Wine & Dine on Beacon Hill: Featuring Wines from Argentina! April 15, 2015 at 7 pm

WINE & DINE ON BEACON HILL

Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro Presents a Wine Dinner Featuring Wines from Argentina

 On Wednesday, April 15^th, 2015 at 7:00PM guests will take a virtual culinary wine tour of Argentina at Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro’s spring wine dinner. 

Designed to both educate and entertain, Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro’s (BHHB) wine dinners are aimed at individuals of all experience levels. 

This event is about “wonderful wines, creative food and good friends,” says Cecilia Rait, proprietress and wine director of the BHHB.

Beginning at 7:00PM, diners are invited to visit all four regions without leaving the comfort of their seats.  

Cecilia and Tracy Burgis of M.S. Walker act as virtual tour guides, moving from region to region expanding the history, curiosities and nuances of each selection. 

During this educational dinner, guests will sample wines from regions across Argentina.  

In addition to wine, the dinner will showcase the culinary artistry of Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro’s Executive Chef Lucas Sousa, whose dishes are designed to complement each featured wine.

This intimate adventure is set in communal seating to encourage conversation, laughter and fun. 

For $65.00 per person (tax and gratuity not included), guests are treated to four wines, a four-course dinner and Cecilia's and Tracy's good cheer, humor and expertise. 

Reservations are encouraged as the event will sell out fast.

WHERE: Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro| 25 Charles Street, Boston, MA 

617-723-7575 | www.beaconhillhotel.com.

      Wednesday, April 15^th, 2015; 7:00PM

COST:              $65 Per Person (tax and gratuity not included).

Reservations are necessary. 

Please call 617-723-7575.

About the BHHB:

Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro is both an intimate and authentic boutique hotel, and an award-winning Bistro in Boston’s historic Beacon Hill. The Hotel consists of 12 guest rooms and one in-room suite; blending both modern convenience and historical character reflected in its thoughtful and distinctive design.

The Bistro serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner, as well as, weekend Brunches and is open 365 days a year. Hours of operation are as follows:  Breakfast: Mondaythrough Friday 7AM to 10AM & Saturday and Sunday 7:30AM to 10AM, Lunch: Monday through Friday 11:30AM to 3PM, Brunch: Saturday and Sunday 10AM to 3PM, Afternoon Bar Menu:  All Week 3PM to 5:30PM, Dinner:  Monday through Saturday 5:30PM to 11PM - Sunday 5:30PM to 10PM. 

The Beacon Hill Hotel & Bistro is located at 25 Charles Street and is adjacent to the Public Garden on the corner of Charles and Chestnut Street, easily accessible by T from either the Charles/MGH or Park Street Stations. For More information please call 617-723-1133 or 617-723-7575 or log on to: www.beaconhillhotel.com.

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DrFoodie Will Cover the 2013 "America's Best Sherry Cocktail Competition & Food Pairing" for Fierce Competitor Taberna de Haro's Bartender Devon and Chef Don

The Vinos de Jerez Cocktail Competition is back for 2013!

Gambas el jerez- shrimp sauteed with caramelized onions, finished with sherry, slivers of garlic and chopped parsley

I have the pleasure and honor of covering Bartender extraordinaire Devon B. and Chef Don of Taberna de Haro during their entry into the National American's Best Sherry Cocktail Competition!  

Mixologist and Chef are charged with pairing Sherry based cocktail with dishes and will compete against other national competitors!  I have by bet placed on the talent at Taberna de Haro where I recently conducted a lovely interview and food/cocktail review with Chef/Owner/Sommelier Deborah Hansen!  Review coming soon!

Stay tuned for what's sure to be a great adventure into the distinguished Spanish wine, sherry, and its incorporation into creative dishes and its elevation of well-balanced cocktails!

The winner will receive an all expenses paid trip to Jerez, Spain and a full scholarship to Beverage Alcohol Resource 5-Day Program!

Tweet to 

#SherryCocktailComp to keep up with the competition.  Go Brookline!

North of Boston Wine Week: Merrimack Valley, The Wine Underworld of New England!

Local Businesses Come Together for the Third Annual North of Boston Wine Week

One of my personal favorite participants being Wine Connextion!

WHAT:             From Sunday, September 8^th through Sunday, September 15^th, 2013, 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 impressive 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, MA, on Saturday, September 7^th, 2013 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM, 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, Brasserie 28, 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.

                        For more details on special events and a complete list of featured wines, please visit www.NorthOfBostonWineWeek.com

WHEN:             North of Boston Wine Week runs from Sunday, September 8^th, 2013 through Sunday, September 15^th, 2013.

                                    North of Boston Wine Week kick-off on Saturday, September 7^th, 2013.

ADDITIONAL:  For a full schedule of events or for additional information please visit http://www.NorthOfBostonWineWeek.com or email info@northofbostonwineweek.com

North of Boston Wine Week (NOBOWW) is an annual week-long event celebrating  north of Boston as a premier destination for food and wine. In collaboration with NECN’s “TV Diner,” Merrimack Valley Magazine, Horizon Beverage Company, M.S.  Walker and Cape Ann Foodie Tours,  NOBOWW encourages drinking globally and buying locally.  Running from Sunday, September 8^th, 2013 through September 15^th, 2013 and with over 40 participating venues, NOBOWW is open for participation to all venues in the Merrimack Valley. For more information visit www.northofbostonwineweek.com

 

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Wine ConneXtion "Trinity" Wine Pairing Dinner: A Special Preview of "The Big Three" Wine Tasting Series (Starting October 27, 2012)

The Wine ConneXtion is celebrating 3 years in the business with an upcoming series of tastings hosted by sibling-owners Tina and Sam Messina.  

Tina & Sam are warm and welcoming with great business minds between them. They believe in passing on great price points to their customers.

Sam has been active in the wine industry for 30 years and is skilled in wine and food pairing on many scales.  Tina has been in the industry for 20.  Beginning in the Messina family spirits business, Tina brings her knowledge of marketing and developing store concept to The Wine ConneXtion..  This team really knows their stuff!

Our grand hosts, Tina and Sam Messina!

The first thing to stand out upon touring the store was the incredible prices!  I perused the aisles checking out bottles I commonly purchase and the price differences were quite astonishing-so much so that I plan to head to North Andover, MA in the near future to stock up for sure!  You can also purchase wines by the case.

The store is designed to feature regions as well as varietals.  
There's also a tasting station, open every Saturday, where customers are encouraged to sample various products and learn about or expand upon their particular tastes. The Wine ConneXtion focuses on educating the customer whether they are a seasoned expert looking for something outside the box or a novice eager for a proper, yet non-intimidating introduction to wine.

The atmosphere was intimate and a lovely table was set near the tasting station.

A lovely charcuterie platter was served with Mumm's Napa Valley sparkling wine aperitif as invited guests mingled.

Each of the 3 represented food organization served a dish for 3 courses.  Each seasonally-focused dish was paired with a wine. Chef Lou from Smolak Farms (North Andover, MA), Irene from Mei Mei Street Kitchen (Boston, MA Truck), and Chef/Owner Antonio Bettencourt of 62 Restaurant & Wine Bar (Salem, MA) all served beautifully creative dishes as Sam presented the wine pairings.  All glasses were labeled.

Fresh, yummy bread from Tuscan Kitchen out of Salem, MA was served with olive oil.

The Brilliant Chefs! Chef Lou, Irene, and Chef Bettencourt

First Course:

Mei Mei Mobile Kitchen blew us away with apple cider ice cream, powdered brown butter, empire apples, lemon zest, and salmon roe.
Not only was this dish beautiful to the eye, the unusual flavor pairing was certainly a success.  The apples added a bitter element that played nicely with the salinity of the salmon eggs, and acidity and burst of freshness offered by the lemon zest.  The powdered brown butter and ice cream added levels of texture that highlighted the dish and were much appreciated.

Mei Mei's cider ice cream and salmon roe

Mei Mei's dish was smartly paired with Rodney Strong "Chalk Hill" Chardonnay 2010 (California).  It was well-balanced and rich while lacking the heavy buttery notes that typically turn me off.  This is one Chardonnay I'd definitely purchase and enjoy.

Chef Lou of Smolak Farms' pumpkin soup was spiced with nutmeg and garnished with toasted pumpkin seeds.  Though it could have used a bit of sweetness- brown sugar perhaps- it was fresh and smooth and the crunchy pumpkin seeds added a nice textural element.

Pumpkin Soup with toasted pumpkin seeds.

The pumpkin soup was paired with Chateau Ste Michelle "Indian Wells" Red 2010 (Washington), a blend of 7 varietals.  It was well-rounded with dark red berry notes.

Chef Bettencourt's cider-braised pork belly with soubise, pear, and white wine-cooked dried cranberry mostarda was brilliant!

Cider-braised pork belly

The pork belly was paired with Delas Cote du Rhone "Saint Esprit" 2009 (France).  The Cote du Rhone, Sam shared, was unique in that it is 90% Syrah, a higher than normal percentage. Its dark berry aromas complemented the cranberry component of the mostarda and the almost peppery (black) finish complemented the protein.  I can see this as a great companion for a nice steak as well.

Second course:

Each dish in the 2nd course was paired with a Meritage.

Chef Lou presented a delicious spin on a Quiche Lorraine sans the bacon.  The crust was light and moist.  I loved this colorful dish.  It was beautiful, fresh, and simply delicious!

Quiche with heirloom tomatoes, mushroom, caramelized onion, mozzarella, and cheddar cheese!

The quiche was paired with Hahn Meritage 2009 (California), whose smoky, deep boldness married well with the veggies in the dish.


There's nothing like good offal.  Mei Mei showed off slivers of John Crow Farm raised lamb heart with pickled sour cherries, pumpkin seed oil, a bright gastrique, and topped with a tarragon leaf.

Lamb heart.  Mei Mei supports humane raising of livestock and advocates nose-to-tail use!

Chef Bettencourt served sliced tender leg of lamb with wood-roasted eggplant, onion, preserved lemon and chickpea vinaigrette, finished with a tangy yogurt.  I found the pairing of lamb and lemon very unique. Lemon really brightens the protein.

Leg of lamb

The leg of lamb was paired with Beringer Meritage 2008 (California)- at 52% merlot- presented with deep, luscious plum aroma and accentuating the dish.

Third Course:

The 3rd course was paired with 90 points and above wines! 

Chef Bettencourt continues on a savory note, presenting a beautifully rich veal tartare with a black truffle and porcini mushroom vinaigrette topped with a light, crisp, parmesan frico. My not being a particularly big fan of truffle was quickly dismissed on the first bite into this masterpiece!  The truffle was more of an accent and supporting role versus the main character, as has been my experience with most truffled dishes.  I am always enthusiastic and hopeful when a skilled chef reintroduces me to a dish/ingredient which I've written off for so very long.  Good job!

Veal tartare

The veal tartare was paired with  Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre 2008 (Italy).

Mei Mei also culminated the meal on a sweet-savory.
A rich, smooth lamb liver pate  was served in a mini sugar ice cream cone topped with whipped cream and a pickled cherry. The presentation alone was attractive, followed by phenomenal flavor and layered, complex textures- crunch, smooth, silky, airy, and firm!  This was an ice cream cone worth chasing the truck for- especially is served along side the Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (Napa California)!

Lamb liver pate "ice cream" cone

Chef Lou finished the meal with a Napolean puff pastry layered with apples, toasted walnut caramel sauce and topped with fondant and creme drizzle.  The flaky dessert was a perfect sweet ending along with the d'Arenberg Sticky Chardonnay (Australia).

The Napolean puff pastry

More desserts (purple velvet cupcakes, pumpkin cupcakes, canollis and more) were served afterwards with coffee.  The desserts were created by Susan Lozier Robert of Frederick's Pastries (North Andover).

 

Close up of the Purple Velvet Cupcake!  So beautiful AND delicious!

I'd like to thanks Tina & Sam for the gracious hosting and Image Unlimited for the invitation to be a part of such a magnificent event.

Visiting The Wine Connextion and helping them celebrate their 3 year anniversary with their FREE "The Big Three" Grand Tasting Series is a must do!  The series kicks of this Saturday! 

The schedule is as follows:

The Big 3

The Wine ConneXtion Celebrates Third Anniversary with Three Big Tastings

WHAT:             They say good things come in three’s and at The Wine ConneXtion, located in North Andover, MA, this rule is no exception. 

Beginning Saturday, October 27^th, 2012, The Wine ConneXtion will celebrate its 3^rd Anniversary as it dedicates its days to pouring the finest wines at the lowest prices with the “Big Three” complimentary tasting series featuring the “Third Annual Fall Grand Tasting,” “Magnificent Meritages” and “90 Points and Above.”

On Saturday, October 27^th, 2012 from 12:00PM to 5:00PM, the Wine ConneXtion will kick-off the series with its “Third Annual Fall Grand Tasting.” Guests are invited to taste a wide selection of new wines while perusing more than 50 exclusive, hand-selected bottles from all over the world as they enjoy culinary treats from Chama Grill.

Guests are then invited on Saturday, November 3^rd, 2012 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM to expand their wine knowledge with a tasting dedicated to “Magnificent Meritages.” Guests will learn about the elusive category of exceptional American wines blended in the Bordeaux tradition. These wines go through a rigorous screening process just to be awarded the name Meritage and are a treat to taste.

Finally, on Saturday, November 10^th, 2012, from 1:00PM to 5:00PM guests are invited to a tasting worth the wait as they sip and sample some of the industry’s highest rated wines at “90 Points and Above.” Only a handful of wines ever earn the 90+ point distinction from the top wine raters including: Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, Wine Advocate and Robert Parker, and this is the time to taste them!bet

Guests will not want to miss this chance to kick off the holiday season with wines fit for every occasion. All tasting are complimentary and open to the public. Must be 21+.

WHERE:  The Wine ConneXtion, 117 Main Street in North Andover, MA

WHEN:  Saturday, October 27^th, 2012; 12:00PM-5:00PM: Third Annual Fall Grand Tasting

                        Saturday, November 3^rd, 2012: 1:00PM-5:00PM: Magnificent Meritages

Saturday, November 10^th, 2012: 1:00PM-5:00PM: 90 Points and Above 
COST:   Tastings are complimentary, 21+ only

Disclosure - I attended as a member of the press/freelance food writer community member and thus did not pay to attend this event.

Martha's Vineyard Girl's Weekend: Easter 2012

This is a long overdue posting, but better later than never!

Me and three girlfriends stayed at my friend's beautiful 4 bedroom home in Edgartown for the Easter weekend.  

On the way over

Chandelier made by my friend Linda! Awesome!

One friend was visiting from Turks & Caicos Islands, one from NYC, and another lives in Boston!

Heading out shopping

Coffee at Mocha Mott's

 

Lunch at Sai Mai Thai Cuisine

 

The best Pad See Ew Ever!

I want this!

Shopping and Posing

Dinner at Alchemy was fair.  A beautiful place.

 

The Gingerbread Cottages 

(my friend Ellen from NYC loved them!)

We had tons of fun and ended the weekend with a beautiful wine, cheese, and caviar soiree! I picked up the caviar and some lovely cheese and wines from my friends at Bacco Wine & Cheese!

I love J. Lohr Merlot!

Yum! 

Smoked salmon terrine, blueberry cheese, smoked gouda, proscuitto_mozzarella wheels, herb chevre, fruits, and veggies

Proscuitto+mozzarella wheels, brie, strawberries, blueberries, and caviar

All dressed up for our soiree! My friends are FAB!

Ellen-Celebrity Make-up Artist-NYC

Me

Meghan-Journalist for major publication-Boston

Shenique-Wedding Make-up Artist-Turks & Caicos Islands

 

We had a blast! Thanks Linda!