskeys.

Seatings available at 5:00pm & 7:30pm.
Cost: Omakase: $195 per guest. Beverage and premium beverage pairings packages ($100; $195) available as add-ons.
Advance Reservations are available through OpenTable.

Working For A Camel Farm?

Should I work for a new Camel farm?

Last week, I wrote about my first experience eating ground camel, enjoying a camel burger with Berbere spices. I never expected my article would lead to an intriguing job offer, one I'm seriously considering. 

I received an email from Frank Abagnale, desirous of hiring my writing services for his newest endeavor.  My camel article had triggered his interest and he perused the rest of my blog, impressed with my writing style and passion. We then spoke on the phone and he made me an interesting offer.

Mr. Abagnale, a former doctor and pilot, wants to establish a camel farm in the Midwest, possibly in Kansas, which will produce camel milk and camel meat. Other camel farms already exist in the U.S., such as Juba Farms in Missouri and the Oasis Camel Dairy in California. Mr. Abagnale believes he has a business plan which will differentiate his farm from the others that already exist.

He would like to hire me to write about his process, to detail everything which occurs with this new endeavor, whether good or bad. I will be considered an independent consultant, so he won't be able to dictate what I write. He wants me to write the unvarnished truth, not just be a sycophant to his ideas. 

The contract would be for one year, and would include significant travel. Initially, I would journey, for at least two months, with Mr. Abagnale to North Africa, to visit various countries and conduct research at various camel farms in that region. We would also visit numerous restaurants known for camel dishes. 

After North Africa, we would return to the U.S., traveling across the Midwest, seeking the best location for the new camel farm. Once a site was chosen, I would remain there while the farm was established, chronicling the process, and continue while the farm began operation. Once my year contract was over, there would be an option for a six-month extension, dependent on the status of the camel farm. 

Obviously a year commitment is significant, and this offer is still so very new, but I've been carefully considering it. It's a fairly lucrative offer, so that will obviously play a role in my decision. But then I would also be away from family and friends for at least a year. I'm doing my due diligence and there is so much to think about.

Should I become the Passionate Camel Foodie for a year!