Let's all express our appreciation to Toni Pais!!
Please join OTM at an exclusive James Beard sponsored Culinary Reception. Enjoy an unforgettable food and wine experience created by the award-winning culinary faculty of the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. Join your friends in Pittsburgh culinary community as we honor the illustrious lifetime achievements of legendary chef Toni Pais, owner of Cafe Zinho in Shadyside, and one of OTM's favorite people. Starting with his early years at La Normande and Baum Vivant Toni has contributed enormously to the growth of Pittsburgh's dining scene with his unique enthusiasm and charming personality! He's no slouch on the Soccer field either, as Peter can personally attest. Get more information at http://www.jamesbeard.org/events/pittsburgh.
Big Burrito's Eleven is Ten
OTM's good friends haven't forgotten their Arithmetic! They're celebrating the first decade in which Eleven Contemporary Kitchen has graced the Dining Scene here in our home town, Pittsburgh - in a VERY GRACIOUS way. On June 5 they're holding a Big Benefit, dedicating all proceeds from a restaurant-wide dinner to non-profit organiztions - and you can choose your favorite charities. Executive Chef Derek Stevens has developed a Very Special 5-course Menu. Get more information at http://www.elevenck.com/10, and sign up soon. It's sure to be a sell-out, so don't miss out!!
Pittsburgh Wine Festival - May 8 at Heinz Field
The Steelers are away drafting new prospects, but all will certainly NOT be quiet at Heinz Field Thursday evening, when hundreds of Wine Lovers will congregate - ours truly included. Be sure to raise a glass with us if you can find us in the crowd. www.pittsburghwinefestival.com.
2014 James Beard Awards - Congratulations to ALL the Winners, but especially...
OTM is especially pleased to congratulate several of our past guests, who walked the walk to pick up their trophies this evening. Barbara Lynch, Outstanding Restaurateur for her Barbara Lynch Gruppo family of restaurant, Boston (hear her in OTM Audio Archives, program date May 16, 2010); Ryan Prewitt, Best New Restaurant (tie) & Best Chef South for Peche Seafood Grill, New Orleans (hear him soon, we're off to NOLA next week) and congratulations also to his owners Donald Link (January 4, 2009) & Stephen Stryjewski; The Barn at Blackberry Farm, Walland TN, Outstanding Wine Program, Sam Beall (January 3, 2010); Best Chef West, Daniel Patterson, Coi, San Francisco (January 16, 2014, November 2, 2011); 2013 Who's Who Inductees, John Besh (November 17, 2013 & 4 other dates), David Chang (June 15, 2008), Paul Kahan (November 27, 2005), Sherry Yard (7/1/2007). OTM is thrilled for all of you!!!
OTM joined the Throng at World's 50 Best Restaurant Awards in London
A packed house of Chefs and Dining Afficianados filled The Guildhall to capacity, for the exciting announcements. Both before and after the Award Winners were revealed (Oscars please note there was only one acceptance speech) so the suspense lasted only an hour. Highlights? There were many, pride of place going to Noma which returned to the top spot, pushing Can Roca down to 2nd place, Osteria Francescana & Chef Massimo Botturs maintained 3rd, New York's 11 Madison Park headed US winners moving up from 5th to 4th; the UK's Dinner by Heston adavanced to 5th; Highest new entry at 17th, Gaggan in Bangkok is Indian-themed, and Central, Lima Peru leapt from 50th to 15th; White Rabbit, Moscow, was the 1st Russian restaurant invited to attend. Individual Awards : Lifetime Achievemnent Award - Fergus Henderson of St. John, London; Best Female Chef, Helena Rizzo, Mani, Sao Paulo; Best Pastry Chef Jordi Roca, Can Roca, Girona Spain, Chef's Choice, Alex Atala, DOM, Sao Paulo. OTM said hello and congratulations to many Chefs & Restaurateurs too numerous to mention. You can hear those we were able to record in OTM Audio Archives, program date May 4, 2014. Get details of all the winners, including those ranked 51-100 at http://www.theworlds50best.com/. Till next year......................
Roka, London's Great Robatayaki Restaurant group Adds 2 more Spots
First came ZUMA in 2002, then ROKA in 2004; co-founders Rainer Becker & Arjun Waney had hits on their hands from the start. OTM discovered the first Roka in Fitzrovia back in 2005, and we heard they had opened in London's Canary Wharf area, also in Hong Kong. Now ROKA is opening its doors at super-convenient locations in Mayfair & the City of London. ROKA Mayfair on N Audley Street, close to Grosvenor Squar opened in February; ROKA Aldwych on Aldersgate St. is scheduled to open this summer. The Food is great, the atmosphere is dynamic, so be sure to note which of the ROKA's will be close to where you're going to be. You'll be tempted to visit more than one!! www.rokarestaurant.com.
American Cheese Society seeking Entries & Volunteers
OTM just heard from the American Cheese Society that they're looking for Entries, and also looking for Volunteers to help with their 2014 Conference & Competition, to be held in Sacramento CA, July 29-August 1. This is sure to be a Great Celebration of the variety and quality of Cheeses now being made in the USA. For more information go to www.cheesesociety.org.
Justin Severino of Pittsburgh's Cure Restaurant named People's Choice Best New Chef
OTM is thrilled to hear this news from the sponsor. Food and Wine Magazine. Justin won the prize for the Mid-Atlantic region. We're pleased to be able to do some hometown bragging! Justin modestly says I'm honored to be selected as People's Best New Chef and I have to thank the wonderful community we have in Pittsburgh. They made it happen." Justin and Cure are well known for their Charcuterie, and their often sold out Butchering classes. More at www.foodandwine.com/blogs/2014/4/2/meet-the-peoples-best-new-chef. Cure is located in Pittsburgh's newly trendy Lawrenceville neighborhoodand online at www.curepittsburgh.com.
Tennessee Whiskey safe for now
OTM brought this sbject to your attention just a few days ago when we heard that a new State law was being proposed to change the over 100 year tradition of charcoal filtering and aging in new, newly toasted oak barrels. News reached us today that the newly proposed statute will not go forward until further study................... In 2013 legislation had for the first time embodied this practice in law, a practice that that was first established by none other than Mr. Jack Daniel and like-minded Tennessee Whisky producers. It has proved to be a good deal for JD, which dominates the market for Tennessee Whisky, but many small producers use the same method. This year other producers tried to broaden the scope of the iconic bew by changing the 2013 Law to permit aging in used barrels under the same designation, We found at least one small producer who agreed with JD. Diageo, owners of George Dickel (a Tennessee producer, owned by the global giant liquor company) came out strongly for the change. We like our Jack the old-fashioned way, and we expect many of our listeners will agree. Stay tuned!!
Top Chefs Sergio Herman & Nick Bril open The Jane in Antwerp
After 25 years at Netherlands' Old Sluis restaurant (with 3 Michelin Stars no less) Sergio & Nick shook the fine dining world when they decided to close last December. But as they say "you can't keep a good man down". They're back with a new concept & a new location that you'll want to check out!! The Jane was created in partnership with a number of Artists, Designers and DJs, and will include the Upper Room Bar, with its own menu. To find out more - www.thejaneantwerp.com.
World's 50 Best Restaurants names Helena Rizzo Best Female Chef 2014
The excitement of World's 50 Best 2014 is just beginning - it will reach its Zenith April 28 at London's Guidhall. OTM will be there again and we hope to see some of you there! Helena Rizzo of Mani Restaurant in Sao Paulo, Brazil, carried off Best Female Chef Latin America last September, and now adds Veuve Cliquot World's Best to the many honors she has won. We plan to congratulate Helena in person and bring you an interview. For more about the World's 50 Best - www.theworlds50best.com.
OTM guests “Make it big” at IACP Awards
OTM extends congratulations to more than 10 of our Interviewees, who were recently recognized by the International Association of Culinary Professionals in their 2014 Food Writing Awards. Jim Oseland of Saveur Magazine takes pride of place, tied for Best Culinary Website – hear Publisher Jim Oseland, in OTM Audio Archives, program date January 13, 2013. Book authors are named in the order of their appearance in IACP’s announcement, followed by the date of their OTM interview. Matt & Ted Lee, March 31, 2013; Jo Robinson, September 1, 2013; Maureen Fanta, Janury 12, 2014; Ann Willan, October 13, 2013; Daniel Humm & Will Guidara, September 22, 2013 (at Mistura, Lima Peru); Francisco Migoya, Januray 27, 2013; David Kinch, January 26, 2014; Diana Kennedy, October 17, 2010; Madhur Jaffrey, Mat 26, 2006; Mollie Katzen, October 13, 2013
Tennessee Whiskey and The Law
American Whiskey is well-known and well-loved because of the characteristics imbued in brew by aging in new oak barrels, toasted before their use. Interestingly after their use many of the barrels find their way into the hands of Scotch Whisky makers which prefer used barrels to new ones. Tennessee distillers, large and small, have maintained this tradition for over a century, we are told. Indeed last year this respected Standard was signed into law at the Tennessee State House. This year some producers are attempting to change this standard by permitting aging in used barrels - suggesting that this will make it easier (less expensive) for small "craft" distilleries to get started. We chatted recently with a representative of Jack Daniel's who diplomatically said simply that they will continue to respect the tradition, and the methods of their of their founder. Andy and Charlie Nelson of Nelson's Greenbrier Distillery are more vocal in their opposition - "...we vehemently reject the notion that allowing Tennessee Whiskey to be produced in barrels that are not new will help craft distillers, and the so-called "little guys". We are the little guys......It is our best interests to produce and compete within our long established guidelines....We resent and oppose this attempt ....... to discredit and degrade the process of our state's beloved product and valued brand." OTM says "Here, here" and hope that Tennessees political leadership decides the same. OTM's conversation with Andy Nelson about the revival of Nelson's Green Brier Distillery can be heard in OTM Audio Archives, program date December 29, 2013.
Celebrating Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey - starting March 26 the Bounty & Barrel Dinner Series
Sponsored by Jack Daniel's which just released Single Barrel Tennessee Whiskey, these Events feature Top Chefs who'll create Menus designed for pairing with whiskey. The first dinner in NYC is March 26, then the series continues in Chicago April 9, Austin April 16, SF Arpil 19 & Nashville April 22. Carefully selected charities will benefit from the proceeds. Get more information and tickets via http://singlebarrel.jackdaniels.com/bounty-barrel/. If you can't make it, get yourself a bottle of this robust, full-bodied 94-proof Elixir, and sip along with OTM!!
Una Domenica con Lidia (Bastianich) March 23 in Cividale del Friuli
Sorry the notice is so short! We heard from Lidia just a few weeks ago that the long-awaited opening of Orsone Ristorante e B&B has finally arrived - we heard about the project 3 or 4 years ago. It's delightfully situated on one of the vineyards LIdia & her son Joe have tended for several years, with a magnificent vista all the way to the usually snow-capped Dolomites. We plan to check this out in person later in the year. You can find out more right now by email to info@orsone.com or www.orsone.com.
LitFest at Ballymaloe, May 16-18
Always the Innovator, Darina Allen had an idea that a Festival combining Sustinence & Literature would be new and exciting. The 8,000 people who thronged Ballymaloe last year (they expected about 2,500) would seem to agree. You should think about going this year!! The Cooking Cast includes TomChefs from around Ireland and around the Whole World. For more about the Ballymaloe Literary Festivel of Food & Wine, www.litfest.ie and tell them OTM sent you.
Sunday's Program dedicated to Darina & Myrtle Allen & the entire Family at Ballymaloe, Ireland
OTM is pleased to devote the entire program on March 23 to Darina & Myrtle Allen, their familes and staff, for the Leadership & Example they have provided to Modern Irish Cooking. Ballymaoloe's influence extends worldwide, from its small beginnings, and you can hear these great ladies decsribe how this has been achieved. We are delighted to be able to bring you this unique coverage of truly remarkable People & a small Place in the Irish Countryside. It's a great story you'll be sure to enjoy!! See separate News about Ballymaloe's upcoming LitFest.
Loving Lima, Peru not Ohio!
Belgian Beer News - Vanbderg & DeWulf transitions to Total Beverage Solutions
For several years OTM bas been privileged to enjoy fine Belgian beers, selected and imported by Don Feinberg & Wendy Littlefield of Vanberg & DeWulf, based in Cooperstown NY. Now change is in the air, but the tradition will go on! Writing from Belgium, Don & Wendy explain their decision to transition their brand into Total Beverage Solutions TBS). “Since starting Vanberg & DeWulf in 1982, our mission has been to champion the cause of Belgian beer made by independent, family-run breweries. We have positioned our breweries for long-term growth in the United States. In TBS we have a successor who understands the value of our portfolio, and will help our beers fulfill their potential in the decades to come. We feel this is the right move at precisely the right time with exactly the right team. Our brewers and their beers are in capable hands.”
TBS founder, Dave Pardus states “Vanberg & DeWulf is unique in the pioneering role it has played in the Belgian beer category and the connoisseurship it has brought to the expansion of its portfolio beyond its Belgian roots. Don & Wendy’s relentless passion for beers of quality and terroir has a created a terrific following for their beers. With the additional resources and infrastructure we bring, there is tremendous opportunity to grow their portfolio, and it complements our prestigious existing lineup of breweries and beers.” The Vanberg & DeWulf portfolio consists of a tight group of hand-selected breweries representing twenty-five distinct beer styles, including beloved beers like Saison Dupont, and Scaldis. Vanberg & DeWulf was the first US importer to specialize in Belgian beers. The company experienced a ten-fold increase in sales over the last decade. For more information www.totalbeveragesolution.com. You can hear Wendy & Don interview with us - OTM Audio Archives, program date February 13, 2013, and their website is www.belgianexperts.com.
Pittsburgh Wine Lovers - Mark March 7th - CLO Ambassadors Wine Tasting at Duquesne Club
Don't just mark your calendar, come along and join OTM at this GREAT wine event, for a GREAT cause. VIP entry starts at 6PM, general admission at 7PM. There's a Silent Auction and a Raffle with the GRAND Prize of a trip to Paris!! Excellent wines will be poured - we were at the preview party just a few days ago. So says cheers to the CLO and OTM at the same time................. Details and tickets at https://www.pittsburghclo.org/forms/winetasting.
Oz Chef David Thompson wins Asia's 50 Best Restaurant Award
David Thompson of Nahm Restaurant in Bangkok was named winner of this prestigious award at the recent ceremonies in Singapore. Chef Thompson founded 2 Thai restaurants in Sydney, before starting Nahm in London, then moving it "home" to Thailand. OTM congratulates him on the remarkable achievement. In addition to the Top 50, several other awards were presented - details at www.theworlds50best.com/asia. Created and organized by William Reed Business Media, with San Pellegrino & Aqua Panna as chief sponsors, the awards program includes 50 Best Worldwide and 50 Best Latin America. The 2014 World's 50 Best will take place in London April 28, and OTM will look forward to seeing you there!!
Fish&Chef, May 1-6, Italy's Lake Garda at
We just heard about this event from one of OTM's Italian Connections. Here's a quick preview from the organizers - "The stars of Italian cuisine will be shining at Fish & Chef: from 1 to 6th May this event will bring the very best of our traditional food and wines to Malcesine, on the Veronese shore of Lake Garda. Some of Italy’s top chefs will give their own personal interpretations using specialities of the area such as fish from the lake, Garda D.O.P. Extra Virgin Olive Oil, herbs from Mount Baldo and the tender meat from the Consortium for Garonnais cattle, without overlooking the delicious Monte Veronese D.O.P. cheeses. Food stalls with typical local products will be set up in the centre of little town on the Veronese shore of Lake Garda." More at www.fishandchef.it
James Beard Awards Semfinalists Announced
All 420 of them! OTM is pleased to note that among the Nominees are two fine young Chef-Restaurateurs from our hometown, Pittsburgh. Justin Severino, Cure Restaurant, www.curepittsburgh.com - Best Chef Midatlantic, and Rick DeShantz of Butcher in the Rye, ww.butcherandtherye.com, - Outstanding Bar Program. Well done Justin & Rick! We congratulate all the Nominees, many of whom have been Guests on our Program. Justin, program date December 16, 2012 & Rick, January 5, 2014. See the complete list of Semifinalists at http://www.jamesbeard.org/blog/2014-restaurant-and-chef-award-semifinalists.
The Daily Meal weighs in on Best Restaurants in America
OTM's Good Friend and Editorial Director of The Daily Meal, Colman Andrews, just released the 4th Annual "101 Best Restaurants in America". Interesting & Controversial - see if you agree with their Rankings. www.thedailymeal.com/101-best-restaurants-america. Let us know what you think by dropping us a note via the Email link on our home page.
Bubbly & Bi-valves for Valentine's
That's what's on Our Menu!! Oysters are now en route from the NW thanks to Jon Rowley of Taylor Shellfish Farms, http://www.taylorshellfishfarms.com/. Sparkling Wine courtesy of Gloria Ferrer, Sonoma CA, http://www.gloriaferrer.com/, already chilling in our wine refrigerator, we'll make a choice of which Cuvee to open on the 14th. You may not be able to replicate this feast, given the short lead time; but we bet that your beloved will take a raincheck until you can get organized..
Local Libations Spike the Bar Offerings at Lidia's Pittburgh
"Response to our Local Libations has been very enthusiastic", says GM Adam Greiner. Chef Jeremy Voytish echoes the thought reminding us that Local Sourcing should embrace the maxim “what grows together goes together”. So featured liquors include Boyd & Blair Vodka which Lidia’s barrel ages for several weeks before being used in a signature White Russian, and spiking a barrel aged Campari-Vermouth mix for a Double Barrrel Negroni, Aged Gin from Wigle Whiskey (10 blocks away – how much more local can you get) and Rum from Maggies Farm Spirits. There are also 6 Pennsylvania Beers on tap, and locally made tonic water. So check this out together with the recently introduced Winter Menu........... More at www.lidias-pittsburgh.com.
Massimo Bottura recognized with Global Gastronomy Award, Stars in Fool Magazine's latest issue
We hear from Spoon PR that OTM's Good Friend, Culinary Genius Massimo Bottura, has won yet another Prestigious Award, the White Guide's prestigious Global Gastronomy Award. The White Guide is Sweden's leading restaurant guide. In its own words, it presents "the very best, the trendiest, the cosiest, the coolest, the most romantic and the most culturally exotic restaurants", which pretty much covers all the bases. The Award is bestowed up an international food creator, who has become a role model and source of inspiration in contemporary gastronomy. The Global Gastronomy Award will be presented to Chef Bottura at the White Guide Gala in Stockholm on 3rd March 2014. We don't know a more worthy recipient!! For more about the Award go to http://spoonhq.wordpress.com/2014/02/12/massimo-bottura-awarded-white-guide-global-gastronomy-award-2014/
We had the good fortune and gourmet thrill of dining at both of Mssimo's restaurants in Modena Italy last November - our recommendation has few words "go here". We devoted a complete program to Massimo, OTM Audio Archives program date March 17, 2013, and talked to him again at Peru's Mistura Food Festival, program date September 22, 2013, and to his Chef-Partner at Francescetta, Marta Pulini, program date December 18, 2013. For more about the restaurants - www.osteriafrancescana.it, www.franceschetta58.it/
Wusthof Knife wins 2 Two Presigious Design Awards - We Love this Knife
OTM's Good Friend Julia Stambules brings us this News. "The innovative CLASSIC 9-inch Double Serrated Bread Knife from WÜSTHOF, the world's premier cutlery brand, won two distinguished 2014 Housewares Design Awards: "Best in Category" for Cutlery, and "Bronze" for the "Best of the Best." Presented by Homeworld Business, the Awards gala and ceremony was held in New York City on February 4th. Ideal for slicing through crusty breads, the patent-pending CLASSIC 9-inch Double Serrated Bread Knife (model 4152/23) also slices through fruits and vegetables with ease" Ann loves it for the challenging task of "de-choking" Artichokes.
Julia goes on "Additional serrations provide multiple benefits and advantages over standard bread knives, beginning with a markedly sharper blade to minimize crumbs when slicing bread. The knife's advanced craftsmanship also ensures that the interior serrations never hit cutting surfaces, leaving the blade sharper longer. An additional benefit to this blade style is its ability to pierce fruit and vegetables with tough skins, such as melons and tomatoes, and cleanly slice through delicate foods, such as angel food cake. Extraordinarily sharp serrated teeth allow for increased control and ability to create paper-thin slices of a variety of ingredients." One of thes Knives belongs in Your Collection! http://www.wusthof.com.
The award-winning CLASSIC 9-inch Double Serrated Bread Knife is part of WÜSTHOF's best selling collection of full-tang knives, which are precision-forged from a single piece of an exclusive high-carbon, stain-resistant alloy. CLASSIC knives are engineered to enhance edge-retention and to facilitate re-sharpening. The steel used features a hardness that is approximately 58 on the Rockwell hardness scale. Completely buffed and polished by hand, the CLASSIC knife blade is seamlessly attached to highly durable black handles with triple rivets for a totally hygienic and secure fit.
SAVE the DATE - World's 50 Best Restaurants 2014 Edition - April 28 in London
Here's the News direct from Harriet Courage at Speedcoms. "As it enters its 12th year, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014, sponsored by S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna, will be returning to London’s historic Guildhall for a prestigious ceremony on Monday 28th April. Last year’s awards saw Spanish restaurant El Celler de Can Roca end Noma’s three-year reign as the S.Pellegrino World’s Best Restaurant, having spent the two previous years waiting in the wings at no.2 on the list. With three restaurants in the top 10, Spain led the upper echelons of the list in 2013, with both France and the USA also boasting a strong overall presence having six restaurants each in the top 50." We were almost as excited at Massimo Bottura of Osteria Francescana who rose to #3 last year - and we think perhaps this year he'll go even higher; 11 Madison Park was top USA vote-getter at #5. But just making the Top 50 is a great achievement.
More details from Speedcoms - "Each year the awards provide an annual snapshot of the world’s gastronomic scene; a globally recognised and respected reference point which showcases leading trends from all corners of the Earth. At the ceremony, The World's 50 Best Restaurants are announced, culminating in the coveted award for the S.Pellegrino World's Best Restaurant. Further award categories include The Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef and The Diners Club® Lifetime Achievement Award. In 2014, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants will recognise a new individual award category: The World’s Best Pastry Chef, sponsored by Cacao Barry.The World’s 50 Best Restaurants is organised by Restaurant magazine and presented in the company of the world’s most influential restaurateurs, finest chefs and assembled international media".
For more information and ticketing go to http://www.theworlds50best.com. And we';ll hope to see you there.
Dynamic Pittsburgh Chef-Restaurateur Kevin Sousa hits it big on KIckstarter
We’ve known Chef-Restaurateur Kevin Sousa for a decade or so now, and he’s always had the ability to surprise us with the pace of change he can accomplish, but his latest venture, Superior Motors, is attracting national attention for the unlikeliest of reasons. To be located in the unlovely post-industrial town of Braddock just outside Pittsburgh, Superior will be exceptional for several reasons, but today’s headline has to do with raising the capital to launch the venture. Kevin chose Kickstarter, and the campaign has raised over $310,000, reputedly a record as “most-funded restaurant project to date”. Superior will be Braddock’s only sit-down eatery, a venture that evoked the loudest possible “Nos” from local Bankers. Sousa worked closely with the town’s dynamic mayor John Fetterman. The restaurant will host a culinary education program, a rooftop and urban garden. It all sounds very exciting, and Sousa’s going to be very busy. But his fan’s need not worry – although he just sold his interest in Salt of the Earth to his partners there, his Union Pig & Chicken, upstairs bar Harvard & Highland http://www.unionpgh.com/ and Station Street Hot Dogs, are still going strong. And don’t be surprised if Sousa isn’t up to something else. Read more of the fascinating story at http://eater.com/archives/2014/02/04/kevin-sousa-interview.php.
OTM Guests Named Winners of 2014 Good Food Awards
We congratulate the fine food & beverage producers recognized by the Seedling Projects in their 2014 Good Food Awards announced recently in San Francisco. We've enjoyed all of them and recommend that you do the same. For Charcuterie, Cypress Restaurant, Charleston SC (OTM Audio Archives, program date August 5, 2007, http://www.magnolias-blossom-cypress.com/), Fra Mani, Berkeley CA (July 13, 2008, http://www.framani.com/), Olympic Provisions, Portland OR (February 26, 2012, http://www.olympicprovisions.com/). For Cheese, Blackberry Farm, Walland TN (January 3, 2010, http://www.blackberryfarm.com/), Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese, Point Reyes CA (May 21, 2006, https://www.pointreyescheese.com/), Uplands Cheese, Dodgeville WI (December 27, 2009, http://www.uplandscheese.com/). For Chocolate, Askinosie, Springfield MO (June 28, 2009, http://www.askinosie.com/). For Oil, Hammons Black Walnut Oi, Stockton MOl (August 7, 2011, http://www.black-walnuts.com/). Listen in, and get some of these fine products to try for yourselves.
Cheese Lovers Alert!! OTM Guests Mary Karlin & Peggy Smith of Cowgirl Creamery Feature in Spring Culinary Series at Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.
Peggy Smith of Cowgirl Creamery (OTM Audio Archives, program date December 22, 2013, for more information http://www.cowgirlcreamery.com/) and Mary Karlin, Home Cheesemaking expert (January 12, 2014, http://www.masteringfermentation.com/) are featured In Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company's upcoming Spring Culinary Series. The dates are March 8 and April 18 respectively. For more imformation about the Series and PR's 2nd Quarter 2014 Farm Dinners, go to http://theforkatpointreyes.com. And you can still listen to OTMs' interview with Point Reyes, program date May 21, 2006. And those Giacominis are still ,aking Great Cheese - better then ever based on our last tasting.
Asia's Top 50 Restaurant Awards Upcoming in Singapore February 24
Last year OTM provided coverage on the World's Top 50 and Latin American Top 50. The Asia's Top 50 happens for its 2nd year, and we just received the following information that we'd like to Share.
Following the success of the inaugural event in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna and organized by William Reed Business Media, will be held on 24 February 2014 at Capella Singapore. The awards are presented in the company of the region’s most eminent chefs and influential restaurateurs, as well as key industry figures and international media.
Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants is part of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants series, globally recognized as the most trusted arbiter and credible indicator of the best places to eat around the globe. The list is voted for by peers and experts from across the global restaurant industry. Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S. Pellegrino & Acqua Panna and organized by William Reed Business Media, will welcome some of the world’s leading chefs to Singapore to participate in a series of interactive workshops and a forum on global culinary trends.
Held in conjunction with Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2014 awards, the two-day program on 23 and 24 February offers a unique opportunity for the culinary industry and members of the public to hear from and interact with the world’s most prominent chefs. The program comprises a one-day forum on 23 February, titled ‘The Future of Food: Back to our Roots’, and a series of ‘Signature Dishes’ workshops on 24 February.
The stellar lineup of presenters, mostly drawn from The World’s and Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants lists, includes:
- Joan Roca, El Celler de Can Roca, (No. 1, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013) - Yoshihiro Narisawa, Narisawa (No. 1, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013, No. 20 The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013) - Björn Frantzén, Restaurant Frantzén, (No.12, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013) - Ben Shewry, Attica, (No. 21, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013)
- Andre Chiang, Restaurant Andre, (No. 5, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013, No 38 The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013) - Manjit Gill, Dum Pukht, (No. 17, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013) - Manish Mehrotra, Indian Accent (No. 48, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013) - Loh Lik Peng, global hotelier and restaurateur, The Unlisted Collection
David Thompson, regarded as the world’s foremost authority on Thai cuisine and chef of Nahm (No.3, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2013, No. 32 The World’s 50 Best Restaurants), has been appointed as the chair and co-curator for the ‘Future of Food’ forum and the workshops. He will co-host the forum and present one of the workshops
The Future of Food: Back to our Roots Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel Singapore Sunday, 23 February 2014, 10am-6.30pm This engaging and educational forum will explore current and future gastronomic trends through a series of talks, discussions, short films and spirited debates.
‘Signature Dishes’ Workshops At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy Monday, 24 February 2014, 10am to 3-30pm For aspiring chefs, food lovers or epicurean experts, the workshops offer the ultimate opportunity to learn from the masters. Called ‘The Signature Dishes’, the workshops will be held at At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, Singapore’s leading culinary school. Attendees will have the chance to interact with these celebrated chefs, learn their secrets, gain an insight into current culinary practices and sample the dishes cooked, including the forum itinerary, details of the workshops, profiles of the chefs and ticketing information, can be found online at: http://www.theworlds50best.com/asia
Walrus & Carpenter Evenings Planned in December & January
Bill Taylor & Jon Rowley are at it again! Here's the message they just sent us - TaylorShellfish Farms, www.taylorshellfishfarms.com, of Shelton WA and the Puget Sound Restoration Fund, www.restorationfund.org, are pleased to announce three dates, Sat. Dec 14, Tues Jan 28 and Wed Feb 26 for this winter's nighttime low tide Walrus & Carpenter Picnics on Taylor's Totten Inlet oyster beds in support of the Puget Sound Restoration Fund. The popular events are intended to provide the ultimate oyster-eating experience …one by which all subsequent oyster experiences will be judged. Lewis Carroll’s whimsical, Walrus& Carpenter, a tale of how the Walrus & Carpenter lure the oysters for a “lovely walk, a lovely talk upon the briny beach” and then proceed to eat every one, provided the inspiration. Walruses & Carpenters depart on the Oyster Bus at 6:30pm from Elliott’s Oyster House, arriving back in Seattle before midnight. To instill a sense of adventure, the Oyster Bus goes whatever the weather. The low minus tides in the winter are at night when oysters are naturally chilled to just the right temperature. Shucking lessons are available. Participants can gather and open Olympias, Kumamotos, Pacifics and Virginicas right off the beach or visit one of the oyster bars set up on the beds. Crisp, chilled winners of the Pacific Coast Oyster Wine Competition, our annual dating service for West Coast wines and oysters, will be close at hand. A low minus tide, moonlight, plump, perky, oysters just rousted from their beds, crisp chilled oyster wines out of Reidel stemware ...just the right mix of magic and madness. Just before getting back on the bus there will be a bonfire and a hot bowl of Xinh Dwelley's legendary oyster stew.
The $125 ticket for the once-in-a-lifetime oyster experience benefitting the Puget Sound Restoration Fund can be purchased through www.brownpapertickets.com.
RIP Charlie Trotter
OTM joins the Entire Community of Fine Food Lovers in the USA and around the World in expressing our Profound Sadness at the passing of this Leader of Modern American Cuisine. We will Honor his Memory by Replaying our Interview with Chef Trotter in Sunday's Program. Charlie's Iconic Chicago Restaurant didn't just showcase his Unique Talent, it was the training ground for Many Young Chefs who went on to Success in their own Kitchens. Very Simply, thank you Charlie, you will be sorely missed, but never forgotten!!
OTM Goes Back to Galway to find "West is Best in Ireland Dining
OTM was in Western Ireland less than a Year ago, but we ran out of time. Starting Sunday we're doing "Bonus" coverage from our just completed return visit. This program - Galway, the heart of Western Ireland Food! JP McMahon, Co-Owner, Aniar Restaurant & Cava Bodega, Galway, www.aniar.ie; Jess & David Murphy, Co-Owners, Kai Café & Restaurant, Galway, http://kaicaferestaurant.com; Enda McEvoy, Executive Chef & upcoming Restaurant Owner & Conor Cockram, Sous-Chef, Galway, www.cnocsuain.com; Hisashi Kumagai, Chef, RAW-Sushi in the Sky in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Galway & Tarron Lynch, Restaurant Manager, www.sushiinthesky.ie. In upcoming programs listen for highlights from County Clare, County Mayo & County Donegal.
Seeing Stars in San Francisco - Long Overdue for Quince!!
OTM congratulates all the Starred Establishments, but we'd like to single out Dominique Crenn's Atelier Crenn and Michael Tusk's Quince, joining the ranks of 2 Stars, joining Baume, Benu, Coi, Manresa & Saison. Also a first Star for SPQR. We're thrilled that these outstanding Chefs are being recognized. Now good luck getting a table! Here's hoping OTM can pull strings! You can get a "taste" by listening to their interviews in OTM Audio Archives & "find" their restaurant or Chef's surname.
An Port Mor, Great West of Ireland Restaurant - Website up & running again
OTM struggled to reach An Port Mor, (Westport, County Mayo) and you may have too. Good News! Their www.anportmor.com website is up and running again so you can get detailed information how to get there, check out the menu and make reservations. We recently dined at An Port More, with Chef-owner Frankie Mallon. Frankie's passion for Great Ingredients grown in the hills and valleys of County Mayo is reflected in a fine, wide-ranging menu; very small "fine print" is required to list all of their suppliers - think truly local crab, salmon, brill, turbot, lamb and the most flavorful beef we've tasted in a very long time, and wonderful veggies too!
OTM Checks out Britain's 2013 National Restaurant Awards
Restaurant Magazine just crowned its Top 100, so we decided to check out our favorites with theirs, and here's how it looks. We've enjoyed 5 of the Top 10, at #2 The Ledbury (we were fortunate or skillful to enjoy Brett Graham's Fabulous Food years ago when you could get a table); at #4 L'Enclume (we arrived in Cartmel the very day that it received a 10 out of 10 rating from Giles Coren, years ago) and we hear Simon Rogan's Food just keeps getting Better & Better); at #5 The Clove Club breaks into the list as the Highest Entry (since we picked this out as a great spot this year we agree with the raves). 10 out of the Top 20, including The Square, Dinner by Heston, The Fat Duck, Bocca Di Lupo, Brasserie Chavot & Le Gavroche have graced us with a table over the years; we'd single out Philip Howard at The Square for his contribution to the development of the London dining scene & Brasserie Chavot, a new entry less than 100 yards away with ENERGY to burn in both the Food & Atmosphere - way to go Eric! Out of the Top 100 as a whole we've got some more work to do! We've only enjoyed a third of them. So we'll be back next year................ In the meantime search our OTM Archives for interviews with 33 Star Chefs as they tell their stories in their own words.
Another Country Coming Soon
But we'll keep that a surprise until we know you can tune in the People that we meet and the Dining we will surely enjoy.
Then Euphoria, Food-Drink & Country Music in a wonderfully redeveloped Southern City
This 4 day celebration of everything to do with Fine Food, Top Wines & Spirits (from across the World), not just Whiskey distilled nearby and Music from Southern Rock to Country - this year's Headliner Kim Carnes, who sang a few bars of "Bette Davis Eyes" during our interview. Cooking demos & competitions, a 90lb Lamb roasted outdoors on a Spit, Wine & Food Dinners pairing Local Chefs and Stars from other cities, like Charleston's Mike Lata. If Euphoria doesn't have it all, OTM has no suggestions as to what might to added to make it even more of a good time. It'sll be held same time next year, so point your browser that way so you don't miss out.
Then Charming Carmel California - Where Food & Wine are a big part of the Attraction
There's a lot of fine dining and wine sampling lying behind the crowded Streets of this Small Jewel of Coastal California. We talked to lots of people associated with this Food & Beverage scene, starting with the 36 year old Mayor whose now filling the shoes of (non other then) Clint Eastwood. A visit to Carmel will certainly ".......... make your day".
Where have you been OTM? - 1st Peru
Has there been no news to report, you might well ask. Yes of coursed there has been, but much has been included in our programs for the last few weeks. For example September 2-10 we were in Lima (Peru not Ohio); first for the 50 Best Restaurants Awards Ceremony, along with Everyone who is Everyone in Latin American Fine Dining; then Mistura, a Food Festival so big it has to be held on Lima's Beaches (attendance estimated to exceed 2 million people), at the same time a Symposium of Top Chefs from around the world headlined by Allen Ducasse with a supporting cast of the World's Top 50 - 9 of then top 10, as we interviewed quite a few of them; Gelinaz, a unique Food Event, Jazz-inspired, where Chefs to top each other with "riffs" on a singular Dish. This last event spanned 6.30PM and 3AM the next day. Wow!! We have to say that Saveur's recent nomination of Lima and a Top City for Dining is right on the mark. So do listen to the programs and find out first hand in the words of the Chefs we talked to.
OTM Does Some Bragging About our Home City - Pittsburgh Restaurants Make News
Bar Marco makes Bon Appetit's Top 50 New Restaurants for 2013 - www.barmarcopgh.com for details about the Restaurant, www.bonappetit.com/restaurants-travel/best-new-restaurants for the Top 50 Nominees and Top 10. Big Burruto Group's Mad Mex Celebrates the Hatch Chile Harvest in New Mexico with a Special Menu in their Annual Hatch Chile Festival, happening NOW. Find a Mad Mex via www.madmex.com. Tune in to our August 25 Program to hear from Folks from Bar Marco & Mad Mex at OTM Audio Archives.
David Guas of Bayou Bakery - Where OTM goes The Today Show is Sure to Follow
We're flattered that Al Roker & company will be featuring Chef David in their 9AM hour on Thursday August 15. For more from this fine Chef and his Bayou Bakery in Arlington VA, go to OTM Audio Archives, program date December 20, 2009.
Meet OTM at Euphoria in Greenville SC, Sept 26-29!!
Euphoria is a weekend-long event that includes exclusive tasting events, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, as well as multi-course dinners and live musical performances. Euphoria features domestic and international wines, celebrity chefs, master sommeliers, and national recording artists. The Festival in charming Greenville SC is in its 8th year, and it gets better every year! From September 26-29, 2013 Greenville’s best chefs will intermingle with chefs from New York, Miami, Alabama, Louisville, Memphis and more. New events for 2013 include a whole-hog roast, a food truck traffic jam, a wine auction and reserve tasting and a Night in Paris progressive dinner. The signature event Taste of the South will feature singer/songwriter Kim Carnes. True foodies won’t want to miss the ultimate VIP event – The Sunday Supper featuring a family-style dinner prepared by James Beard Award winning Chef Mike Lata of FIG and The Ordinary, Charleston. Tickets and the full schedule of events are available at www.euphoriagreenville.com
Justin Severino of Cure, Pittsburgh Featured in Food Arts
The Secret is Out - OTM's Favorite Salumi & Charcuterie Hang-Out Chef-Owner Justin Severino is quoted extensively in Food Arts Fall Menu Preview. He certainly shows that Cure is NOT just Cured Meats. His Fall Dishes include Bone Marrow Ravioli, Pickled Spanish Mackerel and a Delicious-sounding Dessert including Smoked Goat's Milk Cheese with Spiced Bourbon Gel and a few other items. Cure recently celebrated the opening of their Cocktail Bar, and Justin hosts frequent Special Events. Get on their mailing list at www.curepittsburgh.com. And plan to dine with Justin very soon. You'll be happy that you did!!
Join On the Menu at Savor Pittsburgh, August 29
Once again on August 29 a collection of Pittsburgh’s finest chefs will gather at Savor Pittsburgh: A Celebration of Cuisine. They’ll be preparing their favorite recipes to compete for coveted "Dish of the Year" honors. Savor Pittsburgh happens in an elegant canopied outdoor space on Sidney St. at SouthSide Works. On the Menu will be on hand as members of the Judging Panel, so be sure to say Hi!
2013 Savor Pittsburgh is sponsored by C. Hackett Motors and presented by McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood & Steaks and SouthSide Works to benefit the fight to end premature births at Magee-Womens Research Institute &Foundation. Savor Pittsburgh is offering two levels of tickets: $65 for general admission or $120 for VIP access. The VIP party starts at 5:30 p.m. and generall admission begins at 6:30 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.savorpgh.com.
Today's program is now available - Check out our Interview with Rob Black about SF Chefs 2013 coming up next week
Get more information & tickets for SF Chefs 2013 at http://sfchefsfoodwine.com/. Great local Chefs, Great Visiting Chefs, Great Food & Wine, with Union Square "fully tented" for the occasion. We apologize for any inconvenience due to the delay of the program.
Ireland's Three Mrs. Allens Featured in Food & Wine
Myrtle Allen started it all - the movement to enhance and publicize Irish Cuisine and Ingredients. Her daughter-in-law Darina developed the World Class reputation of the Ballymaloe Cookery School. In turn Darina's DIL Rachel has become a "Ray" like Media Darling. Check out the interesting article about all three in Food & Wine's August issue. You can listen to Myrtle in OTM's Audio Archive, program date October 2, 2011, and Darina March 21, 2010 and October 16, 2012. And for a photo of " the World's Most Beautiful Salad, at Ballymaloe, see OTM in Pictures.
