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) On Tuesday, October 18, at 6:30pm, Legal Harborside will host a four-plus-course wine dinner with Laura Catena, owner of Catena Zapata. Located in picturesque Argentina, Catena Zapata is a family-owned winery distinguished by its pyramid-like design based on Mayan architecture. Founded in 1902 and owned today by Nicolás Catena and his daughter Laura, Catena Zapata is known as the prestigious pioneer of fine wine from Argentina and Nicolás is recognized as the vintner who revolutionized wine quality in Argentina.
The menu will be presented as follows:
HORS D’OEUVRES
Crispy Shicken Rillettes, Buttermilk
Shrimp & Corn Chowder
Uni Blini, Gold Sturgeon Caviar
Duck Crackling Cake, Bucheron
Catena Alta Chardonnay, Mendoza, 2014
FIRST COURSE
Butter Poached Monkfish (white cranberry & almond gremolata, pommel anna)
Catena “Adrianna Vineyard” Whites Stones Chardonnay, Gualtallary, 2012
Catena “Adrianna Vineyard” Whites Bones Chardonnay, Gualtallary, 2012
SECOND COURSE
Lamb Merguez Sausage (sumac vol-au-vent, roasted olive jam, mustard greens)
Catena Zapata “Argentino” Malbec, Mendoza, 2011
Catena Zapata “Argentino” Malbec, Mendoza, 2010
THIRD COURSE
Rib Eye Steak (white bean romesco, chanterelle mushroom, vincotto)
Nicolás Catena Zapata, Mendoza, 2011
CHEESE COURSE
Cypress Grove Lamb Chopper (brillat-savarin)
Catena Zapata “Adrianna Vineyard” Malbec, Gualtallary, 2004
Catena Zapata “Adrianna Vineyard” Malbec, Gualtallary, 2010
COST: $135 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 617-530-9470
2) Puritan & Co. Chef/Owner Will Gilson, Wine Director Peter Nelson and the restaurant’s talented team welcome Croatian native Dragica “Dee” King, one of the USA’s first importers of Croatian wine, as their guest of honor at upcoming winemaker dinner.
On Wednesday, October 19th, at 6:45pm, Puritan and Co. will host a special wine dinner featuring increasingly popular wines from Croatia. The evening’s dinner will be led by Croatian native Dragica “Dee” King, one of the USA’s first importers of Croatian wine. Dee is passionate about her homeland and its wines and offers a unique understanding of a burgeoning wine culture.
Along with complementary dishes prepared by Chef Will Gilson and conversation about Croatian wine varietals, guests will be treated to pours of a selection of wines from the Dalmation coast in the south to Istria in the north. Many of these wines are only available here in Massachusetts due to their limited production.
Featured pours will include:
2015 Zlatan Otok Bogdanuša, Hvar Island
2015 Vina Benvenuti Malvazija Itarska, Istra
2015 Zlatan Otok Pošip, Hvar Island
2012 Vina Benvenuti Teran, Istra
2011 Zlatan Otok Plavac Mali, Hvar Island
2010 Vina Skarmuča Plavac Mali, Dingač
Cost: Tickets are $95 plus tax and gratuity
For reservations, please call (617)-615-6195.
Note: Due to the limited number of seats, we will require a $30 deposit per person. We will call on Saturday, October 15 to confirm. If the reservation is cancelled after that time, and we are unable to reserve the space, a Puritan & Co. gift certificate will be issued in the amount of the deposit.
3) On Saturday, October 29, Bar Boulud, Boston, located at Mandarin Oriental, Boston, will host A Parisian Affair - a Brunches of Boston event featuring the critically-acclaimed musical, “An American in Paris.”
Beginning at 11:30am, in the restaurant’s sunlit lounge, Chef de Cuisine Michael Denk and Pastry Chef Robert Differ will showcase a French-inspired two-course brunch menu that will feature French favorites and Parisian classics. A gift bag packed with locally-sourced goodies will also be included courtesy of Brunches of Boston.
Post brunch enjoy a complimentary ride, courtesy of Fasten, to the nearby Citi Performing Arts Center Wang Theater for a 2pm matinee performance of “An American in Paris.” This Tony award-winning musical features George Gershwin favorites like “I’ve Got Rhythm” and tells the story about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl, and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war.
Bar Boulud’s “A Parisian Affair” brunch menu will be served as follows:
To Start (choice of one)
Pumpkin Doughnuts (Apple cider glaze)
Cinnamon Walnut Coffee Cake (Chantilly cream)
Main Course (choice of one)
Pain Perdu (Apple caramel, vanilla Chantilly cream)
DB Lox Sandwich (Smoked salmon, bagel, avocado, capers, onion, mixed greens)
Croquet Madame (House-made ham, gruyère cheese, béchamel, toasted white bread, sunnyside up egg and French fries)
COST: Tickets are available for $155-$175 per person. To purchase tickets, please visit: Eventbrite.com - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-parisian-affair-tickets-27054062429
MORE INFO: Each ticket includes a two-course seated brunch menu served with fresh drip coffee at Bar Boulud, Boston and a ticket to the same day 2pm matinee performance of “An American in Paris.” Transportation between Bar Boulud and the Citi Wang Theater will be provided by Fasten and all guests will receive a complimentary gift bag full of locally-sourced goodies. Additional alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are not included in the ticket price.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Affordable Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion, Pomerol & Fronsac
Last week, I attended a media luncheon at Eastern Standard with Franck Binard, the Director of the board of Les Vins De Saint-Emilion, who also represented the region of Saint-Emilion, Pomerol & Fronsac. Franck was personable and knowledgeable, making for an excellent dining companion, and he led us through a tasting of four wines from Saint-Emilion, Pomerol & Fronsac.
This region is located on the right bank of the Dordogne River, northeast of the city of Bordeaux, and comprises over 30,000 acres of vineyards with over 1300 winemakers. The region is also divided into 10 AOC appellations, from Saint-Emilion to Lalande de Pomerol to Canon Fronsac. the appellations of Saint-Emilion and Saint-Emilion Grand Cru constitute the largest portion of this region, with over 13,000 acres. Merlot dominates, comprising about 80% of all plantings in Pomerol, 65%-80% in Saint-Emilion, and 80% of Fronsac. The other two most popular grapes include Cabernet Franc, about 20-30% of all plantings, and Cabernet Sauvignon, up to 10% of all plantings.
Franck raised a couple of intriguing issues about the region, both which are worthy of further research. First, he noted that the Chinese are purchasing numerous wineries and vineyards in this region. Usually, the Chinese have been retaining all of the employees as they need their expertise in the vineyards and wineries. That is good news but there have been some news articles noting that the Chinese have often been sending the largest portion of their production back to China. China is certainly a huge wine market, but could that mean less Bordeaux wines will be available for the rest of the world.
Second, Franck stated that the biggest challenge currently faced by this region may be environmental. Many of the wineries desire to be more organic and natural in their vineyard practices, but face the economic and laborious challenges of converting their vineyards to follow this ethos. This may be a necessity for these wineries however, it won't be without problems and costs.
One of the objectives of this tasting was to show some affordable Bordeaux, priced $20-$28, though we also had one higher priced, at $50. Contrary to what some consumers believe, most Bordeaux wines are affordable and there is only a small percentage that are high-end wines. It's important to relay to consumers the affordability of Bordeaux, though it is at least as important to relay the fact that Bordeaux is also very food friendly, and not just appropriate for fine dining. As these Right Bank Bordeaux are Merlot-based, and much less tannic than the Cabernet-based Bordeaux of the Left Bank, they can be paired well with a wide range of foods.
Unfortunately, the Saint-Emilion, Pomerol & Fronsac website does a poor job of presenting this concept. On their page Food & Wine Pairings, their basic advice is that "In general, young wines enhance dishes with sauce or spicy foods. The oldest wines are a good accompaniment to more delicate cuisine, such as fish or poultry." Very generic advice and not too helpful. They also mention only two specific dishes, Quail stuffed with Foie Gras and Lamprey à la Bordelaise. Most average consumers have never even tasted either of those two dishes. They would see such pairing suggestions as more pretentious, and would lead them to believe that Bordeaux is most appropriate for fine dining. This section of their website needs to be revised, to present more common food pairings.
For my lunch entree, I ordered a cheeseburger to accompany the Bordeaux wines. Burgers & Bordeaux, a simple and delicious pairing. It's certainly not fine dining and most average consumers would understand and embrace this pairing, certainly much better than they would Lamprey. We need to tell consumers that Bordeaux pairs well with many simple dishes, from pizza to pasta, ribs to hotdogs. We have to break the perception that Bordeaux is only for fine dining. We have to show consumers that Bordeaux can be an excellent, every day wine, that can pair well with plenty of their favorite foods.
The first wine I tasted during lunch was the 2012 Chateau Villars Fronsac ($28), a blend of 72% Merlot, 25% Cabernet France, and 3% Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery was founded in the late 19th century, currently has about 30 hectares of vineyards, and their vines average about 35 years old. They only produce about 8500 cases of wine each year. This wine, with a 14% ABV, was aged for about 12 months in French oak, 40% new. With a medium red color, it had a pleasant aroma of red fruits, plenty of cherry notes, and on the palate it was soft and lush, with interesting flavors of cherry, hints of licorice, mild spice and lengthy, fruity finish. It was easy drinking though certainly not a simple wine, and was very food friendly.
The next wine was the 2013 Chateau Saint-Andre Corbin Saint-Georges Saint-Emilion ($20), a blend of 70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc. This estate is one of the oldest in Bordeaux, and they trace a lineage that extends back to the days of ancient Rome. This wine, with a 13.2% ABV, was aged for about 12 months in French oak, one-third new. It has the lightest red color of the four wines, and had a pleasant aroma of cherry and olive notes. On the palate, it was soft and smooth, with plenty of cherry notes, hints of blackberry, a spicy undertone and a touch of herbal accents. Another food friendly wine, it was the lightest of the group and I could easily see this working well with seafood.
The last wine was the 2005 Chateau Haut Brisson Saint-Emilion Grand Cru ($50), a blend of 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Cabernet France. In 1997, this small, 8 hectare estate was purchased by Peter Kwok, who purchased additional vineyards to enlarge the estate. This wine, with a 13% ABV, was aged for about 15-18 months in French oak, 70%-100% new. It possesses a more subdued aroma, mild red and black fruits with a spicy accent. On the palate, it was more tannins, though still well under control, with a complex melange of ripe plum, dark spice and high acidity. It is more of a dark and brooding wine, one that needs to be accompanied by food, yet it still can do well with something as simple as a burger.
Remember that Bordeaux is far more affordable than you might think and realize that it pairs well with many different foods, and not only fine dining. It will work just as well with a juicy cheeseburger or a pepperoni pizza.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
2009 BADGE Red Blend: From D'Alfonso-Curran
I've enjoyed numerous wines that have been crafted by Kris Curran, so was excited to try another of her wines. Kris, who is a California native, worked at Cambria and Koehler, though much of her fame came from her time at Sea Smoke Cellars, crafting much sought after Pinot Noir. her husband, Bruno D'Alfonso, attained much of his fame working at Sanford Winery, where he worked for twenty-three vintages. Together, Kris and Bruno have launched four brands under D'alfonso-Curran Wines, including D'Alfonso-Curran, Curran, Di Bruno, and Badge.
The BADGE brand was started in 2003 and it was intended to be more affordable than their other labels, yet without sacrificing quality. It is alleged that the brand name derives from a song of the same name by Cream. The song was written by Eric Clapton and George Harrison, and its lyrics aren't intended to make rational sense. Kris and Bruno have also named one of their German Shepherds Badge.
The BADGE wines are produced from grapes in vineyards throughout Santa Barbara County, such as their Pinot Noirs from the AVA of Sta. Rita Hills. They also produce Chardonnay, Syrah and a Red Blend, with prices ranging from $24-$36.
I received a media sample of the 2009 BADGE Red Blend ($26), which is a blend of primarily Grenache and Syrah, with a bit of Merlot and Tempranillo. The wine, with an alcohol content of 14.6%, spends about 68 months in the barrel. With a dark red color, the aromas of this wine were appealing, luring me in with lush fruity notes and hints of spice. On the palate, the fruity element is prominent, ripe plum, blueberry and black cherry flavors, but with subtle spice and herbal notes. It possesses a nice complexity of flavors, a lengthy & satisfying finish, and each sip makes you want to take another. It certainly isn't a fruit bomb, but is more juicy and compelling, perfect on its own or paired with everything from a hearty pasta dish to a burger. Highly recommended.
Monday, October 3, 2016
Rant: Holiday Wines--Don't Be A Cheapskate
Rather than present some specific suggestions of the type of wines you should buy for the holidays, I am hoping to offer something different, to alter your thinking rather than provide specific wines to pair with your holiday celebrations. My advice can be summed up into one simple statement.
Stop being a cheapskate!
In preparation for the holidays, people stock up on wine to serve their guests at the various parties and celebrations. Often, because they are buying bottles in bulk, their primary concern is price. They generally want to purchase wine that costs $10 per bottle or less and usually end up buying the large, commercial "value" wines, such as the Barefoot or Yellow Tail. It takes almost no thought to buy such wines. Though such wines might be drinkable, they aren't going to impress anyone. You've chosen to take the cheapest route possible, in both price and time.
If you're hosting a holiday party, don't you want to impress your guests? Or do you want to be known as the person who bought the cheapest wine available? Don't you want your guests to leave the party talking about the great time they had, telling others about the delicious wines they enjoyed? Or would you rather have them later complain that the wine was unappealing?
It only takes a little extra work, and maybe price, to elevate your wine selections. Or would you rather be known as a wine cheapskate by your guests, who know you bought cheap wine with no real thought?
I certainly understand the need to control your wine costs when you are providing for a number of guests. You don't have to buy $50 wines to impress your guests and you don't even have to spend $20 per bottle. I have purchased numerous $10 wines and brought them to parties where the other guests loved then, wanting to know where they could buy them. There are good and interesting wines at this price point, if you know where to seek them out. If you want your holiday celebration to be even more popular, then you need to serve those type of wines. The extra effort will elevate your party and please your family, friends, and other guests.
How do you find these inexpensive but interesting wines?
To start, the easiest path is to seek out one of the better discount wine stores. These places often carry a good selection of wines costing $10 or under, much more than you will find at a regular wine store. You'll find plenty of variety in these inexpensive wines, whites and reds, domestic and imported. You'll find wines comparable in price to those large commercial "value" wines but which offer much more character, taste and value.
My top three recommendations for discount wine stores include Bin Ends in Braintree and Needham, Wine Connextion in North Andover, and Rapid Liquors in Stoneham. Make the effort and drive to one of these discount spots and find better value wines. The investment of time will pay off, creating many happy guests at your next party.
For example, when I go to Bin Ends in Needham, I'll purchase a couple cases of wine, averaging $10 per bottle, and get a nice diversity of wines, reds, whites & rose. These wines will satisfy most people. They are excellent every-day wines, and work well as inexpensive wines for larger parties too. Rapid Liquors has recently expanded their store, offering a large selection and you can always find excellent values there. The Wine Connextion also offers excellent prices, even better than many you would find in New Hampshire.
If you some reason you can't make it to one of these discount wine shops, you still have options. At whatever wine shop you visit, it might be best to ask the wine store staff for recommendations of value wines. They should be able to direct you toward those inexpensive wines which will be more interesting and delicious than those cheap commercial wines. You should also remember that most wine stores offer a discount for bulk purchases, sometimes as few as 6 wines, which is another way to save money on your purchases.
But if for some reason you can't ask a store employee for some recommendations, then my best advice for selecting a good wine that is $10 or under, is to buy a Portuguese wine. At this time, I think some of the greatest value wines are coming out of Portugal, especially at this price point. Chances are that if you purchase a Portuguese wine costing $10 or less, you will find a delicious wine, much better than similarly priced wines from most other regions. And there are plenty of Portuguese wines available in that price range. There is probably no other wine region where you can find as many good wines at that price point.
You also should know that paying a few dollars more for your wine can make a big difference. When you start considering wines priced from $10-$15, your options increase drastically. You can find some interesting wines from all over the world in that price range, though they still offer value. And if you are buying in bulk where the wine store offers a discount for larger purchases, you can save enough money so that the wines end up priced closer to $10 per bottle.
So this holiday season, don't buy the same old cheap wines. It won't take much effort to select some better choices, and still very inexpensively. In the end, you'll impress your guests, make your holiday party more memorable, and drink better wines.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
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) Cook, an American bistro located in Newton, is welcoming multi-media journalist Janet Wu as part of its continuing “Cook for Charity” celebrity chef series. On Thursday, October 6, Janet will trade in her microphone and get cooking with Executive Chef/Owner Paul Turano, where they’ll be serving up flatbreads to benefit the Ed Walsh Foundation. In addition to Cook’s signature menu items, Janet and co. will be serving up “The Edzo” special, a house-made flatbread topped with pepperoni, roasted peppers, San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella. 100% of sales from each $16 “The Edzo” flatbread, affectionately named after Ed Walsh himself, will be donated to the foundation.
Named for Lieutenant Ed Walsh of the Boston Fire Department, the Ed Walsh Foundation was established to keep Ed's spirit alive by giving back to the community where he lived and worked. The Foundation's mission is to help Boston area children and families in need. In addition to lending a hand to local families coping with tragedy, death or illness, the Foundation also supports youth sports, after school programs and organizations like the YMCA and Franciscan Children's.
Janet Wu will be joining the Ed Walsh Foundation for this special event. Janet is a multi-media journalist known locally for her many years as an anchor/reporter for Boston's NBC station. She currently contributes health reports for two networks and is an adjunct professor at Emerson College. A frequent Op-Ed contributor to The Boston Globe, her work has also been published in The New York Times, The Boston Herald, and several anthologies, including The "Norton Sampler of Essays," one of the most widely read college textbooks. She graduated from Yale with a dual major in Philosophy and Psychology and earned a master's degree in Journalism and International Affairs at Columbia University. She was named The Girls Scouts of New England 2015 Leading Woman of the Year and selected as a fall 2016 TEDX speaker.
This night of cooking is one of several celebrity chef events at Cook, all of which raise money and awareness about a charity chosen by the specific celebrity chef of the evening. The regular menu will also be available on the night.
WHEN: Thursday, October 6. Appearance by Janet Wu from 6:00PM – 8:00PM. Dinner served from 4:30PM to 10:00PM.
RSVP: Reservations recommended by calling 617-964-2665.
2) Margaritas, the Mexican-inspired restaurant known for its namesake cocktails freshly made each and every day with their housemade “Squeeze,” spices up their fall cocktail game with seasonal-twists on their fan-favorites.
Whiskey-Rita: The house favorite margarita -- made with Jack Daniels instead of tequila. Hand-shaken with home-made Squeeze and triple sec, topped off with a float of Grand Marnier.
Pumpkin Sangria: Sangria isn’t just for summer. Enjoy white (sauvignon blanc) or red (merlot), combined with apple and cranberry juices, Absolut Vanilla and pumpkin puree. All the flavors of fall in one sip.
Pomegranate Cinnamon Proseccorita: Margaritas takes their Proseccorita to the next level by mixing Cuervo Cinge, triple sec, pomegranate juice and Squeeze, topped with a festive mini split of prosecco.
WHEN: October 11 - December 31, 2016
3) On Tuesday, October 4, Besito Mexican in the Burlington Mall and the Shops at Chestnut Hill, will say “Olé” to National Taco Day with a “Buy One, Get One” taco deal offered during lunch and dinner hours (dine-in only) at both locations, featuring the restaurant’s “Street Taco” creations. Yes, you read that right, this year it’s officially National #TacoTuesday!
National Taco Day presents an exciting opportunity for guests to experience the Mexican flavors and artful presentations that have become synonymous with the Besito name, via a wallet-friendly, weeknight dining experience.
Served with three ample-sized tacos during lunch, and two during dinner, Besito’s “Street Tacos” are layered with vibrant, fresh and authentic ingredients, and available in four unique combinations, including Street Tacos de Pollo, a delicious blend of Chicken a la Plancha, salsa de guajillo, salsa chipotle crema, nopales salad and queso fresco; Street Tacos de Carne Asada, a flavorful mixture of marinated-grilled skirt steak, scallions, and salsa verde cruda; Street Tacos de Camarones, featuring crispy shrimp, salsa chipotle crema, salsa molcajete, and queso fresco; and Street Tacos de Pescado, a guest favorite boasting crispy fish, salsa chipotle crema, and salsa molcajete.
COST: Purchase one of Besito Mexican’s “Street Taco” combinations ranging in price from $8.95 to $11.95 and receive a second of equal or lesser value free. Offer does not apply to "appy hour” “Street Tacos” and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.
MORE INFO: Available for “dine-in” guests only. Valid only during lunch and dinner hours on Tuesday, October 4 at Besito Mexican locations in Burlington and Chestnut Hill.
4) The 7th annual Raise Your Glass for Jimmy beer and wine tasting fundraiser will benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. On Wednesday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., guests will experience more than 30 beverage selections from five wineries and five breweries, including a variety of craft beers and local brands.
Wine selections include:
· August West Wines
· Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquor
· Masciarelli Wine Co.
· M.S. Walker
· Plymouth Bay Winery
Beer selections include:
· Anheuser Busch
· Atlantic Importing
· Medusa Brewing
· Wormtown Brewery
· Newburyport Brewing Company
The event will also feature seasonal hors d’oeuvres and desserts from Capital Grille, Strega, Del Friscos, Row 34, and Fleming’s, among others. Guests will enjoy live band entertainme and attendees can also participate in a silent auction.
COST: Tickets cost $50 per person.
For more information or tickets, please visit: http://www.jimmyfund.org/events/cancer-fundraising-events/raise-your-glass-for-jimmy/
WHERE: Boston College Club, 100 Federal Street, 36th Floor, Boston
5) On Tuesday, October 4, which is National Taco Day, Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake is offering a diverse mix of tacos for your pleasure, including:
Roti Chicken Tacos - Serrano & Thai child braised chicken mango, cilantro slaw with roti tortillas ($14.95)
Jalisco Taco – duck fat-infused antelope, Fresno chile, Chihuahua cheese, salsa fresca, jalapeno bacon ranch with a fried corn tortilla ($14.95)
Spicy Cubano Tacos – chipotle & lime marinated smoked pork loin, pickles, Swiss, jalapeño pickled red onion, habanero & saffron slaw, flour tortillas ($13.95)
Antelope Tacos – duck fat infused ground antelope, jalapeño bacon ranch, Chihuahua cheese, smoked Fresno chile, fried corn tortillas, refried beans ($14.95)
Fish Tacos– apple & Anaheim chile slaw, Iceberg lettuce, celery root tempura, battered local whitefish, cherry peppers, chipotle crema, flour tortillas (market price; pictured below, right)
Veggie Tacos – jalapeño-infused tofu, mushroom, asparagus salsa, kale pesto, fried Swiss chard, asiago cheese ($13.95)
6) Chef/Owner Michael Schlow, The Tico Boston team, and the Slater Foundation invite guests to join them at Tico for a charitable night of Halloween revelry. On Saturday, October 29, at 8:30pm., Tico and the Slater Foundation will be hosting its annual Halloween for Hope to benefit the Ellie Fund and those affected by breast cancer. The Alice in Wonderland –themed party will include a cocktail hour, a DJ, dancing, passed bites, a dessert bar, airbrush tattoos, and a costume contest with cash prizes. Each guest will also receive three complimentary beverage tickets for Tito’s cocktails, and select beers & wines courtesy of United Liquors.
Based in Needham, the Ellie Fund works tirelessly to provide essential support services for breast cancer patients to ease the stresses of everyday life, allowing the focus to be on family, recovery and healing. The Ellie Fund provides critical support services including transportation to medical appointments, childcare, housekeeping, groceries and nutritious prepared/delivered meals free of charge helps to relieve patients’ burden while in treatment.
Tickets are now on sale for a special price of $50 and will cost $65 from October 18th until the night of the event. 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Ellie Fund. Tickets can be purchased at https://non-debitis.ticketbud.com/halloween-for-hope-80bb90026700
7) The Filmark Hospitality Group and the Italian Consulate invite guests to join them for a day of dining and drinking to benefit the Italian regions devestated by the recent earthquake. Participating restaurants include Lucia Ristorante, Ducali, Filippo Ristorante, Capo, Scopa, Rino’s Place, Massimino’s Cucina Italiana, and many more.
On Sunday, October 23, from 1pm-4pm, at the DCR Steriti Rink on the North End Waterfront, Boston Stands with Italy will bring together Boston’s best Italian restaurants to raise funds for the regions of Central Italy most affected by the recent earthquake. Guests will enjoy sips and bites from the Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo and Lazio regions of Italy prepared by over 30 local Italian restaurant and distributors. In addition to food and wine offerings, the event will also feature a high-end silent auction and entertainment provided by local organizations.
Tickets cost $60 and can be purchased in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-stands-with-italy-tickets-28161067511. For more information, please visit http://www.bostonstandswithitaly.org.
8)On Wednesday, October 5, starting at 6:30pm, The Palm Boston welcomes guests and wine lovers to a special Torres Wine Dinner featuring paired selections with a five-course tapas tasting menu crafted by The Palm Boston Executive Chef Karen Mitchell. Guests will be led on a culinary adventure featuring Spanish wine pairings.
Similar to The Palm, Bodegas Torres has a rich history of family ownership and traditions while pushing the envelope forward in innovation. Torres is widely recognized for their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. For this one-night only event, The Palm Boston has created a distinctive tapas menu created to complement the nuances of flavors from a selection of Torres award-winning wines including Verdeo Verdejo, Pazo das Bruxas Albariño, Celeste Crianza and Salmos.
The full menu is as follows:
FIRST
Chorizo & Crab Stuffed Blue Point Oysters
2013 VERDEO VERDEJO
SECOND
Alaskan King Crab Salad (Lime Marinated Avocado, Apple Radish Slaw, Whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette)
2012 PAZO DAS BRUXAS ALBARIŇO
THIRD
Braised Beef Short Rib, Chipotle Caramel Sweet Potatoes
2011 CELESTE CRIANZA
INTERMEZZO
Mint & Grapefruit Sorbet
FOURTH
Grilled Colorado Lamb Chop, Balsamic Fig Pan Sauce
2012 SALMOS
FIFTH
Amaretto Crème Brûlée, Cinnamon Sugar Crust, Cinnamon Almond Biscotti
20 YR BRANDY
COST: The Torres Wine Dinner is $120 per person ($95 for 837 Club Members) and includes a reception, 5-Course Dinner and pairings (exclusive of tax and service charge).
Reservations can be made by emailing Paulina Slovenkai at pslovenkai@thepalm.com or by calling 617-867-0333
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1) Cook, an American bistro located in Newton, is welcoming multi-media journalist Janet Wu as part of its continuing “Cook for Charity” celebrity chef series. On Thursday, October 6, Janet will trade in her microphone and get cooking with Executive Chef/Owner Paul Turano, where they’ll be serving up flatbreads to benefit the Ed Walsh Foundation. In addition to Cook’s signature menu items, Janet and co. will be serving up “The Edzo” special, a house-made flatbread topped with pepperoni, roasted peppers, San Marzano tomatoes and mozzarella. 100% of sales from each $16 “The Edzo” flatbread, affectionately named after Ed Walsh himself, will be donated to the foundation.
Named for Lieutenant Ed Walsh of the Boston Fire Department, the Ed Walsh Foundation was established to keep Ed's spirit alive by giving back to the community where he lived and worked. The Foundation's mission is to help Boston area children and families in need. In addition to lending a hand to local families coping with tragedy, death or illness, the Foundation also supports youth sports, after school programs and organizations like the YMCA and Franciscan Children's.
Janet Wu will be joining the Ed Walsh Foundation for this special event. Janet is a multi-media journalist known locally for her many years as an anchor/reporter for Boston's NBC station. She currently contributes health reports for two networks and is an adjunct professor at Emerson College. A frequent Op-Ed contributor to The Boston Globe, her work has also been published in The New York Times, The Boston Herald, and several anthologies, including The "Norton Sampler of Essays," one of the most widely read college textbooks. She graduated from Yale with a dual major in Philosophy and Psychology and earned a master's degree in Journalism and International Affairs at Columbia University. She was named The Girls Scouts of New England 2015 Leading Woman of the Year and selected as a fall 2016 TEDX speaker.
This night of cooking is one of several celebrity chef events at Cook, all of which raise money and awareness about a charity chosen by the specific celebrity chef of the evening. The regular menu will also be available on the night.
WHEN: Thursday, October 6. Appearance by Janet Wu from 6:00PM – 8:00PM. Dinner served from 4:30PM to 10:00PM.
RSVP: Reservations recommended by calling 617-964-2665.
2) Margaritas, the Mexican-inspired restaurant known for its namesake cocktails freshly made each and every day with their housemade “Squeeze,” spices up their fall cocktail game with seasonal-twists on their fan-favorites.
Whiskey-Rita: The house favorite margarita -- made with Jack Daniels instead of tequila. Hand-shaken with home-made Squeeze and triple sec, topped off with a float of Grand Marnier.
Pumpkin Sangria: Sangria isn’t just for summer. Enjoy white (sauvignon blanc) or red (merlot), combined with apple and cranberry juices, Absolut Vanilla and pumpkin puree. All the flavors of fall in one sip.
Pomegranate Cinnamon Proseccorita: Margaritas takes their Proseccorita to the next level by mixing Cuervo Cinge, triple sec, pomegranate juice and Squeeze, topped with a festive mini split of prosecco.
WHEN: October 11 - December 31, 2016
3) On Tuesday, October 4, Besito Mexican in the Burlington Mall and the Shops at Chestnut Hill, will say “Olé” to National Taco Day with a “Buy One, Get One” taco deal offered during lunch and dinner hours (dine-in only) at both locations, featuring the restaurant’s “Street Taco” creations. Yes, you read that right, this year it’s officially National #TacoTuesday!
National Taco Day presents an exciting opportunity for guests to experience the Mexican flavors and artful presentations that have become synonymous with the Besito name, via a wallet-friendly, weeknight dining experience.
Served with three ample-sized tacos during lunch, and two during dinner, Besito’s “Street Tacos” are layered with vibrant, fresh and authentic ingredients, and available in four unique combinations, including Street Tacos de Pollo, a delicious blend of Chicken a la Plancha, salsa de guajillo, salsa chipotle crema, nopales salad and queso fresco; Street Tacos de Carne Asada, a flavorful mixture of marinated-grilled skirt steak, scallions, and salsa verde cruda; Street Tacos de Camarones, featuring crispy shrimp, salsa chipotle crema, salsa molcajete, and queso fresco; and Street Tacos de Pescado, a guest favorite boasting crispy fish, salsa chipotle crema, and salsa molcajete.
COST: Purchase one of Besito Mexican’s “Street Taco” combinations ranging in price from $8.95 to $11.95 and receive a second of equal or lesser value free. Offer does not apply to "appy hour” “Street Tacos” and cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions.
MORE INFO: Available for “dine-in” guests only. Valid only during lunch and dinner hours on Tuesday, October 4 at Besito Mexican locations in Burlington and Chestnut Hill.
4) The 7th annual Raise Your Glass for Jimmy beer and wine tasting fundraiser will benefit the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. On Wednesday, October 19, at 6:30 p.m., guests will experience more than 30 beverage selections from five wineries and five breweries, including a variety of craft beers and local brands.
Wine selections include:
· August West Wines
· Gordon's Fine Wines and Liquor
· Masciarelli Wine Co.
· M.S. Walker
· Plymouth Bay Winery
Beer selections include:
· Anheuser Busch
· Atlantic Importing
· Medusa Brewing
· Wormtown Brewery
· Newburyport Brewing Company
The event will also feature seasonal hors d’oeuvres and desserts from Capital Grille, Strega, Del Friscos, Row 34, and Fleming’s, among others. Guests will enjoy live band entertainme and attendees can also participate in a silent auction.
COST: Tickets cost $50 per person.
For more information or tickets, please visit: http://www.jimmyfund.org/events/cancer-fundraising-events/raise-your-glass-for-jimmy/
WHERE: Boston College Club, 100 Federal Street, 36th Floor, Boston
5) On Tuesday, October 4, which is National Taco Day, Poe’s Kitchen at the Rattlesnake is offering a diverse mix of tacos for your pleasure, including:
Roti Chicken Tacos - Serrano & Thai child braised chicken mango, cilantro slaw with roti tortillas ($14.95)
Jalisco Taco – duck fat-infused antelope, Fresno chile, Chihuahua cheese, salsa fresca, jalapeno bacon ranch with a fried corn tortilla ($14.95)
Spicy Cubano Tacos – chipotle & lime marinated smoked pork loin, pickles, Swiss, jalapeño pickled red onion, habanero & saffron slaw, flour tortillas ($13.95)
Antelope Tacos – duck fat infused ground antelope, jalapeño bacon ranch, Chihuahua cheese, smoked Fresno chile, fried corn tortillas, refried beans ($14.95)
Fish Tacos– apple & Anaheim chile slaw, Iceberg lettuce, celery root tempura, battered local whitefish, cherry peppers, chipotle crema, flour tortillas (market price; pictured below, right)
Veggie Tacos – jalapeño-infused tofu, mushroom, asparagus salsa, kale pesto, fried Swiss chard, asiago cheese ($13.95)
6) Chef/Owner Michael Schlow, The Tico Boston team, and the Slater Foundation invite guests to join them at Tico for a charitable night of Halloween revelry. On Saturday, October 29, at 8:30pm., Tico and the Slater Foundation will be hosting its annual Halloween for Hope to benefit the Ellie Fund and those affected by breast cancer. The Alice in Wonderland –themed party will include a cocktail hour, a DJ, dancing, passed bites, a dessert bar, airbrush tattoos, and a costume contest with cash prizes. Each guest will also receive three complimentary beverage tickets for Tito’s cocktails, and select beers & wines courtesy of United Liquors.
Based in Needham, the Ellie Fund works tirelessly to provide essential support services for breast cancer patients to ease the stresses of everyday life, allowing the focus to be on family, recovery and healing. The Ellie Fund provides critical support services including transportation to medical appointments, childcare, housekeeping, groceries and nutritious prepared/delivered meals free of charge helps to relieve patients’ burden while in treatment.
Tickets are now on sale for a special price of $50 and will cost $65 from October 18th until the night of the event. 100% of ticket proceeds will be donated to the Ellie Fund. Tickets can be purchased at https://non-debitis.ticketbud.com/halloween-for-hope-80bb90026700
7) The Filmark Hospitality Group and the Italian Consulate invite guests to join them for a day of dining and drinking to benefit the Italian regions devestated by the recent earthquake. Participating restaurants include Lucia Ristorante, Ducali, Filippo Ristorante, Capo, Scopa, Rino’s Place, Massimino’s Cucina Italiana, and many more.
On Sunday, October 23, from 1pm-4pm, at the DCR Steriti Rink on the North End Waterfront, Boston Stands with Italy will bring together Boston’s best Italian restaurants to raise funds for the regions of Central Italy most affected by the recent earthquake. Guests will enjoy sips and bites from the Umbria, Marche, Abruzzo and Lazio regions of Italy prepared by over 30 local Italian restaurant and distributors. In addition to food and wine offerings, the event will also feature a high-end silent auction and entertainment provided by local organizations.
Tickets cost $60 and can be purchased in advance at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/boston-stands-with-italy-tickets-28161067511. For more information, please visit http://www.bostonstandswithitaly.org.
8)On Wednesday, October 5, starting at 6:30pm, The Palm Boston welcomes guests and wine lovers to a special Torres Wine Dinner featuring paired selections with a five-course tapas tasting menu crafted by The Palm Boston Executive Chef Karen Mitchell. Guests will be led on a culinary adventure featuring Spanish wine pairings.
Similar to The Palm, Bodegas Torres has a rich history of family ownership and traditions while pushing the envelope forward in innovation. Torres is widely recognized for their commitment to sustainability and social responsibility. For this one-night only event, The Palm Boston has created a distinctive tapas menu created to complement the nuances of flavors from a selection of Torres award-winning wines including Verdeo Verdejo, Pazo das Bruxas Albariño, Celeste Crianza and Salmos.
The full menu is as follows:
FIRST
Chorizo & Crab Stuffed Blue Point Oysters
2013 VERDEO VERDEJO
SECOND
Alaskan King Crab Salad (Lime Marinated Avocado, Apple Radish Slaw, Whole Grain Mustard Vinaigrette)
2012 PAZO DAS BRUXAS ALBARIŇO
THIRD
Braised Beef Short Rib, Chipotle Caramel Sweet Potatoes
2011 CELESTE CRIANZA
INTERMEZZO
Mint & Grapefruit Sorbet
FOURTH
Grilled Colorado Lamb Chop, Balsamic Fig Pan Sauce
2012 SALMOS
FIFTH
Amaretto Crème Brûlée, Cinnamon Sugar Crust, Cinnamon Almond Biscotti
20 YR BRANDY
COST: The Torres Wine Dinner is $120 per person ($95 for 837 Club Members) and includes a reception, 5-Course Dinner and pairings (exclusive of tax and service charge).
Reservations can be made by emailing Paulina Slovenkai at pslovenkai@thepalm.com or by calling 617-867-0333
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