Just in time for Womens History Month, Fred's at Barney's New York announces a "Special Wine and Food Tasting with Deborah Brenner" This is a great bargain: food & wine tasting plus a copy of the newly released book - reserve now! Tuesday March 10, 2009 (Barney's is located at 660 Madison Ave)
6:30 pm-9:30 pm
$50.00 advance purchase
$55.00 day of event
*cost includes a copy of the book Women of the Vine In honor of Women’s History Month, Fred’s at Barney’s New York would like you to join Deborah Brenner (author of Women of the Vine & proprietor of Women of the Vine Cellars) and award winning winemaker, Marketta Fourmeaux, at Fred’s. The hosts will serve a selection of their award winning limited production wines for this exclusive private tasting.
Women of the Vine was elected by Wine Spectator as Critical Reading for any wine enthusiast’s library.
To order tickets, please contact:
Niki Le Bouquin
Fred’s at Barneys New York
660 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor
(212) 833- 2207
fred'scater@barneys.com
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deborah brenner, freds at barneys, women of the vine
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Posted on 2/24/2009
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Death by Busboy In this economy, with so many ways to justify not going out for dinner, we can add yet another tick to the column of reasons to stay at home: The Busboy. After more than a few recent run-ins with over-eager, over-reaching Bus-type staff, I say that some of the too-pricey restos around town should reconsider the role of the Busser (busboy, busperson, bus staffer, whatever). Back in the days of the moochers who sat nursing a coffee or a lemonade for hours on end while the hungry waited for tables, the Busser in his role as Resto Policeman, served a useful function. But in today’s world, it is completely unacceptable for diners to fear the Busser. There is no reason that we should have to keep on the lookout for Bussers, lest they snatch our half-full champagne flutes, our half-eaten appetizers, or other plates from us. Recently, I found myself in a tug of war with a Busser who tried to whisk away the last 1/3 of a $35 class of wine. As soon as his hand jerked its way into my peripheral vision, I quickly held the glass down to the table by its base. He tried to grab the glass by its globe, and yanked so hard that I thought the glass might break. I said, “Leave it,” but he hovered at the table looking at me, as though I were obligated to dispose of its contents his watch. I refused and eventually he wandered off to harass someone else. Dinner is no time for a wrestling match. And no one should have to develop a Busboy-strategy before going to dinner. Grabby Bussers are the bane of restos that hope for an average check of $65 and up, Some operators seem to mistakenly believe that having a Server, Runner & a Busser will somehow enhance the dining experience. But they are wrong. The Busser does not bring joy, good tidings nor anything desirable to the diner.Why do they wander the floor looking for things to grab, without looking at what's on the table, if the diners are talking, if one person has stepped away from the table? Last week, when Ms. R called me and invited me to dinner at a resto known for its aggressive bus-boying. I refused, telling her, “I want dinner, not a game of tug-of-war.” The last time I was at that particular resto, the busser took my bread plate away just after I had buttered the bread. He did this not once but three times. Short term memory? Perhaps. But what a waste of bread. So we chose to go to another resto not suffering busboy bane, and there we spent $170. If, on each calendar day of the year, two people decide they cannot tolerate the bussing habits at a particular resto, and if the two people spend on average $170, then said resto will lose $62K in sales annually. And what if it happens say a few more times each day? Death by busboy.
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death by busboy
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Posted on 2/23/2009
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Given the current state of the economy and my personal twists and turns following the elusive Pierre all over town, I had low hopes for Valentine's day. Rumor had it that Pierre had flown to Paris to check out a shake up at a recently demoted Michelin restaurant.
But then some friends showed up in town unexpectedly, and I found myself dressed up for V-Day and out looking for some tasty dishes. We headed to the newly opened Atria, in Midtown. It seems I have found myself in Midtown more than a few times of late—Rouge Tomate, Fig & Olive, to name a few—not my normal stomping ground. But I was immediately attracted to Atria's location in the old Grayz space, and to the Chef, Martin Brock, who cut his culinary teeth in Kunz's kitchens. An added bonus is Nic Bradley, formerly of Per Se, as sommelier. Nic promised me that the 2007 Chateauheuf-du-Pape would be arrving soon.
The upstairs bar & lounge are modern sleek yet classically inviting. I would have been happy just having a great cocktail and a snack while sitting at the bar. While having one of their signature gin cocktails, I noticed that the man next to me was thoroughly enjoyng his lobster tail ravioli. No doubt this old townhouse will become a great after work cocktail destination. (The building was once the home of J.D. Rockefeller—a very New York experience for those who truly love New York.)
The menu is described as Modern European, a hallmark of the London culinary scene. Like New American, Modern European incorporates classic dishes (like cassoulet) with Mediterranean grills, regional specialties and new ingredients from all corners of the world. At Atria, given Chef Brock's Bavarian roots, there is a central European profile to some of the dishes.You'll find roasted meats that feature Asian-inspired glazed, and a lot of bacon elements throughout the menu.
A very pleasurable experience at this destination-dining spot.
My Notes of Prix Fixe:
I've said it before and I'll say again: Prix Fixe makes better business sense, and it makes better dining sense. A rambling, ingredient-laden a la carte menu is not a responsible way to operate a resto or to dine. But a great prix fixe is a beautiful thing. Chef Brock offers a well-thought out menu just for you. The wine pairings are also gorgeous.
Some Notable Dishes at Atria:
Cured Tasmanian sea trout, served with lotus root chips, sesame seeds, curry remoulade – how often do you see these items looped together? A lox of a different color!
Roasted chicken, served with savoy cabbage, schupfnudeln and maple cider reduction – a testament to good roasting skills, this dish feature a truly southern German element – the schupfnudeln (a spetzle-like potato noodle). A winter entrée, order before the spring thaw.
Pork roast for two, served with Brussels sprouts, yams and rosemary jus – I love dishes for two (when there is someone worth sharing it with), and a fine pork roast is a beautiful thing.
Tags:
atria, fig and olive, grayz, martin brock, nic bradley, notable wine list, prix fixe, romantic, rouge tomate
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Posted on 2/17/2009
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Not in the mood for romance? Dread the thought of going out and looking at inter-twined lovers? There are alternatives!
As Pierre has already lead you down the road of wine & chocolate, I will take you to some alternative spots:
Dining alone?
• Sit at the sushi counter at Blue Ribbon in SoHo and ask the head sushi chef for a recommendation. Get a small bottle of sake and watch how the sushi chef assembles your dish. Spend that $50 on yourself!
• Head to MoMA and become one with your Modern (or post-Modern) self, treat yourself to a snack at the Terrace, or a drink and a nosh in at the bar in The Modern.
• Catching up on shopping? After strolling Chinatown and lower Broadway and jousting with the crowds of modern-wannabees, into the French Culinary Insitute and get a seat by the window. Have a great meal for a great price, prepared by the culinary students.
Hanging out with unattached friends?
• One great Flatiron recommendation would be to head to Slate and grab a table and a beer.
• There's always Mars Bar in the East Village. Order a round enjoy the remnants of old school punk. Definitely will not break the bank!
• Do a family style meal at your favorite Chinatown restaurant. Don't have one? Check our listings for some ideas.
Feeling unloved? You're not alone.
1. SoHo SPREAD THE LOVE is designed for those who are interested in spending their Valentine's Day indulging in fun ways to better take care of their mind, body, spirit, and community. Whether on a date or flying solo for the evening, this V-day event caters to New Yorkers interested in natural and sustainable ways to live a healthy and vibrant life. Organic food and community-building are central. The evening will be an opportunity to learn, network with like-minded individuals, and also kick back and enjoy the entertainment in a festive environment.
Highlights:
• Decadent organic buffet
• Wellness workshops
• DJ/dance music from the 70's, 80's, and 90's to current hits
• Salsa dance lesson
• Silent auction to benefit the New York Association for Naturopathic Physicians
• Free chair massage (arrive early to reserve your time)
Entry is by pre-sale only. Call 212-222-8187 or click here to reserve.
2. Free Wine Tasting - Feb 14, 2009
Noon-6pm
New York Vintners
21 Warren Street
3. Free Highland Park Tasting - Feb 14, 2009
4pm-7pm
Wonderful Single Malt Scotch Whiskies
Acker Merrall & Condit
160 West 72nd Street
As always, email me with your ideas. Please, no marriage proposals.
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Posted on 2/12/2009
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Not so long ago, a friend of mine was moping about and I asked what was wrong. She said, "I'm so bored."
I immediately blurted out, "If you live in New York City and you're bored, it's your own fault."
The reason that people flock to New York is that there is an endless list of things that need to be seen, heard, celebrated, tasted, digested, smelled, tried on, gawked at, touched, felt, dreamed of and recycled.
There are a few venues around town where, no matter the day of the week or time of year, something of interest is there for the discovery. So if you find yourself saying, "I'm so bored," check them out.
For the musicians & wordsmiths, there is Cornelia Street Café. For oenophiles and food enthusiasts, there is Astor Center.
Long a Village fixture (like Cornelia Street Cafe), Astor Wines embarked on a new path and created the Astor Center, a green building designed to care for the wines in stock and to provide event spaces for food & wine events aimed at education. There are meeting & tasting rooms, a kitchen and a grand gallery for larger events.
But it's not just about wine. It's about taste – new foods, spirits, beverages, wines, cheeses. It's also about the Collective, those people who work in the food & beverage industry and who care deeply about what they do. This is a space aimed at their needs. It's not a big fancy bank turned into a ballroom & booked for galas and weddings. It is much more sophisticated than that. It is one part village renegade, one part culinary institute, one part thriving business.
Recently, I was honored to attend the NYC Women in Food event, a networking opportunity for women in the in the industry. The keynote speaker was Martha Stewart, once on the cutting edge of farm forward foods and home entertaining. Regardless of ones opinion of Ms. Stewart, there is no doubting the fact that she is a successful business woman and that she has opened doors for the new waves of women in the food & beverage world. One thing that she said sticks in my mind: No matter what we do in life, we must be passionate about it.
The Astor Center is indeed a space that encourages a passionate approach to Food & Beverage. Read more about it here. Check out their weekly calendar and discover what your passion is.
Tags:
astor center, cornelia street cafe, food and beverage, martha stewart, wine
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Posted on 1/28/2009
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