Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1) Bistro du Midi’s Executive Chef Robert Sisca and his team announce the debut of Chef’s Table 100, the latest addition to their upstairs dining room. Chef’s Table 100 offers exclusive open views of the Bistro du Midi kitchen and is an intimate culinary adventure. Guests can now experience off menu dishes and techniques of modern Provençal cuisine. “I am delighted to unveil Chef’s Table 100 for guests of Bistro du Midi,” says Executive Chef/Partner Robert Sisca. “This new addition to our dining room allows me to interact with guests in a more intimate setting while presenting tasting menus comprised of new techniques and modern Provençal ingredient-driven creations.”

Chef’s Table 100 features both five and seven course tasting menus that are curated to satisfy the most discerning gastronome. The tasting menus showcase Chef Robert Sisca’s latest culinary muses. The Tour de Cinq is the five course tasting menu, priced at $85 per person. The Tour de Sept is the seven course tasting menu which includes additional courses of fresh pasta and foie gras, priced at $115 per person. More adventurous gourmands can elect to add additional courses such as a cheese selection ($15/person) and seasonal freshly shaved truffles ($50/person). The Tour de Cinq and Tour de Sept tasting menus allow guests to experience menu items not yet available on the regular Bistro du Midi menu, and those which utilize techniques that Chef Robert Sisca has most recently perfected such as smoked Beau Soleil oysters, grilled Spanish octopus with eggplant caviar, and lobster and corn chowder cappuccino.

Chef Robert Sisca can also craft a menu to accommodate the dietary requirements and allergies of his guests. Additionally, Head Sommelier Todd Lipman plays an integral role in the Chef’s Table 100 adventure as he tailors the beverage experience closely with the desires of his guests. Chef Robert Sisca also provides guests with personalized take home menus to commemorate their time at Chef’s Table 100. Reservations at Chef’s Table 100 are available nightly and can accommodate two to four guests by reservation only.

For reservations, please call 617-426-7878.

2) Beverage Manager John Mayer and the staff from Local 149 kick off their annual Tiki Week on Monday, August 19 to Sunday, August 25. Local 149 invites guests to celebrate the warm weather with a tropical experience accompanied by lively entertainment, karaoke, trivia, Polynesian dishes, umbrella drinks and tiki torches. Throughout the week, guests can sip on lively libations such as: My oh Mai-Tai, Singapore Sling, Painkiller and Dave’s Doctor Funk. To accompany the tropical drinks, Local 149 will be offering additional themed items like Malaysian Wings, Crab Avocado Salad, Coconut Panna Cotta and Hawaiian Pizza with Banana Peppers.

Below is a listing of the specialty dishes Local 149 will showcase for each day of the week:
Monday: Lamb Burger with Grilled Pineapple
Tuesday: Tuna Poke with Macadamia Nuts (addition)
Wednesday: Spam Porchetta
Thursday: Spam Wellington with Maraschino Cherry Stuffing
Friday: Tiki Tacos
Saturday: Hawaiian Gnocchi
Sunday: Pig Roast

Reservations can be made by calling the restaurant directly at 617-269-0900.

3) On September 10, from 6pm-9:30pm, the East Broadway Foodie Crawl will open the doors of fifteen local establishments in Somerville to allow ticket holders to taste their way through the East Broadway Business District. The District has restaurants from Vinny’s Restaurant, a Sicilian mecca, to Fasika Ethiopian, for authentic Ethiopian.

East Somerville Main Streets led 1,000 people on this cultural crawl last year – and this year promises to be even better with not only tasty bites but entertainment along the way. The 2013 crawl will include performances by professional magician Matias Legier, on site caricatures from Alejandro Yegros, and free local restaurant guides from Shape Up Somerville. And the event has a mission to boot. East Somerville Main Streets is committed to building a safe, sustainable and prosperous multicultural community by developing a vibrant business district at the neighborhood’s heart – all proceeds from the event will forward this goal.

Topping off this tasty affair are three after parties with local desserts and live music. Other local businesses including local Mezzo Design Lofts, Assembly Row and the Holiday Inn will be on site as well. Crawlers can check out Assembly Row’s portable “MBTA car,” which marks the addition of an orange line T stop to the area, and tastes from the Holiday Inn’s new DRAFT restaurant.

Tickets for the Foodie Crawl are on sale now here. You can buy them for $20 online and $25 at the door if there are still tickets.

4) On Saturday, August 31, from 1pm-5pm, the Wine Connextion invites everyone to celebrate a Summer End Bash, sipping on warm-weather wines while snacking on pulled pork BBQ sandwiches. Guests will be able to taste a selection of wines that will not only compliment a variety of budgets but are sure to please a range of palates. As always, the Wine ConneXtion’s weekly tastings are complimentary.

5) 29 Sudbury, located west of Boston, is now open! A collaboration between Greg Hill and Evan Deluty, 29 Sudbury serves Chef Deluty’s award-winning modern American cuisine with Italian influences (think: fresh pastas, coal-fired pizzas, and an all-local raw bar) in a bi-level space that blends modern finishes with historical elements in a style dubbed “funky colonial.”

“Having been a lifelong resident of Stow, it’s always been my dream to open a restaurant nearby that perfectly replicates the Boston dining experience – but without the hassle of driving into the city,” says Managing Partner Greg Hill. “From Evan’s menu, to the craft cocktail program, local beer selection, unparalleled wine list, and sophisticated, yet casual design of the space, we’ve done just that.”

Executive Chef Evan Deluty, chef/owner of Stella, infuses his modern American menu of appetizers, salads, coal-fired pizza, and entrees with Italian flavors and preparations. In addition to a raw bar featuring all local seafood, crustaceans, and mollusks, the menu at 29 Sudbury includes the following sampling of dishes:
· Crispy Fried Artichoke Hearts with Country Mustard Remoulade
· Lemon Arancini with Spicy Tomato · Local Sausage Pizza with Banana Peppers and Fresh Mozzarella
· Rigatoni Bolognese with Reggiano (a Stella staple)
· Linguine, Asparagus Cream, Poached Egg, Truffle, Thyme
· Pork Milanese with Pomodoro, Buffalo Mozzarella, and Basil Oil
· Swordfish “Siciliano” with Capers, Red Onion, and Roasted Potato

Deluty says. “We’re excited to work with local producers like Erickson’s Dairy in Maynard, who are producing tiramisu ice crean exclusively for 29 Sudbury’s dessert menu.”

29 Sudbury’s beverage program looks to local, handmade ingredients and producers. Classic cocktails like the Moscow Mule served in a copper mug are offered alongside signature creations like the Blueberry Collins (Cold River Blueberry Organic Vodka from Maine, fresh lemon, soda) and the 29 International (Elderflower Liqueur, Aperol, Prosecco). The wine list, which includes bottles from both Old and New Worlds, features more than 25 varietals by the glass and more than 100 by the bottle. The beer selection offers domestic and imported bottles, drafts, cans, and large-format bottles.

29 Sudbury is now open for dinner and drinks daily, 4pm-1am. Lunch and weekend brunch to begin this fall.

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Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1)  51 Lincoln Owner Jeff Fournier and Chef de Cuisine Nate Gibson present Raw August, a month-long celebration of internationally influenced raw cuisine, featuring vegetables from 51 Lincoln’s own rooftop garden and proteins in their purest form.

During the month of August, Jeff Fournier and Nate Gibson will prepare dishes that are globally influenced, yet locally sourced. These carefully prepared dishes will not only delight your palate, but also provide you with a love of proteins in their natural state. Served with complimentary wine pairings, these dishes provide the perfect finishing touch to summer. Below are sample menu items for Raw August:

Wagu Steak Tartare with Red Onion, Capers, Truffle Dijon Dressing
Onset Oysters on the Halfshell, Pickled Ramp Mignonette, Peach Gastrique, Fresno Chili, Chervil
Colorado Lamb Kibbe, White Onion, Parsley, Kalamata Olive Vinaigrette, Naan Bread
Scallop and Mango Poke, Poi and Taro Root Chips, Radish Slaw
Cold Smoked Sail Island Salmon Tartare, House Baked Fennel Bread, Soft Boiled Farm Egg, Fennel Fronds, Pickled Mustard Seed Vinaigrette
Duo of Tartares: Yellow Fin Tuna & Fresh Blueberries, Red Onion, Lemon, Cilantro, Blueberry Aioli
Rhode Island Fluke Ceviche, Jalapeño, Lime, Cilantro, Pineapple, Avocado Espuma
Faroe Island Salmon Carpaccio, Crispy Green Bean Frites, Brandy Cream sauce

When: August 1-31 (Tuesdays through Saturdays, starting at 5:00pm)

2) From Sunday, September 8 to Sunday, September 15, restaurants and wine shops located north of Boston will join together to hold the third annual North of Boston Wine Week (NOBOWW). Sponsored by Merrimack Valley Magazine, in conjunction with NECN’s “TV Diner,” M.S. Walker, Horizon Beverage Company and Cape Ann Foodie Tours, North of Boston Wine Week will celebrate the towns north of Boston as a premier destination for fine wine and food. Throughout the week, the area’s finest businesses will highlight their wine selections with various events and great deals including everything from specially crafted wine tastings, wine dinners, wine flights, pairings, special events and more. For the complete calendar listing of events visit www.NorthOfBostonWineWeek.com.

North of Boston Wine Week will kick-off with a complimentary inaugural event at the Wine ConneXtion, located in North Andover, on Saturday, September 7, from 1pm-5pm, during an exclusive, free wine tasting event featuring cuisine from several participating venue’s chefs.

Buy local, drink global and join North of Boston as a vibrant food and wine community and support local businesses including: 50 Warren Restaurant, 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar, Adriatic Restaurant and Bar, Alchemy Bistro, Andiamo Restaurant + Bar, Angelina’s Italian Restaurant and Pizzeria, Blue Stove at Nordstrom, Burton’s Grill, Busa Wine & Spirits, Café Escadrille, Centro, China Blossom, Emerson By The Sea, Evviva Cucina, The Grapevine, Hanover Street Chophouse, Joseph's Trattoria, Laurie's 9:09 Gastro-Diner, Luna Rossa Ristorante, Michael's Harborside, Nathanial's at the Hawthorne Hotel, On The Bone, Oregano Pizzeria, Orzo Trattoria, Phat Cat Bistro, Ristorante Olivio, Salvatore's Restaurants, Smolak Farms, Stonehedge Inn & Spa, Ten Center Street, Tryst Restaurant, Tuscan Kitchen, Tuscan Market, Waterside Grille, and the Wine ConneXtion.

3) Executive Chef/Owner Paul Turano of Tryst Restaurant in Arlington, MA (and the soon to open “Cook” restaurant in Newton), has been nominated by Governor Deval Patrick to represent the state of Massachusetts at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off in New Orleans, Louisiana on August 3. The Great American Seafood Cook-Off is one of the nation’s most prestigious seafood competitions showcasing domestic, sustainable seafood featuring acclaimed chefs from across the country. Chefs are asked to create unique dishes and flavor combinations with domestic seafood that is native to their home states and representative of their region. Hosted in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the most renowned cities for all things gourmet, the event is sponsored by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and presented by the Louisiana Seafood Promotion & Marketing Board.

“It’s such an honor to represent Massachusetts in this competition,” said Chef Paul Turano. This will be the first time Massachusetts is represented at the Great American Seafood Cook-Off. The Great American Seafood Cook-Off takes place at the Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, in Hall J, alongside the Louisiana Restaurant Association Food Service Expo on August 3.

4) On Sunday, July 28, at 6pm, Chef Paul Turano of Tryst Restaurant in Arlington is collaborating with New England’s very own root beer company, Tower Root Beer, for the third annual Root Beer Dinner, celebrating Tower’s 99-year-old classic soda recipe.

Founded in Somerville, MA, in 1914, Tower Root Beer evolved from a tonic company into a specialized root beer company. During the Prohibition of the 1920’s when root beer became the substitute for beer that was no longer available, their pharmacist- perfected recipe contributed to Tower’s early success and allowed them to withstand the stock market crash of 1929, even when the bank that held their working capital could not. Spanning New England, Tower Root Beer grew into a well-known business before an unsuccessful merger and competition from the two major soda conglomerates forced them off the market. For the past 30 years, Tower’s recipe has sat under lock and key, before a third generation of the family decided to reestablish the family business after finding their grandfather's handwritten recipe.

Tryst Restaurant is celebrating the return of the timeless drink with a classic three course, $34 prix fixe dinner ($14 for optional cocktail pairing) by Chef Paul Turano featuring root beer inspired dishes and innovative cocktails inspired by the sweet treat. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Tryst at 781-641-2227.

And here is a special Recipe from Chef Turano for Root Beer Braised Short Ribs

Ingredients:
3 lbs Boneless Beef Short Ribs (about 1 1/2" thick with good marbling)
1 ea yellow onion, rough chopped
1 ea carrot, rough chopped
2 ea celery stalks, rough chopped
3 ea garlic cloves, rough chopped
3 Tbls tomato paste
4 ea fresh thyme sprigs
1 ea bay leaf
½ bottle dark beer
½ bottle Tower Root Beer
3 cups chicken stock
3 Tbls balsamic vinegar
flour, as needed
salt and pepper
canola oil, as needed

Directions:
Season short ribs with salt and pepper, dredge in the flour, bang to remove excess flour. Heat a sauté pan over medium heat, add a little canola oil and cook the ribs in batches (Do Not Overcrowd the Pan!) Brown the ribs on all sides, taking care not to burn the flour. Remove ribs and place in an oven proof casserole about six inches deep. Sear remaining ribs.

Wipe out excess oil from the sauté pan. Add the onion, carrot and celery, season with salt and pepper and continue to cook until light brown. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the tomato paste and cook an additional 3-5 minutes, stirring often. Add the beer, root beer and bring to a boil for two minutes. Pour into the casserole over the ribs. Add the aromatics and chicken stock. Cover the casserole with lid or aluminum foil. Place in 300˚ oven. Half way through cooking, flip the ribs in the liquid to ensure even cooking. Cook approximately two and a half hours, until the short ribs are tender, but not falling apart.

Remove the meat from the casserole, strain the liquid through a sieve, skim excess fat and return to casserole or a stove top safe pan. Reduce the liquid until the desired consistency. Return ribs to the liquid to slowly reheat. Serves 4-6 people.

5) On July 31-August 25, Rosa Mexicano will launch their annual Ice Cream Festival, featuring a dedicated menu of sweet and salty ice cream flavors, Paleta popsicles, dessert guacamole, ice cream-stuffed churros and more.

Part of their ongoing Flavors of Mexico series, the beloved festival will introduce specials including but not limited to:
· Guacamole de Postre: a decadent sundae of sweet avocado ice cream "guacamole," prepared tableside with fresh raspberries, white chocolate shavings & coconut crunch; served with piloncillo chocolate sauce and cinnamon sugar Buñuelos
· "Paleta" Popsicles: in flavors such as Guava, Chile & Huckleberry; and Papaya & Passionfruit
· Ice Cream Stuffed Churros: a twist on the traditional "deep fried ice cream," three churro fritters filled with various ice cream flavors such as malted coffee and plantain & peanut butter; served with chocolate fudge ganache
· Ice Cream Cones: highlights include Plantain & Peanut Butter; Strawberry Rose; Sweet Cream, Mexican Chocolate & Cajeta Swirl; and Mexican Sour Gherkin & Jalapeño Sorbet

6) Bringing a taste of the North End to the Greenway, Carla and Christine Pallotta have now opened the doors to the relocated NEBO at 520 Atlantic Avenue. The new 180-seat restaurant, with a 65-seat patio on the edge of the Greenway with 180-degree views of the Financial District, is now open for dinner service, and will add lunch in the next few weeks, followed by a takeout program specializing in Italian sandwiches, baked goods, and pastries.

“After eight years at the original NEBO, our hearts – and our parking spaces – will always be in the North End,” say sisters, chefs, and co-owners Carla and Christine Pallotta. “Though we’re not technically located in the neighborhood any more, we’re still close enough to do our morning shopping. Instead of ‘North End Boston,’ NEBO now means ‘North End brought over’ to the Greenway.”

In addition to the pizzas, handmade pastas, and antipasti for which NEBO is famous for, the new NEBO menu will offer even more traditional Italian dishes that the original, smaller NEBO kitchen wasn’t equipped to execute. These new dishes include about 10 new pizzas and summer entrees that focus on seafood and vegetables such as Branzino, Squid Ink Pasta with Salt Cod Confit, and Cioppino with Lobster, Shrimp, Calamari, Mussels and Smelts in a Spicy Tomato Brodo with Crostini.

NEBO has floor-to-ceiling windows on two sides of the building, a vaulted brick ceiling, and an open layout that includes: a 60-person bar area with two communal tables, an Italian marble bar, and 12-seat drink rail; a 120-person dining room with banquettes, coffee-stained rift oak tables, and chocolate brown Herman Miller bucket chairs interspersed with refinished Thonet chairs from the old NEBO; and a semi-private dining room with an Italian alabaster chandelier. The state-of-the-art open kitchen with adjoining gelato and sandwich bar is the “dream kitchen” Christine imagined eight years ago when she crafted the business plan for NEBO’s original North End location. During the warmer months, NEBO’s outdoor patio on the edge of the Greenway includes custom furniture designed to match the original cast iron work of Atlantic Wharf, nutmeg umbrellas, and Winston Flowers arrangements.

NEBO is now open for dinner Monday through Saturday beginning at 5:00 PM. Lunch service begins late July; takeout by September. NEBO is closed on Sundays.

I am a huge fan of NEBO so I am very excited to check out their new location, and I think it is great that they will soon be open for lunch too. This is definitely a restaurant I strongly encourage my readers to check out.

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A New Craft Beer Cellar In Winchester

The Passionate Foodie walks into a beer store...

I know, it sounds like the starting line from a joke but it isn't. On Monday, I checked out a newly opened beer store in Winchester. Yes, I went willingly. And even if you dislike beer, you should check out this store for its other offerings.

Kate Baker and Suzanne Schalow used to work at the Cambridge Common restaurant and embraced the craft beer movement when it started becoming more popular. They eventually wanted to strike out on their own and, in time, decided on opening a craft beer store. In 2010, they founded Craft Beer Cellar in Belmont and with their success, they have desired to open additional stores, as well as sell franchises. On Monday, they had the Grand Opening for the New England Annex in Winchester.

The primary focus of the new store is beer, and they currently carry about 400 beers, all from New England, and at least half of them are from Massachusetts. The store is only about 1/3 the size of their Belmont store, so they can't carry as much and must use their limited space to the best of their abilities. Everything is displayed well, and it is easy to see all that they carry. They will hold free tastings most Thursdays to Saturdays. This is a beer lover's haven, especially for those who love it local and craft.

I asked Kate to give me three top beer recommendations, without regard to any particular preferences. She chose the Mayflower IPA, GreySail Flagship Ale, and the Pretty Things Jack D'Or. If you need a gift for a beer lover, and don't know their taste, try one of these beers. I then asked her what was the strangest brew they carried, and she pointed me to the beers of Night Shift Brewing. For example, they make a rye ale aged on habanero peppers, a saison fermented with honey dew melon, and a wheat ale with orange blossom honey that is aged on tea leaves. Very intriguing brews.

If you need a beer glass for your brews, they also sell a small selection of glasses of various shapes and sizes.

They don't sell just beer and their other offerings are compelling. First, they have a nice selection of local Hard Ciders, including Fatty Bampkins, Bantam, Woodchuck, Farnum Hill, Angry Orchard, Citizen Cider and more. I am a big fan of hard ciders and most stores don't carry more than 2 or 3, so it is nice to see this wide selection.

They also carry a nice selection of local Meads, from places like Moonlight Meadery, Honeymaker, Green River Ambrosia and more. Mead is another beverage which most stores only carry a few choices, so it is good to see all the available options here.

And, dear to my heart, they even carry 8 Sakes, and may add more in the future. Todd, of Boston Sake, helped them make the selections and there are some excellent choices available from cool breweries like Dassai and Nanbu Bijin, as well as the Kikisui Funaguchi in a can. I look forward to the additional Sakes they will eventually add.

You will also find approximately 20 wines available, though only one of those is from a local, New England winery. The Still River Winery Apple Ice Wine. Frankly, these wines seems more as an afterthought, just to have a few for any non-beer drinkers. Though the store's focus is on beer, I think this is a lost opportunity to extend the the theme of the store. As they carry all New England beers, ciders and meads, why not also carry just New England wines? As they only carry about 20 wines, they could easily fill that number with good New England wines, from Westport River Sparkling Wines to hybrid wines from Vermont. It would make this store more unique.

Overall this is a cool store, with a beer selection sure to please and even if you don't like beer, you can check out their meads, ciders and sake. I think it is great that most everything is from New England, though I think they need to extend that to include their wines too. There is passion to be found here and I would love to hear my reader's thoughts about this new store when you check it out.

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Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1) Frank McClelland is the Chef & Proprietor of L'Espalier and he is one of few Chefs in the country to reside on his own farm, Apple Street Farm. In one of the country’s most ambitious sustainable agriculture initiatives for the restaurant industry, Apple Street Farm is the primary source of organic harvests for L’Espalier and is a source for various other restaurants throughout the city of Boston. Apple Street Farm is located just north of Boston in Essex, MA and is Chef McClelland’s revitalization of a two-century pastoral 14-acre equestrian farm.

Every Summer, Chef McClelland and his talented team hosts the Apple Street Farm Summer Dinner Series. Each month from June until October, Apple Street Farm will celebrate the freshest ingredients of the season with a special dinner showcasing the organic produce, poultry and eggs fresh from Chef McClelland’s own backyard. Guests are invited to arrive at the farm and explore the beautiful grounds while enjoying a seasonal cocktail and hors d’oeuvres prepared by the chefs of L’Espalier.

They will then be seated outside (or under a tent in the case of inclement weather) to enjoy a five-course themed meal with wine pairings.
June 21, 22 – Summer Solstice (Reservations open beginning May 15)
July 19, 20 – Firefly Festival 
August 23, 24 – Brandywine Bash 
September 20, 21 – Fire Pit Fiesta 
October 18, 19 – Essex Harvest Feast

Guests are asked to arrive at the farm at 5:30 p.m., with dinner served at 6:30 p.m., rain or shine. The Summer Dinner Series cost $180 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Please call L’Espalier at 617-262-3023 to make a reservation.

2) Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar announces the return of Small Plates, Big Pours, for wine and food lovers looking for a light meal and elegant pairing options. For a limited time, guests can match any of their seven Small Plates with an oversized wine pour for $24.95. Guests can select any of the seven Small Plates including: New Zealand Petite Lamb Chops (pistachio-mint pesto, "F17" sauce, polenta fries); Fleming’s Lobster Tempura (soy-ginger dipping sauce, arugula, jicama salad); Colossal Shrimp Skewers (chimichurri dipping sauce, fennel citrus salad); New Bedford Scallops (Meyer lemon-honey glaze, carrots, green beans, asparagus); Sliced Filet Mignon (shiitake risotto, chili oil, porcini butter drizzle); Braised Short Ribs (boneless, savory arugula and spinach, natural au jus); or, Ahi Tuna (fresh vegetable salad, spicy mustard sauce). Each Small Plate is matched with one of their seven premium Big Pours, each carefully selected by Fleming’s Director of Wine, Maeve Pesquera.

Available May 15 – June 30
Promotion is only available in the bar area.

3) From May 13 to June 9, Legal Sea Foods is celebrating Wines of Chile, a country that is home to several distinct terroirs that provide ideal growing conditions for a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles, by offering a feature menu of eleven Chilean wines and exclusive wine dinners.

On June 5, at 6:30pm, Legal Sea Foods in Framingham will host the Chilean Emiliana Wine Dinner with Emiliana Organic Vineyard’s Export Director, Fernando Pavon. Chile is a country with spectacular natural advantages for wine production including brilliant sunshine, moderate heat, and little or no rain during the growing season but plentiful mountain water from the Andes for irrigation which all add up to abundant quantities of ripe, structured grapes that are harvested in healthy conditions.

The four-plus-course pairing menu will be presented as follows:
HORS D’OEUVRES
Littleneck Clam* Ceviche, Crispy Shallots
Lobster Tomalley Toasts
Jonah Crab, Cucumber, Yuzu Salt
Caponata, Ricotta Bruschetta
Emiliana "Novas" Gran Reserva Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca, 2011
FIRST COURSE
Shrimp Empanada (hearts of palm, tomato, creamed corn, herb salad)
Emiliana "Natura" Chardonnay, Casablanca, 2012
SECOND COURSE
Pancetta-Wrapped Block of Tuna* (scallion mashed potatoes, maitake mushrooms)
Emiliana "Novas" Gran Reserva Pinot Noir, Casablanca, 2010
Emiliana "Natura" Carmenère, Colchagua, 2011
MAIN COURSE
Roasted Lamb Shoulder (olive relish, flageolet beans, roasted kale)
Emiliana "Natura" Malbec, Rapel, 2011
Emiliana "Novas" Gran Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo, 2009
CHEESE COURSE
A Variety of Cheeses (cashew and honey, crusty bread)
Emiliana "Coyam," Colchagua, 2009

COST: $65 per person (excludes tax & gratuity)
Reservation required by calling 508-766-0600

4) As the Chinese proverb says “deep doubts, deep wisdom…” well, it’s time to doubt the stereotypical beer and sake pairings that generally accompany the intrinsic flavors of Asian cuisine and grab a glass of wine. On Saturday, June 1, from 1pm-5pm join the Wine ConneXtion and China Blossom, both located in North Andover for “Wok n’ Wine,” as they debunk the mysteries of pairing Asian cuisine and wine with a complimentary in-store tasting. Guests will sample authentic sweet, spicy and savory dishes as they discover the art of pairing these two unlikely flavors. The Wine ConneXtion will educate guests on fantastic duo while they learn about the art of pairing Asian cuisine for an upcoming restaurant visit, or become inspired to plan a delicious dinner that is sure to impress guests.

Walk-ins welcome all day!
Cost: Tasting is complimentary; Must be 21+.

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Thursday Sips & Nibbles

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently.
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1) Boston prepares to host its 4th annual Icelandic invasion this spring with A Taste of Iceland. The multi-day festival of entertainment offers Bostonians a chance to discover the wonders of Icelandic culture and lifestyle through a series of uniquely Icelandic events in Boston from March 8-12, 2013.

A Taste of Iceland is presented by Iceland Naturally, in cooperation with Icelandair, Reyka Vodka, 66° North, Blue Lagoon, Icelandic Glacial Water, Promote Iceland, Icelandic Group, Islandsbanki, , City of Reykjavik, Keflavik International Airport (KEF), Landsvirkjun, Fjardarlax, the Government of Iceland, Legal Sea Foods, Revere Hotel, Paradise Rock Club, WERS 88.9 FM, Arctic Salmon and Icelandic Brand Seafood.

One of the events is a special Icelandic Menu at Legal Sea Foods from March 8-12. Guest Chef Fannar Vernarðsson, first place winner of Icelandic Dessert of the Year in 2012, and Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, Executive Chef at the renowned VOX restaurant in Reykjavík, have created a special Icelandic tasting menu to be offered exclusively at Legal Sea Foods. Sourcing the freshest ingredients straight from Iceland, the two chefs will collaborate to offer a unique four course menu that will showcase the best of Nordic cuisine to Boston-area diners. In addition, the restaurant will feature a custom-made Reyka Vodka cocktail.

The three course Icelandic Menu will be offered at three Boston Legal Sea Foods locations; Copley Place, Prudential Center, Park Square, and the four course offering will be served at Legal Harborside, Floor 2. The 3-course Icelandic Menu will be offered for $32.95 (Copley, Park and Prudential), and the 4-course menu will be offered for $55 (Legal Harborside) and will include:

First
Marinated Icelandic salmon with fennel, rutabaga, artic char roe in spruce oil and horseradish dressing.
Second
Pan fried Icelandic cod with potatoes dressed with Icelandic dulse, watercress salad and mussel sauce.
Main (only served at Legal Harborside, Floor 2)
Roasted shoulder of Icelandic lamb with sunchokes, onions, preserved lemons and lamb jus.
Dessert
Skyr Tiramisu style: Skyr mousse and spice cake served with coffee ice cream.

Reservations can be made by visiting http://www.legalseafoods.com/reservations.

Chef Thrainn Freyr Vigfusson, is one of Iceland’s most brilliant young chefs. In 2011 he took seventh place in the Bocuse d’Or, one of the world’s most prestigious international cooking competitions. In 2009 he was awarded the Silver Medal in the Scandinavian Chef of the Year Competition. In 2007 he was named the Icelandic Chef of the Year. Vigfusson if the head Chef of Kolabrautin, one of the latest additions to Reykjavik’s burgeoning food scene. Chef Vigfusson attended the Hotel and Catering School in Kopavogi, Iceland, graduating in 2005, and the Valrhona Grand School of Chocolate in 2007.

Chef Fannar Vernarðsson graduated on top of his class from The Icelandic Culinary School in 2007. He has worked at a number of fine dining restaurants in Reykjavík, including chef de cuisine at Einar Ben and VOX restaurant. Fannar is currently Executive chef at the renowned VOX restaurant at The Reykjavík Hilton. Fannar comes from Siglufjörður, a small town in Northern Iceland. In his kitchen, he focuses on the New Nordic Cuisine. He regularly takes his team of chefs with him to the countryside gathering local wild herbs, mushrooms and berries which they serve with a wild yet elegant style. Fannar has won awards for third place in chef of the year 2011 and first place in desert of the year 2012. One of his sous chefs at VOX restaurant, Sigurður Kristinn Laufdal, is competing for Iceland in Bocuse d´or in Lyon this year.

2) Chef de Cuisine Armand Toutaint focuses on classic New England inspired cuisine, executed with a modern and elegant touch. Chef Toutaint's philosophy is to provide generous portions of the freshest, local sustainable seafood available.

Turner Fisheries continues its Ocean to Table Tuesday Night Dinner Series this March, with Chef Toutaint’s chosen theme of Fin Fish. Each week, Chef Toutaint will prepare a three course meal based around a chosen Fin Fish, including: salmon, grilled wreakfish, haddock and tuna.

Each prix fixe menu includes an appetizer, entrée and dessert. The fresh from the ocean meal will cost $45 per person with additional wine pairings optional.

WHEN: Every Tuesday in March, 5 p.m. - 10 p.m.
March 5 - Salmon
March 12 - Grilled Wreakfish
March 19 - Haddock
March 26 - Tuna

3) On Tuesday, March 12, from 6pm-8pm, The Beehive's co-owner and resident curator Jennifer Epstein and special guest curator Emily Lombardo will co-host the 14th installment in The Beehive's continuing art series entitled, Sting! 14: Future Futurist. The work on view for Future Futurist offers a new approach to seeing how reality shifts as perspectives warp with time. Realities explored in these works range from chemical to cultural identity, extinction married to rebirth, and evolution offering the possibility of progress. These works are not what they seem, challenging the notion that the image of the future is fixed in the world of science fiction and dystopic narratives. Each artist included in this exhibit approaches this subject with poetic individualism allowing for multiple entrances into an alternative world scape.

The ongoing Sting! series always signifies the launch of a new art installation at The Beehive and highlights an evening of live entertainment, food & libations specials along with amazing art. For this 14th installment, Jennifer Epstein joined forces with Emily Lombardo to bring together a group of artists (most of whom are working here in Boston or who otherwise have connections to the city). Emily Lombardo received her BFA in Glass from Massachusetts College of Art in 2002 and is currently pursuing her MFA at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts. Lombardo divided her studies between the glass and printmaking departments where she developed her unique glass printing techniques. Lombardo also started the kiln forming studio at Diablo Glass School in Boston, where she piloted a unique range of classes for adult artists and community youth programs.

There will also be a special live musical performance, starting at 6pm, by Karen Kocharyn, an Armenian born drummer, who brings together an all-star band featuring the amazing Phil Grenadier and George Garzone.

No cover charge, cash bar. Dinner reservations recommended.

4) Chef Presceia Cooper and the gang at Darryl’s Corner Bar & Kitchen invite Bostonians to enjoy a taste of Southern inspired American comfort with Glorified Chicken &Waffle Wednesdays. They are celebrating their deep rooted history in Boston by introducing Glorified Chicken Waffle Wednesdays, offering guests a special deal on its signature dish. Guests can enjoy Darryl’s signature Fried Chicken & Waffles for just $12 every Wednesday.

Darryl’s is the latest restaurant at the site of owner Darryl Settle’s first, Bob the Chef’s, which was the original restaurant to bring Chicken & Waffles to Boston. To celebrate the movement Bob’s began, Darryl’s is offering its homemade buttermilk waffle topped with country fried chicken breast and served with butter and maple syrup for a special price on

Fried Chicken & Waffles is regularly $16, now $12 on Wednesdays. Chicken Martini is not included in the promotion, and is an additional $12.

5) Get ready for a little getaway voyage to Italy with 51 Lincoln. On Wednesday, March 20, 51 Lincoln presents its Italian Wine Dinner with amazing wines from all over Italy paired with a menu by Chef de Cuisine Fernada Tapia.

Lobster Agnolotti (White Wine & Grape Sauce, Shaved Black Truffles)
Paitin Arneis
Venison Carpaccio with Wild Mushrooms & Pickled Beets
Li Veli Salice Salentino Passamante
Roasted Wild Boar Loin (Fagioli al Fiasco, Crispy Sweetbreads, Stewed Cherries)
Selvapiana Chianti Rufina Riserva Bucherchiali
Dry Aged Ribeye (Bagna Cauda, Sauteed Greens Beans & Turnips)
Revello Barolo Cru Giachini
Aged Taleggio with Orange-Infused Honey, Toasted Hazelnuts, Crostinis
Salavalai Monile

Tickets for the wine dinner are $151, including tax and gratuity. Tickets may be purchased here.

6) The Concord Cheese Shop sells goat cheeses from New England and Europe year-round, but proprietor Peter Lovis admits to being a little bit crazy for fresh, spring goat cheese. “Female goats’ milk is especially rich and flavorful in March, after the February birth of their kids, and because of the addition of new grass and whey to their diets. Within hours of its being made into cheese on the farm, it is delivered to the shop,” he says.

Two local goat farms Peter especially likes are Crystal Brook Farm in Sterling, Massachusetts … and York Hill Farm in New Sharon, Maine. Both are family-owned operations where production is small, and every step of the process is a labor of love.

Concord Cheese Shop recommends: Crystal Brook Farm Herbes de Provence Chevre Buttons, 72 hours from goat to store. Since 1738, this bucolic property northwest of Boston has been run as a farm and orchard; current farmer Ann Starbard purchased a small goat herd in 1998 and initiated the production of goat cheese.

On February 19, Ann reported that almost 80 new kids had been born to 33 mares. Goat cheese made from those mares’ milk will be ready to consume by early March, so cheesemaking is in high gear. Day One, the milk is pasteurized at low temperature; once it cools rennet and cultures are added and the mixture ripens overnight. Day Two, the mixture is hung in cloth bags to extract the liquids, a nutritious and palatable byproduct called whey, that is fed back to the animals. Day Three, the cheese is ready. Logs are formed, packaging vacuum-sealed, labels applied, and shop deliveries made.

Concord Cheese Shop recommends: York Hill Farm Capriano, a hard, medium-sharp cheese aged 5-12 months, notes of salt and caramel. John and Penny Duncan left behind careers in health care to buy a farm near Brunswick, Maine in 1981. Six years later, they’d amassed a herd of 40 Alpine and Sanaan goats, and a new business was born.

The herd is fed grain, pasture grass and hay, with the occasional treat of whey, a byproduct of cheesemaking, which they adore. Once birthing begins in March or April, the mother goats are milked twice daily. Milk is vat pasteurized and made into cheese three times a week. Farm visits are encouraged from April til fall, and York Hill Farm cheese can be found at select cheese shops, and at farmer’s markets near Brunswick.

7) Pinot Noir’s storied reputation originated in Burgundy, France, but the grape is cultivated for wine around the world. Although it is a fickle vine to tend, the payoff is tremendous with the end result being a fruit-forward, silky-smooth wine that leaves a lasting impression on the palate. On Saturday, March 23, from 12pm-5pm, The Wine ConneXtion, located in North Andover, will offer a complimentary wine tasting featuring some of the best Pinot Noirs on the market. In addition to the tasting, guests will get a firsthand experience of the variance between Pinot Noirs grown in different regions.

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2012: Favorite Sake Items

What were some of my favorite Sake items of the past year?

Let me continue the lists of my best recommendations and favorites of the past year, 2012. I have already posted seven other lists of my Favorites of the past year and this is my final list, my Favorite Sake Items of 2012. This is certainly not a complete list but it is more a sampling of memorable matters I have experienced and posted about over the past year.

This is also a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" of anything. But all of the items here have earned my strong recommendations and I hope you will enjoy them as well. For more sake related items, you can just search my blog posts for the past year.

Sake continues to maintain a prominent role, a specialized niche, on my blog. My passion for Sake is ever growing and I continue to promote it to others, to spread the word about this fascinating beverage. I want to destroy the stereotypes about Sake and shine a light on the truth, to show its diversity and complexity. I want more and more people to taste it, finding joy in its flavors. I want more stores to carry and sell Sake, to make it something they recommend to their customers. Sake is as worthy as any other alcoholic beverage and deserves at least equal billing.

My New Sake Endeavor: This past year, my thoughts led me to a new and exciting project, the publishing of Sake-related fiction. I have always loved writing fiction and previously posted several short stories on my blog. However, now I wanted to go beyond that, to actually publish some new fiction. I created the Tipsy Sensei series, a collection of stories about a Sake expert in Boston who learns that the supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore actually exist. The intent of this series is to share my passion and knowledge of Sake, as well as to tell interesting and thrilling stories, delving into the rich legends and folklore of Japan. During 2012, I published three short stories, all as ebooks, including Yurine's Pot, The Ghost Of A Ninja, and The Fox & The Katana. As the fourth installment in the series, I also published a novel, Demons, Gods & Sake, as both a trade paperback and ebook. They have been well received so far and I am currently working on the next novel in the series.

Sake Tastings & Classes: I have presided over a number of Sake Tastings, Dinners & Classes this past year, helping to promote this worthy beverage. This included a Sake & French cuisine dinner at AKA Bistro, a number of Sake & Sushi classes at Haru, and a Sake Tasting for International Sake Day at Thelonious Monkfish. The response from the attendees at these events has been very positive, and many have been surprised by the diversity of Sake, often finding styles they enjoyed. You can look forward to more tastings, dinners and classes in 2013. I also was a guest host for a Sake Wine Chat on Twitter, which led to an intense Q&A where I spent much of the hour typing responses to everyone. The discussion was very well received, and numerous people voiced their pleasure at learning so much about Sake. The passion and excitement about Sake was contagious and some of the attendees were even drinking Sake at home while they participated in the discussion.

Sake Exports: There is good news to report on this front. Sake exports in 2011 set a new record of 14,013 kiloliters, a rise of 1.2%, and the first positive increase in 16 years. This rise in exports appears that it will continue through 2012. During the first eight months of 2012, exports were up 2.1% over the same period in 2011, so if that continues, we could see a new record made in 2012. Exports still constitute only a small portion of the Sake industry but it may be the best path for growth for breweries in Japan. Let us hope these figures continue to grow, and even faster.

Favorite Junmai Sake: The Nishiyama Kotsuzumi Tokubetsu Junmai is made with a local, rare rice called Hyogo Kita Nishiki and the rice was milled down to 65%. It also has a Sake Meter Value of +9, meaning it is more on the dry side. This Sake possessed a subdued aroma, an intriguing whiff of steamed rice combined with nutty elements. On the palate, it was very dry, crisp and full bodied with a pleasant blend of flavors, including marshmallow, almonds, and caramel, reminding me in some respects of an aged Sherry. The finish was pleasing and fairly long, and it earns a hearty recommendation.

Favorite Ginjo Sake: The Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Limited Release technically qualifies as a Daiginjo, as 50% of the rice has been polished away, but they chose to label it as a Ginjo. It is a light, dry and complex Sake, with some subtle fruit flavors, including peach and melon, with hints of herbs on the smooth finish. A very easy drinking Sake which would appeal to newcomers to Sake as well as experienced Sake lovers.

Favorite Daiginjo Sake: There was a tie in this category and interestingly both were produced using the rare shizuku ("drip") method, where bags of the sake and lees are tied off at the neck and hung up, so the sake will slowly drip out over time. This is also sometimes known as kubi-tsuri ("hung by the neck") and is supposed to produce a high quality Sake, though you also produce less Sake than through other pressing methods. The Okunomatsu Juhachidai Ihei Daiginjo was one of my favorite Sakes from a tasting of over 45 Sakes. It was elegant, restrained, complex, and absolutely compelling. Words don't do justice to the experience of this Sake. The Shichi Hon Yari Shizuku Junmai Daiginjo is another amazing sake, crisp and clean, complex and subtle, delicious and dry. It goes down so smoothly, as they say, "like drinking water," which is a high compliment for Sake. Both of these are expensive but well worth the price.

Favorite Kimoto Style Sake: Kimoto is an old and laborious method of production, though still used by a small number of breweries, and which often produces Sake with an earthy, gamey profile. It is one of my favorite Sake styles. The Dewatsuru Kimoto Junmai has a delicious, complex rich and earthy taste, an excellent example of the Kimoto style. It possesses a high level of umami, which makes it very food friendly, helping to increase the savoriness of many different dishes.

Favorite Sparkling Sake: The Dassai Junmai Daiginjo Sparkling Nigori was one of the best sparkling Sakes I have tasted. Most Sparkling Sake is fairly simple in nature, lightly sweet and effervescent. On the other hand, this Sake was not too sweet, with a light effervescence, mild tropical fruit flavors, and a savory backbone. It has much more complexity than the usual sparkling Sake and should appeal to all Sake lovers, as well as newcomers.

Favorite Aged Sake: Last year, the Kirin Daiginjo Hizoshu was my Favorite Sake and it deserves recognition once again this year. It has been aged for five years under very low temperatures and presents an incredibly complex and intriguing Daiginjo. It is clean, smooth and mellow with plenty of subtle and captivating flavors. I would highly recommend this to all Sake lovers.

Favorite Nigori Sake: The Dewatsuru Hiten No Yume Junmai Daiginjo Nigori is not yet sold in the U.S., but hopefully it will be in the near future. It is made with Akita-Komachi rice, a variety that grows only in Akita, and is more of a savory than sweet Nigori. It was elegant, with a mild hint of sweetness, flavors of tropical fruits but also a strong savory component. One of the best Nigoris I have ever tasted.

Runner-Up Favorite Nigori Sake: The Yuki No Bosha Junmai Ginjo Nigori is an usu-nigori, a "thin" nigori which has been pressed so only a minimal amount of the lees end up inside the Sake. This Sake would also qualify as a Daiginjo as 50% of the rice has been polished away, but they chose to label it as a Ginjo. Unlike many sweet Nigoris, this is more on the dry side, with a Sake Meter Value of +3. This was a smooth, bright and dry Sake, with nice fruity accents.

New Domestic Sake Brewery: There is a new kura, a Sake brewery, coming to Maine. I don't have much information about the Blue Current Brewery and their website and Facebook page also lack detail, but I am attempting to gather more information. It does not appear that they are yet legally in operation but when I learn more, I will be sure to share it with my readers. The cold winters in Maine should be excellent for Sake brewing, so there is some potential there.

Favorite Restaurant For Sake: Most restaurants significantly mark up Sake, as they do wine. However, Moksa in Central Square, Cambridge, is an exception. Though they carry only about six Sakes, the prices are quite compelling. For example, the Bunraku Yamahai Junmai (300ml) costs $18, when it usually retails for about $15. A mere $3 markup is excellent, making this Sake a great bargain. The best value though is the Manabito “True Blue” Kimoto Junmai Ginjo (300ml) which costs $19 and usually retails for over $20. It costs less at the restaurant than what you would spend a wine store! That is a rarity for any alcoholic beverage at a restaurant. The Manabito is also a killer Sake, one of my favorites, making it an even better value.

Favorite Sake Event: This past June, I attended a special Sake tasting held at the at the residence of Takeshi Hikihara, the Consul General of Japan, located in Chestnut Hill. John Gauntner, the famed Sake expert and "Sake Dendoushi" ("Sake Evangelist"), gave a fascinating and informative speech about current Sake trends as well as recommendations for stocking and serving Sake in restaurants. There was also a tasting of over 45 Sakes with a number of toji and other brewery representatives. Overall, a compelling event where a passion for Sake was more than evident.

Favorite Sake & Food Pairing: Last month, I presided over a Sake & French Cuisine dinner at AKA Bistro in Lincoln. It might not be a combination which immediately comes to mind but the pairing worked well. About 20 people attended the dinner and I received much praise for the pairings. Sake & Foie Gras? Yes, it was excellent. My friend Adam posted a detailed review of the dinner, raving about the savory pairings. Start experimenting and pair Sake with any and all cuisines.

Favorite Sake News Article: It only took them 2000 years, but Japan finally declared Sake (as well as Shochu) to be a National Alcoholic Beverage. It is hard to believe that they never did so before now. The idea behind their decision was to help local economies, increase the demand for rice, and boost export sales.  It is still unsure how much support the Japanese government will put behind this new promotion but we can hope that they do something which succeeds in spreading the passion.

Favorite New Sake Book: Brewing Sake: Release The Toji Within, by William G. Auld, is one of the only books in English, and maybe the only one currently in print, that explains how to brew your own Sake. It is a more technical guide with the intent of providing detailed instructions and explanations for how to brew Sake at home. It begins with a list and description of the equipment you will need for brewing, and then moves to a detailed, step by step procedure for brewing. For anyone interested in brewing their own Sake, this will be an invaluable reference book.

Favorite Sake Books, Reissued: This year, John Gauntner has made two of his books available as ebooks, including The Sake Notebook and Sake's Hidden Stories. The Sake Notebook is a concise primer on Sake while Hidden Stories tells the compelling stories behind 13 breweries. Hidden Stories is one of the best books on Sake available and it is highly recommended. It is a fascinating and informative book, delving you deeper into the inner workings of thirteen breweries, each with its own unique differences.

My Favorite Sake Post: Last year, my favorite Sake post was Sake, Amino Acids & Food, exploring some of the science behind Sake and food pairings. I noted that I was working on an expanded article, which I posted this past year: The Science of Sake & Food Pairings. It was a very popular article, discussing the role of amino acids in Sake, the effects of umami, and much more. Sake is extremely food friendly, pairing well with basically any cuisine, and there are scientific reasons for its versatility. Check out my article and understand the foundations of Sake and food pairings.  

My Favorite Sake Guest Post: In a similar vein of Sake and food pairings, I wrote a guest post, Slurping Oysters & Sipping Sake, for my good friend Jackie of the Leather District Gourmet. Jackie has been heavily involved in all matters oysters recently, including starting the Oyster Century Club. She asked me for a Sake/Oyster post and I was glad to do so. Rather than Champagne or Chablis, try some Sake the next time you slurp some raw oysters and learn that Sake is a killer pairing.

Favorite Sake Quote: In a comic play called Mochisake, which was written during the Muromachi period (1338-1573 AD), there is a list of The Ten Merits of Sake. This is a great list of the benefits of drinking Sake, from being excellent for your health to making you warm during the cold. It also shows the importance of Sake in Japanese culture for hundreds of years. All Sake lovers should check out this list, and maybe keep a copy handy to share with others.

New Sake Blog: My friend Gordon Heady, a Sake aficionado who has been spending time in Japan, has started a new Sake blog. Though he just started writing in September, you should put it on your radar to learn more about Sake. You can read articles like Ginjo vs Junmai: Don't Fall Prey To Polish Bigotry! or Eleven Fun Facts About Sake. Gordon will be working in a Sake brewery soon so his insights should be invaluable. There certainly are not enough Sake blogs out there so I am very pleased that Gordon seized the reins and chose to take that route.

Kanpai!

What were some of your favorite Sake items this year?

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Thursday Sips & Nibbles: New Year's Eve Edition

I am back again with a new edition of Thursday Sips & Nibbles, my regular column where I briefly highlight some interesting wine and food items that I have encountered recently. This is a special New Year's Eve edition, showcasing numerous options for that holiday.
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1) This New Year’s Eve, Belly Wine Bar welcomes 2013 with tunes, dancing, wine (in both magnum and boxed form), cured meats and offal. With two different start times for both the early and late-night inclined, the folks at Belly are entertaining until the clock strikes 12, in a celebration complete with marrow bone luges and music mixed by DJ Just Joan. Price is $70 per guest for entry between 6pm-7pm, and $85 per guest for entry between 9pm-10pm.

2) If you’re anything like the folks from Central Bottle Wine + Provisions, you know there’s no better way to kick off a party than good food and great wine. This year, the Central Bottle team continues their annual New Year’s Eve tradition with $1.00 Island Creek Oysters and a line-up of bubbly from 5pm-9pm. Guests are invited to raise a glass and sling back bivalves before heading out on the town to celebrate 2013.

3) Ring in the New Year in Kenmore Square with Eastern Standard’s regular menu of American brasserie fare as well as a selection of festive specials. Whether you’re dining with someone special or gathering with friends, a celebratory sparkling wine menu with a variety of bubbles available by the glass, bottle, magnum and jeroboam offers the perfect toast to 2013. In addition to regular breakfast and lunch service, ES will serve dinner until 12am, with the late night menu offered until 1:30am and drinks at the bar until 2am. And with The Hawthorne and Island Creek Oyster Bar under the same roof, you ought to get yourself a room at the Hotel Commonwealth and make a night of it.

4) In the heart of Harvard Square, Grafton Street will offer a three-course prix fixe specially created by Executive Chef Eric Gregory ($48 per person with a $10 discount for reservations before 6:30pm). An optional $18 beer or wine pairing will be available to enhance the celebration. From 5pm-9pm, guests can order the prix fixe menu or order a la carte and from the bar menu. The bar menu will be available 9pm-11pm for pre-midnight munching. After dinner, dance your way into 2013 as DJ Axel Foley spins tunes and enjoy a complimentary champagne toast when the ball drops at midnight. Tickets for the late night party are $20 in advance and $30 at the door from 9pm-2am.

5) Lumiere rings in 2013 with a three-course prix fixe feast crafted by six-time James Beard Award nominated Chef and Owner Michael Leviton. As the Board Chair of Chefs Collaborative, Chef Leviton puts his sustainable stamp on the celebratory feast with local/seasonal ingredient-heavy dishes like Hand-Harvested Maine Sea Scallops, Rainbow Ranch Grass-Fed Beef Tenderloin and Apple & Cranberry Maple Almond Crisp. Cost is $80 per person plus $30 for optional wine pairings. Regular dinner service will run from 5:30pm-11:30pm, followed by a celebratory toast at midnight.

6) New Year’s Eve is a breeze at The Grafton Group’s newest destination in the heart of Harvard Square. In addition to free parking and no cover (score!), PARK offers the full menu alongside Executive Chef Mark Goldberg’s one-night-only a la carte options, including “Hot & Cold” Katama Oysters, Grilled Filet of Beef with a side of Béarnaise sauce and Greek Yogurt Panna Cotta. At midnight, noise makers, hats and tiaras will add an extra dose of cheer as PARK welcomes 2013 with a complimentary champagne toast. Dinner will be served from 5pm-10pm, the late night menu will be available from 10pm-12am and the bar will pour drinks until 2:00am

7) Gather in Harvard Square with friends and family at Russell House Tavern for a celebratory three-course prix fixe menu featuring special seasonal fare from Executive Chef Michael Scelfo ($59 per person, with a $10 discount for reservations before 6:30pm). To enhance the festivities, Bar Manager Sam Gabrielli has selected toast-worthy beers and wines for an optional $18 pairing. The prix fixe menu will be served from 5pm-10pm and the tavern menu will be available until midnight.

8) Ring in 2013 at Temple Bar with Executive Chef Greg Boschetti’s three-course prix fixe menu ($55 per person, with a $10 discount for reservations before 6:30 PM) featuring decadent dishes like Lobster Egg Benedict, Slow Braised Venison Osso Bucco and Mexican Chocolate Bread Pudding. Guests can toast to the year ahead with optional wine pairings, champagne and specialty cocktails, available for an additional charge. The prix fixe menu will be served from 5pm-10pm. For additional New Year’s noshing, the late night menu will be served 10pm-12am and the bar will pour drinks until 2:00am.

9) Aura Restaurant at the Seaport Hotel will celebrate New Year’s Eve with an elegant five-course prix fixe menu, from 5:30pm-10pm, accompanied by the musical stylings of the Lance Houston Ensemble and a midnight champagne toast. For the amuse course, Executive Chef Robert Tobin will serve Hash & Eggs (short ribs, potato, egg). For the first course, there are three options: Kabocha & Chestnut Soup “En Cocotte”; Classic Fish Soup; or, The French Salad (frisée, lardoons, quail egg, warm vinaigrette). For the second course, revelers will choose: Mushroom Flight (soup, steak and Napoleon); Chicken Mousse (piccalilli, pretzel bread); or, Crispy Pork Belly (hot & sour soup, kale chips). Seafood-themed third course selections include: Crispy Cod (cabbage, parsnips, romensco); Braised Bass (Guinness, root vegetables); or, Seafood Paella (orzo, calamari, scallops, lobster, mussels, clams). Moving onto the fourth course, another three options: Surf & Turf (filet & lobster, potato gratin, carrots); Slow Roasted Duck (Seaport honey, crispy cottage pie); or, Lamb Shank (mostarda, citrus, vanilla, squash). The grand finale of the evening is a Trio of Desserts (Grand Mariner Brûlée; Chocolate Ganache Cake; Braised Cherry Tart with brown butter filling). The cost is $98 per person.

10) For New Year's Eve, from 5pm-11pm, Avila Modern Mediterranean's Executive Chef Rodney Murillo will serve a four-course prix fixe in addition to his regular menu. Available with optional wine pairings, the menu will be presented as follows. For the first course, there is Seared Foie Gras (roasted honey, crispy apple, port wine). Moving onto the second course, enjoy Hand-Rolled Potato Gnocchi (winter mushrooms, truffle cream). For an entrée, guests will have their choice of Beef Tenderloin (parsnip ravioli, lobster béarnaise) or Seared Red Snapper (littleneck clams, root vegetables, creamy fish fumet). For dessert, Pasty Chef Tom Ponticelli will serve up an array of selections. The cost is $65 per person; $85 w/ wine pairings.

11) Legal Harborside will celebrate New Year’s Eve under the stars at Liberty Wharf this year from 9:30pm-1:30am. Hosted atop the roof in a glass-enclosed space at Legal Harborside, it is the closest one comes to being in a snow globe. At this celebration bidding adieu to 2012 and welcoming 2013, revelers will enjoy the winter scene – complete with Legal Harborside’s copper-clad fireplace – and will eat, drink and be merry with a bird’s eye view of First Night’s midnight fireworks over Boston Harbor. In addition to being supplied with festive noisemakers and hats, tickets to this sky-high soiree include live music and a midnight toast with Gosset "Excellence" Brut NV bubbly. Legal Harborside will also offer table reservations to this year-end celebration. Cost is $45 per person; $400 per couch/table (up to six people).

12) This New Year’s Eve, guests can wine, dine and ring in 2013 with a rendezvous at Tryst in Arlington. Executive Chef Paul Turano will offer a special three course, prix fixe New Year’s Eve menu featuring some of the most popular dishes served over the past year. Guests can begin with favorites such as the Grilled Prawn & Maine Crab Cake with red grapefruit, avocado & pepper aioli and the Duck & Scallion Dumplings with pickled ginger vinaigrette before “getting serious” with entrees such as the Pig Under a Brick, slow roasted pork shoulder, sweet potato polenta, cranberry-pomegranate mostarda & Swiss chard, Miso Glazed Sea Scallops with braised Brussels sprouts & butternut squash risotto and the Slow Braised Lamb with potato puree, watercress salad & harissa roasted vegetables. Toast the New Year with Tryst’s craft cocktails including the Luce Del Sole, Ketel One Citroen, Aperol, & splashes of lemon, orange & grapefruit juices, The Parisian Pear, rosemary & pear infused vodka, Belle de Brillet Brandy, & lemon, and the Falls in Love, Bourbon, cherry liqueur, lemon & maple syrup.

Tryst’s New Year’s Eve menu is $45 per person (tax, gratuity and alcohol not included) and will be offered exclusively on Monday, December 31, from 5pm-11pm. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 781-641-2227.

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2012: Favorite Wine Related Items

What were some of my favorite wine related items of the past year?

Let me continue the lists of my best recommendations and favorites of 2012. I have already posted my Top Ten Wines Under $15, Top Ten Wines Over $15 and Top Wines Over $50 lists. This post will now concentrate on some of my Favorite Wine Related Items, which are not specific wine recommendations. This is certainly not a complete list but it is more a sampling of compelling and memorable matters I have experienced and posted about over the past year.

This is also a purely subjective list, based on my own preferences, and makes no claims about being the "best" of anything. But all of the items here have earned my strong recommendations and I hope you will enjoy them as well. For more wine related items, you can just search my blog posts for the past year.

Favorite Discount Wine Stores: Once again, this past year has been an economic challenge and wine prices have been on everyone's mind. Consumers want bargains, excellent value wines which won't stretch their wallets. You can buy the cheap wines which can be found in almost any wine store or instead, you can seek out excellent, value wines which put to shame those cheap wines. Certain discount wine stores provide not only excellent prices but also an interesting selection and good service. I want to highlight two such stores which do an especially good job, places where I go to seek bargains: Bin Ends in Braintree and Wine Connextion in North Andover. These stores have remained consistent over time, offering diverse and interesting bargain wines and you won't go wrong checking either of them out.

Favorite Suburban Wine & Cheese Store: Though I have visited the Concord Cheese Shop in prior years, I hadn't been there for at least a year or so until visiting it a couple of times this past year. I was reminded once again why it is an excellent destination for wine, cheese and gourmet foods. The wine selection is diverse, prices are good and you will find some wines here that many other stores do not carry. And all of their cheeses, a myriad of dairy pleasures, will please everyone. This is another shop you should patronize.

Favorite Wine Stores: This is a list of nine wine stores which consistently impress me with their selection and service. Each shop is worthy of your patronage and wine lovers should make the effort to visit these places if you have not done so yet.
Lower Falls Wine Company in Newton Lower Falls.
Winestone in Chestnut Hill.
The Reserve Bin in Foxboro.
Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet in Melrose.
Vintages: Adventures in Wine in Belmont.
Spirited Gourmet in Belmont.
Wine-Sense in Andover.
Wine Bottega in Boston's North End.
Central Bottle Wine & Provisions in Cambridge.

Favorite Wine Magazine: For the fourth year in a row, Decanter, a British wine magazine, continues to impress me with its extensive coverage, including many less common wine regions, often ignored or marginalized in other wine publications. Plus it has an amusing wine cartoon in every issue. This is a magazine that consistently delivers fascinating articles and I always look forward to each issue. If you are not reading it, you should be.

Favorite Wine Book: Last year, my Favorite Wine Book was the first volume of The Drops of God, a Japanese manga, a comic book, about wine. Besides entertaining, the book also educated people about wine, helping to reduce the intimidation factor. In addition, some of the language it uses, especially in describing wine is quite poetic. During the past year, three more volumes have been released and once again I have selected it as my Favorite Wine Book. Check out my reviews of Volume 2, Volume 3 and New World. Every wine lover should read this series. Unfortunately, more volumes may not be published unless the books start generating more sales. Give this book a chance and you won't regret it.

Runner-Up Favorite Wine Book: The New York Times Book Of Wine offers an excellent selection of over 125 articles, written by about 28 different authors. It is not a collection of boring tasting notes but rather many thoughtful pieces on a great range of wine topics such as Spanish Sherry, the Japanese Koshu grape, serving alcohol to your children, Txakolina, Madeira, and natural winemaking. These are articles that everyone can enjoy, from those new to wine to the knowledgeable wine geeks. These articles will educate and entertain, and may even getting you thinking about wine in different ways.

Favorite Introductory Wine Book: For someone new to wine, Kevin Zraly's Windows On The World Complete Wine Course is an excellent choice. It presents a nice overview of the world of wine without deluging a reader with too much technical information. Though I have some issues with the presentation of certain wine information, it is still one of the best introductory books available. It is a fine starting point for a wine education.

Favorite Wine Dinner, Domestic: Indigenous and uncommon grapes, compelling wines, superb food, and great people all combined to create an exceptional wine dinner. Legal Harborside hosted Alessio Planeta of Planeta Wines, which owns six wine estates on Sicily. From a Sparkling wine made from Carricante to a red made with Nerello Mascele, many of the wines were fascinating and delicious, while the food, such as Ricotta Gnocchi with truffles and the Lobster Soup were amazing. It was fun and informative, tasty and stimulating.

Favorite Wine Dinner, International: This was an easy choice for a meat lover such as I. While in Chianti Classico, I had the honor of dining at the Antica Macelleria Cecchini, the renowned restaurant of Dario Cecchini, the signing butcher of Panzano. Dario is an extraordinary butcher and offers a prix fixe dinner with five courses of beef, some of the best beef you may ever eat. The steak tartare was simply prepared yet was outstanding, showcasing the taste of the quality beef and not hiding it behind lots of other ingredients. Plus, Dario is a true showman and made it an enjoyable experience. I could have dined here every night while I was in Tuscany. If you visit Tuscany, you must dine here at least once.

Favorite Single Winery Tasting: For the second year in a row, the same winery is involved in this category, though the location was different. As I mentioned last year, the wines of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region can be amazing, and Chateau La Nerthe is a stellar producer from this area. Last year, I tasted the wines at a superb lunch at L'Espalier and this year the lunch was held at Bistro du Midi. From the compelling Tavel Rosé to the 2009 Chateau La Nerthe "Clos de Beauvenir" Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, the wines did not disappoint. They paired well with delicious dishes such as the Coral Infused Chitarra Pasta with Maine Lobster. These are wines worth a splurge.

Favorite High-End Wine Tasting: The Vintus Tour presented 26 wineries, from all over the world, showcasing many higher end wines that reflected terroir, many which are also sustainable, organic or biodynamic. This was a stellar collection of wines, presenting many unique wines which impressed me, and it was a pleasure to get to chat with many of the wine makers. As it was a portfolio tasting, closed to the public, it was not overly crowded so you had the opportunity to take your time with the wines and ask the wine makers questions. Several of these wines ended up on my Top Wine lists.

Favorite Private Wine Tasting: My friend Adam, of Wine Zag, hosts a monthly blind tasting event which is always fun and interesting. Recently, he held a fascinating blind tasting of 90+ Cellars wines against a group of wines he handpicked to compete against them. This was an intriguing challenge and the results were enlightening. Plenty of great people attended the tasting and everyone enjoyed themselves. Unpretentious and casual, it was the type of wine tasting which would appeal to wine lovers of any knowledge levels. I look forward to Adam's next blind tasting event in January.

Favorite Wine Trip, International: Though it was also my only international wine trip this year, my visit to the Chianti Classico region was excellent, with great food, wine, scenery, people and more. Compared to other wine trips I have taken, it was certainly one of my favorites. My trip generated a dozen blog posts and several of the wines I tasted ended up on my Top Wine lists this year. Tuscany is so beautiful and the people were extremely nice. The food was often simple yet made from high quality and delicious ingredients. And so many delicious wines, from traditional Chianti Classico to compelling Vin Santo. It is a region I highly recommend.

Favorite Winery Visit: While in Chianti Classico, I was fortunate to get to visit the Isole e Olena winery, owned by Paolo di Marchi, the Philosopher-Peasant of Chianti Classico. I have met Paolo before but this was my first visit to his winery and it lived up to my expectations. You can read my thoughts in a two-part post (Part 1 and Part 2), but in short, the wines were superb, Paolo was fascinating and I learned much about the winery and the Chianti Classico region in general. I could have easily spent the entire day with Paolo, soaking in his knowledge and experience, while enjoying his amazing Cepparello.

Favorite Mega-Wine Event: Due to their size, large wine exhibitions can have their issues, especially due to the great crowds they generate. My favorite this year of these mega-events was the Mohegan Sun Wine Fest. Besides wine, they also present spirits, beer, and cider as well as plenty of food. The aisles between the tables are wide, there are two floors in the Grand Tasting and they seem to accommodate the crowds better than other events. In addition, besides a Grand Tasting, the Wine Fest has other excellent events such as an Elite Cru Tasting and a Celebrity Chef Dine Around. Several wines from this event ended up on my Top Wine lists this year and I look forward to this event next year.

Favorite Local Wine Bloggers: Locally, there is only a small number of blogs dedicated 50% or more to wine, being far outweighed by hundreds of local food blogs, some which occasionally touch on wine. But of that small group, there are a number who deserve praise for their devotion to wine. I see many of these people at local wine events and they have become good friends too. Kudos to Adam of Wine Zag, Robert of The Wellesley Wine Press, Rob of Fringe Wine, Jason of Ancient Fire Beverage, Todd of Vermont Wine Media and Marie of The Life of Vines. Please check out their wine blogs.

Top Wine Controversy: During the past year, I have ranted, usually on Mondays, about a variety of wine issues. But one of the most popular rants addressed the question of why a number of restaurant reviewers ignore wine in their reviews? It befuddles me that a restaurant review, which should comprehensively address the offerings of a restaurant, would ignore an important element such as the alcohol program. In my rant, I used the Boston Globe to illustrate this issue, showing how their main reviewer often ignored or gave short shrift to the wine and alcohol programs of most of the restaurants reviewed during the summer. I never received any response but plenty of others voiced their agreement that reviewers did a disservice by ignoring restaurant beverage programs.

Favorite Wine History Post: History intrigues me and I very much enjoy researching and writing histories about wine, though I often try to reach quite far back into history, to see the true roots of a wine and its region. This year, I wrote a four part series on The Origins of Port, extending back to the Phoenicians and proceeding through the formation of the nation of Portugal. Many other histories of Port begin much later, like during the 17th century but I felt the true origins lay many centuries earlier. I learned much in my researches and hope my readers benefited from it too.

Favorite Local Wine News: In 2011, a new law allowed local wineries to sell their wines at farmers markets and festivals. I saw that as very positive for local wineries and a later study showed its success. In 2011, sales of Massachusetts wines increased by an amazing 66%, primarily due to their ability to sell wine at the markets and festivals. Great news for local businesses during these tough economic times. Let us hope their success continued into 2012.

Kudos For Sherry Love:  I love Spanish Sherry, from Fino to Oloroso, Manzanilla to Palo Cortado. Unfortunately, that places me in a tiny minority as Sherry, especially dry Sherry, is very much a niche beverage in the U.S. But locally, Sherry is gaining more love, especially by two restaurants, Tres Gatos and Taberna de Haro. Tres Gatos, in Jamaica Plain, now hosts Sherry Tuesdays, where you can sample sherries with pinchos. Taberna de Haro has recently expanded their restaurant and now carries 27 different Sherries, and will be adding more too. Both restaurants deserve big kudos for their passion and support of Sherry.

New Wine Job: Last February, I started a new endeavor, a part time job at the Beacon Hill Wine & Gourmet in Melrose. It has been fun and educational, helping customers select wines, providing recommendations and more. It provides an interesting glimpse into the mind of the wine consumer and has also fueled a number of blog posts. Stop by the store some time and let me help you choose some wines. Besides the wine, the store also stocks some delicious gourmet and artisan foods, so you have one stop shopping for a party.

What were some of your favorite wine related items this year?

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