Comestiblog

QEDC Entrepreneur Space Celebrates Its First Anniversary

The Queens Economic Development Corporation celebrated its Entrepreneur Space's first anniversary on 25 January 2012 with an open party featuring clients' food samples, lively interaction, and a collector's frozen birthday cake.  It was an occasion to speak with numerous business owners who have utilized the E-Space to launch or further their food ventures.

Situated Long Island City, Queens, the Entrepreneur Space opened officially on 19 January 2011.  One year later, the 12,500-square-foot, city-sponsored, food-and-business incubator boasts roughly 175 clients.  Many take advantage of the round-the-clock commercial kitchen (replete with culinary essentials ranging from a walk-in refrigerator to basic utensils), while others avail themselves of the workstations and classroom space.  In addition, many participate in free business counseling, technical assistance, and financial classes.

My tour began with Dan and Rebecca Dengrove's refreshing frozen Brewla Bars.  Unlike many iced fruit pops, these are produced from brewed beverages and, most important, are not overly sweet.

The Hero: Cherry Pomegranate Red Tea

While I didn't taste the next product myself, Comestidog wagged with approval upon taking a bite of the all-natural Ruv Roos from Woofshire Farms.

Among the standouts of the afternoon was the all-natural skordaliá from Samios Foods.  The vegan Go Go's Garlic Dips were simply delicious!  Happily for me, they're available at Whole Foods Markets in the Tri-State Area.

Left to Right: Original, Olive & Rosemary, Roasted Red Pepper, and Dill

As I continued to wend my way through the E-Space, I tasted samples at nearly every table.

Larry's Mix, Gwen's Batch, and Original MIx from Brooklyn Nuts

In the large kitchen space, I found Viva Natural's pão de queijo.  The yummy Portuguese baked cheese rolls beckoned me to return for seconds, thirds, …

At the next table, I slurped Lane Li's delicious Sichuan-style Dan Dan Noodles: egg noodles served with a bold savory sauce and chili oil, topped with sautéed minced pork, Sichuan pickled vegetable, bean sprouts, and scallions.  This dish delivered a spicy burst of flavor with every bite.

Lane Li, founder of Noodle Lane, serves Dan Dan Noodles

A few more tastes …

Grown in Brooklyn: Barry's Tempeh

The Chocolate Swirl's Double Decker Brownies

And a potent cocktail made with artisanal confiture from Josephine's Feast!

One of the catchiest names I encountered was that of Texas-native "Super Duper" Mary Cooper.  Her HappySnax were simple, yet enjoyable.

Super Duper Mary Cooper's HappySnax

Going for the gold …

Zoha Hopps uses "a secret family recipe" to make his Goldleaf toffee

Goldleaf showed off some of the event's most elegant packaging.  Their toffee was rather good, too.

Dark Chocolate with Cayenne

More sweets …

Chee Bonnet's Ultimate Cheesecake Balls

Artisanal gluten-free baked goods from Krumville Bake Shop

And something spicy.  The handcrafted sauces of NYC Hot Sauce Company ignited my palate with their piquancy.

Jon Bratton's fiery NYC Hot Sauce

I was delighted to spot a couple of familiar names from last year's Queens…A Taste of the World.

Award winner: Bonne Fête Baking, 2011 Best Dessert at Queens…A Taste of the World (video)

Bianca Naclerio of Sweet N Salty By Design

The festivities also included the unveiling of a chocolate cake—roughly four inches in diameter, topped with a sugary violet flower and a green leaf—from Hollywood star Elizabeth Taylor's 60^th birthday party in February 1992.

The pastry was frozen soon after the gala, and remains in excellent condition.  It was lent to the Entrepreneur Space by author Jane Scovell.

Entrepreneur Space

36-46 37^th Street
Long Island City, NY  11101-1606  (map)

(212) 452-1866

http://www.queensny.org/qedc/entrepreneur_space/

Omni's Flavors of France

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of schmoozing with executive chefs from Omni Hotels & Resorts along with food-and-beverage representatives from France at an interactive cooking, tasting, and wine-pairing reception in SoHo.  The event celebrated the October launch of "Simmer Sauté Santé - The Flavors of France," the seventh installment of Omni's nationwide Flavors of the World culinary series.  Evoking the authentic essence of French food, wine, Champagne, and cocktails, recipes include Sautéed Sea Scallops prepared Provençal Style; Duck Breast with Roasted Vegetables in a Raspberry Balsamic Reduction; and Steak Frites with a Black Pepper and Cognac Sauce—available through the end of the year.

The menu also blends classic French culinary tradition with updated flavors, as reflected in dishes like Seared Sea Bass with Fingerling, Morel, and Fallot Black Currant Vinaigrette; Trilogie de Gougères filled with Zucchini and Mint, Gruyère and Comté, Brie and Sun Dried Tomato, accompanied by Sweet Bell Pepper Coulis; Wild Mushroom Ragoût with Chervil Butter Sauce; Filet of Beef with Housemade Short Rib Ravioli, a Platter of Cured Meats and French Cheese; and Small Pots of Mocha and Valrhona Chocolate Cream.  Also featured are innovative French libations, including three Chambord-infused cocktails.

In early September, 45 executive chefs and culinary leaders embarked on a tour of France to immerse themselves in French culture as well as to hone their Gallic cooking skills.  They visited renowned vineyards, food producers, and restaurants.  Starting in Paris, the Omni group attended Palais des Thés tea training; visited caves at famed Champagne maker Nicolas Feuillatte and winemaker Maison Champy in Burgundy; toured vineyards and participated in the harvest in the Loire Valley and Bordeaux, including Domaine Pascal Jolivet, Domaine de la Perrière, Le Club Mouton Cadet, Château Belgrave, and Château Cantemerle; and learned about mustard preparation with Moutarde Fallot.

Left to Right: Daven Wardynski, John Brand, and Ron Ulczak

Three of Omni's top executive chefs—Daven Wardynski of 676, Chicago; John Brand of Las Canarias, San Antonio; and Ron Ulczak of Fireside, New York—demonstrated their craft, and served up a delicious selection of flavors from the new menu.  Below is a taste of my dégustation.

A great way to whet one's appetite and wet his whistle is with a glass or three of Champagne.  I've always enjoyed the bubbles of Nicolas Feuillatte and am particularly fond of the rosé.

Nicolas Feuillatte Champagnes: Rosé (left) and Brut (right)

I began with the gougères, one of my favorite hors d'œuvre.  It always seems impossible to eat just one of these savory little cheese pastries.  With perfect texture and just the right degree of cheese intensity, these gougères went quickly, and provided a good indication of what was to follow. 

Gougères

The Butternut Squash Soup, made with apple cider, was simple and seasonal.  The cream on top made it smooth and sinful as well.  What a fine dish to warm an autumn day.

Butternut Squash Soup

I found the Salad with Duck Confit and Roasted Beets to be incommensurate with the other offerings.  The fowl was slightly chewy, and its flavors lacked the richness I expected from a preparation of this sort.

Salad with Duck Confit and Roasted Beets

Chef Daven Wardynski discusses the preparation of his Wild Mushroom Ragoût rolls

Combining several varieties of mushroom within fried feuilles de brick, the Wild Mushroom Ragoût rolls with Chervil Butter Sauce were a wildly appetizing starter.

Wild Mushroom Ragoût Roll with Chervil Butter

Chef John Brand describes his Magret de Canard

One of the highlights of the afternoon was the succulent  Magret de Canard (duck breast).  Flavorful and cooked to perfection, it paired beautifully with berry-and-black currant flavors of the Maison Bouachon Côtes-du-Rhône Les Rabassières 2009 (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre).  Très bien.

Magret de Canard

Perhaps the most successful dish that afternoon, however, was the Short Ribs of Wagyū Beef.  Braised in red wine with pearl onions and baby carrots, this exquisite adaptation of the classic Bœuf Bourguignon played like a symphony on the palate.  Nowhere are the benefits of slow cooking more evident than in this flavorful, tender, melt-in-the-mouth concoction.  Merveilleux!

Braised Short Ribs of Beef

Chef Daven Wardynski talks about preparing Loup de Mer

The next tasty preparation came from the sea.  The Loup de Mer (Mediterranean sea bass; literally, "wolf of the sea") was flaky, with skin that was seared to a delicious golden-brown.  While I found the dish to be nicely seasoned, some might have deemed it a bit salty.  In any case, the fish and its accompanying confit of baby potatoes, morels, and Carmellini beans benefited from the slight acidity of the Fallot mustard sauce.  Délicieux.

Loup de Mer

And more from the sea.  My loyal reader will recall that, owing to a food allergy, scallops are, alas, not part of my diet.  Who knows, these may have been the best sea scallops I never ate.

Seared Sea Scallops

Beyond discussing French cooking, Chef Daven Wardynski talked about the importance of local sourcing and preparation.  He implements the farm-to-table concept at the most local level by using his rooftop garden in Chicago to grow the produce for his restaurant.

Chef Daven Wardynski discusses the importance of local sourcing

Before advancing to the sweet course, I sampled the cheeses—all eight of them.  The selection from Murray's included the malodorous Époisses, the pungent Pont-l'Évêque, the aromatic-yet-mild Morbier, the regal Comté Saint-Antoine, the assertive Bleu d'Auvergne, the pyramidal (goat's milk) Valençay, the triple-crème (75% butterfat) Brillat-Savarin, and the nutty Secret du Couvent.  It was hard to pick a favorite.

Left to Right: Bleu d'Auvergne, Valençay, Brillat-Savarin, and Secret du Couvent.

Finally, it was time for dessert.  The rich, creamy, Valrhona Chocolate Pot de Crème with fresh berries afforded a decadent ending to this epicurean extravaganza.  As in France, the finish was sweet without being cloying.  Supremely silky and satisfying.  Magnifique!

Chocolate Pot de Crème

I saved one of the custom-crafted cocktails for last.  The creamy blend of Chambord, Chambord Vodka, fresh raspberries, half-and-half, and a touch of ice cream was a playful variation of a milkshake.  It was a veritable second dessert.

Chambord "Milkshake"

Omni created this program through a partnership with the French Ministry of Agriculture & Fisheries, represented by Sopexa USA, an agency dedicated to the promotion of French food, wine, and lifestyle in the United States.

Omni's "Simmer Sauté Santé" package, available at select hotels and resorts, offers a culinary immersion weekend including deluxe accommodations, a wine-and-cheese welcome, a cooking and wine-pairing demonstration with an Omni chef, an all-inclusive French dinner, and a thank-you gift with aprons, French wine, recipes, and a micro-planer.  Another guest package—"French Toast!"–is offered over New Year's Eve only, enabling guests to enjoy a French dinner with Champagne to ring in the New Year, breakfast with a Champagne cocktail, and a late check-out upon request.  Both packages range from $299 to $700.

To learn more about "Simmer Sauté Santé - The Flavors of France," including menus, wine lists, photos and videos from the trip and recipes, visit Omni's Culinary Stirrings website.  Guests can also visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-THE-OMNI.  Follow Omni Hotels & Resorts at twitter.com/omnihotels or at twitter.com/omnihotelsPR.

Please click here to view the recipes.

BeFitNYC

During the week of June 6-12, the NYC Department of Health will offer fitness events to promote BeFitNYC, a citywide campaign to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle using the Big Apple as a big gym.

The events are free and open to the public.  Please click the image below to view the schedule.

Links to additional information:

http://www.BeFitNYC.org/
http://apps.facebook.com/befitnyc/

A Taste of the World in Queens 2011

The ninth Queens…A Taste of the World took place Tuesday, 10 May in the Caesars Club at Citi Field.  Beyond celebrating the borough's gastronomic variety, this annual event raises critical funds for Entrepreneur Space (E-Space) Incubator, a partnership between the Queens Economic Development Corporation and Mi Kitchen es su Kitchen®.  This innovative project provides commercial kitchens, small offices, and classrooms to emerging businesses and organizations.  In addition to space, clients can avail themselves of business counseling, technical assistance, and networking opportunities—all at a reasonable cost.

And now, Queens…A Taste of the World through the lens and palate of Comestiblog:

The Venue:

Citi Field, Flushing Meadows Corona Park

The Appetizers and Entrées:

Among my favorite starters was Gabbana's Ceviche, a seafood mix in a red spicy mojo.

Gabbana's Ceviche

Chef Jimmy Canora's Spice Seared Filet Mignon Carpaccio made Valentino's On The Green an estimable contender for the "Best Appetizer" award.

Valentino's On The Green: Spice Seared Filet Mignon Carpaccio

La Fusta: A Taste of Argentina

La Fusta's Matambre (veal roll) was helped with a good dose of chimichurri.  Though a bit less interesting, their chorizo (above, left) was tastier.

La Fusta's Matambre

Two Steak & Sushi Den: Mixed Vegetable and California Rolls

Three samples from Two

Vetro by Russo's on the Bay served a delicious Yellowfin Tuna, topped with a fresh fig and a sauce of balsamic vinegar and honey.

Vetro: Tonno Con Fichi (Yellowfin Tuna with Figs)

One of the most interesting sample plates came from eXo: a deviled egg, a homemade pickled potato chip, and an "unwrapped" dolma served on a bed of homemade tzatziki.

eXo Greek Mediterranean Restaurant

Strawberry's Sports Grill, Pop Diner, and Leo's Latticini (known locally as Mama's of Corona) served some familiar favorites.

Strawberry's Sports Grill: Pulled Pork Slider

Although Pop Diner's Plátano Relleno received the event's "Best Appetizer" award (see below), I thought their other offerings were superior.  To wit, I found the slow-roasted pork with Latin seasonings—accentuated with a hint of sour orange, and served with chimichurri atop jalapeño corn cakes—to be tastier.  Even more delicious, however, were the  beef short ribs in Cabernet sauce, served over mashed potatoes, and topped with crispy fried onions—I asked for seconds!

Pop Diner: Latin Roast Pork and Short Ribs of Beef

It's hard to imagine a more attractive sandwich than the one from Leo's Latticini (Mama's of Corona):  peppered ham, salami, and fresh mozzarella piled high in a sesame-seed hero, together with roasted peppers and mushrooms, topped with a slice of pepperoni and an olive.

Leo's Latticini: Peppered ham, salami, and mozzarella hero

A sandwich such as the one above goes well with pickles—especially hot-and-spicy ones.  Using his great grandmother's recipe, Michigan-native Bob McClure and his brother, Joe, started McClure's Pickles five years ago.  While the company has a location in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the main manufacturing plant is in Troy, Michigan.

McClure's Pickles: Garlic & Dill and Spicy

The Libations:

From Brazil: Caipirinha made with Soul Cachaça

Soul Caipirinha recipe:

• 2 oz Soul Cachaça
• 5 lime wedges
• 2 tablespoons sugar

Combine fresh lime wedges with sugar and muddle well.  Add Cachaça and shake well.  Serve in a rocks glass filled with ice.

The aforementioned McClure's Pickles created a piquant Bloody Mary Mixer by combining leftover spicy pickle juice with tomato juice and black pepper.

McClure's Bloody Mary

McClure's Bloody Mary recipe:

• 4 oz McClure's Bloody Mary Mixer
• 2 oz vodka

Pour into rocks glass over ice.

And a few wines:

Left to Right: Mionetto Prosecco Brut, St. Supéry Sauvignon Blanc, Robert Mondavi Pinot Noir, MontGras Antu Ninquén Cabernet-Carménère

The Desserts:

Sherry Rousso calls her short cakes "reponsibly healthy" because they contain no eggs, no cream, and no butter.  The chocolate, spiced, and fruited confections from Sherry's Short Cakes are as delicious as they are healthful.

Sherry's Short Cakes

Though Debbie Brenner's treats from Las Delicias Pattiserie are gluten free, they didn't taste that way.

Las Delicias: Gluten-free goodies

Gotta Eat Sweets offered their Truffipops, a fusion of truffle and brownie.

Gotta Eat Sweets: Truffipops

Pilar de Guzman won top dessert honors for Bonne Fête Baking (see below) with her signature Date & Walnut Thins (called "Food for the Gods" in the Philippines).  The flavors were vaguely reminiscent of butterscotch.

Bonne Fête Baking: "Food for the Gods"

A few more favorites:

Cascon Baking Company: Carrot Cake

WannaHavaCookie: Whoopie Pies

The Chocolate Swirl: Mini Cupcakes

The Taste Masters:

Chef Marcus Samuelsson is an internationally acclaimed chef who was born in Ethiopia and reared by adoptive parents in Gothenburg, Sweden.  He has been celebrated as one of "The Great Chefs of America" by the Culinary Institute of America, and honored by the James Beard Foundation as "Rising Star Chef" (1999), "Best Chef: New York City" (2003), and for "Best International Cookbook" (2007).  In 2009, Chef Samuelsson served as guest chef at the White House for the Obama administration's first state dinner.  Last December, he opened his newest restaurant, Red Rooster, in Harlem.

Chef Anita Lo, a second generation Chinese-American, grew up in Birmingham, Michigan.  Having earned numerous accolades for her inventive contemporary American cuisine, she is one of the most respected female chefs in the United States.  After she opened annisa (an Arabic word meaning "women") in the West Village in 2000, FOOD & WINE named Lo one of ten "Best New Chefs in America" (2001), while the Village Voice declared her to be the "Best New Restaurant Chef."  She was also the first challenger to defeat an Iron Chef (Mario Batali) on Food Network's Iron Chef America.

The Awards:

Best Appetizer:

Pop Diner: Plátano Relleno

Best Entrée:

Strawberry's Sports Grill: Championship Chili

Best Alcoholic Beverage:

McClure's Pickles: Spicy Bloody Mary

Best Dessert:

Bonne Fête Baking: Date & Walnut Thins

The Iconic Restaurant Awards went to Dazies and Papazzio.

The Conclusion:

The ninth annual Queens…A Taste of the World was a success.  What a marvelous evening of international food sampling at Citi Field!

Queens…A Taste of the World

Citi Field
123-01 Roosevelt Avenue (126^th St)
Flushing, N.Y.  11368   (map)

Tuesday, 10 May 2011, 6:00 P.M. till 9:00 P.M.

Links:

http://www.discoverqueens.info
http://www.queensny.org/qedc/
http://www.mikitchenessukitchen.com/
http://www.facebook.com/discoverqueensny
http://twitter.com/qedc

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival

My friends at Hallo Berlin Express asked me to help spread the word about the Ninth Avenue International Food Festival this weekend on the avenue from 42^nd to 57^th Streets.  It's New York's oldest and largest annual food festival.  (I recall attending my first one about 1980.)

Ninth Avenue International Food Festival

42^nd to 57^th Street (Hell's Kitchen), Manhattan

May 14-15, 2011; 12:00 Noon till 5:00 P.M.
(Rain or shine)

(212) 581-7029

http://www.ninthavenuefoodfestival.com/

Queens…A Taste of the World 2011

Mark your calendar for Queens…A Taste of the World, a one-night-only foodie event taking place Tuesday, 10 May, from 6:00 P.M. till 9:00 P.M. at Citi Field in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.  Now in its ninth year, this gastronomic journey brings together the international flavors of the borough's best restaurants.  Celebrity Chefs Marcus Samuelsson and Anita Lo will host the event, and television personality Tamsen Fadal of PIX 11 will serve as Master of Ceremonies.  In addition, Master Sommelier Andrea Immer Robinson will share her wine-pairing expertise.

This comestible extravaganza will feature tasting-sized portions that showcase the ethnic diversity of Queens.  Owing to the various pockets of world culture in this borough of 2.2 million, the cooking tends to be more authentic than that found in Manhattan, and often rivals the cuisine of the particular homeland.

This year's participants include The Astor Room, Austin's Steak and Ale House, Bantry Bay Publick House, Bourbon Street, Carib Delights, The Original Cascarino's, Cascon Baking Company, The Chocolate Swirl, Cocina Latina Bar & Grill, Creative Concepts NYC, Dazies Restaurant, Douglaston Manor, eXo Restaurant, F. Ottomanelli Burgers and Belgian Fries, Gabbana, Gotta Eat Sweets, Hispaniola Mamajuana, Leo's Latticini (Mama's of Corona), La Fusta Restaurant, Las Delicias, London Lennie's, McClure's Pickles, Mulan, O Lavrador Restaurant & Bar, Papazzio Restaurant & Catering, Pavillion Grille, Pop Diner, Riverview Restaurant & Lounge, Sherry's Short Cakes, Strawberry's Sports Grill, Sweet N Salty by Design, Tequila Sunrise of Bayside, Two Steak & Sushi Den, Valentino's on the Green, Vetro by Russo's, WannaHavaCookie, et alia.

While Queens…A Taste of the World is a celebration of cultural diversity and gastronomic variety, it is also a key source of financial support for the Queens Economic Development Corporation (QEDC).  This event raises critical funds for Entrepreneur Space (E-Space) Incubator Project, which provides entrepreneurs with kitchen facilities and other resources to help them launch their businesses.  Situated in Long Island City, the incubator is home to most of New York's celebrated food trucks and mobile bakeries.

Tickets are priced at $100 for one, or $150 for a pair ($185 after 4 May), and may be purchased online by sending email to events@queensnyc.org, by calling Michelle Stoddart at (718) 263-0546, or by mailing a completed registration form.

Queens…A Taste of the World

Citi Field
123-01 Roosevelt Avenue (126^th St)
Flushing, N.Y.  11368   (map)

Tuesday, 10 May 2011, 6:00 P.M. till 9:00 P.M.

http://www.discoverqueens.info
http://www.queensny.org/qedc/
http://www.facebook.com/discoverqueensny
http://twitter.com/qedc

By train:  or LIRR to Mets-Willets Pt
By bus: Q48

Exploration Dining at Albert Hall Tavern

As a food writer, I often receive requests to mention some product or event on my blog.  Happily, I'm able to manage most such solicitations with the single click of a mouse.  Occasionally, however, I find something very appealing in my electronic mailbox.  For instance, a recent invitation to a soirée that included gourmet food, artisanal beer, and a membership to a unique dining club, was a food blogging perquisite I couldn't resist.

The event, held at Hell's Kitchen's Albert Hall Tavern, featured eight tasting-sized courses, each paired with a different libation.  Its purpose was to introduce me and like-minded food enthusiasts to [exploration] dining, a members-only community that offers 50% discounts at some of New York's "secrets to be discovered."  Affording various additional benefits, the club "offers New Yorkers a reason to go out and explore their city," explained its founder and CEO Alex Bartosch.  Let the exploration begin …

Raw Bar: Malpaque (left) and Blue Point (right)

Let's kick off our dining exploration with a review of the evening's comestibles, beer, and tequila.  Tequila?  ¡Sí!  Our tasting commenced with a raw bar, comprising Malpaques and Blue Points (from the nearby Sea Breeze Fish Market), paired with a sample of Patrón Silver and a subsequent taste of the triple-distilled, slightly aged Gran Patrón Platinum.  (Were you aware that a co-founder of Paul Mitchell Systems—John Paul DeJoria—was also one of the founders of The Patrón Spirits Company?)  Produced from 100% Weber blue agave, both tequilas are smooth and sweet, and have a peppery finish.  With oysters, they're a potent alternative to Chablis, and a marvelous way to start an evening!

Screaming Oysters from Hell

Deep-fried oysters followed the raw variety.  The spicy-hot Screaming Oysters from Hell is one of Albert Hall Tavern's signature appetizers.  Executive chef Bill Seleno kindles an insidious fire with Sambal Oelek, and presents his infernal [s]hellfish atop slices of sweet pineapple to produce an underworldly flavor sensation.  If this is hell, I'm liable to commit many additional sins.  The mollusks were paired with Stone Pale Ale, Stone Brewing Company's "Southern California interpretation of the classic British pale ale style."  Light and hoppy, this ale kept the oysters' flames under control.

Tuna Tartare with Quail Egg

It was back to raw for our next course, Tuna Tartare with Quail Egg.  Though perhaps a bit salty, this dish was absolutely delicious.  (I should admit, however, to being very partial to tuna.)  It was accompanied by Estrella Galicia, a somewhat light lager, considered by some to be northern Spain's equivalent of Coors.  Regardless of comparisons with Rocky Mountain brews, it goes great with fish.

Deviled Braised Short Rib with Horseradish and Mustard Seed

Next, the Deviled Braised Short Rib with Horseradish and Mustard Seed added some meat to the menu.  Served on toast, its tangy and spicy flavors were enhanced by the sweetness of Brouwerij Bosteels's Tripel Karmeliet, a three-grain (wheat, oats, and barley) Belgian beer, brewed using a 17^th-century recipe.  Gentle on the palate, it adds body to any dish it accompanies.

Pickled Sardines with Fennel Pollen Meyer Lemon Cream

We returned to the sea for our next course.  To be honest, the Pickled Sardines with Fennel Pollen Meyer Lemon Cream was my least favorite dish of the evening.  I'm not fond of fennel, and I didn't find these sardines particularly compelling.  Overall, this sample from the bar menu wasn't bad, but I'd probably not order it on a future visit.  Nevertheless, Gaffel Kölsch from Cologne, Germany was the perfect foil for this preparation.  The Becker Brothers brew is rich, somewhat light, yet slightly bitter at the same time.  It's another fine beer to pair with fish.

Grilled Radicchio with Trifoline Cheese and Butternut Squash Carpaccio

Our salad arrived next.  I could readily taste the garlic in the Grilled Radicchio with Trifoline Cheese and Butternut Squash Carpaccio.  Chef Seleno's combination of the foregoing elements yielded a harmonious mix of flavors.  The sweetness of the butternut squash partnered well with that of La Brasserie de St-Sylvestre's Gavroche French Red Ale.  The fruity sweetness of this Bière sur Lie (beer on its lees) comes from a special top-fermenting yeast that produces a re-fermentation in the bottle.

Steamed Mussels with Charred Rosemary and Black Garlic

I should like to introduce the next course by mentioning that I typically have little inclination to order mussels.  But oh, those garlic aromas wafting from Chef Seleno's Steamed Mussels with Charred Rosemary and Black Garlic!  Perhaps owing to the dominance of the fermented (black) garlic, I found these mollusks to be exceptionally flavorful.  (I made good use of the crusty bread to finish whatever broth remained.)  Appropriately, they were paired with a German Pilsner that did not attempt to make any powerful statements.  Radeberger, a highly effervescent pale golden lager with a hoppy bitterness, is a very good palate cleanser that could also serve as a fine companion to German Würste.

Executive Chef Bill Seleno's Pièce de Résistance

Our final course, Roasted Suckling Pig with Maple Rum, was the evening's pièce de résistance.  It was tender, succulent, and flavorful—everything I'd expect from a suckling pig.  Any initial concerns over the sweetness of the maple rum were dispelled with my first bite.  As delicious as it was, however, I found that just the lightest sprinkle of salt added the perfect finishing touch.

Roasted Suckling Pig with Maple Rum

What beer to serve with such an exquisite dish?  Something with strong flavors of hops?  Should it be sweet or dry?  The answers appeared in a bottle of Hop Rod Rye from California's Bear Republic.  This hoppy Healdsburg IPA is brewed with 18% rye malt to give it a dry spiciness that is delicious with or without food.  What a marvelous beer with which to finish!

Albert Hall Tavern

508 Ninth Avenue (between 38^th & 39^th Sts),
Hell's Kitchen (Clinton), Manhattan

(646) 490-4803

http://www.alberthalltavern.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Albert-Hall-Tavern

By train:  to 42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal

By bus: M11, M16, M104

* * *

http://www.explorationdining.com/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Exploration-Dining

Boston Wine Expo 2011

The nation's largest trade and consumer wine event took place this weekend at the twentieth annual Boston Wine Expo.  Some 300 international and domestic wineries participated in this year's Grand Tasting.  With more than 1,800 wines to sample, it's possible I missed a couple.

As was the case last year, the 2011 show was more modest than the extravaganzas of the last decade.  Once again, I was surprised and disappointed by the meager French representation.  Tasting tables for Bordeaux, Bourgogne, and Champagne were conspicuously absent, leaving the Loire and Rhône valleys as standard-bearers of the drapeau tricolore.

Featured speakers included Ray Isle (keynote) of Food & Wine; Gloria Maroti Frazee from Wine Spectator; Leslie Sbrocco, award-winning author of "Adventures of a Thirsty Girl;" and others.

Boston Wine Expo

Seaport World Trade Center
200 Seaport Boulevard
Boston, MA   02210-2031  (map)

http://www.WineExpoBoston.com/

Upcoming Wine Events:

Washington, D.C. International Wine & Food Festival
February 10-13, 2011

http://www.WineandFoodDC.com/

New York Wine Expo
February 25-27, 2011

http://www.NewYorkWineExpo.com/

CiderDays in Franklin County, Massachusetts

It's apple season!  Wassail at a weekend getaway to CiderDays in the Franklin County hills of Western Massachusetts.  Celebrating its sixteenth anniversary, this two-day festival includes orchard tours, tastings, workshops, and more.  It's a delightful occasion to sample unfamiliar apple varieties, as well as fresh and hard cider, and other apple products.

Please visit their website for more information and a complete schedule of events.

Franklin County CiderDays

6 & 7 November 2010

http://www.ciderday.org/

(Map & Directions)

Hellmann's Brings Out Bobby Flay and Lori Loughlin

If you're a parent who won't cook because you feel it's too time-consuming or that your children are "picky eaters," listen up.  Hellmann's (yes, the mayonnaise people) developed The Real Food Project to help you prepare quick, simple, and delicious meals for your family.  (Real mayonnaise, real food—get it?)  To spread the word, they've teamed up with celebrity chef Bobby Flay and actress Lori Loughlin to help bring easy recipes and cooking tips to life.

In addition, Hellmann's will donate up to $75,000 to fight childhood hunger through its virtual Sandwich Swap 'n' Share initiative.  For every sandwich you build, as well as for ones you share with friends, Hellmann's will make a donation to Share Our Strength, a national nonprofit organization committed to making sure "no kid in America grows up hungry."  At present, 16.7 million children—roughly one out of four—are at risk of hunger in this country.  As that number continues to rise, every little bit helps.

Bobby Flay and Lori Loughlin

For this event, Bobby Flay prepared three delicious snacks: a Chicken Gyro; Egg Salad, Cheese, and Bacon on Toasted English Muffins with Tomato; and a Mini Fish Taco.  (Because links to the recipes are provided below, my remarks are limited to a few additional salient preparation notes.)

Left to Right: Mini Fish Tacos, Egg Salad on English Muffins, Chicken Gyro

First up, the Chicken Gyro.  Bobby uses Hellmann's Light (made with cage-free eggs) to produce a mayonnaise-infused variant of tzatziki, a Greek yogurt sauce.  After dicing the roasted chicken breast, he grates the fresh garlic, using kosher salt as an abrasive to dissolve the garlic into a paste.  He emphasizes the importance of straining the cucumber thoroughly to avoid excess water.  (View recipe details; view video.)

Chicken Gyro

Next is the Egg Salad, Cheese, and Bacon on Toasted English Muffins with Tomato.  Hard-boiled eggs are, of course, the basis for an egg salad.  For the sake of texture, Flay advises against chopping them too finely.  To further emphasize contrast in texture, he uses chopped turkey bacon for its crunch as well as for its smokiness.  The poultry variant, though not the chef's favorite, is the bacon of choice owing to its health advantages over its porcine cousin.  Celery, the sine qua non of any egg salad, rounds out the texture and flavor.  Finally, he adds cilantro (one of my favorites) as a garnish.  Again, Bobby prefers seasoning with kosher salt for its clean flavor.  (View recipe details.)

Egg Salad, Cheese, and Bacon on Toasted English Muffins with Tomato

Mini fish tacos conclude the offerings.  With Tostitos Scoops! serving as the taco shells, this recipe calls for tuna, although other fish such as salmon, halibut, or snapper may be used instead.  "It's like a fish salad on a tortilla chip," he told Erica Hill that morning on the Early Show on CBS.  (View video.)  Bobby Flay uses diced green onions enthusiastically for what he calls their "fantastic flavor."  He hastens to add that, because of their pungency, "a little goes a long way."  Lime juice, cilantro, tomatoes, and jalapeños deliver additional flavor and heat.  Chef Flay played down any concerns about spicy foods and children: "Don't be afraid of a little heat," he reassured us.  (View recipe details.)

Mini Fish Taco

Finally, I've saved the dessert for you, dear reader.  Hellmann's invites you to spin the Wheel of Real for your chance to win one of hundreds of instant prizes and a shot at a $500 grocery gift card.  (Your email address is required to play.)

By teaming up with Bobby Flay, and making some of his videos and recipes available online, Hellmann's is making real food really accessible.  And by partnering with Share our Strength, they're helping to fight the rising problem of childhood hunger in America.  If their Sandwich Swap 'n' Share proves successful, wouldn't it be nice if Hellmann's would bring out the best by upping the ante?

Relevant links:

http://www.hellmanns.us/
http://strength.org/
http://therealfoodproject.com/
http://www.facebook.com/hellmanns
http://twitter.com/hellmanns

Taste of Times Square

The 17^th annual Taste of Times Square takes place today from 5:00 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. on West 46^th Street (between Broadway and Ninth Avenue) and on Broadway (between 45^th and 47^th Streets).  Over 50 area restaurants offer tastes of their signature dishes representing cuisines from around the globe.  Tickets may be purchased at $1 each and redeemed at the tasting tables.

Please visit the Times Square Alliance website for more details.

http://www.timessquarenyc.org/about_us/events_taste.html

Boston Wine Expo 2010

The nation's largest trade and consumer wine event took place this weekend at the nineteenth annual Boston Wine Expo.  Over 450 international and domestic wineries participated in this year's Grand Tasting.  With more than 1,800 wines to sample, I may have missed one or two.  I was rather surprised to see no representation from the Champagne region on this occasion.  Indeed, France seemed to be underrepresented overall.

Featured speakers included Kevin Zraly (keynote) of Windows on the World Wine School; Gary Vaynerchuk of WineLibraryTV.com; Gloria Maroti Frazee from Wine Spectator; and Leslie Sbrocco, award-winning author of "Adventures of a Thirsty Girl."

Boston Wine Expo

Seaport World Trade Center
200 Seaport Boulevard
Boston, MA   02210-2031  (map)

http://www.WineExpoBoston.com/

* * *

Upcoming Wine Events:

Washington, D.C. International Wine & Food Festival
February 13-14, 2010
http://www.DCWineFestival.com/

New York Wine Expo
February 26-28, 2010
http://www.NewYorkWineExpo.com/

Storm These Bastille Day Comestevents 2009

Liberté, égalité, and fraternité will be celebrated slightly early again in Gotham this year.

Manhattan

On Sunday, 12 July, from 12:00 Noon till 6:00 P.M., everyone is invited to celebrate Bastille Day on 60^th Street, New York's "street fair with French flair."  The three-block fête takes place between Fifth and Lexington Avenues.  Enjoy Gallic delicacies at one of the many pique-nique tables provided.

Bastille Day on 60^th Street

http://www.bastilledaynyc.com/

By train: N,R,W to 5^th Avenue or Lexington Avenue; 4,5,6 to 59^th Street

On Tuesday, 14 July, le quatorze juillet, Cercle Rouge brings Bastille Day festivities to TriBeCa.  From 12:00 Noon till 8:00 P.M., pétanque sand courts, football de table (foosball), and entertainment will fill the block on West Broadway between Beach and White Streets.  Mangez traditional merguez sausages and frites while sipping Lillet, Deutz champagne, or another favorite libation.

Cercle Rouge
241 West Broadway (opposite N Moore St)
(212) 226-6252
http://www.cerclerougeresto.com/

By train: A,C,E to Canal St; 1 to Franklin St

Brooklyn

On Sunday, Smith Street becomes Rue Smith when it hosts Brooklyn's Bastille Day festivities.  Both Bar Tabac and Provence en Boîte will hold all-day celebrations featuring French food, drink, and pétanque tournaments.

Bar Tabac
128 Smith Street (SW corner Dean St)
(718) 923-0918
http://www.bartabacny.com/

Provence en Boîte
263 Smith Street (NE corner Degraw St)
(718) 797-0707
http://www.provenceenboite.com/

By train: F,G to Bergen Street

Comestevents for July 4th Weekend, 2009

If a cookout or picnic is not on your schedule for this Independence Day weekend, you may wish to try one of the following food events:

Saturday, 4 July:

The Great July 4^th Festival

This annual street fair features various ethnic foods as well as games, arts, crafts, apparel, and other merchandise.

Water Street (between Fulton & Broad Streets), Lower Manhattan
10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

(212) 809-4900

http://www.nycstreetfairs.com/

By train: R,W to Whitehall St; 2,3 to Wall St; A,C to Broadway-Nassau
By bus: M1, M6, M9, M15

Other street fairs:

Stone Street Fourth of July Celebration (between Hanover Square & Coenties Alley), Financial District, Mahnattan
12:00 Noon to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

Sixth Avenue Festival (between 14^th & 23^rd Streets), Ladies' Mile, Manhattan
11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

Woodside Festival (between Roosevelt Av & 63^rd St), Woodside Queens
11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

Sunday, 5 July:

Additional street fairs:

USO Avenue of the Americas Summerfest (Sixth Av, between 42^nd & 56^th Streets), Midtown Manhattan
10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

Israeli Civil Rights Lexington Avenue Festival (between 34^th & 42^nd Streets), Murray Hill, Manhattan
11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

Farther afield in the Comestiblogosphere:

Boston's 28^th Annual Chowderfest

Dozens of restaurants compete for the title of Boston's Best Chowder.  Sample and vote for your favorite.

City Hall Plaza, Boston, Massachusetts
11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. (rain or shine)

Admission: $7-$10

(617) 227-1528

http://www.bostonharborfest.com/

Comestevents for June 5-7, 2009

Comestible events this weekend for New York and beyond:

Greek Festival

Enjoy homemade Greek foods and pastries, shop in the agora and flea market, and dance the night away.

Saints Constantine & Helen Cathedral
64 Schermerhorn Street (between Court St & Boerum Pl), Downtown Brooklyn

Friday, 11:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M.
Saturday, 1:00 P.M. to 1:00 A.M.
Sunday, 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

Free.

(718) 624-0595

http://www.stconstantineandhelen.org/

By train: 2,3,4,5 (IRT) to Borough Hall, M,R (BMT) to Court Street
By bus: B41, B61, B63, B75

Gateway to Nations, NYC Native American Heritage Celebration

The largest Native American festival in New York City features three days of Native American singing, dancing, drumming, food, crafts, jewelry, birds of prey, and more.

Floyd Bennett Field
Gateway National Recreation Area
50 Aviation Road, Brooklyn

Friday, 10:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
Saturday & Sunday, 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Donation: $12 Adults; $6 Children/Seniors

(718) 686-0012
(718) 686-9297

http://www.redhawkcouncil.org/

By bus: Q35

86^th Street Bensonhurst Street Festival

Rides, games, food, and entertainment for the whole family.

86^th Street (19^th Av to Bay Pkwy), Bensonhurst, Brooklyn

Sunday, 7:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

(718) 745-3511

By train: D,M to 20 Av
By bus: B1, B6, B82

Farther afield in the Comestiblogosphere:

Schweppes Great Chowder Cook-Off

About two dozen competitors from around the country serve up some 3,000 gallons of chowder as they vie for soup-remacy in Newport, Rhode Island's 29^th annual cook-off.  Taste and vote for best chowdah, as well as for best clam cake.  Over $10,000 in prizes are at stake.

Saturday, 11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.

Admission: $20 (children 12 and under free with an accompanying adult)

http://www.newportwaterfrontevents.com/
http://www.gonewport.com/

Second Annual Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor®

This food fest returns to National Harbor on the Potomac River in our nation's capital.  This event celebrates the use of "local, fresh and responsibly sourced ingredients from both land and sea."  Admission includes tastings of food, wine, beer, and spirits, as well as access to seminars, chef demonstrations, and workshops.  Attendees also receive a souvenir bag and wine glass.

Saturday, 12:00 Noon to 8:00 P.M.
Sunday, 12:00 Noon to 6:00 P.M.

Tickets: $65 (ages 21 and older); $30 (ages 12-20); $15 (ages 6-11)

(443) 716-2800

http://www.foodandwinenh.com/

Northampton Restaurant Week

This weeklong event concludes Sunday, 7 June.  Fifteen Northampton, Massachusetts restaurants strut their stuff with three-course menus at the fixed price of $20.09 (excluding taxes, beverages, and gratuities).

(413) 584-1900

http://www.northamptonrestaurantweek.com/
http://www.explorenorthampton.com/

Eat: WFC Restaurant Showcase

On Thursday, 26 March, sample signature dishes from the World Financial Center's eclectic array of restaurants for $1 to $5.  Choices range "from mini-burgers and pork dumplings to silky gelato and crème brûlée."  Sounds good.

Toward a verdant goal, Brookfield Properties, the event's sponsor, will use biodegradable or compostable trays and flatware.

EAT: World Financial Center Restaurant Showcase

Winter Garden
220 Vesey Street, Lower Manhattan
Thursday, 26 March 2009, 11:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.

(212) 417-7000

http://www.artsworldfinancialcenter.com/cgi-bin/Go.cgi?q_id=842

By train: 2,3 (IRT) to Park Place; A,C,E (IND) to Chambers Street; PATH to World Trade Center

By bus: M20, M22, Downtown Connection

Champagne Taste on a Tap Water Budget

Indulge your champagne taste at one or more of these free bubbly tastings:

Friday, 26 December:

Nicolas Feuillatte tasting at Long's

Nicolas Feuillatte represents, in my opinion, one of France's best Champagne values.  Sample the Brut (40% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay; 40% Pinot Meunier), the Brut Rosé (60% Pinot Noir; 10% Chardonnay; 30% Pinot Meunier.  One of my favorites!), and the Cuvée Palme d'Or Brut 1998 (50% Chardonnay; 50% Pinot Noir).

Long's Wines & Liquors

7917 5^th Avenue (between 79^th & 80^th Sts), Bay Ridge, Brooklyn
5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  Free.

(718) 748-6505

http://www.longswines.com/

By train: R to 77^th Street
By bus: B63

Kluge Estate tasting at Zachys

Try a couple of sparkling wines from Virginia!  The tasting will feature two, 2004-vintage selections from Kluge Estate: the SP Sparkling Rosé (89% Chardonnay; 11% Pinot Noir) and the SP Blanc de Blancs (100% Chardonnay).  Situated near Charlottesville, on the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Patricia Kluge's vineyards are just a short distance from America's viticultural roots at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello.  Incidentally, Patricia is the former wife of Metromedia's (remember when Channel 5 was WNEW-TV?) founder, John Kluge.

Zachys™ Wine and Liquor

16 East Parkway
Scarsdale, N.Y. 10583-4109
4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  Free.

(800) 723-0241

http://www.zachys.com/

By train: Metro-North Harlem Line to Scarsdale

Saturday, 27 December:

Uncorking #1

This is the sort of tasting I've come to expect from Zachys.  It features the Champagnes of Veuve Cliquot, Charles Ellner, Godmé, Moët & Chandon, and Ruinart.

Zachys™ Wine and Liquor
12 Noon to 4:00 P.M.  Free.

Sunday, 28 December:


Uncorking #2

Another fine tasting in Scarsdale.  This one showcases champagnes from the houses of Bollinger and Taittinger.

Zachys™ Wine and Liquor
1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.  Free.

Tuesday, 30 December:


Grower Sparklers

Five sparkling alternatives to Champagne will be poured.

The Greene Grape

765 Fulton Street (between S Portland Av & S Oxford St), Fort Greene, Brooklyn
5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  Free.

(718) 797-9463

By train: C to Lafayette Av; G to Fulton St
By bus: B25, B26, B52

http://brooklyn.greenegrape.com/

Ayala Tasting

The Champagnes of Ayala were reintroduced into the United States market after an extended absence.  This tasting will feature: Ayala Brut Majeur NV (35% Chardonnay; 45% Pinot Noir; 20% Pinot Meunier), Rosé Majeur NV (51% Chardonnay; 30% Pinot Noir; 10% Pinot Meunier; 9% still red wine from Mareuilsur-Aÿ (Pinot Noir from old vines)), Blanc de Blancs 2000 (100% Grand Cru Chardonnay)

Columbus Circle Wines & Spirits

1802 Broadway (between 58^th & 59^th Sts), Midtown Manhattan
5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.  Free.

(212) 247-0764

http://www.columbuscirclewine.com/

By train: 1 (IRT), A,B,C,D (IND) to 59 St-Columbus Circle
By bus: M5, M7, M10, M20, M104

Wednesday, 31 December:


Bis!  Bis!

A couple of the foregoing tastings will be repeated on New Year's Eve.  Columbus Circle Wines & Spirits presents an encore of its Ayala tasting from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.; Long's Wine & Liquors in Brooklyn reprises its Nicolas Feuillatte tasting from 5:00 P.M. till 8:00 P.M.  Both tastings are free.

Cheers!

Light or Dark? White or Red?

Still searching for the right wines to accompany your Thanksgiving feast?  Perhaps Bottlerocket Wines' Thanksgiving Workshop can help.  Ten wines—"from Champagne to Zinfandel, Riesling to Sauternes"—will be paired with tastes of City Bakery's roasted turkey and trimmings, vegetable side dishes, and even dessert.  Enjoy!

Bottlerocket Wine & Spirit

5 West 19^th Street (near Fifth Av), Manhattan

Saturday, 15 November 2008, 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Free.

(212) 929-2323

http://www.bottlerocketwine.com/

By train:  4,5,6 (IRT),L,N,Q,R,W (BMT) to 14^th St-Union Square
By bus: M1, M2, M3, M5, M6, M7

Comestevents at Pier 94: November 7-9, 2008

Prepare for sensational tastings today through Sunday at Manhattan's Pier 94.

11th Annual Chocolate Show

Chocoholics unite at this sweet event that showcases the wares of more than 50 exhibitors.  Highlights include tastings, chocolate art, and over 50 culinary demonstrations by pastry masters, as well as numerous other activities.

Tickets ($28 for adults; free for up to 2 children ages 5-12; free for all children under 5) are available online, by phone, or, by cash or check, at the door.

(212) 307-7171

http://www.chocolateshow.com/

Tastings NYC

Sample a wide range of comestibles from some of New York's top restaurants and catering companies in the 75,000-square-foot Tasting Pavilion.  Be sure to try the various cheeses, wines, and spirits.

Tickets:  $75; $80 combined with Chocolate Show; $95 early access; free for children under 12.

(212) 888-4646

http://www.tastingsnewyorkcity.com/

Hours for both events:

Friday & Saturday (7 & 8 November): 10:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.
Sunday (9 November): 10:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

Pier 94

755 Twelfth Avenue (West 55^th St), Midtown Manhattan

By train:  1 (IRT),A,C,E,B,D (IND) to 59 St-Columbus Circle
By bus:  M31

Comestevents for October 10-12, 2008

Consider celebrating the season at one or more of the following comestible-related events:

Friday, 10 October:

Food Network New York City Wine & Food Festival

It's practically impossible to have escaped the ubiquitous promotion of Food & Wine magazine's Wine & Food Festival over the past several weeks.   Begun six years ago in South Beach, Miami, this comestible extravaganza makes its New York debut this weekend.  It features numerous food celebrities as well as various tastings, talks, walking tours, readings, book signings, and more.

The festival takes place primarily in the Meatpacking District of Manhattan.

9-12 October.  Check ticket prices and availability.

(866) 969-2933

http://www.nycwineandfoodfestival.com/

The Big Brooklyn Pig Roast and Harvest Hoedown

This is the first annual porcine roast in Brooklyn's version of Venice:  The Yard.  The main event involves a pit-roasted, 200-pound heritage hog, a variety of salsas, corn two ways, fresh greens, rice and beans.

The Yard
388-400 Carroll Street, Gowanus, Brooklyn
6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.  Tickets:  $32 in advance; $40 at the door.  Cash bar.

http://brooklynbased.net/everything/the-big-brooklyn-pig-roast

By train: F,G to Carroll Street; M,R to Union Street
By bus: B71

Saturday, 11 October:

The Gowanus Harvest Festival

Partake of the cornucopia of Kings—County, that is—at The Yard on the banks of the Gowanus Canal.  Last year, more than a thousand people came for the "farm fresh food, live music, local vendors, pumpkin carving contests, pony rides, delicious brews and other triumphs of sustainable urban living."

The Yard
388-400 Carroll Street, Gowanus, Brooklyn
11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.  Tickets:  $12; free for children under 5.

By train: F,G to Carroll Street; M,R to Union Street
By bus: B71

Street Fairs:

Eighth Avenue Autumn Festival (from 42^nd to 57^th Streets), Manhattan

Third Avenue Bronx Fall Festival (from 149^th to 156^th Streets), Melrose, Bronx

West 4^th Street Festival (from Sixth Avenue to University Place), West Village, Manhattan

Sunday, 12 October:

Famous Famiglia World Pizza Eating Championship

Major League Eating is awarding a total of $14,000 in prizes at its inaugural world pizza-gorging competition.

Military Island, Times Square (43^rd St & Seventh Av), Manhattan
10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.

http://www.majorleagueeating.com/

By train: 1,2,3,7 (IRT),N,Q,R,W (BMT) to Times Sq-42^nd St
By bus: M10, M20, M27, M104

Cheese Tasting at Food Emporium

Sample cheeses from The Cheese Embassador's American Artisanal and Mediterranean collections at Food Emporium.

1331 First Avenue (near 71^st St), East Side, Manhattan
12 Noon to 4:00 P.M.  Free.

2415 Broadway (near 90^th St), Upper West Side, Manhattan
4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.  Free.

Street Fairs:

Amsterdam Avenue Fall Fair (from 76^th to 86^th Streets), Upper West Side, Manhattan

Court Street Fair (from Joralemon Street to Atlantic Avenue), Brooklyn
10:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M.

Comestevents for October 4-5, 2008

Saturday, 4 October:

Union Square Autumn Fair

Over 200 merchants, including food vendors, offer their wares along Park Avenue South, from Union Square to 23^rd Street.

Park Avenue South (from 17^th to 23^rd Streets), Manhattan
11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

(212) 809-4900

By train: 6 to 23^rd St;  4,5 (IRT),N,Q,R,W (BMT) to 14^th St-Union Sq
By bus: M1, M2, M3

Cranberry Festival

If you prefer a smaller fair with an old-fashioned neighborhood spirit, this one will suit your taste.  Situated at the western end of Cranberry Street—near The Promenade—this annual festival features food, drink, fun, and games.  Some of the featured attractions include a flea market, book sale, flower sale, apple dunking, pumpkin painting, and live jazz.  Enter the raffle to win a dinner or some other prize.  Moonstruck fans will especially enjoy this venue.

Cranberry Street (between Hicks St & Columbia Heights), Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn
11:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.  Free.

By train: A,C to High Street; 2,3 to Clark Street
By bus: B25 to Cranberry Street;
From Manhattan: B51 to Cadman Plaza

Sunday, 5 October:

NYC Oktoberfest

More than 500 vendors help to celebrate the 1810 marriage of Prince Ludwig (later crowned King Ludwig I) of Bavaria to Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.  One needn't be Bavarian or German to partake in the fun.

Lexington Avenue (from 42^nd to 57^th Streets), Manhattan
11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

(212) 809-4900

By train: 4,5,6 to Grand Central-42^nd St; E,V to Lexington Av/53 St

Deepavali

Also called Diwali, this annual Hindu Festival of Lights commemorates the return of Rama after his 14-year exile.  New York's second-largest Indian-themed event features regional delicacies, as well as arts, crafts, and dance.  After sunset, fireworks at Pier 16 will light up the sky over the East River.

South Street Seaport, Lower Manhattan

12:00 Noon to 8:00 P.M.  Free.

(917) 301-9333

By train: 2,3 to Fulton St; A,C to Broadway-Nassau
By bus: M9, M15

Comestevents for September 14, 2008

Sunday has a lot of late-summer, food-related activities from which to choose.  Below is a sample:

Sunset Park Fifth Avenue Street Festival

Celebrate the Latin flavor of this diverse community.  Taste food from Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, and other countries during this annual 15-block festival.  Nostalgia buffs will enjoy seeing the Transit Authority's vintage Jackie Gleason bus.

Fifth Avenue (from 44^th to 59^th Sts), Sunset Park, Brooklyn

10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

(718) 439-7767

http://www.sunsetparkbid.org/

By train: R to 45^th St; N to 59^th Street
By bus: B63

Flatbush Frolic

This is the 31^st annual Country Fair with a Cortelyou Flair.  Lots of food, emphasizing local restaurants.

Cortelyou Road (between Ocean & Coney Island Avs), Ditmas Park, Brooklyn

11:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

(718) 859-3800

http://www.flatbushfrolic.org/

By train: Q to Cortelyou Road
By bus: B23

Eighth Annual NYC International  Pickle Day

Pucker up and challenge yourself to a "brined tasting" of pickles from around the world, "because it's all about the pickles … and you."

Orchard Street (between Grand & Broome Sts), Lower East Side, Manhattan

11:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.  Free.

(212) 966-0191

http://www.nyfoodmuseum.org/_phome.htm

By train: F to Delancey Street or J,M,Z to Essex Street
By bus: M9, M14A, M15

81^st Annual Feast of San Gennaro

A big celebration in Little Italy.  Does it even need an introduction?

Mulberry Street (between Canal & Houston Sts), Little Italy, Manhattan

September 11-21; times vary.  Free.

http://www.sangennaro.org/

By train: 6 (IRT),N,Q,R,W,J,M,Z (BMT) to Canal Street; B,D,F,V to Houston Street

Veg out Upstate

The second annual New York Capital Region Vegetarian Expo takes place this Saturday, 13 September.  Its purpose is to promote the benefits of green sustainable living, healthy lifestyles, and animal advocacy.  There will be food demonstrations by chefs Kelly Serbonich and Phil Smith.

10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.  Free admission, parking, and samples.

NY's Capital Region Vegetarian Expo

Saratoga Springs City Center
522 Broadway Street
Saratoga Springs, NY  12866

(518) 686-7486

http://www.nyvegetarianexpo.org/

A Brazilian Reason(s) to Celebrate

Celebrate Brazil this weekend.

A Lavagem da Rua 46

Making its debut this year is A Lavagem da Rua 46 ("The Cleansing of 46^th Street"), the pre-Brazilian Day event taking place today and continuing through the festivities tomorrow.  (Perhaps today's rain will aid in the cleansing process.)  Listen to performances by Afro-Cuban and Brazilian musicians while browsing authentic arts and crafts, watching artisans exhibit their craftsmanship, or sampling food representative of northeastern Brazil (moquecas, acarajes, abaras, and vatapa).

West 46^th Street (between Sixth & Madison Avs), Manhattan

Saturday & Sunday (30 & 31 August).
10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

(212) 398-6464
(917) 528-8151

http://www.lavagemdarua46ny.com/

Brazilian Day in New York

This annual event celebrates Brazil's Independence Day, 7 September 1822.  Since 1984, Brazilian Day has drawn increasingly large crowds (1.5 million last year) to the blocks surrounding New York's Little Brazil.  It promises to be a huge party with lots of food.  Have a Rio good time!

Sixth Avenue (between 42^nd & 56^th Sts) and West 46^th Street (between Seventh & Madison Avs), Manhattan

Sunday, 31 August.
10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

(212) 382-1631

http://www.brazilianday.com/english/home.html

By train:  B,D,F,V to 47-50^th Sts-Rockefeller Ctr

Comestevents for August 24, 2008

Sunday promises to be a beautiful day for kebab or barbecue.  How about both?  Kebabecue?

New York Turkish Festival

A celebration of Turkish culture in Central Park:  arts, crafts, books, music, folk dances, and, of course, food.

Central Park (Fifth Av &  97^th St), Manhattan

10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.  Free.

(212) 696-1060

http://www.nyturkishfestival.org/

By train: 6 to 96^th Street
By bus: M1, M2, M3, M4, M96, M106

Blues BBQ Festival

Enjoy barbecue from local eateries such as Brother Jimmy's BBQ, Dallas Jones Bar·B·Q, Dinosaur Bar B Que, and Mara's Homemade while listening to the blues at the ninth annual Blues BBQ festival by the Hudson.

Pier 54 (West 13^th & West Sts), Gansevoort Market, Manhattan
2:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.  Free.

(212) 627-2020

http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/events.asp

By train: A,C,E (IND) to 14^th St; L (BMT) to 8^th Av
By bus: M11, M14D

Storm These Bastille Day Events

Liberté, Égalité, and Fraternité will be celebrated slightly early in Gotham this year.

Manhattan

On Sunday, 13 July, from 12:00 Noon till 6:00 P.M., everyone is invited to celebrate Bastille Day on 60^th Street, New York's "street fair with French flair."  The three-block fête takes place between Fifth and Lexington Avenues.  Enjoy Gallic delicacies at one of the many "picnic tables" provided.

http://www.bastilledaynyc.com/

By train: N,R,W to 5^th Avenue or Lexington Avenue; 4,5,6 to 59^th Street

Brooklyn

On Sunday, Smith Street becomes Rue Smith when it hosts Brooklyn's Bastille Day festivities.  Both Bar Tabac and Provence en Boîte will hold all-day celebrations featuring French food and Pétanque tournaments.

Bar Tabac
128 Smith Street (SW corner Dean St)
(718) 923-0918
http://www.bartabacny.com/

Provence en Boîte
263 Smith Street (NE corner Degraw St)
(718) 797-0707
http://www.provenceenboite.com/

By train: F,G to Bergen Street

The Arabian Days

Today marks the beginning of Arab-American Heritage Week.  What better time to celebrate the heritage and sample the food of this rich culture?

On Saturday, 12 July, from 10:00 A.M. till 7:00 P.M., the 6^th Annual Arab-American and 10^th Annual North-African Cultural Street Festival takes place on Bond Street, between Lafayette and Broadway, Manhattan.  Some of the Middle Eastern food vendors will include Agilas on Wheels, Al Basha, and SIDO Falafel.  This event will be held rain or shine.  For more information, call (212) 592-4052.

By train: 6 to Bleecker Street
By bus: Downtown: M1, M5, M6; Uptown: M1

On Sunday, 13 July, from 12:00 Noon till 7:00 P.M., the 2^nd Annual Bay Ridge Arab American Bazaar will be held at Shore Road Park, 79^th Street and Shore Road, Brooklyn.  This is yet another good occasion to sample traditional Arab food as well as homemade Middle Eastern ice cream.

By train: R to 77^th Street
By bus: B4

http://www.arabheritagenyc.net/

Comestevents for July 4, 2008

If a cookout or picnic is not on your schedule for this Independence Day, you may wish to try one of the following big food events:

The Great July 4^th Festival

This annual street fair features various ethnic foods as well as games, arts, crafts, apparel, and other merchandise.

Water Street (between Fulton & Broad Sts), Lower Manhattan
10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.  Free.

(212) 809-4900

http://www.nycstreetfairs.com/sched.html

By train: R,W to Whitehall St; 2,3 to Wall St; A,C to Broadway-Nassau
By bus: M1, M6, M9, M15

Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Contest: The Rematch II

This annual event has taken place for 92 years, since the days of Nathan Handwerker.  "This time it's personal," if you choose to believe the hype.  Last year, Joey Chestnut of San Jose, California defeated six-time champion Takeru Kobayashi while setting a world record by consuming 66 Nathan's franks and buns in just 12 minutes.  Go in person or watch the competition on ESPN (12:00 Noon).  Free.

Nathan's Famous

1310 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn

(718) 946-2202

http://thenathansrematch.com/

By train: D,F,N,Q to Coney Island-Stillwell Av
By bus: B36, B64, B68, B74, B82

A Visit to Lake Wobegon in the Berkshires

Owing to a tight schedule yesterday, we hadn’t time for Café Bœuf or even the Chatterbox Café.  Instead, we picked up some Powdermilk biscuits, catchup, and Beboparebop Rhubarb Pie at Ralph’s Pretty Good Grocery, and enjoyed them under the Koussevitzky Music Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Massachusetts.  Here are some of the pictures:

Fred Newman, Tim Russell, Sue Scott, Garrison Keillor

Fred Newman, Tim Russell, Sue Scott

Garrison Keillor

Inga Swearingen and Garrison Keillor

Rich Dworsky and Garrison Keillor

Have a Swede Solstice

Scandinavians know a thing or two about celebrating the summer solstice.  This Friday, 20 June, you can join the celebration of this year’s longest day at the annual Swedish Midsummer Festival in Lower Manhattan's Battery Park City from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

Try some traditional delicacies from some of New York's best Swedish restaurants.  Then dance away the calories to the traditional fiddle music of Paul Dahlin and friends.  Children of all ages can enjoy decorating the maypole, making summer wreaths, playing games, or watching a parade.

Swedish Midsummer Festival

Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park
Battery Park City, Lower Manhattan

http://www.nycmidsummer.com/

By train: 1 to Rector St; 4,5 to Bowling Green
By bus: M9, M20

The Downtown Food Chase

Last Wednesday at Chase Plaza, the Downtown Alliance held its tenth annual Dine Around Downtown™, a gathering of 50 eateries from Lower Manhattan.  These ranged from the old standbys like bar food from Jim Brady's to extravagant venues such as Bouley.  For $3 to $6, one could sample one of a restaurant's signature menu items and enjoy it in true Wall Street fashion—standing or walking about.

The selections come with the territory.  How does Danube's Salmon in Watercress Sauce sound?  Perhaps you'd prefer Harry's Oysters on the Half Shell or Smörgås Chef's Aquavit-cured Gravlax.  Or do you favor Ancora Ristorante’s Kobe Beef Ravioli or Stone Street Tavern's Lobster Mac and Cheese?  The list went on and on.  Me, I favored them all, but alas, so much food, so little capacity.

My instincts led me to the longest lines.  I decided to try Delmonico's Steak Sandwich first.  The $6 price seemed reasonable for a deliciously simple combo of tender beef on a fresh hero roll.  The meat was seasoned sufficiently to obviate the need for additional salt or pepper.  I was still hungry, however.

After all the recent press reports, I couldn't resist sauntering over to the adjacent booth to try Wall Street Burger Shoppe's Char-grilled Angus Beef Cheeseburger. 

The delicious $4 sample seemed like a relative bargain when compared with their much-hyped $175 Kobe Beef Burger.  That's right, for less than two C-notes, one can enjoy a Wagyu beef burger with foie gras, aged Gruyère, shaved black truffles, golden truffle mayo, all dusted in gold leaf.  It's available after 4:00 P.M. in the bar room only.

But does Wall Street Burger Shoppe sell a lot of these tony burgers?  "Well, ever since the press, it's kinda been like crazy," explains co-owner Heather Tierney.   The motivation?  "It’s kind of a promotion we did with Pocket Change which covers the most expensive things in New York.  And they asked us to create the burger," says Heather.  One of these days, when my wallet becomes overweight, I might give it a try.  Maybe.

Alas, I hadn't saved room for dessert.  Not that there wasn't a lot of temptation, however.  So many sweets, such as Financier Patisserie's Baba au Rhum and The Grill Room’s Vanilla Bean Crème Brûlée, beckoned.  Next time?  Most definitely!

A Week to Pickle Your Fancy

If you're in a somewhat sour mood, this is your week.  That's right, it's International Pickle Week!

Were you aware that the cucumber was the first vegetable ever pickled?  Or that Americans consume more than five million pounds of pickles annually?  Or that Julius Caesar, Tiberius, King John, Queen Elizabeth I, Samuel Pepys, Amerigo Vespucci, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Napoleon Bonaparte all were pickle lovers?  These and other interesting pickled tidbits come from the pages of the Lower East Side Tenement Museum and The Pickle Guys.

Speaking of the Lower East Side, if you happen to be in the neighborhood, you may wish to visit Guss' Pickles and The Pickle Guys. 

Though plastic barrels have long since supplanted wooden ones, it's still possible to have a taste of Old New York that ranges from new to full-sour.  Challenge yourself to a "brined tasting" to determine your favorite.

International Pickle Week

http://www.pickleweek.com/

Guss' Pickles

85 Orchard Street (bet. Broome & Grand Sts), Lower East Side, Manhattan

(212) 334-3616

The Pickle Guys

49 Essex Street (bet. Grand & Hester Sts), Lower East Side, Manhattan

(212) 656-9739 or (888) 4-PICKLE

http://thepickleguys.com/

By train: F (IND) to Delancey St; J,M,Z (BMT) to Essex St
By bus: M9, M14A, M15

Greece is the Way We are Feeling

The Hermes Expo held a Greek food and wine tasting at the Park Lane this past Thursday to kick off this weekend's Greek-and-American Business Exhibition at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City.

 

Here are some of the highlights from Thursday.

Tantalizing Greek treats abounded.

 

A wide selection of Greek wines including these from Nestor Imports.

 

And others.

 

Olive for this stuff.

 

Goodies from mastihashop.

 

Oh honey!  Some great stuff from Demeter’s Pantry.

 

I didn’t save room for it, but had dessert anyway.  Excellent sweets from Artópolis in Astoria, Queens.

 

The high-tech coffee maker produced rather muddy output.