Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Weekend’s Facebook fan page to win tickets to our Beer Bash, Grand Tastings at The Ritz-Carlton, Kevin Zraly wine school classes, and much, much more! Right now, we’re giving away two passes to our May 17th Beer Bash—for a chance to win, just enter our Facebook contest before noon on April 2nd. Plus, just by “liking” our festival fan page before noon on March 31, you’ll be automatically entered to win our March Facebook giveaway: a GIANT, 3L jeroboam of Celler de Capçanes Cabrida 2001, a $250 value, which comes courtesy of our event’s retail partner, Grapes The Wine Co. Good luck!
Hudson Debuts at Haymount House in Briarcliff Manor!
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Holy Crap! So there I was lying in the shrapnel of the news that Chef Michael Psilakis was going to open an MP Taverna in Irvington. I’d barely gotten my breath when—BLAMMO!—more news hit.
Turns out that a gorgeous river estate in Briarcliff Manor was winding up an 18-month reno right under our noses. Known as Haymount House (25 Studio Hill Rd, Briarcliff Manor), this stately, white, porticoed mansion will debut on Wednesday, March 28 Hudson, an ambitious farm-to-table restaurant that, in conjunction with Haymont House’s facilities, also offers extensive special-event services. Heading up the kitchen will be Executive Chef Scott Reisenberger, who’s coming up from an elite City career that includes work with David Bouley, Rocco DiSpirito and Alain Ducasse. Reisenberger was the opening executive sous chef of Gilt in New York City, and was also the executive chef at Cru restaurant. In France, this dude worked under Marc Meneau at L’Espérance, then hit New York City, winding up most recently—and perhaps most impressively—at Corton under Chef Paul Liebrandt.
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Hudson will be offering a seasonal, farm-to-table menu with starters ($9-$19)that include a particularly enticing Feather Ridge Farm organic hen egg (with spring ramp risotto, pancetta) along with Satur Farms beets (with cocoa, goat milk, plum, black truffle vinaigrette) and foie gras curls (with dried apricot-mustard terrine, red wine syrup). Opening mains range in price from $19 to $33, and will include Sprout Creek Farm ricotta ravioli (chanterelles, ramp butter, tomato); Elysian Farms lamb loin (charred eggplant, potato, tamarind jus); and Block Island salmon (brown butter raisin, Malabar spinach, morel ragout), just to name a few. Then there’s the bar menu, more gently priced in the $7 to $17 range (with one outlying $25 steak frites). You’ll be able to snag snacks like a $7 seasonal, organic soup; or sandwiches like a BLT (house-made bacon, caper mayo, malted fries, $14); grilled fish sandwich (citrus-herb mayo, salad or fries $15); and a grass-fed Angus burger (garlic bun, tomato marmalade, truffle fries, $16). I kind of get the feeling that Hudson is taking no prisoners with an elite menu, bar menu, cocktails, wine, and a killer view.
Then there are the events. From the press release: “Haymount House is a Southern Colonial-style mansion situated on four hilltop acres in the heart of the Hudson Valley. The property, which enjoys a gorgeous view of the Hudson River, was custom-built in 1910 by one of the leading financiers of that era, William Fuller. With a main hall able to accommodate up to two hundred people and an upstairs lounge perfect for private, more intimate events, it’s also an ideal setting for weddings, benefits, corporate events, and receptions of all types.” The only thing missing is an upstairs boutique hotel. Sadly, Hudson’s zoning makes this impossible.
Hudson debuts in early April and will serve dinner Tuesdays through Thursdays from 5:30 to 10 pm, Fridays through Sundays from 5 to 10pm. The restaurant promises to offer brunch shortly after opening.
Phew. Oh wait, there’s more…INCOMING!
Chef Brian Lewis Debuts Elm Restaurant in New Canaan, Connecticut
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You remember Chef Brian Lewis—he was the opening chef at Bedford Post Inn, a Westchester boy made good who hooked up with Richard Gere, and the rest was history. Okay, do you at least remember Lewis’s three-part triumph of deconstructed ravioli? One raviolo held tangy sheep’s milk ricotta cheese, one held a spoonful of perfectly seasoned spinach, and the center pocket held a miraculously perfect, warm but running egg yolk.
Well, I remember.
Lewis left Bedford Post way back in July 2010. In fact, we broke the news here in EDP—we’d called Lewis’s cellphone for some pressing Bedford Post business, and he volunteered the news. While I was scrambling to salvage the story I was writing (fat chance), Lewis hinted at plans to open his own local restaurant, which would serve his signature high-toned, Italy-inspired, farm-to-table cuisine. Actually, at that point, he was planning to take a year off, then start on the high toned, Italy-inspired, yada yada stuff.
Well, one year slipped into two, and, being of a cynical bent, I didn’t count any chickens. I was worried about the long time lapse, rumors of Lewis’s chef gigs, and what looked like an overlong struggle to get his doors open. But Chef Lewis’s new venture, elm restaurant in New Canaan, Connecticut, is finally here. Details are still forthcoming, but the restaurant opened last week at 73 Elm St (203-920-4994). Everything we’ve heard says that it’s worth the wait.
At elm, you’ll find Lewis’s dreamy ravioli—now listed as “farm egg ravioli (sheep’s milk ricotta, burgundy spinach, brown butter), plus, you’ll also see Lewis’s Bedford Post signature salad, “roots, shoots, fruits & leaves” (with goat’s cheese, almond oil, ice wine vinegar). But, at elm, there are some new things, like a trio of local pork (with walnut wine, smoked heirloom grits, green tomato jam, and soft egg); and Millstone’s chicken roasted with sorrel (stinging nettle risotto, fava beans, wild ramps); plus, beef tenderloin roasted in smoked butter with spinach, maitake, melted shallots, savory oats. Look for starters priced somewhere in the $14 to $16 range (except for an outlying $22 foie gras) with mains in the 30-something range, though you can also snag a $22 elmburger.
Elm’s desserts are all $10, and they look worth the gym time. In March, I can’t help craving the teaser spring desserts that I’ve seen, like raspberry cake (raspberry jam, elderflower sauce, toasted pepitas, poppy seed ice cream) and strawberry salad (micro basil, sablé, yogurt, tamarind ice cream). The best bet seems to be elm’s four-course tasting dinner for $75 (or $120 with wine pairing)
From the photographs, elm’s décor seems to be spacious, modern, and minimal, with a steely, wide-open kitchen and a chef’s table that can be segregated from the rest of the dining room for smaller events. Lewis poached several Manhattan talents to back him up at elm. Look for Sous Chef Michael Paez (lately of Momofuku) and Pastry Chef Caryn Stabinsky (from Oceana, wd~50, Ureña, and the Monkey Bar). Up front, look for GM and Beverage Manager Christopher Catanesi, who comes via Gramercy Tavern, Blue Hill, and Connecticut’s Dressing Room. Sounds like an A-Team – we can’t wait to go.
Blue Hill’s Dan, David and Laureen Barber to be honored with the 2012 Westchester Magazine Food Award at Westchester Magazine ’s Winemakers Dinner, May 19
We’re very excited to recognize the visionary trio behind Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns with Westchester Magazine ’s 2012 Food Award. The award will be presented at our
Winemakers Dinner, which will be held on May 19 in the Grand Ballroom of The Ritz-Carlton, Westchester. The six-course gala dinner will also honor the Benziger family with our 2012 Wine Award, and will feature desserts by Blue Hill at Stone Barns Chefs Adam Kaye and Joel de la Cruz. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless and ArtsWestchester. Please visit our event site for more information.
Chateau Montelena at Crabtree’s Kittle House
March 28, 7pm
$150 per person, inclusive
From the Kittle House’s announcement: “In anticipation of the 2nd Annual Westchester Magazine‘s Wine & Food Weekend Winemakers Dinner, to be held at The Ritz-Carlton in White Plains on the evening of Saturday, May 19, we are inviting you to join us at the Kittle House to celebrate one of California’s legendary winemakers and most famous wineries, Bo Barrett and the wines of Napa Valley’s Chateau Montelena.
By now, most of you have seen the movie Bottle Shock, and already know the amazing story of Bo and Chateau Montelena winning the famous “Judgement of Paris” tasting in 1976. But it is their estate cabernet sauvignon that has set the bar for quality and style in Napa Valley and is the benchmark by which all others are measured. We’re talking about more than 30 years of greatness for both the Chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon—an unprecedented and unparalleled accomplishment for a California winery and one that has placed Chateau Montelena among the world’s greatest wine producers! As last year, Chateau Montelena will once again be a featured winery at Westchester Magazine‘s Wine & Food Weekend and we are proud to offer this advance tasting of Chateau Montelena’s fabulous wines alongside a four-course dinner featuring the early spring bounty of the Hudson Valley prepared by Chef Marc and the Kittle House culinary team.”
Here’s the menu:
Champagne Poached Lobster with Wasabi Caviar and Local Crème Fraîche
LI Sound Oysters with Spring Mignonette and American Caviar
Hudson Valley Foie Gras Mousse with Candied Hazelnuts and Rhubarb
Parmesan Crisps with Coach Farms Hudson Valley Goat Cheese and Espellete Pepper
Chateau Montelena Riesling 2010
Montauk Point Black Bass with Catskill Fingerlings and Farmers’ Market Garnishes Chateau Montelena Estate Chardonnay 2009
Applewood Smoked Hudson Valley Quail with Butternut Squash and Foie Gras Risotto Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Slow Braised Hudson Valley Veal Osso Bucco with Roasted Garlic and
Mustard Polenta
Chateau Montelena Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, 2003, 2001
A Tasting of Hudson Valley Farmstead Cheeses
Chateau Montelena Zinfandel 2009
To reserve, call (914) 666-8044
Top Chef Cook Off with Ty-Lör Boring (Season 9) Ashley Merriman (Season 6) at Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Weekend, May 17th-20th
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You totally had me at the name Ty-Lör Boring, which rivals Jello Biafra and Rat Scabies as the most punk rock name to ever be dreamed up by a diseased mind. It’s got both a hyphen and a frikken umlaut. This dude gets my vote before he even walks in the door.
It doesn’t hurt that Ty-Lör Boring is kinda clothing optional, as this Huff Po item suggests
But apparently, Ty-Lör’s competitor, Ashley Merriman, is no slouch, either. This tall drink of tattooed New Hampshire water currently lives in Brooklyn and works for Alexandra Guarneschelli. Top Chef fans will remember her from Season 7, when she stood head and shoulders (literally) over many of her competitors. Ty-Lör Boring and Ashley will compete in our Top Chef Cook Off, which actually has some elements of Chopped: We pick the ingredient (mwahahahaha!) and the chefs offer their interpretations to a panel of judges. Evil, hilarity, and deliciousness will undoubtedly ensue. Follow us on Twitter @WMWineandFood to hear more.
Burgers, BBQ & Beer Bash at Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Weekend
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May 17, 7:30 – 11 pm
$50 per person
We just got the news about what’s being poured at our Burgers, BBQ & Beer Bash on May 17. This comes via Andrew Reed, who heads up the craft beer department of Manhattan Beer Distributors. Reed says that the focus of the bars will be: “Local, American. Captain Lawrence (as most local) will take the lead as featured brewer with 2 bars each pouring Liquid Gold, Pale Ale, Kolsch, and Brown Ale. Two other bars will each be pouring Kelso IPA (Brooklyn); and Empire Amber (Syracuse). Additionally, Blue Moon and Coors Light will serve as ‘life-raft’ selections for those who need/want familiar.” Dudes, I’m not judging – you got that “life raft” bit from Andrew.
Now, you’ve probably heard about all the great street foods that’ll be available, including (but not limited to!) burgers from X2O, Birdsall House, Piper’s Kilt, Restaurant North, the Rye Roadhouse, Westchester Burger Company, Elevation Burger, Buffalo Wild Wings, etc. But here’s what you might not know: there will be a voting element. That means that, you, after all that beer, will cast your vote to nominate the Best of the Bash. PS, I’ll be down there among you, whispering into all your ears and trying to get your voting chips.
The party will be rocked by the bluesy classics of Evan Watson & The Headless Horsemen. Evan just got back from a tour where he opened for Def Leppard—though, it’s a pity: I’m told Evan did not wear Joe Elliot’s slashed, super-tight, ice-washed jeans. Recently, Evan also contributed to Meat Loaf’s last album and you can check him out on the YouTube video here. You know you wanna come! We’re giving some tickets away—just INSERT LIKE BUTTON us on Facebook!
Sexy Short-Rib Sliders at Park 143 Bistro in Bronxville
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This snazzy Bronxville debut is all small plates and zebra-print upholstery. You know this joint’s shtick: It’s a lady-friendly venue that pours endless wines by the glass to those Jimmy Choo customers perched on shiny, red barstools. EXCEPT, Park 143 is also serving this messy, juicy, short-rib slider. This sucker is all beefy, drippy, and oozy and, frankly, a manicure nightmare. We loved it with grilled onion, avocado, bacon, and cheddar cheese, but take our advice—you’d better roll up that ivory silk blouse before you tuck in.
143 Parkway Rd Bronxville, NY 10708
(914) 337-5100
