6th Annual Charleston Food & Wine Festival, March 3-6
What better time to experience this Charming & Historic City, which is gaining recognition as being among the Top Handful of US Dining Destiantions? This Festival doesn't stand still! New events this year are too numerous to mention here, but we're planning an Interview with a Festival Representative so that you'll be able to hear from "The Horse's Mouth" what they think are the best.... In the meantime you can get a summary of the entire festival, ticketing and other details at www.charlestonwineandfood.com, where NEW events are specially marked. Just to whet your appetite this year's Guest Chefs for the Restauarnt Dine-around on March 4 include New York Stars Michael White, Marea, and Michael Anthony, Grammercy Tavern, Mike Sheerin from OTM's Chicago Favorite Blackbird, and Birmingham Icon Frank Stitt. There are some great Wine Tastings & Seminars, Craft Beer Dinners and trips into the Hinterland to explore the Region's Bounteous Larder.
Congratulations to 2 Fine Authors with Great Books last year
OTM is delighted to recognize Joan Reardon for As Always Julia and Terry Thiese for Reading Between the Vines, both included in Amazon's Top 10 Books of 2010 in the Food Lit category. Both are "spellbinding" contributions to Food & Wine literature that OTM highly recommends. If you're in any doubt listen to their Interviews in OTM Audio Archives, December 26, 2010 & December 12, 2010 respectively - then go to OTM Bookshelf to order your copies.
OTM agrees with Top Chef that London's a Great Dining Destination!! We'll find out more soon
OTM Afficionados know that London is one of our favorite dining destinations, and that we make an Annual Visit to make sure we're on Top of New Developments. Well now we have a new Ally - none other than Joel Robuchon, once named "chef of the 20th century". He recently confided to a London newspaper he "would argue that London is very possibly the gastronomic capital of the world". "Why? Because it’s only in London that you find every conceivable style of cooking. When it comes to what’s new in cooking, to innovative cuisine, it’s all happening in London." Our 2011 Visit was already in the planning stages. So watch this space for OTM's Report and Interviews with some of the latest & greatest, coming the middle of next month. Yes we hope that we're making you jealous. And of course you'll need to know when you start planning for your 2011 and 2012 visits for The Royal Wedding and Olympic Games. OTM is wondering if William & Kate have us on their list.................
Massimo Bottura's Pasta e Fagioli & More!!
OTM was thrilled to read reference to Chef Massimo of Modena's Osteria Francescana in a recent article "New Generation of Italian Chefs shake up Classics". See http://www.rep-am.com/articles/2011/01/05/lifestyle/travel/531083.txt. We've had the pleasure of dining with Massimo on two occasions, most recently in 2008 - hear his Interview under Program Date Sep 14, 2008. With all the recent publicity surrounding who is ranked as "Best" Chef & Restaurant around the World it's getting harder to keep track...... But OTM has NO DOUBT that Chef Massimo is among a Handful who truly are "The Best". So of you're traveling to Italy in search of the BEST, you MUST include Osteria Francescana in your plans to understand the Culinary Renaissance now taking place - and Chef Massimo's dishes are as DELICIOUS as they are DIFFERENT.
Cold River Bartender's Bash - Portland ME, Feb 28
Join in the celebration of The Spirit of Maine at the 2nd Annual Cold
River Bartenders Bash! When, February 28, 5-8.30PM, Where, 14 Ocean Gateway
Pier. What, enjoy cocktails made with Cold River Vodkas and Cold River Gin
by 15 of Maine's top mixologists, and vote on your favorite. We'll award cash
prizes to the first, second and third place People's Choice winners.
Outstanding potato-themed hors d'oeuvres from area culinary talent and live
classic blues and rock tunes by the Ken Grimsley Band round out a fantastic
evening. The 2nd Annual Cold River Bartenders Bash is proudly sponsored by
Maine Magazine, the Maine Restaurant Association, Maine Beverage Company, Maine
Home + Design, Greater Portland Convention and Visitors Bureau, Bow Street
Distributing & Better Bread Company. Get tickets online at http://www.brownpaperticke
For additional information, visit http://tinyurl.com/2de37db. And by the way it's GREAT
Vodka and Gin - OTM sampled it on the spot at the Cold River Distillery this
summer.
Habitat at Fairmont Pittsburgh - there really is a FREE LUNCH
Don't believe those who say there's no such thing as........... Habitat at the elegant new Fairmont Hotel in Pittsburgh invites you to enjoy "Instant Replay", just announced by Executive Chef Andrew Morrison. Here's how it works. Go to Lunch, make sure you keep the receipt. Then return another day and receive lunch for free up to the cost for your first meal. A great deal, and a great meal!! Chef tells OTM he's adding some new items on his Winter Menu like Short Rib stuffed Pierogies, stir-fried Mongolian Beef, and (this one's for Peter) Fish & Chips. Instant Replay is offered Monday through Friday until January 31. So what are you waiting for!! For more information www.habitatrestaurant.com or call 412 773 8848.
Where Have We Been? OTM spent a wonderful Xmas season in San Francisco
How do they do it - the Restaurant Community in San Francisco? Even though we stayed away from great favorites Gary Danko, Jardiniere, Boulevard, Michael Mina, Fleur de Lys, Incanto, etc. we had a Fine Dining Time in the City by the Bay. We discovered or rediscovered 5 Chefs who are not just Great, we venture to suggest they are Important in the futher development of California Cuisine. Daniel Patterson at Coi has opinions that are as fascinating as his menu; Michael Tusk at Quince (in a new location) & Cotogna, a new casual concept right next door has a great new Beverage program headed by Italian Wine Guru David Lynch (formerly of NYC's Babbo & John Dory), with a Great Staff directed by Michael's Wife & Partner Lindsay & GM Kristina, who welcomed us like old friends as soon as we walked into Cotogna for lunch. Chef Thomas McNaughton at Flour+Water spent time working with Chef Tusk, and it shows. At Quince we had (tiny) portions of 4 different Pastas, at Flour+Water our memory says there were 5 Pastas - we ate every bite, even Ann - and the best word to describe? Ethereal!! Chef Dominique Crenn, now at Luce in the Intercontinental Hotel associates her dishes with Poetry, and she'll soon be doing her thing at her very own place, Atelier Crenn, planned opening this month. Splendid Poetry!! Joshua Skenes at Saison didn't even bother to mention that his restaurant won a Michelin star this year, he's just too busy working wonders in an Open Kitchen bigger than the seating area. His partner & Sommelier Mark Wright spent 4 years learning from "Uber-Sommlier" Rajat Parr of Michael Mina Group including RN74. His wine pairing is Magical - imagine a California Rose or a German Pinot Noir with Radishes - we tried & enjoyed BOTH. Last but by no means least Charles Phan's Slanted Door delighted us once again with exciting Asian flavors coupled with Fabulous California ingredients, both vegetables & proteins.
But OTM had another "Mission", to explore more casual dining options outside the city center. At Marlowe in the SOMA dsitrict near AT&T Park, the owner "Kiwi" (New Zealand native) Anna Weinberg and Chef Jennifer Puccio have been attracting a lot of attention and rightly so. Also in SOMA but much closer to Market Bruce Hill at Zero Zero has built on his experience with his Marin County Pizzeria to create what he calls Calipolitan cuisine. Reservations recommended at both of these spots, which have strong local following. At The Summit in the Mission District High-tech and Venture Capitalism meet with Coffee, Patries, Sandwiches, Salads & a small menu of Specialty dishes like Mushrooms with Cadouvan & long-braised Spare Ribs. Also in the Mission, partners Michael Pierce & Scott Youkilis teamed up to found Maverick, where Chef Matt Brimer's menu combines traditional "comfort" foods with his own innovative dishes; not satisfied with his success here Scott started a new place, Hog & Rocks, specializing in Gourmet Hams from the USA, Spain & Italy, with Oysters from both US coasts, and some other great dishes like Fish & Chips (best we've had outside the UK), and a traditional Cincinatti breakfast treat, Goetta. Sunday Brunch is tops here. Take the F vintage streetcar along Market Street to the edge of Castro for Pizza, Pasta, Salads and a Great Burger at Starbelly, recently established by the owners of Beretta, where Chef Adam Timney's menu is sure to please, and you can dine "Al Fresco" with heat lamps on when temperature dictates. And if you're looking for the most out of the way restaurants in the Union Square vicinity, Gitane and Cafe Claude (same owner) occupy narrow one-block long Claude Lane, just off Sutter Street near Kearney. Don't believe rumors that Pastry Queen Elizabeth Faulkner has closed her iconic Citizen Cake - it's alive and well, re-opened in last November on Fillmore, amidst an area of smart boutique shops. Nine days of dining before and after Xmas Day left us sated but also exhilerated by with all these great dining experiences. What did we do on Xmas - on a VERY rainy day we enjoyed a luxurious Buffet at Azul in the smart Hotel Nikko.
Tune in to interviews at most of these places in OTM Audio Archives, program dates January 2, 9 & 16, and make plans to follow in our knife and fork prints.
Gourmand World's Best Cookbook Contestants announced
OTM congratulates Amanda Hesser as the USA nominee for her great The Essential NY Times Cookbook - hear her talk about it in OTM Audio Archives, program date November 14, 2010. The UK nominee is Rene Redzepi for Noma, and we're hot on his trail for an interview when he can spare the time from his World's Best Restaurant of the same name in Copenhagen - his publisher is Phaidon in the UK in case you're wondering why he isn't the nominee fro Denmark. A short list of finalists in these awards will be announced next month and the winner at the Paris Cookbook Fair on March 3. Watch OTM News for updates........
In NYC for the Holidays? Go Avroko!
OTM's old friends at Avroko have some great events planned for the season. Public will be open for Dinner Xmas Eve, for the first time, and they're having a big New Year's Eve party at Double Crown. For details on combined tickets for both events email kimberly@public-nyc.com
Bubbles in time for Christmas at Pittsburgh's Habitat Restaurant - Dec 15
Habitat Restaurant at Fairmont Pittsburgh will host a Champagne Dinner for 50 guests on December 15th at 7:00 p.m. The five-course dinner will feature Möet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, Ruinart Blanc de Blancs and Dom Perignon. "Guests attending the Champagne Dinner can expect a very sophisticated and intimate evening," says Executive Chef Andrew Morrison. "We’ve put a lot of thought into the menu and have chosen dishes that highlight the complex flavors of some of the best champagnes in the world." The five-course tasting menu, served in Habitat’s dynamic open kitchen area, includes the following: First Course - Warm Potato Salad with Caviar, Dom Ruinart Blanc de Blancs; Second Course - Caramelized Diver Scallop with Grapefruit and Parsnip, Möet & Chandon Brut Imperial; Third Course - Miso Glazed Black Cod with Lentils Du Puy and Carrots, Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label; Cheese - Thomas Ville Tomme, CamenBAAA, Red Hawk, Preserved Fruits, 1999 Dom Perignon; Dessert - Vanilla Bean Flan with Chai Poached Pears, Almond Pain de Genes, Salted Marzipan Crisps and Golden Raisin Dried Apricot Puree, Möet & Chandon Nectar Rose. Price of the dinner is $150/person (+tax/gratuity) and self-parking is included. For reservations, call Habitat at 412.773.8848 or visit http://www.habitatrestaurant.com.
There's something really
Recent OTM Guest Angela Miller and her team at of Consider Bardwell Farm just brought home three medals — including a gold — from the prestigious World Cheese Awards held last week in the UK; Manchester – GOLD WINNER, Semi-hard goats’ milk cheese - a rustic mountain cheese with a nutty and earthy bite that typifies the unique terroir of the farm with milk from its herd of rotationally grazed goats, the cheese is made by setting the curd with a native culture derived from the milk of a single goat named Dandelion. Aging in the farm’s caves further enhances the singular flavor of this cheese; Pawlet – SILVER WINNER, Semi-hard cheese, small farm or dairy - An Italian-style, versatile toma, raw cow's milk, with a creamy texture, broad palate appeal, and bright bite; Dorset - SILVER WINNER, Soft cheese, small farm or dairy - A soft ripening cheese with a rich, buttery texture and seasonally influenced pungency; it makes an elegant appetizer or dessert, available year-round. We've sampled all these cheeses and can testify that they are world class. The Awards, the Oscars of Cheese, were announced on November 27th in Birmingham, England. The event was comprised of more than 300 judges, including leading cheese buyers, retail experts, chefs, and food journalists. Over 2,600 cheeses from over 26 countries including the UK, Europe, the USA, South Africa, and Australia competed. For more information about the Awards visit: http://www.finefoodworld.co.uk/content/WorldCheeseAwards/100.html, about Consider Bardwell Farm visit: http://www.considerbardwellfarm.com. And you can listen to Angela in person in OTM Audio Archives, program date November 28, 2010. OTM is proud of Angela and her colleagues!!
San Sebastian Gastronomika Nov 21-24
Oh how we wish OTM could be there. We hope that some of you, our listeners, will make it - and let us know how great it was! But if you can't make it you can hear half of the 30 "The Chosen 2010" celebrities who'll be at Gastronimika in OTM Audio Archives. Andoni Luis Aduriz, program date November 2, 2008; Colman Andrews October 10, 2010; Juan Mari & Elena Arzak, November 2, 2008; Martin Berasategui, Novemver 2, 2008; Massimo Bottura, September 14, 2008; Daniel Boulud, December 24, 2006; David Chang, June 15, 2008; Quique Dacosta, November 8, 2009; Thomas Keller, most recently May 9, 2010; Francis Paniego, November 2, 2008; Neil Perry, April 13, 2008; Carme Ruscalleda, August 6, 2006. More info about the festival at www.sansebastiangastronomika.com.
Top 10 Young Chefs in Europe named by WSJ's Bruce Palling
We especially wanted to note that OTM Guest Brett Graham - OTM Audio Archives April 1, 2007 - is included. He seems to be on everyone's list these days! And OTM knows why - his restaurant, The Ledbury, in London's trendy Notting Hill neighborhood, is a beautiful place with a wonderful creative menu. You must go! The only problem you'll have is getting a reservation. Best bet will be to follow OTM's strategy and go to lunch. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703514904575601792825186982.html?mod=googlenews_wsj will show you details of all 10 Chefs.
Justin Severino at Elements Goes the WHOLE HOG, November 17
Executive Chef Justin Severino, the exciting new Chef at Elements Contemporary Cuisine invites guests to a unique dinner event that is all about the pig. On Wednesday, November 17 at 6:30 p.m., Justin will host "The Whole Hog" dinner event, where the featured menu item is a whole hog provided by River View Farm. Justin tells OTM "I love cooking with pork and utilizing all parts of the hog," said Severino. "This event really allowed me to be creative with the menu, and will hopefully introduce diners to new flavors and combinations that they would not typically experience when eating pork." Since OTM just enjoyed a half kilogram of Porchetta for Lunch, eaten in the main Piazza in Pienza, we're anxious to compare Justin's version. During the dinner, Chef Severino will prepare & serve these menu items— a starter platter of Salumi, Preserves, Pickles; Pate Ciccioli; Cotechino; Manicotti "Coppa di Testa"; Porchetta and Apple Crostata. The Whole Hog dinner event will be held at Elements Contemporary Cuisine, located in Four Gateway Center at 444 Liberty Avenue. The cost for the dinner is $65 per person, which includes a six-course family-style meal. An optional $20 wine pairing is also available. Seating is very limited. To order tickets, please follow the link and instructions under "special events" at the Elements Contemporary Cuisine Web site, www.elementscuisine.com, or call 412-999-9716 for more information.
4th Annual Pittsburgh Whiskey Festival is November 12 at Heinz Field-We'll see you there!
The 4th Annual Pittsburgh Whiskey & Fine Spirits Festival will be held in the West Club Lounge at Heinz Field on Friday, Nov. 12, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This unique event offers people the opportunity to sample more than 200 varieties of the finest spirits in the world. During the event, the West Club Lounge will be transformed into a speakeasy from the 1920s and 30’s while a live jazz band performs, creating a fun and relaxing environment for people to taste some of the world’s finest whiskey, scotch, vodka, rum, tequila and cordials. Join OTM enjoy Pittsburgh's finest night of sampling and socializing as some of the top mixologists in the nation create new and interesting cocktails. Food will be served so people can enjoy responsibly.
WHERE TO BUY TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased online at http://pittsburghwhiskeyfestival.com.
Prices are $85 in advance and $95 at the door. Discounted tickets ($70) are
available in advance at Harris Grill in Shadyside (412.362.5273) and Cioppino in
the Strip (412.281.6593). Designated Driver tickets will also be available at
the door for $42.50.
Bloomberg's Top 100 UK Restaurant Rankings contains a Few Surprises!!
Perhaps the most dramatic is the selection of Gidleigh Park, Chagford Devon at #1, pushing The Fat Duck to rnd place. We love Gidleigh Chef Michael Caines, and think he is a Wonderful Chef and an Inspiring Young Man, but ranking above World's #2 (according to the San Pellegrino Top 50) Heston Blumenthal - we think not. Marcus Wareing at The Berkeley Hotel, London at #3 is now getting the recognition he deserves (people say, it's 1 of 3 of the Top 10 OTM has never tried), but Gordon Ramsay, his former mentor relegated to #52, really? Completing out the top 10 in descending order; The Ledbury, Notting Hill London, where Chef Brett Graham won a 2nd Michelin Star this year; The Waterside Inn, Bray, Berkshire, nearing a 30th year with 3 Michelin Stars, hadn't lost a step based on our visit last year with Alain Roux firmly in command; next Raymond Blanc's Le Manoir, near Oxford, which continues to delight us whenever we go; Le Gavroche, owned by brother & cousin of Waterside Inn's Roux family is said to set the standard for fine French cuisine in the Capital; L'Enclume in remote Cartmel, Cumbria, was a HUGE find for OTM when we discovered it almost a decade ago, and Chef Simon Rogan's fame continues to grow; One-O-One "lights up" a dowdy Sheraton Hotel & Casino in fancy Knightsbridge - it's widely considered the best seafood place in London, and OTM certainly thinks so; and rounding out the Top 10 is Edinburgh's The Kitchin. OTM Favorites too numerous to mention are included in the list, but you'll find all our favorites in London on the page of that name in OTM Favorite Stuff.
Guinness is Good for You - Now Even Better
"Guinness is Good for You" was the Advertising Slogan familiar to Peter growing up in England - ad messages didn't change for decades "back in the day". Furthermore a member of the Guinness family received his degree from the Chancellor of the University of Cambridge right next to Peter - an alphabetical coincidence. He just read that American Guinness Lovers have been shortchanged for years. The first Guinness to reach the USA was the original recipe, known as Foreign Extra Stout, but this disappeared during Prohibition and for some reason never returned. Instead Americans have had to accept "Draft Guinness" a pale reflection of the real thing. Well no more!! The Brewer has just reumed exporting Foreign Extra to the USA - and about time!!
Nobody Knows Lamb like the Jamisons - Now you can Learn from them
New this fall, OTM's great friends Sukey & John are offering group as well as private cooking classes all about "Lamb", of course Jamison Farm Lamb. Go to the farm, enjoy the evening, savor a delicious dinner and learn all about lamb. November 13, 2010: Leg of Lamb, three ways: Take the mystery out of cooking a leg of lamb. Try it grilled, braised and roasted to experience the delicious flavors of the leg of lamb! See the lamb being butchered, then prepared and finally enjoyed in a delicious meal. December 4, 2010: Party Braises: Lamb shank , shoulder and stew shine as party favorites. Braises are simple, flavorful, delicious and best of all, make ahead main courses. Each class is $50/person including demo, lamb dinner, recipes and stories by John. BYO wine. For more information email sukey@jamisonfarm.com or call 724-834-7424.
Michelin & Zagat Picks in NYC just announced
Wow, some really interesting Stars in the new Guide Michelin for NYC. Top of the list Brooklyn's Brooklyn Fare gets 2 Stars in its first year of opening, and Queens gets its first recognition, a Star for Danny Brown Wine Bar & Kitchen in Forest Hills. It's no surprise that Chef Michael White's Marea gets 2 Stars in its second year, it's just SO GREAT, more surprising 2 Stars for Soto & Kajitsu, which had 1. Aldea, the Breslin, A Voce, Dovetail, Madison & Laut are newly minted 1 Star/ We won't mention those which lost. In Zagat Le Bernadin beat out Per Se & others to win the top rating, we concur - congratulations Eric & team.
Barbecoa opens in London, promising a "Meatfest"
Food Celebrity Jamie Oliver teamed with NYC-based Barbecue Wizard Adam Perry Lang (On the Menu Audio Archives May 30, 2010) to launch this new venture opening November 3 in a new City of London development called One New Change, with a great view of St. Paul's Cathedral. Wood Pits, Robata Grills & Tandoor Ovens will be used to prepare Meat & Fish sourced from Small Farms & Farming Cooperatives across the UK, and there'll be a Butcher on duty. Adam Perry spoke to OTM about this, and it promises something new for London Diners. No website yet that we could find, but expect one soon.
Edible Garden in NYC features many friends of OTM this month
The final month of New York Botanical Garden's Edible Garden project has a real all-star line up; Lidia Bastianich, Bill Telepan, Michel Nischan. Mario Batali, Michael Psilakis, Marc Forgione, Todd English & Sara Kenkins. But hurry!! The season ends October 17. More info at www.nybg.org.
Join OTM at Cystic Fibrosis Pittburgh's Passion for Wine November 6
What do you get when you bring a fabulously dressed crowd, a glittering space (the PPG Wintergarden), fine wine & great food from Sonoma Grille? Yes, it's the Cystic Fibrosis Pittsburgh Passion for wine event, coming back soon. OTM would love to see you there! Dress is Black-tie optional, but trust us - this is a real Dress-Up event so just wear your most glamorous outfit. There's an excellent Silent Auction including some great Books from OTM's collection, and a live wine auction.
Get more details at http://www.cff.org/Chapters/wpa/ChapterEvents/index.cfm?ID=15332&blnShowBack=True&idContentType=1511&Event=15332, or call 412 321 4422.
Great chance to try newly arrived Chef Justin Severino
Gateway Center's new Dining Jewel has just announced that it is partnering with Wild Purveyors to host a family-style dinner created and prepared by Elements’ Executive Chef, Justin Severino. The dinner is part of Wild Purveyor’s "Table Terroir" Pennsylvania dinner series, and will bring together sustainably grown, natural ingredients, the passionate farmers that grow the ingredients and a local chef that will connect diners with the foods and flavors of our region. Scheduled for Wednesday, October 20 at 6 p.m., the dinner will be held in the flower-bedecked patio courtyard located at Four Gateway Center at 444 Liberty Avenue. A portion of the proceeds from the dinner will benefit the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (P.A.S.A.), a nonprofit organization working to improve the economic and social prosperity of Pennsylvania food and agriculture. "This multi-course dinner will showcase quality food and beverages from a variety of local growers and purveyors," said Severino. "It’s always been important to me to support our farmers and community, and I hope that dinners such as this one will make others passionate about the sustainable food movement." "The goal of our Table Terroir dinner series is to provide an exceptional local meal in a setting that enhances the unique food experience, while also benefiting a local charity and creating awareness about our farming community," said Cavan Patterson, managing partner, Wild Purveyors. "We know that Justin and Elements Contemporary Cuisine are committed to a farm-to-table philosophy. Partnering with them for this dinner event was a natural fit, and we are confident that it will be an enjoyable evening for everyone." Seating is very limited. To order tickets, please follow the link and instructions under “special events” at the Elements Contemporary Cuisine Web site, www.elementscuisine.com, or call 412-475-9512 for more information. Tickets can also be purchased at www.TableTerroir.com. Do this right away as OTM is sure interest will be high.
OTM is still Euphoric about Greenville SC
OTM is just back from the GREAT Euphoria Food-Wine-Music event, and we'll be featuring some of the stars in next Sunday's program. But we just had to let you know about the ADMIRABLE community involvement story that Euphoria represents. Restaurateur Carl "Soby" Sobocinski and Music sensation Edwin McCain founded the event 5 years ago as a way to benefit the city they call home, and they're doing it "in Spades". And of all the hundreds of volunteers OTM wants to single out Nancy Smith who commanded a fleet of BMW SUVs that were at the disposal of the Chefs, Media and other Celebrities in attendance. Nancy we know you said that we shouldn't, you were just doing your job - well we couldn't resist recognizing the great service you provided. Listeners, mark your calendars for next year's Euphoria, September 23-27, and we'll see you there!!
Superstar Pastry Chef David Guas opening Bayou Bakery, Arlington VA
It's official!! When we talked with David, OTM Audio Archives, program date Dec 20, 2009, he told us this was in the works. Opening is set for late October. Here's how its described "A nostalgic tribute to his New Orleans hometown, his "homey, deep South Cafe" will open in the Court House neighborhood of Arlington, Virginia in late October 2010. Plenty of vintage Louisiana character sets the scene for Guas' comfortable community gathering spot - topped off with a selection of Counter Culture coffees - from chicory and espresso, to iced coffee and cafe au lait, brewed to complement the savory and sweet, all-day menu." Go to the website, www.bayoubakeryva.com for more details and an exact date. And save some calories for what's sure to be delicious.
Pittsburgh Welcomes Chef Andrew Morrison & Acclaimed Author Mark Bittman
OTM wants to let you know about both these great Culinary Characters; Chef Andrew Morrison of Habitat Restaurant at The Fairmont Hotel is a fairly recent arrival, and cooking up a great menu with emphasis on Local & Sustainable; Mark Bittman is one of America's best known Cookbook Authors, his "How to Cook........." series should be on everyone's Kitchen Bookshelf........ and probably is. Great News Pittsburgh Diners, you can hear interviews with both of them on next Sunday's (September 26) program, and join them for a Tasting Menu of recipes from Mark's latest book The Food Matters Cookbook. But you'd better hurry, because the Dinner is September 28, at Habitat. Get more information on how to reserve at http://www.habitatrestaurant.com/#events&sub=12.
Zagat London rates The Ledbury #1
OTM is delighted to read about further recognition for Brett Graham's wonderful restaurant. Next time we're in London we plan to go back to find out what if anything has changed since we "discovered" The Ledbury back in 2007. In the meantime you can listen to Brett's interview - OTM Audio Archives, program date April 1, 2007. And go try it for yourself.
Rockpool Sydney wins 4 Major Wine List Awards
OTM had the chance to interview founder Neil Perry on our last OZ trip - OTM Audio Archives, program date April 13, 2008. Now we recognize a recent major achievement - the just announced Fine Wine Partners and Gourmet Traveller WINE’s 2010 Australian Wine List of the Year Awards, in which Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne scooped four major awards including ‘Overall Winner of the 2010 Australia’s Wine List of the Year’, ‘Best Restaurant List’, ‘Best List in Victoria’ and ‘The Judy Hirst Award’, won by Sommelier David Lawler. In announcing Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne as the winner in these four categories, the judges praised the restaurant’s wine list saying that it showcases some of the best wines that the world has to offer, from the iconic wines to the lesser known, and is inviting, exciting and superbly balanced. Owners Neil Perry, Trish Richards and David Doyle were thrilled with these awards and commended the restaurant’s dedicated wine team, led by David Lawler and Tim Sacklin who, over the past four years, have assembled the list that features over 1,500 different wines. "Last year was all about Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney but this year, the focus is firmly on Melbourne, which is great recognition for all the hard work that David Lawler and his team have done to create and manage such an outstanding list," says Perry. Rockpool Bar & Grill Sydney, which took out five awards last year and is in the Hall of Fame, received ‘3 Glasses’ for its list of over 3,600 wines. Similarly, Rockpool Sydney was also commended for its wine list receiving ‘3 Glasses’ and recognition as being ‘one of the greatest wine lists. OTM says be sure to go to both Sydney & Melbourne Rockpool's during your next down-under dining adventure!!
Next Monday Celebrate Gulf Seafood NOLA Style
They say you never want too many chefs in a kitchen, but they never mentioned a shrimp boat! On Monday, September 13, 2010 an unprecedented event will partner The White House and Louisiana Seafood Marketing and Promotion Board while White House executive chef Cris Comerford is joined by Louisiana chefs—John Folse-Folse & Company, John Besh- Besh Restaurant Group, Chris Lusk- Café Adelaide, Drew Dzejak-The Grill Room, Chip Flanagan- Ralph's on the Park; Christopher Lynch-Meson 923, Baruch Rabasa- Meson 923, Spencer Minch - Emeril’s Delmonico, and Greg Reggio - Zea's restaurant/Tastebuds, Inc. Not limiting the efforts to Louisiana, chef Comerford reeled in an elite group of chefs from around the country: Wesley True—Alabama (2010 Second place winner in Great American Seafood Cook-Off); Rick Tramonto—Chicago (2010 Judge at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off); Tafari Campbell—The White House (2008 Third place winner in Great American Seafood cook-off); DC; Robert Wiedmaier—Washington, DC (2009 Judge at Great American Seafood Cook-Off; Jeff Tunks—Washington, DC (2007 and 2010 Judge at Great American Seafood Cook-Off) ; Victor Albisu—Washington, DC; Michelle Bernstein—Miami, FL; Michael Schwartz—Miami, FL; Peter Vauthy—Miami, FL; James Siao – Scottsdale, AZ; Brandon Boudet—Los Angeles, CA; Vishwesh Bhatt - Oxford, MS; Dean Dupuis - Oakland, CA; and Chester Gerl—Seattle, WA. The Food Network took the bait and jumped right in to support Louisiana fishermen and Gulf seafood awareness with The Cooking Channel stars Al Roker (My Life in Food), Kelsey Nixon (Kelsey & Spike Cook), and Lee Anne Wong (Unique Eats).All will gatherin New Orleans to attend a briefing at the Southern Food & Beverage Museumled by FDA Commissioner, Dr. Margaret Hamburg, and Dr. Jon W. Bell, professor at the LSU AgCenter Department of Food Science,to learn about the extensive work the federal and state governments are developing to ensure that Louisiana seafood remains safe and delicious.
Good Taste Pittsburgh comes to Monroeville November 6
With food as entertainment, and the kitchen as the theater, GoodTaste! Pittsburgh
brings you the best of the best in food and cooking in one fun, food-filled day, and more. Take home a new skill from our hands-on workshops, shop for holiday gifts for the foodies in your life, enjoy the rich bounties from the region’s fields and take home recipes from your favorite chef and local restaurants. There is something for everyone at this event…from the cooking show
enthusiast to the weekend gourmet! www.goodtastepittsburgh.com/home.html
Exciting new Restaurant Openings in London, OTM's favorite Dining City
On the heels of Daniel Boulud's opening of Bar Boulud in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, www.barboulud.com/barbouludLondon.html. OTM is delighted to hear that 2 of our London favorites are opening new places, and a 3rd has a major remodeling. Heston Blumenthal, perhaps OTM's all-time favorite Chef, will be opening Dinner with Heston Blumenthal alongside, www.mandarinoriental.com/london/dining/. There's another website with more details if you do an Internet search. Anthony Demetre & Will Smith of Arbutus & Wild Honey are about to launch Les Deux Salons, www.lesdeuxsalons.co.uk/, and Rowley Leigh's Le Cafe Anglais has finished a refurbishment which includes a spectacular Oyster Bar, www.lecafeanglais.co.uk/. OTM's interviews of these great Chef-Restaurateurs can be heard in OTM Audio Archives. We'll bring back new interviews after our next trip to London.
Savor Pittsburgh - what a night it was!!!
OTM promised you a splendid "bash" & Savor Pittsburgh, September 2, did not disappoint. Be sure to watch for next year's event so you don't miss it - this year was a sell-out. OTM was working, as you can see. www.wpxi.com/slideshow/24863426/detail.htmlindex.html?currentSlide=17&taf=burg.
Duskie Estes - crack chef & one of OTM's favorite people on Iron Chef, Oct 3 - don't miss it!
Chef & Co-owner Duskie Estes of Zazu Restaurant in Santa Rosa CA will do battle on The Next Iron Chef, see www.foodnetwork.com/the-next-iron-chef/index.html for details. You can hear Duskie talk about her "down to earth" approach to cuisine in OTM's Sept 16, 2007 & Oct 29, 2006 programs. And when you're in the Napa-Sonoma vicinity make sure you head for Zazu & also Bovolo in downtown Healdsburg. True to Duskie's "community spirit" 100% of the proceeds of a special viewing of the Iron Chef will go to the Ceres Project, an organization that delivers meals to home bound people with cancer, prepared by high school students www.ceresproject.org. And by the way if you can plan to be in Santa Rosa, this is sure to be ONE GREAT PARTY! Way to go Duskie, you're the winner already!
Best New Restaurants 2010 - Portland OR scores again, plus NYC & Boston
OTM is delighted to see recognition for 3 of Bon Appetit's 10 Best Restaurants 2010. Heading the list is Portland's Laurelhurst Market - hear our interview with Chef-Owner David Kreifels - OTM Audio Archives October 11, 2009. Next NYC's Marea, where Chef Michael White also snared James Beard Best New Restaurant earlier this year. Then Boston where Barabara Lynch adds more kudos for her new fine dining restaurant Menton - hear her interview in May 16, 2010's program. The entire feature is worth reading, at www.bonappetit.com/magazine/toc/september_2010_toc
Recognition for Portland OR Chef
Castagna’s young executive chef Matt Lightner will soon be juggling multiple culinary gigs in different time zones – from Copenhagen Cooking 2010 on August 29th to a James Beard Dinner on September 1st. As a recent James Beard Foundation Rising Star Chef semifinalist and one of Food & Wine Magazine’s 2010 Best New Chefs, Lightner is turning heads for his edgy farm to table style where vegetables, herbs and botanicals often take center stage. Closer to home, Castagna received the Oregonian’s 2010 Restaurant of the Year award and Lightner was a guest chef at Aspen’s Food & Wine Classic.
2010 "Oyster Wine Award" Winners Announced
Jon Rowley & Bill Taylor of Taylor Shellfish Farms organize this large and gruelling search for the Best Wines to pair with Bi-valves. They just announced the names of the 10 wines that "made the cut". 4 are from Oregon, Acrobat 08 Pinot Gris, Anne Amie 09 Pinot Gris & 09 Cuvee A Muller-Thurgau, King Estate* 08 Pinot Gris. 3 from Washington, Chateau Ste Michelle** 08 Sauvignon Blanc, CMS 08 White & Columbia Winery* 08 Pinot Gris. # from California, Franciscan Estates 08 Sauvignon Blanc, Heitz Cellars 09 Sauvignon Blanc & Kunde Family** 09 Sauvignon Blanc. * prior winner, ** multiple prior winner. Jon thanks for all your work on the VERY important subject.
Fun Facts about Food Preserving - Napolean & Clarence Birdseye
In an upcoming program we include an interview about Village Harvest, a new brand of "ultra-frozen" grains like rice & quinoa. This got us to thinking about great inventions in food preservation, so we did a little research. Most people don't know that the Birdseye brand is named for Clarence Birdseye, who invented and patented a new method for freezing foods, based on what he learned while ice-fishing with the Inuits. Canning as earlier means ; check this out at www.associatedcontent.com/article/1788028/history_of_canned_food.html. Napolean launched a contest for a solution to the food storage problems of his armies in 1795, and Nicolas Appert won the prize in 1809 by inventing "canning". Clarence sold his patents for $22 million, Nicolas got only 12,000 Francs. Aren't you glad that you know?
What's Shochu? In Japan it's more popular than Sake!
Shochu is "all the rage" in Japan, OTM learns from Tetsu Mogi of JFC International - hear his interview in our August 22 program. Originally invented in the 16th Century through the influence of Portugese traders (the first Europeans to reach Japan), Shochu has been making a huge comeback in popularity in the last decade, after a long period of decline due to poor quality and a reputation for being "old-fashioned". Beniotome Goma Shochu, now available in the USA through JFC International (www.jfc.com), is one of the finest Shochus, with a unique flavor of Sesame Seeds (Goma). Shochus may be based on barley, buckwheat & sweet potatoes as well as the traditional wheat & rice. Typically drunk throughout a meal in Japan, it has displaced Sake as the country's most popular alcoholic beverage. Enjoy it here in the USA as the Japanese do, or try it in a cocktail or as an after dinner alternative to Cognac. For information about availability at bars, restaurants & liquor stores contact JFC, email info@jfc.com.
Wine Tasting & Seminars at Euphoria Greenville, September 23-26
An appreciation of wine does not have to be an expensive talent to obtain and cultivate. You can learn this and more by attending Euphoria’s Wine Seminars hosted by some of the premier Master Sommeliers in the country. They’ll also be pouring more than 100 wines at the tasting showcase, just the ticket for refining your palate and widening your knowledge of the grape. This year's featured Sommeliers are: Laura Williamson - Member of the Court of Master Sommeliers since 2003; Certified Wine Educator; Co-owner of "Vin Tabla", Tuscon, AZ. Her Seminar topic is Wine & Chocolate.
Wayne Belding - Member, Court of Master Sommeliers since 1990; Prestigious Krug Cup winner; Owner, "The Wine Merchant" in Boulder, CO. Wayne's Seminar will be on Food & Wine Pairing.
For more information go to www.euphoriagreenville.com, and OTM will see you there
Elements Farm Dinner Series is canceled until we hear further
Late News - we hope that the organizers reached those of you who intended to attend this evening. If you attended or watched last night's Steeler game you know that the cancellation was prudent, even though today's weather decided to be cooperative. When we find out about rescheduling, we'll let you know...........
Friends of OTM are Finalists for 2010 Sustainability Awards
Chef's Collaborative just announced Finalists for their new Sustainability Awards. www.chefscollaborative.org/summit//awards. Chef Ana Sortun of fabulous Cambridge MA Oleana is nominated as a model for purchase & transformation of seasonal-sustainable ingredients; Jon Rowley of Washington State Taylor Shellfish Farms for Pathfinder Award for "being an Catalyst for Positive Change within the Food System through efforts that go beyond the Kitchen, and Allison Hooper & Bob Reese of Vermont Butter & Cheese Creamery for Foodshed Champion "committed to forming successful, lasting partnerships with Chefs, exemplifying principles such as - Good Food begins with unpolluted air/land/water, environmentally sustainable farming, humane animal husbandry.......... Congratulations to these nominees and all the other worthies. Winners will be announced at CC's National Summit on October 4 - and here in a News Item as soon as we hear.
Jamison Farms & Fred Rogers Center team up for a great event - Ewe are Special
Suki & John of Jamison Farms are "at it again"; this time teaming up with the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning & Childrens Media in Latrobe for a Truly Outstanding Culinary Experience, in the Bucolic Atmosphere at their Farmhouse. Famed out of town Chefs Jesse Ziff Cool from Palo Alto, Louis Osteen from Nashville & Bruce Sherman from Chicago will join Greg Andrews of Greensburg's The Supper Club. We suspect there will be Lamb on the menu. Contact the FR Center at (724) 805-2750 or info@fredrogerscenter.org.
Elements' Special Dinners at McConnell's Farm in Aliquippa
Sunday, August 15 4:30pm until sundown. Don't miss out on this Special Event, first in the "ELEMENTS OF NATURE" Dinner Series. Join Executive Chef, Justin Severino and the Elements Cuisine team for a reflection of the food and flavors of western Pennsylvania. They are working with a variety of local growers and purveyors to secure the freshest, local ingredients possible. Space is limited, so purchase your tickets now through http://www.elementscuisine.com under the Events tab. If you can't make this date, there are 3 more events in the series. Elements Cuisine has partnered with the following area growers and purveyors who will provide food and beverages at the dinner series: McConnell’s Farm: With a commitment to excellence, the farm has become well-known for its fresh and delicious fruits and vegetables including peaches, tomatoes, blueberries, sweet corn and zucchini. Chef Severino will use a wide selection of the farm’s produce — all picked fresh the same day as the dinner. The farm’s peach orchard will also serve as the location for three of the dinners in the series. Boyd and Blair Vodka: Made from locally grown potatoes and distilled in Pennsylvania, this smooth vodka will be used to create a variety of delicious cocktails. Wild Purveyors: A family owned and operated business located just outside of Pittsburgh, Wild Purveyors will work with Chef Severino to secure seasonal, locally sourced foods that will serve as key ingredients throughout the dinner menu. BriarValley Vineyard & Winery: Located in historic Bedford, Pennsylvania at the foot of the Allegheny Mountains, this is the first winery in Bedford and the surrounding counties to produce all vinifera wines styled after classic European wines. Briar Valley is dedicated to remaining a small boutique winery concentrating on premium quality and craftsmanship. Chef Severino will work with the winery to select the perfect wine to complement each of his courses. Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance: Founded in 1999, Penn's Corner Farm Alliance is a farmer cooperative in southwestern Pennsylvania that delivers fruits, vegetables, and other farm food products directly to customers in the Pittsburgh area through its Community Supported Agriculture program. With a reputation for providing fresh, quality food and supporting sustainable farming practices, Penn’s Corner Farm Alliance will be a valuable asset to both Elements Contemporary Cuisine and Chef Severino. Elysian Fields Farm: Located inWaynesburg, Pennsylvania, Elysian Fields Farm specializes in lamb that is humanely raised, fed only grain and hay, and drink only water that has been tested for purity. The farm’s lamb — known for its fresh, vibrant taste — has gained national recognition and has been used by top chefs across the country. Chef Severino will incorporate the farm’s tender, flavorful and fresh lamb into the dinner’s five-course menu.
Elements Cuisine soon opening in Gateway Center
OTM's excited to hear about an exciting new restaurant concept taking over the space wher Palomino used to be. Manager David Greenberg has snared "Boomerang Pittsburgher" Justin Severino to head the kitchen. After graduating from Pennsylvania Culinary Chef Justin worked at Casbah before heading to Cailfornia where his experience included a spell at renowned (2 Michelin Stars, James Beard 2010 Best Chef California) "farm to table" restaurant Manresa - hear Chef-Partner David Kinch from Manresa in the OTM Archive, May 9, 2010 (reflecting on winning a "Beard") & June 19, 2009. Since coming back to Pittsburgh Severino has been at 11 Contemporary Kitchen, and now he's set to open Elements near the end of this month. From cocktails and an excellent wine list to seasonal, fresh. local ingredients, this place has all the "elements" of a fine the fine addition to Pittsburgh's downtown dining scene that OTM expects it to be. The website www.elementscuisine.com is still under construction, but you can already find out more information there than space will permit here.
Grass Fed Beef from Pennsylvania - Ann judging....
Who knew that Pennsylvania was a "Hot-bed" of this new trend in "Beaf-Eating"? A crowd of carnivores and an elite judging panel gathered at Jamison Farms in Latrobe, for an afternoon and evening savoring Beef from specialized small "Cattlemen" from across the Commonwealth. The event was organized by the Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) and Slow Food Pittsburgh. Grand Champion was Rafael Velex, Horizon View Farms, Rockwood, Somerset County, 2nd Larry Herr, Cressbrook Farm, Lancaster County, 3rd John Leimgruber III, Eastbrook Homestead, New Castle. The participating farmers did their own tasting & judging; Larry Herr was their 1st choice, followed by Al Granger, Glasbern, Fogelsville. Later in the afternoon Peter helped Big Burrito's Bill Fuller & 6 Penn's Keith Fuller, to grill grass fed burgers for a seemingly unending line of hungry picnicers...........And a great time was had by all. Thanks to Suki & John Jamison for hosting the event.
Savor Pittsburgh!! Mark you Calendar for Sep 2
A collection of Pittsburgh’s finest chefs will gather on Thursday, September 2nd to share their favorite recipes in a culinary competition for the coveted “Dish of the Year” honors. Savor Pittsburgh: A Celebration of Cuisine, is sponsored by Mosaic Consulting and presented by McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant and the SouthSide Works to benefit the American Respiratory Alliance of Western Pennsylvania. Ann will be judging, so we'll see you there. Get tickets at www.savorpgh.com.
Guests of the event will enjoy unmatched cuisine and cocktails, vote for their favorite dish, dance to live music performed by "No Bad JuJu" and bid on fantastic silent and live auction items to benefit the American Respiratory Alliance of Western Pennsylvania.
Savor Pittsburgh takes place within SouthSide Works, Pittsburgh’s trendiest shopping and dining district. This sprawling outdoor complex will be outfitted with elegant white canopies as some of Pittsburgh's Best Chefs come together for one special night.
Participating Restaurants Include: Bella Frutteto, Bistecca, Bistro 19, Capital Grille, Cassis, Church Brew Works, Cioppino Restaurant and Cigar Bar, Donato's Fox Chapel, Elements, Grand Concourse Restaurant, India Palace, McCormick and Schmick's Seafood Restaurants (Downtown at Piatt Place and SouthSide Works), Mitchell's Fish Market, The Sonoma Grille, Spoon Restaurant, Steelhead Brasserie and Wine Bar, Tree Tops Restaurant, Tusca Global Tapas and Walnut Grove Restaurant and Bar.
Jim Lokay of KDKA will emcee this incredible event along with Michele Michaels of WDVE Radio and Theresa Colaizzi of 94.5 3WS Radio. Throughout the fesitivites, culinary creations will be judged by a panel of local food critics and other celebrity judges, including: Chef Daniel Aguera, Culinary Blogger, Victoria Bradley, WHIRL and Edible Allegheny; Christina French, TABLE Magazine; Chris Fennimore, Mike Lee and Rick Sebak, WQED-TV; Bruce May, Pittsburgh Magazine; Chef Ray Wesolowski and Chef Art Inzinga, Pennsylvania Culinary Institute; John Gruver, Executive Development Chef, Market District; Ann Haigh, FANFARE (Pittsburgh Tribune Review) and Co-Host of "On the Menu"; Sally Quinn, Pittsburgh Tribune Review; Margi Schrum and Marlene Parrish, Pittsburgh Post Gazette and Nancy Anderson.
The American Respiratory Alliance is the premier lung health organization in Western Pennsylvania since its establishment in 1904.
Meatless Mondays - Equal time for Vegetarians
There's a movement afoot aimed at changing the way we eat one day a week. The Meatless Monday campaign is backed by public health advocates, chefs and suburban moms who want to tackle the problems of cholesterol and heart disease. One risk factor for these chronic conditions is consuming too much saturated fat — the type of fat found in meat. More at www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129025298&sc=emaf
Those Hart Boys are always up to something in London
OTM's old London friends Sam & Eddie Hart are always up to something new & interesting. They discovered that Chef superstar Ferran Adria & his El Bulli team created a beer specifically created to accompany food (Some of us always thought beer & food went together just fine, but who are we to know). They now stock this elixir, called Estrella Damm Inedit, at their casual Tapas Bar, Barrafina. The Hart's fine dining resto, Fino, won the "Taste of London" Best of Taste Silver Medal for its Roast Suckling Pig. And their more casual Quo Vadis has opened a Terrace on Dean Street with a special menu of summery dishes, as well as, on Saturdays, a Market Menu, offering dishes with ingredients from Soho's great Berwick Street Food Lovers Market. So take advantage of these new things, or just go have a great time with the regular offerings - you're sure to enjoy as OTM has on several occasions.
Charleston's Chef Sean Brock is at it again..........
Charleston's Sean Brock, the 2010 James Beard Best Chef SE, runs a farm for "insourcing" farm to table cuisine. He's also planning a new restauarnt, Husk, due to open in November. Husk will use only ingredients from "the South" --hence no olive oil or balsamic vinegar-- and will reintroduce such authentic items as heritage okra and benne (sesame seeds). And then, there's his long-term, on-going work creating a new breed derived from ossabow pigs. This is all good news, and for fans of Sean's cooking at McCrady's in Charleston - he's still going to be in charge there. We'll tell you more, as news reaches us.
Who doesn't love Bacon - the Bacon Today blog is for you!
At OTM we disagree about Bacon, Ann likes Bacon, but Peter loves (maybe even adores) Bacon. Not a drop of Bacon fat (not Bacon grease please) escapes re-use when Peter's at the stove, whether it's for frying eggs, sauteeing burgers, browning meat for braises, there's just something about the flavor - so he says. Now all you Bacon Lovers can get your daily dose of Bacon News at http://www.bacontoday.com, thanks to "Boss Hog" of this blog, Rocco Loosbrock. So whether you class yourself as a Baconista, a Bacoholic, a Baconeer (male) or Baconette (female) you'll want to include this site in your daily news diet. You can even add your Bacon-related event to the calendar.
