Euphoria Greenville - Wine Dinner Pairings, Sep. 25 - Book Soon!!
Here's the impressive line-up:
For reservations go to www.euphoriagreenville.com
Michael Kramer, Executive Chef, The Tasting Room Wine Cafe, Houston, TX
Charles Phan, another good guy finishing 1st!!
Last time OTM met San Francisco-based Chef-Restaurateur he was manning a food station at the 2009 5-Star Sensation in Cleveland OH - and he brought his wife and children along to help. (See Ann pictured with the gang under OTM in Pictures.) Now we read that that Food Arts presented Charlie with its Silver Spoon Award in the lastest issue. OTM echos their tribute to this architect-turned-fab Chef. To grasp his great talent, head for his Vietnamese flagship, Slanted Door, in the Ferry Building, OR grab "street food" at one of his Out the Door casual eateries (also Vietnamese) OR try Chinese at Heaven's Dog, Phan's latest venture. Better yet go to all of them!
OTM says Goodbye to Oldways' founder Dun Gifford
OTM was saddened when we read of the recent death of K. Dun Gifford, a pioneer in trying to combat the rise of unhealthful food consumption. In 2007, 17 years after founding the Oldways Preservation Trust, Dun was as energetic & passionate as always when he spoke with OTM - OTM Audio Archive, April 1, 2007. Food Arts reports that as a politically active lawyer Dun helped capture Robert Kennedy's assassin and participated in a successful defense of sailing's America's Cup. But Dun will be best remembered for his work at Oldways. OTM is pleased to be able to honor his memory by providing the opportunity to hear from him in his own words. The Oldways Table: Essays & Recipes from the Culinary Think Tank, can be purchased through OTM Bookshelf.
OTM is Euphoric about Greenville SC
OTM is just back from a visit to this charming & dynamic city, where we previewed arrangements for Euphoria, a 5th Anniversary Food-Drink-Music extravaganza & sampled some of the fine restaurants that will be participating. We highly recommend Euphoria for both what & where, well-planned liveable-sized event in a wonderfully redeveloped Downtown. Dates are Sep 23-26. Tickets are on sale now with discounted prices offered if you act quickly, so go to www.euphoriagreenville.com and OTM will see you there.
Jamison Farms does Beef
We all associate Jamison Farms with Lamb, but next month they're doing Beef instead, teaming up with PASA. Plan to join us (Ann will be judging, Peter just watching & eating). Here's the scoop.
Have you "herd" about the Beef Cook Off? On Friday August 6th and Saturday August 7th, an unusual and uniquely PASA event will take place for the third year in a new location with something for everyone! PASA members and famed sheep farmers John and Sukey Jamison have invited us to stage a 100% Grass Fed Beef Cook Off on the grounds of the beautiful Jamison Farm, located in Latrobe, PA in the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands.
Contestants
We believe Pennsylvania grass based cattle farmers are growing some of the best beef around. This Beef Cook Off provides farmers a chance to share proven mehtods and growing techniques and enjoy sampling tasty, professionally prepared beef. Contestants will also have the opportunity to participate in a Beef Butchery Master Class in the beginning of the day, judge Delmonica steaks alongside professional chefs and food writers in the afternoon, and finish the day with a picnic open to the public when they can share information about their products with hungry consumers.
Picnic Open to the Public
From 4:00-7:00pm the public is invited to come to the Jamison Farm and enjoy grilled grass fed beef burgers and live music. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, food, and beverage and enjoy a picnic on the farm. We'll provide the burgers! Informative poster displays will detail each of the grazing operations participating in the competition. We'll be raffling off grass fed ground beef and Delmonico steaks, so be sure to bring some extra cash and a cooler in case you win! The Cook Off takes place rain or shine, because grass fed beef tastes best in any weather!
For more information including how to become a contestant go to www.pasafarming.org/cookoff.
RIP Egon Ronay
"First Career Critic of British Food" (The Economist, June 26, 2010) is a masterful understatement of Ronay's influence, through his eponymous Guide, first published in 1957. Inspired by disgust with a cup of tea dispensed in a railway station cafe, he set forth on a crusade to recognize what good food was and where to find it. Egon, OTM thanks you on behalf of all who have benefited from having the information source that you created, perhaps for even inventing the idea that such a guide should exist - back in the days before Zagat, and when the Guide Michelin was a thinly disguised means of influencing tire purchase decisions.
Birmingham (England) - not to be ignored & a great time to plan a visit
England's 2nd largest city, frequently ignored, sometimes even reviled, is an interesting place to visit, with some great dining, restored canals and other Victorian architecture, several museums in the city and surrounding areas. Now friends of OTM have let us know about an upcoming event that might be "just the ticket" to encourage you to explore for yourself. The Annual Taste of Birmingham takes place July 16-18, for more details go to http://taste.visitbirmingham.com/. If you plan to go be sure to dine (even stay) at Simpson's Birmingham, and also dine at Purnell's, in addition to taking in all the Festival events. It's a 2 hour drive from London Heathrow or Manchester airports, and some airlines fly direct from the USA. If you decide to go, please send us a report as we are on assignment elsewhere so we'll have to wait till next year.
Ladies (Chefs) of Alicante, Spain we adore you!!
There's an old popular song title............. Why such a strong contingent of top Female Chefs in and around Alicante, Spain? OTM doesn't completely understand why, but we're pleased that we found out! Maria Jose & Geni San Roman, Mari Carmen Velez, Pepa Romans, Susi Diaz, remarkable Chef-Restaurateurs are all good friends and masters in adding the modern touch to the great culinary tradition of the Alicante region. OTM had the opportunity to talk to only some of them. You can hear their explanations in an upcoming program. You’ll want to experience all of their kitchens, so your
Alicante's Fogueres rival Valencia's Fallahs
No-one could explain why these 2 cities in the Valencia region have similar festivities at different times of the year. The Hogueras & Fogueres, bonfires, fireworks and parades welcome the Summer Solstice in
Cleveland Rocks, June 13!!!
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum announces “Chef Jam 2010: Cleveland Food Rocks” on Sunday, June 13 at 7 p.m. at the Rock Hall. Cleveland’s top chefs will serve up specialties inspired by their favorite band or musician and dress like the rock stars they are featuring. A special performance by Cream of the Crop featuring special guest Todd Rundgren will top off the night.
Spend an evening sampling culinary delights prepared by the best of the best in Cleveland at more than 25 different food stations. The event will also include performances from bands made up solely of local restaurant employees: The Rare Birds from Greenhouse Tavern, Evil Eye from Happy Dog and Melange from Melange. Maker’s Mark will be conducting an infusion challenge inviting chefs to create a special dish that utilizes their bourbon. Judges for the event are Joe Crea, Michael Ruhlman and Laura Taxel. The winning chef will receive a trip to the Maker’s Mark distillery in Louisville.
Cleveland Food Rocks founder, chef-restaurateur Steve Schimoler, is delighted with the Rock Hall’s support. “The food and music scene in Cleveland rivals that in any city in the U.S.; and with our partnership with the Rock Hall, we have raised the bar in our ability to showcase our city’s talents and to put a creative face on how a community can work together.”
Tickets are $50 and the price will include samples of all the dishes offered at each food station during the event, as well as beer, wine and tours of the Museum’s exhibits. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster. Proceeds from the event will go to support the Rock Hall’s education programs and Cleveland Food Rocks will be awarding a scholarship to an outstanding Culinary Arts student at Cuyahoga Community College.
Participating Restaurants are preparing fun “themed” dishes to fit into the spirit of the evening:
ABC Tavern: Meatloaf; meatloaf
Amp 150: Rolling Stones; Beef Tongue with Cabbage SaladBar Cento: Phish; “Bathtub Gin” Gumbo with Mushroom Grilled Cheese and “Goo Balls”
Bar Symon: Van Halen; Ice Cream Sandwiches w/Cabo Wabo Ice Cream, Bacon-Apple Caramel Sauce
Bistro on Lincoln Park
Blue Canyon: Burning Spear; Curried Goat
Blue Point Grille: Ramones; Oysters Vindaloo
Caruso’s Coffee: Eric Clapton; Black Coffee “After Midnight”
Crop Bistro: Grateful Dead; “Backpack Rollups”
Dante: LSD (Lemon-Scented Doughnuts)
Effervescent Chicken Wings, Dill Pickle Popcorn
Executive Caterer: Alman Brothers; roasted white asparagus with crawfish, green goddess, and crispy country ham
Fire: Beatles; “Savoy Truffle” (assorted chocolate truffles)
Flying Fig: Delta Blues; an assortment of Southern-inspired tidbits
Green House Tavern: Black Keys; Grilled pork ribs with “thick freakiness” BBQ sauce
Happy Dog: Elvis; “Ain’t Nothin’ but a Hound” Dogs
Johnny’s; Frank Zappa; “Yellow Snow”
Lago: Bob Marley; Marley Meatballs
Melange: George Thoroughgood and the Destroyers: Watermelon “Bad to the Bone” Ribs, Menu6: Psychedelia; Wild Mushroom Rice Paper Rolls and “Strawberry Fields Forever”
Momocho: Beck; Wild Boar “Satan Gave Me a Taco” Tacos
Moxie: Pink Floyd; “Dark Side of the Moon” pies
Prosperity Social Club: Hank Williams ; Jambalaya on the Bayou
Sasa: ZZ Top; “ZZ Top” Sirloin
Sushi Rock; U2; “Even Better than the Real Thing” Sushi Surf & Turf
Tamara Reynolds knows how to Party
OTM picked up information that Tamara Reynolds (OTM Nov. 22, 2009) is working on a Dinner on the Farm series at The Queens County Farm Museum. The first event was May 7, but the series continues. Get further information at www.queensfarm.org & click on the events on the left colum- the "dinner series" link.
Grape News!!! Chilean Wine Wins!!
Reports have reached OTM that a recent recreation of the famous 1976 Judgement of Paris resulted in a Chilean Wine gaining attention and an actual win versus the top wines of California & Bordeaux. The press release was a bit confusing about who won where, but whatever - Errazuriz Kai a wine featuring Carmenere grapes as the primary component of the blend gained great attention. Since OTM has enjoyed Chilean wines from this grape, we are not altogether surprised, so we suggest you try these wines for yourself and see if you agree with the esteemed blind tasters at the recent series of events. And be sure to let us know what you think. Salut!!!
More Star Power & Great Cause at NOWFE
In response to the situation Lousiana Fishermen are facing, 2 super-special events have been added to the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience, May 26-29. 2-5PM Saturday May 29 TV-celebrity Paula Dean will join NOLA superstar Chef-Restaurateur John Besh & celebrity Chef Aaron Sanchez in a cooking demonstration and tasting of Paula's famous Shrimp & Grits. In the evening Paula and he brother Earl "Bubba" Hiers will join Chefs John & Aaron, plus John Currance from City Grill in Oxford MS at a fundraising dinner at Restaurant August. To get tickets for the Superdome tasting go to www.nowfe.com, for the dinner call Christy at 504-565-5482 or email cbradley@chefjohnbesh.com
James Beard Awards Postscript
OTM has been SO busy, that's a reason not an excuse! So the May 9 program loaded with interviews conducted with excited award winners is already in the Audio Archive, but no accompanying "editorial", so here goes. The awards program was shorter, and the party slightly less overcrowded, HURRAY for both developments! And our congratulations to some of our favorites - Daniel Boulud, Sean Brock, David Kinch, Daniel Humm, Best Chef NYC, long overdue recognition, but Daniel H where were you for an interview? And of course OTM congratulates every one of the awardees, all deserving of our admiration for their careers and achievements. Michael White, sorry we missed you, a great win for Marea as best new restaurant - and since we brunched there the day before the Awards, we know why! I'm sure Ann may have more to add, but that's Peter's highlights.
Oysters & Wine - 16th Annual Contest
Dateline SEATTLE, April 16: OTM's good buddy Jon Rowley brings us news about this landmark event: 167 wines, 1300 oysters! It took more than a week. Each wine blind tasted with at least one Kumamoto oyster by five stalwart, oyster-loving judges who showed up for work every day at 3:00 p.m. at Anthony's Home Port at Shilshole Bay to narrow the field to 20 finalists as part of the Pacific Coast Oyster Wine Competition. The mission: find the 10 best West Coast wines to go with oysters. Judges taste the oyster, sip the wine and rate the "bliss factor".
"Not many wines go with oysters," says Lane Hoss, Vice-President, Marketing for Anthony's Restaurants. "That's why we are thankful to have this competition. Oysters are popular. We wait for the results every year."
The 20 finalists will be judged in Los Angeles at the Watergrill on April 20, at Sutros at the Cliff House on April 21 and Anthony's in Seattle on April 22. Judging scores from forty top food and wine professionals in the three cities will be combined to select the ten equal winners of the prestigious "Oyster Award". 2010 winners will be announced April 24 at www.oysterwine.com. Wineries from California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington were invited to submit entries. Typically the best "oyster wines' are dry, crisp, clean finishing white wines.
The Pacific Coast Oyster Wine Competition is sponsored by Taylor Shellfish Farms and organized by founder Jon Rowley, Jon Rowley & Associates in Seattle. Taylor Shellfish is a fifth-generation family-owned company producing seed, oysters, Manila clams, Mediterranean mussels and geoduck for national and international markets. For information on Taylor Shellfish Farms go to www.taylorshellfishfarms.com
Tales of the Cocktail - may be too Sweet for OTM's Taste
"Death in the South Pacific" by Washington bartender Evan Martin is the "official cocktail" of the 2010 annual culinary and cocktail festival, Tales of the Cocktail. Recipes poured in from New Zealand to Washington as over 150 bartenders worldwide punched it up to create a Tiki-inspired cocktail for the 8th annual festival. Evan Martin won first place with his drink featuring Appleton Estate Extra 12 Year Old Rum, Rhum Clement VSOP, Grand Marnier, Trader Tiki's Orgeat Syrup, Fee's Falernum, Fee’s Grenadine, and Cruzan Blackstrap Rum. "This drink hits all the contest requirements on the nose: It creatively mixes multiple rums, sweeteners, and citrus to "tikify" the Planter's Punch template; it has a full-bodied, layered, but not overcomplicated flavor; and its garnish shows theatrical flair, cleverly referencing the drink name." Said Jeff Berry, official cocktail competition judge and tiki expert. Martin’s cocktail will be served throughout Tales of the Cocktail, July 21—25, and will be featured in the summer issues of Culinary Concierge and The Tasting Panel magazine, and on the
The second place cocktail is the "Once Upon a Time," created by James Goggin. Peter Bogren, a local Palace Café bartender, wins third place with his cocktail "Peter’s Planter’s Punch."
Tales of the Cocktail also collaborated with The Liquid Muse Virgin Mixology® and Fre Alcohol Removed Wines to offer the festival’s third annual official non-alcoholic cocktail. The "Self-Imposed Prohibition Punch" will be the Tiki-inspired nonalcoholic cocktail of the 2010 festival, and will be served at signature events.
For more information go to www.TalesoftheCocktail.com.
49 Years On: The Profumo Affair at von Essen’s Cliveden House
Von Essen hotel’s historic stately home, Cliveden House has been famous for various things over the centuries, but the event that in modern times the House is probably best remembered for, is the start of the greatest political and sexual scandal of the last century – The Profumo Affair. It was at Cliveden, on the hot balmy evening of 8th July 1961, that Jack Profumo, then Minister for War in Harold Macmillan’s Government, met the 19 year old, good time girl, Christine Keeler and to celebrate the 49th anniversary, Cliveden is offering a fabulous package with a talk and tour focusing on the scandal led by Rupert Gavin, a world expert on the subject. The day promises to provide a fascinating insight into the Scandal, and its consequences… For further information or to book please contact the Reservations team on 011-44-1628-668561 or
Check out OTM's interviews at this fine stately home, OTM Audio Archive program date August 16, 2009.
Congratulations to Food & Wine's 2010 Top Chefs
OTM is pleased to recognize the following on their selection: Roy Choi of the Kogi BBQ truck in Los Angeles, Matt Lightner of Castagna in Portland, Ore, Clayton Miller of Trummer's on Main in Clifton, Va. Missy Robbins of A Voce in New York City, Jonathon Sawyer of The Greenhouse Tavern in Cleveland, Alex Seidel of Fruition in Denver, Mike Sheerin of Blackbird in Chicago, John Shields of Town House in Chilhowie, Va. Jason Stratton of Spinasse in Seattle, James Syhabout of Commis in Oakland, Calif. Read more: http://www.nrn.com/breakingNews.aspx?id=381786#ixzz0kh8Jrbdt
OTM is Blogging again!!
Hello to all you Bloggers!! Peter decided it was time to resume blogging and has chosen Wordpress for its ease of use, so blog on to http://onthemenuradio.wordpress.com from now on. The old blog, http://onthemenuradio.blogspot.com will remain in place. The Blog click-through on the website has not been changed over, but you can use the wordpress link above to access the new Blog - we'll announce when the click-through is in place.
Celebrate Earth Day with the Sterlings at Iron Horse
Join Joy, Audrey & Barry at their glorious Green Valley CA vineyard and enjoy an important occasion, April 18th, with some great wine and good company. Several local wineries are joining, and John Finger of Hog Island Oysters leads a group of food providers. General admission is $50; a VIP Sparkling reception featuring California farm-raised Osetra caviar for $250 precedes the main event in Audrey & Barry's magnificent home on the vineyard (eat your heart out, when OTM visited we had lunch there). They're 2 of the most fascinating people we've ever met. There'll be music, a speaker about underwater exploration, and an eco-exhibit (whatever that is). To reserve or for more information http://www.ironhorsevineyards.com/events/
Australia's Tahbilk celebrates 150 year with dinner at London's Ledbury - May 12 is the date
This item has been amended - the event is open only to the wine trade, except for the 2 places available through Decanter.
And as part of their birthday celebrations, Tahbilk is offering a Decanter Magazine/decanter.com reader and guest the chance to attend the 150th Anniversary dinner in London on May 12th, hosted by Alister Purbrick, CEO and 4th generation Winemaker at Tahbilk. The prize also includes an overnight stay in London for the winners. This once-in-a-lifetime dinner will be held at the celebrated Ledbury Restaurant, and will be attended by wine trade, press, dignitaries and friends and family of the Purbricks. Michelin 2-star chef Brett Graham of The Ledbury (Newcastle, NSW born) will prepare a menu to match the very special and rare wines Tahbilk will be bringing from their cellar. If you don't win the prize, go to The Ledbury at another time for a great dining experience, and be sure to look for Tahbilk's great wines on wine lists and at your local wine merchants. You can find out more about these two great guys, Alister Purbrick & Brett Graham by listening to their OTM interviews in OTM Audio Archive, program dates May 11, 2008 & April 1, 2007 respectively
(Paso Robles) California here we come!!
Thanks to the wonderful cooperation of the Paso Robles Wine Alliance and Travel Paso Robles Alliance OTM is heading for a week of exploration of his area located practically 1/2 way between SF & LA. Interviews with all the food, wine & travel personalities we meet will start airing in programs beginning April 4. We know we'll be tasting wines from several of the leading vineyards, some of the pioneers of the PR wine community, and some of the new enthusiasts as well - names too numerous to include here. Two great restaurants, Artisan & Cass House Grill are included and we're staying part of the time at Hotel Cheval, then at Bella Sera. We'll be visiting an Abalone farm, tasting local Olive Oils & fresh local produce, and more - we don't have all the details yet - but you'll be sure to have them after we return to the Studio.
What's a NOWFE? - May 25-29 in New Orleans!!
When OTM cracked the abbreviation we said right way - that's for us! One of our favorite dining destinations, and great wines to match... The 19th Annual version of the New Orleans Wine & Food Experience happens May 25-29 in the Crescent City - find out more at www.nowfe.com, and plan to join OTM "where the good times roll".
Girasole in Shadyside - 10 years old & going strong!!
It's hard to believe been that Girasole Restaurant opened its doors in Shadyside 10 years ago. The family-owned favorite will present three special Mondays in April to highlight a decade of serving the community with good food and hospitality. "We are so thankful for our loyal customers and local businesses who support us," says Patti Girasole tells OTM. "Every single day we open our doors, our priority is great food at fair prices in an upbeat atmosphere. Our passion for family, friends and excellent food is at the heart of our business." April 12, 2010, 7pm: Taste seven excellent wines from various regions of Italy. Vito Girasole, director of Girasole's wine program, will host this fun and informative evening. Each wine will be paired with small plates of specialties from their corresponding region to tantalize the palate. April 19, 2010, 6:30pm: Years ago, Brent Young worked at Girasole as a line cook, before heading to New York, where he became a founding member of The Meat Hook at the Brooklyn Kitchen Labs, which specializes in charcuterie. Join Brent's dinner of 6 petite plates highlighting the meats from his shop and including salad, soup, pasta and dessert. April 26, 2010, 6:30.pm: When she was just a "kid", Haley Zelicoff started out picking parsley leaves for the chefs in the kitchen at Girasole. After completing four years at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, Haley is returning to Girasole with a fabulous 5-course meal, finishing with a dessert of lemon cornmeal cake and olive oil gelato. Girasole is a small family-owned restaurant located in the heart of Shadyside in Pittsburgh. Its charming European-style atmosphere complements the innovative and traditional cuisine which features seasonal menus, and includes appetizers, salads, pastas and daily meat, chicken and fish specials. Call 412-682-2130 for more information.
Charleston Dining Rocks!
Charleston South Carolina that is... OTM is here for the 5th annual Food & Wine Festival, a magnet for food & wine enthusiasts from around the country - we met a foursome from Cleveland last evening. Star attractions included OTM's good friend Daniel Boulud and star Pastry Chef-Restaurateur Elizabeth Falkner of Citizen Cake & Orson, San Francisco. We found time to visit what local's name as the latest & greatest eatery, Amen Street, where Chef Todd Garrigan is playing to a packed house - emphasis is on the freshest possible seafood. Mike Lata of FIG and Sean Brock of McCrady's, everyone's to pick for the city's best, were so busy we didn't even have chance to say hello. We did hook up with Frank McMahon at Hank's Seafood (after failing to include this in previous visits). This 10-year-old Seafood Bistro was packed, and we can tell you why - traditional (and a bit untraditional) seafood preparations are just great! The best Bouillabaisse broth we've tasted in decades is just one example. Sommelier-Manager Joey Ryan took great care of us and Frank found time to help us choose our menu. Listen for our interview with Frank and other conversations in next week's program. Thanks to Laura Bright of Maverick Southern Kitchens for finding us a spot to do some interviews during a delicious (and boisterous) Low Country Breakfast. Mark your calendars for next March to head for Charleston and enjoy what is fast becoming one of America's best Food & Wine celebrations. On a sad note iconic Restaurateur and Opera singer Robert Dickson is closing his restaurant in June after 34 years of delighting the palate and ears - do go here before June for a unique experience!
Dateline - London is for Lovers!!
Close OTM followers will know that being in London for Valentine's Day is our tradition for more than a decade. So despite 3 feet of snow in our home town and some travel planning ingenuity - here we are again. We'll be spending Feb 14 with cousins who live here, because they tell us V-Day menus lack gourmet interest.
But in the days before OTM has been out and about as usual. Corrigan's Mayfair was superb, living up to all the accolades and awards they've received. Richard C is in fine form, as you'll hear in the Feb 21 program, and Chris MacGowan's lusty food is all that it was at Lindsay House. Octopus Salad with Black Truffle shavings, long-braised Shin of Beef with Snails in Spinach sauce and an inspired portion of Peppered Bone Marrow, Goose Fat fried Potato Chips to die for and much more....
Sir Terence Conran is a serial restaurateur with 51 openings "under his belt", and his latest venture Boundary does not disappoint. Peter Prescott, his partner, helped create and now runs this multi-function/purpose establishment in a lovingly restored industrial building in previously gritty - now trendy Shoreditch, just over the eastern boundary of the City of London's financial district. Chef Ian Wood is master of Boundary's Basement fine dining room - and in season Rooftop Grill, with the Albion Cafe and Bakery at street level in between. OTM overdosed on native British Oysters here, and at Corrigan's so our Zinc level is where it needs to be for the 14th. Ian is a Charcuterie Master as well. Heirloom breed Manx Loaghtan from the Irish Sea's Isle of Man was a Lamb-lover's delight. Oh and by the way you can stay at Boundary in elegantly designed rooms all with great views over the city.
Oz (Hobart, Tasmania) native Paul Merrony and spouse-partner Tracey serve a packed house at Giaconda Dining Room on tiny Music-instrument intensive Denamark Street on the edge of the West-End Theatre district and Soho - hearty dishes with Offal features like Tripe & Kidneys plus Seafood which arrive overnight from England's SW fisheries. Michelin noticed and gave them a Bib Gourmand designation.
And in the cosmopolitan Notting Hill-Bayswater area, native-Syrian Mohammed Bader-Alden Antabli serves outstanding Lebanese-Syrian specialties at Al Waha, widely praised and award winning - and OTM now knows why!! And creditable Lebanese wine is the beverage must. Come with a group to enjoy bounteous meze and grilled mains - or as we did enjoy a table for 4 entirely covered with delicious dishes. Stylized Arabic sayings by Lounner al-Shaarani grace the walls.
OTM doesn't "circle back" often, but our good friends Sam & Eddie Hart demand an exception. Back in 2004 one of our very first "out of studio" interviews featured their Tapas restaurant Fino, and we returned to catch up with the Harts to find all was the same if not better. Sam & Eddie, we congratulate you on this, plus Barrafina and Quo Vadis. Pork belly to die for, Fried Artichoke Hearts, Calcots a mysterious seasonal Catalan vegetable similar to a Green Onion on a bed of Romesco sauce, great Quail Ann ate single-handed and a fine Ribera del Douro red recommended by Anna Mateo who just happens to be from Vallidolid.
And we're not done yet, today we join Bernard Yeoh to sample new dishes at Kai Mayfair.
So be sure to tune in February 21 and 28.........
Saints Rule, was there a Secret Ingredient?
OTM Congratulates the Superbowl 44 Champions!!! "Back in the day" it was rumored that the great 1950s Hungarian National Soccer team fortified themselves with Goulash at half-time in their matches. Was there a similar Culinary Secret behinds the Saints' Success? Perhaps we'll never know - but a visit to the Crescent City is recommended nevertheless. We love NOLA and plan on attending the 2010 New Orleans Wine & Food Experience in May - there must be a culinary equivalent to successful recovery of a 2nd half on-side kick-off, and we can't wait to find out what it is!!!
Benedictine's 500th Birthday, We'll Drink to that!!
In commemoration of the 500th anniversary of its creation, BÉnÉdictine liqueur, together with Esquire magazine, launched a search for the Alchemists of Our Age, mixologists who embody the same spirit and innovation as Dom Bernardo Vincelli, the creator of the French elixir. After a cross-country search, five mixologists were chosen by BÉnÉdictine Global Brand Ambassador, Ludovic Miazga, and on January 13, 2010, New York's Damon Dyer was chosen as the Alchemist of Our Age. Dyer's cocktail, The Monte Cassino, is an impeccably nuanced combination of equal parts BÉnÉdictine, Yellow Chartreuse, fresh lemon juice and Rittenhouse Rye. In his cocktail, which was named for an ancient and resilient Benedictine monastery, Damon opted for simplicity over extravagance. Other contestanrs were Boston's Jackson Cannon, New Orleans' Daniel Victory, Chicago's Lynn House and San Francisco's Brandon Clements, whose Greyhound's Tooth was crowned Fan Favorite. Those Monks would be proud!!
Winner: Damon Dyer - New York City MONTE CASSINO 3/4 part BÉNÉDICTINE Liqueur 3/4 part Yellow Chartreuse 3/4 part Fresh lemon juice 3/4 part Rittenhouse Rye
Shake, fine strain into a chilled coupe (or small cocktail glass). Lemon twist garnish. Fan Favorite: Brandon Clements - San Francisco GREYHOUND'S TOOTH 3/4 part Russian Standard Platinum 3/4 part Grapefruit juice 1/3 part Lemon juice 6 drops of house-made grapefruit bitters 3/4 tsp sugar
Combine all in mixing glass. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into
3/4 part BÉNÉDICTINE Liqueur
chilled cocktail glass, and garnish with thick cut grapefruit twist.
Quince Restaurant San Francisco-"In Residence" Program
It didn't take Chef Michael Tusk and new Wine Director David Lynch very long to come up with an innovative "extracuricular" series of food & wine events. Only recently re-opened at grand new digs in Jackson Square, Quince just announced an exciting program to help cheer you through the winter months. Too much detail to include here - just imagine exciting combiantions of foods & wines with an Italian flavor and call Quince for details - 415-775-8500. Hurry because the first event featuring wines from Joe & Lidia Bastianich's Italian vineyards is January 21. We've been to this vineyard and tasted all the wines - and you'll be in for a treat! Quince's website www.quincerestaurant.com says it's still under construction, but we're sure that will change soon.
Tragic accident takes the lives of two sons of Chris & Deanna Bailey of Vermont Smoke & Cure
OTM joins the entire food business community in expressing our sadness at the tragic death of Solon L., 12, and William T. (Liam) Bailey, 10, sons of Chris Bailey of Vermont Smoke & Cure, and his wife, Deanna. The boys died in a house fire on Christmas morning. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Beauregard Foundation: Solon and Liam Bailey Memorial Fund, c/o Chrysalis Ventures, 101 S. Fifth St., Ste. 1650, Louisville, KY 40202. Donations will be used for nonprofit, children's education programs in Central Vermont that were favorites of Solon and Liam. Further details and the link to a guest book for messages to Chris and Deanna can be found at www.legacy.com/obituaries/timesargus/obituary.aspx?n=solon-l-and-william-t-bailey&pid=137884805.
2009 was a great year for Barry Sterling & Iron Horse
OTM thought you'd love to see Iron Horse Vineyards 2009 seasonal message - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_80R6hbEtv4 . We'd like to add our congratulations to Barry on his 80th Birthday and Iron Horse on its 30th anniversary of great sparkling wine making in Sonoma County's Green Valley. Here's to you Barry, and our best wishes to your wonderful wife Audrey and Winery President Joy. We must come and see you again soon. Not familiar with Iron Horse's fabulous sparkling wines? Try some soon and you'll become an enthusiast like OTM.
Roma's GHVV-style personified!!
Grand Hotel Via Veneto - luxury personfied too!! OTM is just back from "the Eternal City" where we had the pleasure of reacquainting with Cinzia Fanciulli, now General Manager at THE swankiest hotel on Via Veneto, Italia's swankiest street. The best word to describe GHVV - WOW!! And to echo the twinkling black interior Domenico Maura "Head Barman" of the Time lobby bar serves a Black Martini. His grand libation features black olives from Taggiasche, near Genova, and is a tribute to famed bartender Martini Armaditaggia. GHVV takes La Dolce Vita to a new level. For details and reservations, www.ghvv.it.
Oysters for the Holiday's !!!
OTM "Oyster Hero" Jon Rowley just reminded us about Taylor Shellfish Farms ultimate holiday gift for oyster lovers. Celebrate the holidays like the French with oysters on the half shell. Give as a gift or order for yourself four types of oysters in the shell (Olympia, Kumamoto, Totten Inlet Pacific and Totten Inlet Virginica), just harvested from Taylor oyster beds in the legendary, nutrient-rich waters of South Puget Sound. Gift boxes are shipped directly to the recipient's door for festive tasting, comparing and sharing with friends. An unprecedented holiday opportunity for half shell enthusiasts. New this year, for those who would like to settle in with their favorite oyster, we offer gift boxes with only Totten Inlet Virginicas or only Kumamotos.
*Each Holiday Oyster Gift Pack includes an oyster knife, shucking instructions, oyster guide and Jon Rowley's essay "Art of Eating an Oyster"
For those whose holiday traditions include oyster stew, oyster dressing, scalloped or fried oysters or gumbo, Taylor also offers freshly shucked Pacific oyster meats by the pint and half gallon, plump, firm and sweet. Order by the pint or half gallon for holiday stuffing, oyster fry, scalloped oysters, oyster stew or gumbo. Different size meats available.
To order Holiday Oyster packages visit www.taylorshellfish.com or call (360) 432-3341.
Denny Mike Sherman on The Today Show Monday next
Check out OTM's interview with Denny Mike about his great BBQ rubs & sauces, and look for him with Meredith, Matt & Al on Monday morning.
Wine Enthusiast 2009 Wine Star Award Winners, On the Menu
OTM is always delighted when our guests receive well-earned recognition. Among these just-announced awards are Mezzacorona, European Winery of the year - hear Winemaker Lucio Matricardi, program date January 29, 2009; Yalumba, New World Winery of the year, hear Jane Ferrari, April 27, 2008; Innovator of the Year, Wine Library TV, hear Gary Vaynerchuk June 22, 2008. Congratulations to these worthy winners, and award sponsors Southern Wines & Spirits.
OTM Loves Italy - You Can Too!!
So much so that OTM will be spending Christmas in "The Eternal City". Perhaps you can join us there - let us know! But whether you can or not, make a note of 2 special wine events, exclusively for Wine Professionals, for tasting Tuscany's great reds - organized by OTM's good friend Melanie Young and scheduled for February 1 in Chicago & February 4 in NYC. Get more details at www.italianwinemasters.com, or call 212 620 7027.
November 8 program is now available!!
Enjoy Valencia and listen for more again next Sunday.
Glitch in Valencia programs
The November 8 program now in OTM Archives was intended for broadcast November 15 - which is why you'll hear us refer to it as our second program about Valencia. The correct November 8 program will be up there soon, and we'll let you know. In the meantime we're sure you'll enjoy listening to just a part of our Valencia adventure.
Valencia, wonderful Valencia!!
OTM is just back from a great 8-day stay in this fascinating city, a curious combination of history and modernity, and some great gastronomy too! Be sure to tune in to the November 8 and November 15 programs for insightful interviews with just a few of the delicious dining experiences that Valencia and the surrounding countryside has to offer. Founded by the Romans, conquered by the Moors then liberated in 1239, expanded by returning rich Spanish colonians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and spruced up for the 2007 America's Cup sailing event, there's so much to see and do OTM is already planning when to go back to the places that we missed - in particular Alicante and its surrounding villages where there are more dining adventures to be had. We'll be adding some OTM Favorites soon so that you can retrace our steps.
Arrop Richard Camerana, Valencia, Spain - open 15 days & OTM was there!
Another "scoop" for OTM! Chef Ricard Camarena & his wife Mari Carmen were already well known for Arrop in Gandia, a small town south of Valencia. After 4 years of planning & construction aRC opened in a sleek mirrored space nestled in the remains of the 11th century Moorish city wall. Valencian gourmets have already discovered this exciting new dining experience; now OTM is letting the rest of the world know. Expect individualistic dishes intersecting traditional ingredients and the latest cooking techniques, and outstanding service. It's so new taxi drivers don't know where it is! www.arrop.com for details of both aRC Valencia and Arrop Gandia which will stay open. Listen for our interview with Chef Ricard in an upcoming program.
Plum at Eastside Pittsburgh IS OPEN
Despite the smashed front entrance (hit by an out of control van) owners Kathy Ye and George Lee Plum is open and flourishing. We had a great dinner there last evening. They're busy so be sure to make a reservation and tell them OTM sent you. http://www.plumpanasiankitchen.com/, 412 363 7586
October 18 program now up in OTM Audio Archives
We traced the problem to a family illness crisis with a member of the OTM production team. The program is now accessible.
Technical problem with October 18 program
Please accept our apologies for unavailability of this program. We are working to correct the problem and will announce when it is up.
The 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Whiskey Festival, November 13, your lucky day!
The 3rd Annual Pittsburgh Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival is back bringing you the world’s best spirits, great food, fun and entertainment. Friday the 13th has never been as lucky! You get a chance to gather with all your friends and take in a dose of Pittsburgh’s own stimulus package. No better place to get your weekend started than the home of the reigning Super Bowl Champs! On Whiskey Festival evening, Heinz Field becomes the site of Pittsburgh’s hottest happy hour with a dazzling array of whiskeys, vodkas, gins, rums and tequilas from around the globe. Cocktail competitions, silent auctions, and special lounges will be set up for your enjoyment. Like Jim Beam? You can hear the OTM interview with his great-grandson and current Master Distiller Fred Noe at OTM Audio Archives program date October 25 2009, and November 30, 2008, and better STILL (emphasis added and pun intended) meet him in person at this year's event. A beautiful view of the city, some of the finest spirits and foods available -what better way to spend your Friday evening? Tickets are $85 in advance and $95 at the door. Until October 16th get 1/5 off the price. That’s $70 for those of us that slept during math class. Get your tickets at http://www.blacktieticketing.com/ptfestival/ Proceeds benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Double your fun in Pittsburgh in November - Passion for Wine, November 7 and The Pittsburgh Whisky Festival, November 13
Listen to the October 18 and October 25 programs at OTM Audio Archive to learn more about these 2 great events, and check the separate OTM News items for details. Join the fun! OTM will see you there.
Indulge your love of the at A Passion for Wine, November 7, PPG Wintergarden
A Passion For Wine is an annual celebration that features fine wines donated from renowned restaurants, wineries, vineyards, private collectors, and celebrities auctioned to benefit CF research. Held at the beautiful PPG Wintergarden, Saturday, November 7th, guests will enjoy the exquisite cuisine of Sonoma Grille paired with wines from Two Angels, Gloria Ferrer, Chateau St. Jean and Freeman Vineyard & Winery, music and more. Over the past ten years the efforts of A Passion for Wine have raised over $1,000,000 for cystic fibrosis research! Join OTM for a Great Party and a Great Cause. For more information and tickets go to https://www.cff.org/Display/dsp_EventMasterHandler.cfm?idEvent=12577&idFieldOffice=69, or call (412) 321-4422.
Bar Boulud, NYC, October 27 -
OTM's good friends at DANIEL, Bar Boulud and db Bistro Moderne are sharpening their knives in preparation for the annual game celebration, made entirely with D’Artagnan game meats. Join Ariane and Daniel, who will serve not only as hosts, but as guides through the forest and field, the lore and flavors of the game feast. It all kicks off with a 6.30PM cocktail reception with a buffet of fall game charcuterie, followed by a four-course dinner resplendent with pheasant, elk, quail and red leg partridge, to name just a few favorites. The wines, with an emphasis on the Burgundy region, will all be poured from rare large format bottles. The feast will conclude with dessert and actual games. $180 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For more information or to reserve, contact Kathryn Brennan 212.595.1313 x 161 or kbrennan@danielnyc.com
Robert Parker's Wine Bargains available November 3
OTM listening Wine-Lovers, get your order in now at OTM Bookshelf for this first ever publication by the so-called "Emperor of Wine". OTM has a pre-release copy but of course we're sworn to secrecy about what wines are included. Given Parker's influence prices can be expected to go up for wines that are included, so $17.99 for an early copy might be a good investment. If you want to know more about RP, listen to OTM's interview with Parker biographer Elin McCoy, OTM Audio Archives Nov. 20, 2005.
Seeing Stars in NYC - Bravo Daniel!!!
Great news for OTM's good friend Daniel Boulud - a 3rd Michelin Star!!! Daniel joins Jean Goerges, Le Bernadin, Masa & Per Se in this elite category. Other "winners" include Alto rising from 1 star to 2 and Corton making a debut in the guide with 2. Gordon Ramsay London hung on to its 2 stars. Alain Ducasse's Adour and Del Posto both slipped from 2 stars to 1.
Jean-Luc Naret, Michelin spokesperson says of Daniel "The main difference is consistency. His cooking has really been excellent this year." OTM agrees - we enjoyed a magnificent meal (served in the newly expanded and delightful bar) in July. We also had fun at Daniel's latest NYC venture DBGB, which has not been popular with some reviewers - we recommend it - Bar Boulud with Pittsburgh native Damian Samsonetti in the kitchen and Cafe Boulud are also great choices. All this and Daniel is just an all-round nice guy - who says they don't finish first?
Quince, an OTM favorite in San Francisco just reopened at a new location
OTM's good friends Lindsay and Michael Tusk, owners of SanFrancisco's critically acclaimed Quince restaurant have opened their much-anticipated Jackson Square location. Quince in Jackson Square is a more spacious, comfortable expression of the previous PacificHeights location, offering an elegant, contemporary dining experience. The new restaurant is located in a 1907 brick and timber building at the corner of Pacific Avenue and Montgomery Street in San Francisco’s historic and vibrant Jackson Square neighborhood. Another old friend of OTM, Italian wine expert David Lynch, has created a wine program to showcase Italian varietals from small, lesser-known producers from Northwest Italy rounded out by a wide selection of French and domestic wines. Lynch’s focus on Nebbiolos - particularly Barbarescos, Barolos and other Piedmontese wines – have been chosen for their singular quality as well as value. The restaurant’s new bar features an Italian-inspired cocktail program as well. Visit www.quincerestaurant.com for more information. We can't wait to check out the new Quince in person, but you can be sure it's great if you get there before we do. Lindsay, Michael & David - OTM wishes you the very best for a successful launch.
