Like EDP? Then Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Weekend on Facebook, where, every week until our festival (June 6-9), we’ll be giving away great stuff. This week, look for two free tickets to the Sunday, June 9, Grand Tasting of Westchester Magazine’s Wine & Food Weekend–we’re talking celebrity chefs, 200+ world-class wines, and specialty cocktails crafted by Pernod-Ricard in our Spirits Lounge. You heard us correctly—that means free booze! Only on Facebook (and only if you “like” us)!
Preview:
W​inemaker’s Dinner
So we’re creeping up to the night of June 8th and our gala Winemaker’s Dinner when all of the foodies in the county will dress up to honor our most valuable wine and food players. Last year, The Winemaker’s Dinner was devoted to families as we gave recognition to Hudson River Valley’s own Benziger family for its contributions in world of wine. On that night, we also honored the Barber family of Blue Hill at Stone Barns for the staggering impact of their restaurants, Blue Hill and Blue Hill at Stone Barns. This year we’ll be paying homage to Adam Strum, Founder of Wine Enthusiast Companies, and the Livanos family of the Livanos Restaurant Group.
Guests will be greeted in the ballroom with passed hors d’oeuvres by Chef Peter Kelly and there will be a Pernod-Ricard Spirits Bar—because, let’s face it, all that getting dressed up really works up a thirst. Models will be circulating kitted out in evening wear by Bloomingdales and blinged out with Roberto Coin jewelry courtesy of Woodrow Jewelers http://www.woodrowjewelers.com/. Of course, many of the guests will have spent the afternoon in the ballroom at the Grand Tasting, but the room will be completely different when they re-enter in the evening.
It has never ceased to amaze me, but here’s what happens: in about three hours, the actual walls of the Grand Tasting floor will have been reconfigured and the space will have been be changed by Ned Kelly and Co. into a glorious dining room, complete with fully set tables and elaborate decorations. The details are still a secret, but I’ve heard some hints that the Winemaker’s Dinner table designs are themed around wine and bottling and will feature magically split glass wine bottles, flowers, corks, and lavish edible grapes.
Here’s what’s on the dinner menu, which will be prepared a Westchester All-Star team of chefs. Up first, there’s Michael Gallina (of Blue Hill at Stone Barns) serving a starter of marinated beets with Blue Hill Farm yogurt and pine nut butter. It’ll be paired with Qupe Marsanne, Santa Barbara County 2011. Next, Ethan Kostbar (of Moderne Barn) will be serving grilled octopus with chickpea and tomato stew paired with Pouilly Fuisse Sous Vergisson Tete de Cru Ferret (Jadot) 2011. He’ll be followed by Andy Nusser (of Tarry Lodge) with garganelli with morels, favas, and black truffle fonduta, which will be paired with Langhe Aldo Conterno 2009. Jay Lippin (of Crabtree’s Kittle House) will close out the savory courses with Hudson Valley lamb two ways: slow-roasted shoulder ras el hanout and pan-seared loin with wild mushrooms, faro, and herb-scented lamb jus. This will be paired with Beaulieu Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2010. All wines are provided by Zachys Wine and Liquor
But before you start thinking that this evening is all just a big excuse for everyone to get dressed up and enjoy a lot of great food and wine, you should realize that proceeds from this gala event will benefit the Westchester Coalition for the Hungry and Homeless. There will also be a raffle ($10 per ticket or 3/$25) to benefit the Coalition: they’ll be auctioning off a stunning basket of Zachys wine; dinner for two at each of the six restaurants participating at the Winemakers Dinner; and a trip to Sonoma County with accommodations at Jordan Vineyard and Winery. The interesting thing here is that there were only a couple of thousand raffle tickets printed, so your chances of winning that trip are far better than that of winning Powerball. Plus, your money goes to help your neighbors in need (and chances are, if you win, you won’t wind up the subject of a grisly documentary).
To finish the meal, Anthony Goncalves (42 The Restaurant) will be serving a suitably wacky and delicious dessert. His “Breakfast Cereal”: lemon curd, corn flake streusel, marshmallow ice cream, and strawberry-rhubarb granite will be paired with Billecart Salmon Brut Reserve NV.
The killer? A ticket to the whole evening is just $200 – click here and we’ll set a place for you at the table.
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HotDate
Sunday Pig Roasts at Barcelona Wine Bar
Every Sunday, $29 per person plus beverages, tax, and tip
Here’s what I love about these parties—you don’t have to wait for a holiday. They happen every Sunday! And it’s just over the bridge in CT. From the site, “I love that Inspired by Sasa’s trips to Spain, we are offering our Sunday Pig Roast at all Barcelona locations! Also enjoy half-price bottles of wine all night (Wine deal not available in Brookline)!” The family style menu includes ensalada mixta, slow roasted suckling pig, seasonal fresh vegetable and, for dessert, flan.
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Hot Plate
Pan-Roasted Halibut and Veal Sweetbreads from Restaurant North
Here’s what I love about this dish—it’s all manner of weird and delicious things all piled together and looking (and tasting) great. First, there’s that perfectly crusted halibut, which is straightforward enough—but look closely, there are also the thymus glands of cows sitting right there on the plate! Sure, those are joined by comforting pommed rosti and pretty herbs from I and Me Farms. But just when you’ve relaxed, what?!? Are those fish eggs in the damn beurre blanc? Brought to you by Chef Eric Gabrynowicz at Restaurant North.
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Wine Vault Banks on Customers’ Discerning Tastes
Harrison Wine Vault gives new meaning to ‘it’s in the vault.’ Housed in a former bank, Harrison Wine Vault converted the vintage vault into a temperature-controlled fine wine room. The store is visually appealing, featuring mahogany wine racks, wood floors and a tasting bar.
The lower level of the store features a newly opened whiskey room with nearly 400 varieties of single malts, bourbons and Irish Whisky.
“We specialize in rare and hard-to-find bottles,” said Anthony D’Arpino, who owns the store. Harrison Wine Vault recently sold a Macallan 60-year-old in a Lalique crystal decanter; only 40 were shipped to the U.S.
With over 1,500 wines available in every price point you are sure to find something that suits your palate.
Harrison Wine Vault
289 Halstead Avenue
Harrison, NY 10528
914-835-0125
www.harrisonwinevault.com