B. R Cohn Fall Music Festival with the Doobie Brothers & Friends - October 5-8
It's that tome of year again when the Doobie Brothers support their Manager, Bruce Cohn, with a humdinger of a Music Festival - with some fine dining, wine & golf thrown in. OTM was there a few years back, and we ca
Today's Program is Now Online
Peter's been spending too much time watching the Olympics - or some other distraction which led to a Human Error in Posting the August 5 Program. It is NOW online. We apologize for any inconveneience - and GO ANDY!!
In London for the Olympics - Watch out for the Traffic
At the best of time London traffic is very congested. For the period of the Games there are no superlatives that will properly describe it. Go to http://bit.ly/MHMLMY for daily updates on where Traffic can be expected to be at its worst. And the problem starts - not on Friday but tomorrow when the Torch Relay concludes its long journey - and the route it will follow be - not congested, CLOSED to traffic. OTM will be Armchair Olympicing, whether you're there or at home we hope you will enjoy the spectacle.
Erratum - Chef-Owner at Karpo London is Daniel Taylor
OTM apologizes for our mistake which was due to faulty memory.
More OTM on London Dining - in Print & Online
Check out OTM in Print for a just-published Article covering some of our Favorite London Dining Spots. We've also compiled a more extensive list you can check out below.
Let cravings be your guide. Notable in various categories
Modern British
Roganic www.roganic.co.uk
Dabbous www.dabbous.co.uk.
Magdalen (www.magdalenrestaurant.co.uk/ 150
River Café (www.rivercafe.co.uk,
Hix www.restaurantsetcltd.co.uk/restaurants/
Texture (texture-restaurant.co.uk/
Le Café Anglais (/www.lecafeanglais.co.uk/ 8 Porchester Gardens W2, Kensington Queensway)
The Lyttelton at The Stafford by Kempinski, (www.thelyttelton.com/ 16 St. James Place SW1 St James/Green Park)
Alyn Williams at The Westbury (www.westburymayfair.com/alyn-williams-at-the-westbury-,restaurent_viewItem_2-en.html
Pollen Street Social (www.pollenstreetsocial.com/ 10 Pollen St W1
Boundary (www.theboundary.co.uk/ Boundary & Redchurch E2 Shoreditch High St)
French (Some with Modern British cross-over)
Galvin Restaurants (www.galvinrestaurants.com/) Several locations & restaurant concepts
Le Gavroche (www.le-gavroche.co.uk,
Iberian (Spanish, Portuguese)
(Spanish) Moro (www.moro.co.uk, 34 Exmouth Market, EC1,
(Portugese) Viajante (www.viajante.co.uk/ Patriot Square E2 , Bethnal Green
Indian
Amaya (www.amaya.biz/ Halkin
Bombay Brasserie www.bombaybrasserie.co.uk, Courtfield Rd SW7 S Kensington
Masala Zone (www.masalazone.com/locations.php) Several locations
The Quilon Restaurant, www.quilon.co.uk. 41 Buckingham Gate
Trishna (www.trishnalondon.com,
Veeraswamy (www.veeraswamy.com,
Italian
Aurelia, ((www.aurelialondon.co.uk; 13
Dego Wine Bar & Restaurant (www.degowinebar.co.uk.
L’Anima (www.lanima.co.uk/,
Locanda Locatelli (www.locandalocatelli.com/,
River Café (www.rivercafe.co.uk/rc_page.php),
Chinese
Hakkasan Mayfair www.hakkasan.com/mayfair/
Yauatcha www.yauatcha.com/soho/
Japanese
Roka – 2 locations (www.rokarestaurant.com, 37 Charlotte St W1,
Zuma zumarestaurant.com/
Seafood
J Sheekey (www.j-sheekey.co.uk/ 28
Sweetings (www.sweetingsrestaurant.com, 39 Queen Victoria St, Mansion House)
Miscellaneous
(Nose to Tail) Fergus Henderson belongs in a category all of his own, but we have to put him somewhere -
(Barbecue) Barbecoa /www.barbecoa.com/ One New Change Passage EC4,
(View)
(Museums) Tate Modern, Tate
Casual
Burger & Lobster (burgerandlobster.com,
The Mall Tavern (www.malltavern.com, 71 Palace Gardens Terrace W8, Notting Hill Gate
The Modern Pantry (www.themodernpantry.co.uk/,
Other Eating & Drinking Options
Absolutely wander the stalls at Borough Market.
A final word of caution – remember that the British Pound exchange rate to the $ is $1.55 so thinking of a Pound as $2 and a Penny as 3 cents will help minimize the effect of London’s high food and drink prices on your pocketbook .
Stars instead of Medals - Dining in Bucolic Bray - the ultimate Gourmet Adventure
This
charming village claims the world’s highest density of Michelin Stars to
population—six and a community counted in hundreds.is beautifully
situated on the bank of the River Thames, where passing swans and small boats
provide a scenic back-drop. It has held three Michelin Stars for 27 years.
Founded by brothers Michel and Albert Roux in 1972, the
Within 500 yards Heston Blumenthal’s iconic The Fat Duck, also with three stars, has set the pace for Modern British cuisine since 1995. Surprisingly thoughtful as well as innovative, Blumenthal captures the food world’s attention. A self-taught chef, he’s a tireless experimenter with the science of food. For years he traded World’s Best Restaurant #1 and #2 awards with El Bulli’s Ferran Adria.
Just across the road for a more casual meal, book at Blumenthal’s The Crown or Hinds Head Tavern, with its menu of historic village pub food. In London, if you can snag a reservation, sample his new dining “concept” at Dinner by Heston in Knightsbridge—its menu produced again by research into traditional British food..
Chocolate University - a TRULY INSPIRING Story
On the Menu often comes across astonishing Life Experiences in the world of Food & Drink, Stories of how People have overcome dramatic clallenges to create businesses that truly make the World a Better Place. Chocolate University is one of these! An upcoming OTM program segment will feature Shawn Askinosie, a Defense Attorney turned Chocolate Maker in Springfield MO. But it's such an Inspiring Story we didn't want to wait until this porigram airs. Go to www.chocolateuniversity.org, read about the program, read the Blogs of participating students............. We promise you'll be amazed an delighted to find out about something GOOD that's happening in the world.
London Dining for Olympics & Other Summer Visitors
London is such a HUGE City with thousands upon thousands of Dining Options. So OTM decided to Help you make selections from among our favorites and other Notable Restaurants. If you're new to On the Menu, just go to our website's OTM Audio Archives page, Select program dates July 15, 22 or 29 and you'll be able to listen in on our interviews with some of the Best & Most Interesting.... Remember that although the programs and their contents are listed, the Listen Now link isn't active until 8AM US-EDT on the program date......... And we hope you enjoy the Games and the Sights as well!!
June 24 Program now Available
The earlier problem is resolved. OTM apologizes for any inconvenience.
Voltaggio & Lunchbox in Frederick MD opening new Sibling
Opening late this week, Family Meal described as a "Diner", "....a place for familes to spend time together" says Chef-Partner Bryan Voltaggio. This new venture is being launched by Bryan and partner Hilda Staples in an "industrial" part of Frederick at 880 N. East St., and it will be open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, 7 days a week. Eggs, burgers, House-cured Pastrami, Duck Fat Fries...... They'll be making their own Ice Cream and using it in "Adult" milkshakes as well. Beers from local Flying Dog Brewery & Brooklyn Brewery will be featured. And we hear Bryan & Hilda have a new place in the works, Range, due to open later this year in the Chevy Chase area of DC.
IO Osteria Personale - It's where to Eat in Florence
Seems to On the Menu that everyone's in Florence! Io Osteria Personale in Trendy Oltrarno is a Wonderful Dining Choice to avoid the Throng. A Stylish Space and a Menu Featuring Traditional, Local, Seasonal Ingredients in Fascinating Combinations, Carefully Selected Wines from Small Producers - IO has it all!! When you go, say Ciao from OTM to Owner Matteo Fantini & Chef Nicolo Baretti. For more information www.io-osteriapersonale.it
It's that All-Clad Time of Year Again - the Seconds Sale
This Very Special Event for All-Clad fans has been going for Decades, and long ago exceeded the capacity of the company's parking lot at Southpoint. The Dates are June 1 & 2, the location Washington County Fairgrounds, 2151 North Main St., 9AM-7PM Saturday and 9AM-4PM Sunday. All-Clad promises savings of between 30 & 70% and "New Stock will be offered daily" (not quite sure what that means. It's a great deal on Cookware that truly lasts a lifetime- OTM has plenty with at least 1/2 a lifetime under its belt.
OTM in Print Links Updated
Due to an update of the Web Site where Links to OTM Print Stories are stored, the old URLs for the Articles were changed. We have worked diligently to update the links. So if you recently tried to access an Article and the link failed, please try again.
2012 Oyster Wine Awards Announced
OTM's old friends Jon Rowley & Bill Taylor from "Oyster-land USA", otherwise known as the Pacific NW, bring us News of their popular Oyster Wine competition. The Finals for the popular annual dating service for West Coast wines and oysters took place April 24 in Los Angeles at the WaterGrill, April 25 at Kuletos in San Francisco and April 26 at Anthony's Homeport at Shilshole Bay in Seattle. Four Washington, three California and three Oregon white wines, including six bright, refreshing Pinot Gris, two crisp Sauvignon Blancs, a dry Chenin Blanc and an elegant Pinot Blanc prevailed over 101 entries. Taylor Shellfish Farms of Shelton, Washington, sponsor of the Competition, is pleased to congratulate the 2012 "Oyster Award" winners:
**Cedergreen Cellars 2010 Sauvignon Blanc (WA)
**Dry Creek Vineyard 2011 Dry Chenin Blanc (CA)
**Foris Vineyard Winery 2010 Pinot Blanc (OR)
**Hogue Cellars 2010 Pinot Grigio (WA)
Kenwood Vineyards 2011 Pinot Gris, Russian River (CA)
**Kenwood Vineyards 2011 Sauvignon Blanc (CA)
Milbrandt Vineyards 2010 Traditions Pinot Gris (WA)
Sockeye 2010 Pinot Gris (WA)
**Van Duzer Vineyards 2011 Pinot Gris (OR)
**Prior "Oyster Awards"
For more information go to www.oysterwine.com
Top 100 Best Resaturants - Brett Graham of The Ledbury, Daniel Humm & Will Guidara 11 Madison Park, David Thompson Nahm, Carme Ruscalleda Sant Pau& Heston B now has 2 matching D Chang & T Keller
The San Pellegrino World's Best 1-50 & 51-100 Lists are always somewhat controversial. The 2012 List shows a lot of movement in the rankings, with many 2011 favorites on their way down - OTM will leave you to investigate the misery component. We prefer the positive, so here's some of the great news we saw - in order of numerical ranking. Succeeding in it's first year is Dinner By Heston at #9 (bu not all good news at The Fat Duck fell to #13; 11 Madison Park climbed 14 slots to #10 - how great for new owners Daniel & Will; Brett Graham at The Ledbury goes up 20 to #14 - we interviewed Brett's Mentor & Partner Philip Howard in London recently and he's so proud of Brett; David Thompson's Nahm in Bangkok enters for the first time at #50 - surprising when Michelin took away the star of Nahm in London; Daniel Patterson of Coi is threating the top 50 with a 17 slot rise to #58 - go there for the iconic cuisine, and like OTM you'll understand why and expect them to go higher; last but not least "Best pick" of the entire 2012 list in OTM's humble opinion is Carme Ruscalleda, Sant Pau - a truly outstanding Chef-Senora. That's the Good News.
Thomas Keller awarded San Pellegrino Lifetime Achievement Award
In conjunction with the soon to be announced S. Pellegrino 50 Best Restaurants list for 2012, the SP "Academy" just announced that Chef Keller will join their Lifetime Achievement Hall of Fame, joining Juan Mari Arzak, Eckart Witgigmann & Joel Robuchon. Keller's French Laundry has appeared in the Top 50 every year going back to the inaugural list 10 years ago, and topped the list in 2003 and 2004. At OTM we are pleased to count Thomas Keller as a good friend, an Unassuming Perfectionist who always credits the Culinary Teams at his Restaurants for the success they have enjoyed. And his Magnificent Cookbooks have inspired innumerable Chefs around the world. Thomas we are thrilled for you, and we hope to congratulate you in person very soon!!
Let's Hear it for The .....burgh - thanks Details Magazine
OTM is Proud of its home city of Pittsburgh, alternately Pleased of it's Livability Reputation and Displeased by scornful "you're from Pittsburgh" comments. We we're just thrilled that Details April issue provided extensive coverage of the City's Recent Revival. Read for yourself at http://on.details.com/HtYkGt; and see for yourself - Come Visit!!
May 7 sample fine Italian Wines in NYC
Leading Italian Wine Importer Vias Imports is offering a Tasting of their Portfolio of the Finest Wines from many different regions of Italy. The Tasting will be held at The Altman Building, 135 W 18th, from 1-7PM. For more information contact Virginia Cademartori, email virginia@sallyfischerpr.com. And we'll hope to see you there. Salud!!
Tequila Partida's 2nd Annual Spirit Bird Challenge, Key West, April 29
OTM loves this all-natural, ultra premium Tequila. Remarkably it's a new product - hence only having it's 2nd competition. Find out more about what makes Partida so special by listening to Jacques Bezvidenhout, Brand Ambassador, Partida Tequila, San Francisco. For more information about the Key West event and later ones in Sacramento & Dallas go to www.partidatequila.com. And be sure to stock your own Cocktail Cabinet with Partida's outstanding Tequilas.
Donatella Cinelli Colombini Honored for Contributions to Promotion of Wine Tourism & Women in Wine
Donatella recently won the Premio Internationale Vinitaly for her dedication to these causes. She founded a Wine Estate consisting of 2 Cantinas in 1998, and staffed them completely with women. And she shares her home at Fattorio Colle near Trequanda - via an Agriturismo & Restaurant. We had the pleaseure of staying there and interviewing Dontalla in Fall 2010 - OTM Audio Archives, program date October 24, 2010. Congratulations Donatella, we applaud unique contributions to advancing the dual causes of Wine & Women in Italy. More at www.cinellicolombini.it.
Pittsburgh Wine-Lovers - Hurry to get your Tickets for the Wine Festival May 3
May 3 marks the 10th Anniversary of this Wine Extravaganza. VIP Tickets are already sold out and less than 200 still available for the Main Event. Information & Tickets at www.pittsburghwinefestival.com/. We'll look forward to seeing you there.
OTM Congratulates Elena Arzak on being Recognized as World's Best Female Chef for 2012
On the Menu was privileged to interview and dine with Elena Arzak a few years ago - listen at OTM Audio Archives, progam date November 2, 2008. Also check out OTM in Pictures for our shot of Elena "hands on" tasting in the Kitchen. So we were not surprised to hear that Elana, Joint Head Chef at Arzak in San Sebastian, Spain, has been named the Veuve Clicquot World's Best Female Chef, part of the prestigious World’s 50 Best Restaurant Awards sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna. Elena is the fourth generation of the Arzak family to head up the restaurant since it opened in 1897. In the past five years, the restaurant has consistently ranked within the top 10 of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list and was the first Basque restaurant to be awarded three Michelin stars. Having learnt her craft at home, Elena expanded her horizons through extensive travel. She studied in Lucerne, Switzerland before moving through the great kitchens of Europe including Maison Troisgros, Bras and Pierre Gagnaire, Le Gavroche in London and El Bulli in Spain before returning to the family business. Elena has won international respect for her constantly evolving, cutting edge, research-based approach to cooking and experimentation with flavours. Through her single-minded dedication to Arzak and its signature Basque cuisine, Elena oversees not only a thriving restaurant but by working in tandem with her famous father, has ensured that it is recognized as one of the most influential restaurants in the world today. We know that Juan Mari is proud of this achievement. At OTM we are delighted, and can't wait to go back!!
OTM Salutes Frank & Hank in Charleston SC!!
Charleston is fast becoming one of this country's HOT dining destinations - OK so you knew that already. But how many of you have checked out Hank's Seafood Restaurant? From the outside, and even at first impression inside Hank's looks as if it belongs in another era - and there's a reason why which we'll get to. Don't be fooled!! For 13 years Irish born Culinary Institute of America graduate Frank McMahon has been serving some of the freshest and best seafood OTM has ever tasted. But this wouldn't have happened without Charleston-native Hank Holiday who remembered Henry's Seafood Restaurant where the waiters wore white jackets (reminiscent of Antoine's in New Orleans and other restaurants in the same genre) - but which had closed down. So in 1999 Hank asked Frank to head the kitchen at his namesake "revival". And the rest, as they say, is history. Hankl's white waiter coats and dark wood interior recall the past but Frank's menu based on local seafood combines both past and present to create a dining experience second to none. So why are we bringing this to your attention just now? Because Frank has just published his debut cookbook, "Cool Inside". So get yourself a copy, listen to Frank in OTM Audio Archives, program dates March 27, 2011 and March 14, 2010 (good things need to be repeated) and "make tracks to Hank's". And ask Maitre'd Joey to pick your wines. You'll be glad you did!!!
Ice Cream You Scream, We all Scream for Ice Cream!!
If you know OTM well, you probably know that Dessert/Pudding/Dolci isn't really our thing, especially Co-host Ann. But we make exception for the VERY BEST and two recent arrivals tou our Larder fall into this category. Jeni Britton Bauer, based in a suburb of Columbus OH, can be heard in our March 25 program - widely available in fine food stores, the wonderfully diverse flavors can also be ordered online at www.jenisicecreams.com/. Coming soon to an On the Menu program, Graeter's Ice Cream specializes in more traditional flavors, many with the addition of Chocolates Chips - find out more at www.graeters.com/.
OTM is back from our 2012 London Adventure - listen over the next few weeks!!!
We had such a wonderful time. So that you can share our experiences, here's an overview of the next few weeks programs so that you can tune in to the ones you're most interested in.
April 1, 2012 - London is one of the world's greatest Art Capitals, and we had the chance to see some Great Special Exhibitions; Yayoi Kusama at Tate Modern, www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/yayoikusama/default.shtm; Lucien Freud Portraits at the National Portrait Gallery, www.npg.org.uk/freudsite/, Picasso & British Art at Tate Britain, www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhibitions/picassoandbritain/default.shtm; Turner & Claude and the Recently Purchased Titian Diana & Callista at the National Gallery, www.nationalgallery.org.uk/. And of course We Dined!!! Philip Howard at The Square, www.squarerestaurant.com; Joel Antunes, Kitchen Joel Antunes, embassymayfair.com/restaurant/; Henry Harris, www.racine-restaurant.com.
April 8, 2012 - Hotel-based Restaurants are HOT, we chose three of the Best New Restaurants in this Category; Bistrot Bruno Loubet at The Zetter, Bruno is back in London & (perhaps) better than ever, www.bistrotbrunoloubet.com/; The Lyttelton at The Stafford by Kempinski, Chef Brendan Fyldes, www.thelyttelton.com/; Alyn Williams at The Westbury, www.westburymayfair.com/alyn-williams-at-the-westbury-,restaurent_viewItem_2-en.html; Sriram Aylur, Chef & Director of Operations, Bombay Brasserie & The Quilon Restaurant at 51 Buckingham Gate, www.bombaybrasserie.co.uk, www.quilon.co.uk, www.51-buckinghamgate.com/.
April 15, 2012 - Italian Cuisine is always a Great Favorite around the world & London is No Exception. OTM samples three Great New Italian Kitchens. Jacob Kenedy, Chef-Owner, Boca di Lupo, www.boccadilupo.com/, also We Taste Great Gelato Samples at Jacob's Gelupo, just across the street but with its own website, www.gelupo.com/; Rosie Yeats, Head Chef, Aurelia, www.aurelialondon.co.uk/, General Manager Leonardo Hoxha is an old friend of OTM, previously at Zafferano; Massimo Mioli, Chef & Elisa Bedin, Manager, Dego Wine Bar & Restaurant, www.degowinebar.co.uk/
April 29, 2012, Fine Casual Dining. Jesse Dunford Wood, Chef-owner, The Mall Tavern, www.themalltavern.com; Daniel Taylor, Chef-owner, Karpo, www.karpo.co.uk; Peter Gordon, Co-owner, Selin Kiazim, Head Chef, Kopapa, www.kopapa.co.uk. & www.peter-gordon.net.
May 6, 2012, Fine Casual Ethnic Dining (is French "ethnic"?). Jose Pizarro, Owner, Pizarro, www.josepizarro.com; Will Smith, Partner, Les Deux Salons, www.lesdeuxsalons.co.uk; Martin Morales, Owner, Ceviche Peruvian Kitchen & Pisco Bar, www.cevicheuk.com.
Congratulations to Beata & Simon on your Recent Award for Rose Petal Jam
Rose Petal Jam Recipes and Stories from a Summer in Poland by Beata Zatorska and Simon Target, has been awarded a prestigious ˜Best in the World" prize at the Gourmand Awards. Winners were announced in Paris, on March 6th. OTM couldn't be more delighted. You can hear our interview with Beata at OTM Audio Archives, program date February 19, 2012. It's such a beautiful story, beautifully told!! We hear that this is the first time a book featuring Polish cooking has been awarded in any category. Rose Petal Jam is a memoir cookbook and travelogue that chronicles author Beata Zatorska's childhood in rural Poland, and includes her grandmother's recipes for traditional Polish cooking. A busy family doctor living in Sydney, Australia, Beata had never written a book before. Accompanied by her English husband Simon, Beata spent a summer exploring her home country, travelling tiny roads lined with wild rose bushes, finding castles and palaces among meadows and forests. This culinary journey became the basis for the book beautifully illustrated with hundreds of full color photographs of the recipes, and the countrysideas well as many family pictures.
The Gourmand Awards, based in France and Madrid, were established 17 years ago and are considered the only truly international awards for culinary publishing.
JR in The News Again - Jon Rowley not Larry Hagman!!
It's that time of year again when The Pacific Oyster Wine event is on the horizon. Conceived by OTM's good friend and fellow bi-valve enthusiast lover Jon Rowley, this event is one that Oyster & Wine lovers MUST KNOW ABOUT. Details at www.oysterwine.com. Food Arts March 2012 issue has Jon in a more pensive mood, imagining what it would be like if he actually owned an eponymous Oyster Bar, foodarts.com/news/features/15499/if-i-had-an-oyster-bar. Jon writes so clearly about JR's that we were sometimes left wondering if it actually does exist. We certainly wish it did. What about it Jon?
Luxury Resort in Basilicata - Grazie Francis Ford Coppola
Based on his film-making most people would assume the FFC hails from Sicily, home of the Mafia. But his Grandfather Agosto Coppola was from Bernalda in the unusual region of Basilicata. Even Italophiles probably say Where is Basilicata, and why should one want to go there? On the Menu has been to Basilicata twice, but we were just "passing through". We explored the delightful Tyrrehnian and Ionan coastlines, but not the mountainous interior. Now we have a Really Great Reason to go!
Francis Ford Coppola has just announced that his new Italian resort Palazzo Margherita, located in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy, is officially open as of Thursday, March 1st. Situated in the charming town of Bernalda, the birthplace of Francis’s grandfather Agostino Coppola, the authentic 19th century palazzo has been . The Palazzo, completely renovated in partnership with acclaimed French designer Jacques Grange, offers a luxurious yet authentic Italian experience where guests can enjoy palatial comfort just steps from an exciting town in which the visitor will feel like a friend or neighbor rather than a tourist.
"I never initially dreamed of opening a resort in Italy, let alone in the town of my grandfather Agostino Coppola," said Francis Ford Coppola. "Yet when I purchased and designed the now Palazzo Margherita for friends and family to call home in Italy, I knew I needed to extend the property and surrounding village of ‘Bernalda bella’ to my guests as well."
First built in 1892, the block-long palazzo embodies Italian elegance. The interior is styled with tiled floors and hand-painted fresco ceilings with a taste of Moroccan and Baroque flair. With some of the furniture and exotic tiles personally designed by Grange, all of the floors have been restored from the original marble with additional craftsmanship provided by painters and artisans in the region. The rooms are sequestered around an inner courtyard that opens onto a hidden world of private gardens and a secluded swimming pool. The intimate resort has seven large suites and two garden rooms. Each is a work of art with fresco ceilings and features a palatial bathroom and amenities including luxurious linens, fresh flowers and state-of-the-art technology. Many of the rooms feature a large terrace and/or a Juliette Balcony and face the charming gardens within the Palazzo walls. Dining at Palazzo Margherita will be a unique experience, inspired by the regional Italian cuisine and prepared by chefs versed in the traditions of home cooking. Whether enjoying hand-made pastas, local game, fish from nearby coasts or local breads and cheeses, every meal will be an authentic and sublime expression of the culinary styles of the neighboring towns and territories. Accompanying the fare will be historic wines of the region including those made from the fragrant Aglianico grape. For more information please visit: www.palazzomargherita.com
Heston, are you sure you should sign up for this?
OTM is rather amazed by this story - www.guardian.co.uk/uk/feedarticle/10102401. We have interviewed Dr. Herve Theiss in Paris about "artificial" food - and its importance in feeding Planet Earth. Let's be clear - OTM loves Heston Blumenthal; our interview with him back in 2005 is one of the most interesting and enjoyable conversations we've ever had. And just a year ago we had a great Lunch experience at Dinner by Heston. But a "faux" Burger - we're not so sure .... Let us know what you think - Tweet OTMDish, or send us an email at onthemenu@onthemenuradio.com.
Beer & Cheese Pairings courtesy of Real Experts
Max McCalman of Artisanal Premium Cheese in NYC, www.artisanalcheese.com (OTM Audio Archive, program dates December 18, 2005 & December 27, 2009) and Vanberg & Dewulf, belgianexperts.com, of Cooperstown NY (who knew there was something there as well as the Baseball Hall of Fame) leaders in Belgian Beer Importation (we hope to have them on the program soon) were recently paired by The Weekly Pint, www.weeklypint.com, to "Break the Rule" that Wine has a lock on pairing with cheese. Get the results in Weekly Pint's February 7 issue, and sign up for a regular subscription too.
Chef John Besh Pays Tribute to The First Lady
Check out John's recent blog posting - www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/blogs/editor/2012/02/childhood-obesity-and-fine-dining.html. John, On the Menu is with you 100%. To hear more of John's thoughts listen to his recent OTM Interview, OTM Audio Archive, program date January 22, 2012, where we talk about his New Book, My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Home Cooking.
Iron Horse Sparkling Wine for Valentine's & Other Great Celebrations
On the Menu celebrated Valentine's Day with Iron Horse 2003 Vintage Brut. And we just heard recently that Iron Horse Chinese Cuvee 2007 will be served at a very special event-
Here's what OTM's Dear Friend Joy Sterling had to say. "I am extremely excited and proud to announce that Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will host Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, the man expected to become China's president next year, for lunch at the State Department tomorrow. The toasting wine will be Iron Horse 2007 Chinese Cuvee." We're sure this will greatly improve US-China relations!! For more information about the event and Iron Horse, www.ironhorsevineyards.com.
The Daily Meal - 150 Iconic Dishes from around the World
OTM's good friend Colman Andrews and his team are up to something every day, but this list of Dishes from around the World is worthy of special mention. We're sure you'll find it interesting. See www.thedailymeal.com/food-travel-150-iconic-dishes-around-world. But we beg to differ on the selection of Chicken Tikka Masala representing the UK, and as a native Yorkshireman Peter must point out that Yorkshire Pudding is traditionally served as an "appetiser" course with gravy, not just included on the plate with Sunday Roast. If you're seriously interested in Food, go to www.thedailymeal often. We certainly do!!
Cecilia Chiang Honored with Food Arts' Silver Spoon Award
Cecilia Chiang just may be the Most Senior Recipient of this Recognition at age 92. She certainly turned out to be one of OTM's most fascinating interview - OTM Audio Archives, program date December 23, 2007. Her fascinating and inspiring life story is told in her book The Seventh Daughter: My Culinary Journey from Beijing to San Francisco. Congratulations Cecilia, and Thank You to Food Arts for Noticing her Extraordinary Life Story & Acheivements.
"Heaven knows The Allison"
OTM had the great pleasure of a stay at this luxurious destination last year! With suitable apologies to Robert Mitchum and Deborah Kerr, we just think their Movie Title is apropos for The Allison Inn & Spa, a 35-acre luxury destination resort at the north entrance of Willamette Valley wine country, which celebrates the new year with a distinguished list of awards and recognitions from top travel media outlets, stemming mainly from recent reader polls. The following, taken directly from a recent press release says it all so well:
As The Allison completes its second year of operation since its 2009 debut, last year’s praise truly confirms The Allison as Oregon wine country’s premiere destination resort. In 2011, The Allison was honored to receive the following recognitions:
Condé Nast Traveler- 2012 Gold List – The World’s Best 511
Condé Nast Traveler - 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards: Best in the World- #56 in Top 200 U.S. Mainland Hotels
Fodor’s – Fodor’s 2011 Top 100 Hotels of the World Awards, featured in the "Casual Chic" category
Northwest Meetings and Events 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards – Runner up: Best Oregon Resort
TripAdvisor Reader’s Choice Awards – Top 10 Spa Hotels in the U.S.
2011 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for 800 label wine list
JORY Executive Chef Sunny Jin named Portland "Rising Star" by Star Chefs
JORY - OpenTable Diners’ Choice Winner 2011
This is the first year The Allison joined
Condé Nast’s esteemed Gold List, along with other distinguished hotels that this
year reflect Condé Nast’s “love affair with the great outdoors.” This impressive
debut comes just two years after The Allison’s grand opening. This past year has
also garnered continuous support from the nation’s top travel and food media.
Features from Travel + Leisure, Departures, 7x7, Every Day with
Rachel Ray, AAA’s Via Magazine, FOOD & WINE and
Touring & Tasting have highlighted both the resort and the valley
as a must-see destination.
In addition to praise from media and guests
alike, The Allison shares a unique and mutually beneficial relationship with the
Willamette Valley Wineries
Association and its distinguished vintners. As The
Allison has established itself as a premier destination, its success has
contributed to the growth of Willamette wine country just as much as neighboring
wineries have brought business to The Allison. The wine industry has embraced
The Allison and recognizes its contributions to the growth of Willamette Valley
as a top U.S. wine destination.
What can we say except - go here!!
Kudos for The Greenbrier & Chef Richard Rosendale
The Greenbrier, the classic American resort in White Sulphur Springs WV, in congratulating its Executive Chef Richard Rosendale on having won the prestigious Bocuse d'Or USA Finals, held recently at The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY. Chef Rosendale will now represent the United States at the 2013 Bocuse d'Or in Lyon, France (January 29-30, 2013), where he will be joined by his commis (assistant) Corey Siegel. We've enjoyed many luxurious stay at The Greenbrier in its glory years, and have been delighted to hear about the recent renovation under new local ownership. You may be sure that we'll head down there to sample Chef's offerings for ourselves! And when we do we'll bring back a report and an interview. So watch this space. In the meantime you can get more information at www.greenbrier.com.
Joshua Skenes & Dominique Crenn get Multiple Mentions as "Chefs with Most Potential"
Opinionated About Dining just published its Meal of the Year Blog posting, and OTM is pleased to Highlight two Young San Francisco Chefs who got Multiple Mentions, Joshua Skenes of Saison and Dominique Crenn of Atelier Crenn. We're also rather pleased with ourselves since we dined and interviwed with them in late 2010 - Who Says OTM isn't "on the ball"!! Hear their interviews in OTM Audio Archives, program dates January 9 for Joshua and January 2 for Dominique. Note that Saison, www.saisonsf.com, gained a 2nd Michelin Star in the latest Guide, and Atelier Crenn,
Does Chef John Besh Never Rest? Borgne just opened in NOLA
John Besh is obsessed with Lousiana seafoodand the waters of Lake Borgne in particular. Both he and the namesake restaurant's Chef Brian Landry grew up fishing there. So John and Brian didn't have to think too hard to come up with the name. They describe Borgne as a gathering place a gathering place for locals and visitors alike who share a passion for Coastal Louisiana Cuisine. Chef Brian says simply "when people ask where in NOLA to go for great local seafood, I want the answer to be Borgne". Knowing John Besh OTM has no doubt this wil be correct. For more information www.borgnerestaurant.com.
Diamonds are a Restaurant's Best Friend??
Three famed New York Chef-Restaurateurs would surely agree upon being awarded AAA's Five Diamond designation. OTM is pleased to acknowledge Mario Batali's for Del Posto, Michael White for Marea, and Dan Barber for Blue Hill at Stone Barns, the first two in NYC, and the last near Tarrytown NY. Other Restaurants earning Five Diamonds for the first time include The Kitchen Restaurant in Sacramento, Heron's Restaurant in Cary NC, L'Espalier in Boston, and Restaurant Initiale in Quebec, Quebec. We offer our congratulations to all.
Best Hotels for Wine Lovers
OTM's good friend Colman Andrews runs a great website, TheDailyMeal, www.thedailymeal.com, and a recent issue features 10 Best Hotels for Wine Lovers. We're delighted to recognize three that we've had the pleasure of............ Hotel Healdsburg in Healdsburg CA has Charlie Palmers's Dry Creek Kitchen as a Culinary Anchor, and its location in the heart of the town center makes it a great base for exploring Napa, Sonoma & Alexander Valleys, if you can tear yourself away from the Spa and frequent onsite Wine events. Il Borgo at Castello Banfi has just 14 luxurious rooms, as part of the Mariani Family's magnificent wine estate in the heart of the Brunello di Monalcino region in Southern Tuscany. Offerings in the Restaurant and Wine Cellar complete's this Great Wine Experience. Chateau Yering in Australia's Yarra Valley offers the Ultimate Rural Food & Wine Experience, in a Country Estate founded by three brothers in 1837. Wines have been produced in the area since 1845! The original homestead was renovated as a Luxury Country House in 1997. Staying here gives a unique taste of Australia's early history. The Yering vineyard, famed for its fine Pinot Noir, is right next door, and other fine vineyards dot the Yarra Valley through which you drive on the journey from Melbourne.
Congratulations Kevin Sousa of Salt of the Earth
Pittsburgh's "Coterie" of Young Chefs doesn't get nearly enough credit - at On the Menu we're not the only ones who feel this way - but we're among the most vocal. So it's GREAT to report that Kevin Sousa is named by Food & Wine magazine among their collection of the 10 best dishes of 2011 - featured in their latest issue. Kevin, we're delighted to read this. We wish you continued success at Salt of the Earth, and we're sure your new BBQ spot in East Liberty will be a great success too. We can't wait to try it!!
Madrid for Christmas - We arrived, enjoyed and just returned!!!
OTM listeners who tuned into our Xmas program got a big clue about where we spent Christmas. It was "felice navidad" in person in Spain's capital city. We took in the sights, the great shopping districts, the marvelous art collections, and of course some fine dining. On this last subject Madrid is crazy for Japanese food and we sampled the best at Kabuki Wellington, one of two places owned by Ricardo Sanz, a native Madrileno who followed his dream to merge Japanese technique and style with Spain's wonderful ingredients. His other place, Kabuki Carmona, is rated just as highly. SULA was founded by Star Chef Quiche Dacosta from the Valencia vicinity, Le Cathedrale a food supplier from Navarra, and Joselito prouducer of "the world's best" ham. And who are we to disagree!!! Having enjoyed every bite we had at lunch. Peter became a hero by obtaining Joselito's signature Chorizo at the San Anton market for an evening snack. La Cesta, a much more than just Tapas place provided a lucious and lingering lunch - even better the location was 100 meters from our hotel. Chef Partner Oscar proved resourceful as well, introducing us to the Chef & Maitre'd at Hotel Urban where we were able to enjoy Brunch on Christmas Day - a difficult mealtime to arrange because Madrilenos all eat at home, including almost all Chefs & Restaurateurs. At La Tasqita del Enfrente we not only enjoyed lunch, we met the young Chef from Astrid & Gaston, yet another international outpost of the eponymous couple based in Lima Peru, but with establishments around the world. And to wind up our stay, lunch at stylish, modern dASSA bASSA, where Chef Darrio Basso & his wife Itziar offer creative dishes combining Darrio's experience at El Bulli etc. with market-based ingredients - like Vegetable soup with Hake (Merluzza) Jowls. Listen in to our January programs for interviews with several of these great Chefs!!!
OTM's Oyster Heros offer Unique Events
Jon Rowley & Bill Taylor of Taylor Shellfish Farms, www.taylorshellfishfarms.com/, have planned Truly Unique Oyster Experiences. Taking advantage of Winter Evening Low Tides they've scheduled the Ultimate Oyster-eating Experience. Dec 21, Jan 7 & Feb 6 you're invited to their Walrus & Carpenter Picnics at Taylor's Totten Pond WA Oyster Beds - leave Seattle at 6.30PM, back at Midnight. The concept is inspired by Lewis Carroll's tale of how W&C invited Oysters for a "lovely (but fatal for the bivalves) walk upon the briny beach". For further details & tickets go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/154154.
Michelin Stars for Atelier Crenn, Michael Mina & Benu Highlight the 2012 Red Guide San Francisco
Dominique Crenn didn't take long to earn a Star for her Atelier Crenn, opened just this year. If you listen to her interview, OTM Audio Archives program date January 2, 2011 and you won't be surprised! But it's still impressive recognition following right after her stint at Luce (where she earned a Star also). Veteran Restaurater Michael Mina is back with a Star, after moving from the Westin St. Francis to the Aqua space where he first gained recognition. Corey Lee jumps into the rankings with 2 Stars for Benu, again perhaps not a surprise since he was part of the team that won 3 Stars at The French Laundry. Sons & Daughters in Nob Hill, La Costanera in Montara & Terrapin Creek in Bodega Bay round out the new 1 Star ratings - you may be sure OTM will check out these 3, as well as Atelier Crenn & Benu.
Wine , Women & Song? No Wine Women & Spa at Oregon's The Allison
Honoring its Willamatte Valley roots, The Allison in Newberg, Oregon’s first luxury (OTM can vouch for the luxury, which we enjoyed a few months ago) destination resort serving the state’s wine region, are working together to offer a unique stay-spa package available February 1 through March 31, 2012. The "Grape Escape", a two-night retreat, celebrates women vintners of the Willamette Valley—pairing tastings and insights with daily spa treatments and garden-to-table cuisine, all in an invigoratingly beautiful setting. Ideal for a girlfriends’ getaway, mother/daughter vacation, solo rejuvenation or romantic, midweek couples’ escape, Wine, Women & Spa provides unprecedented access to some of America’s top vintners and their wines.
As part of a two- or three-night stay between Wednesday and Friday, the
package includes access to the inn’s Thursday night Celebrity Wine Tender
event, an intimate tasting and conversation with a featured vintner. February
and March lineups will exclusively feature Willamette Valley women winemakers
offering tastes of their creations as well as conversation on the science and
intuition of their craft. including Anna Matzinger of Archery Summit, Lynn
Penner Ash of Penner Ash Wine Cellars, Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra, Melissa
Burr of Stoller, and many others. The Grape Escape includes a flight tasting of
4 Oregon pinot noirs paired with small bites from JORY Restaurant and Chef Sunny
Jin, who we interviewed a few months ago, OTM Audio Archives, program date
September 11, 2011.
Wine-themed spa treatments are among the options.
"If health and happiness are indeed a balance between inner and outer
harmony, The Grape Escape with Women, Wine and Spa is one step closer to
bliss," says Tara Calton, The
Allison’s Spa Director. OTM agrees. We do
wonder if Gentlemen are excluded, tolerated....? Get details & make
reservations at www.theallison.com, or 1.877.294.2525.
Oregon Truffle Festival features OZ Truffle Expert - he's been On the Menu of course!
The upcoming Oregon Truffle Festival will feature Dr. Nick Malajczuk from Manjimup, Western Australia. Sounds obscure? Well not really. Dr. Nick pioneered the cultivation of Truffles in this remote part of WA. OTM caught up with him almost 4 years ago - hear his interview in OTM Audio Archives, program date March 30, 2008. His results are now even more impressive with this year's crop reaching 3.3 metric tons (and we've heard this is 80% of the total truffle production in the Southern Hemisphere). There's a shot of Nick "discovering" a Truffle in our OTM in Pictures page. www.oregontrufflefestival.com/
Italian Restaurants "Seeing Stars" - 3 for Osteria Francescana, 2 for Quattro Passi, 1 for Coria and 32 others
Michelin's just released 2012 Italia Red Guide has some big news. The Big News - Massimo Bottura's Osteria Francescana in Modena gets a long warranted 3rd Star. Responding to the news Massimo is quoted as saying, "I began dreaming about Michelin when we opened....in 1995". Well dreams do come true, especially if you support the dreams with outstanding cuisine, constantly striving for new expressions of traditional cooking and ingredients. OTM has had the pleasure of dining with Massimo on 2 occasions, most recently in 2008. Here's what we had to say then... "What we found on our return almost a decade later was a Chef not satisfied with Molecular Gastronomy or Cucina Creativo, but continuing to create new dining "sensations". Listen to Massimo explain how and what he prepared, one of THE BEST meals OTM has ever experienced." You can go to September 14, 2008's program in OTM Audio Archives, or scroll through OTM Highlights. For more information about Massimo & the Restaurant, go to
Antonio Mellino's Quattro Passi in Marina del Cantone on the Peninsula Sorrentino is one of 3 Italian Restaurants winning a 2nd Star - we visited here more than 10 years ago and were fascinated by owner Tonino's story of how he and his wife Rita made the "4 Steps" to reach their dream of owning a fine restaurant with great wine cellar. Somewhere in our disorganized Photo collection from before we started OTM is a picture of Ann in the cellar. Bravo Tonino & Rita! www.ristorantequattropassi.com
As luck would have it we lunched at Coria in Caltagirone, Sicily, on the very last day of our recent trip and Co-Chefs, Co-Owners Francesco & Domenico told us they were heading off to an event where they would officially receive their 1st Star. After a quick meal (we had a plane to catch), we promised that we'd be back for the complete dining experience. www.ristorantecoria.it.
2011's Pittsburgh Whiskey Festival to Feature a Local Still! And 250 Other Liquors to Sample
Look for OTM at The 2011 Pittsburgh Whiskey and Fine Spirits Festival to be held on Friday, November 18, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Heinz Field East Club Lounge. At this year’s festival, 1,300 guests will indulge in over 250 liquors, including scotch, single-malt, bourbon, whiskey, gin, vodka, tequila, rum, and cordials from distilleries all around the world. The sampling extends beyond only liquors to feature specialty cocktails and food stations where guests can taste culinary delights from Pittsburgh’s leading mixologists and chefs. "We are excited to have the theme of ‘Mad Men’ for this year’s event," says Dale Markham, general manager for the festival. "Also, this year is going to be even more exceptional because we are not only offering more liquors to taste than ever before, but we will have some local Pittsburgh spirits experts on hand, such as Wigle Whiskey," says Markham. Wigle Whiskey, located in the Strip district, is the first distillery in the region since Prohibition era. The family owned and operated business prides itself on making their whiskey the old fashioned way in a copper pot with local ingredients. "As in year’s past, we will also have great music and a silent auction to benefit our charity, the National Multiple Sclerosis Society," Markham says. Tickets can be purchased online at PittsburghWhiskeyFestival.com or at the door for $100.
On the Menu in Sicily if you're wondering where we've been
Good question! News items have been few and far between because we were off having the time of our lives in Sicily (Native land of Ann's ancestors). More about these adventures and some great interviews in the next couple of weeks, but put La Madia in Licata, Duomo in Ragusa Ibla & Coria (celebrating their 1st Michelin Star this week) in Caltagirone on your "must go" list right away.
A Very Special Fishing Trip for a Very Special Cause
Ever wondered what it would be like to spend five hours up close and personal with one of your favorite chefs? Well now’s your chance on the fishing trip/launch party for Made in America: Our Best Chefs Reinvent Comfort Food. OTM just interviewed author Lucy Lean (you'll hear her interview in an upcoming program not yet scheduled) Lucy notes "I am so grateful to the chefs in the book for giving their time, faces, words and recipes – and now they are all taking time out of their busy schedules to come aboard for a celebration. Get ready for a once in a lifetime culinary experience.
