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Katie Kleyla

Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley

The Blogetarian’s Review: Dine with Skyline

by George Evans Marley February 23, 2018

Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley

Last month I had the pleasure of visiting Skyline at Waterplace for the VIP treatment at their first ever, Dine with Skyline by Russell Morin Catering and Events! I have to say, I was honored to be surrounded by some of Rhode Island’s culinary and press-related royalty. However, nothing was more exciting than seeing Eat Drink RI’s own Katie Kleyla walk through the doors! It’s rare that she and I just get to enjoy an event without having to run around directing volunteers, setting up vendors or fronting a 20-piece big band. (That last one is obviously Katie.)

As we sat down we were greeted by a Russell Morin staple, the Forage Board. Served on a cutting board made from a slice of a tree, piles of berries, pickled artichoke, grilled asparagus, braised Brussels sprouts and these amazing cranberry baked goat cheese cakes that were beyond decadent. Through some bizarre miracle, this cheese was both smooth when it was spread on the perfectly toasted baguettes, yet crumbly when eaten whole! It was sweet but also savory. It was like a seasonal cranberry cheese cake? Is that a thing? I guess it’s a thing!

I was so excited for the brown butter lobster raviolis! They were packed with lobster! The next course was a hearty roasted tomato bisque served with roasted bacon jam! I don’t like soup. It’s concerning to me. However, this particular presentation made an impact on me. The full strip of bacon, parsley leaves and Parmesan crisp made this dish much more than soup! The most amazing piece of this dish is the bacon jam. It’s flavor was intense! It was bacon heaven. Like grab your halo, you’re gettin’ in to bacon-heaven. SO GOOD!

The next course was a lamb ragout in a deep fried hash brown bowl served alongside glazed and grilled yellow carrots. The dish was topped with the most beautiful beet greens. I wish the lighting did them justice! Now, I LOVE salad served as a last course. Salad is the best digestive tool. I will speak no further on that. You could tell the chef took his time arranging the greens. The endive, Gala apples and chevre were on point!

For dessert, the pot de creme was a nice treat! That you need to taste for yourself! After dinner we went upstairs to see Frank Young! He’s shakin’ his stuff at the Skyline Lounge on Friday nights! Go say “Hi” after dinner!

Their next dinner is TONIGHT! February 23, 2018 and the price includes: 5 Course Dinner, Complimentary Valet and Access to the Skyline Lounge.

Make reservations at dinewithskyline.com

Dine with Skyline, photos by George Evans Marley

February 23, 2018 0 comment

Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley

chefs & restaurants wine & drinks

The Blogetarian’s Review: Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm

by George Evans Marley September 7, 2017

written by George Evans Marley

Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley

A few weeks ago Katie Kleyla, Director of Development at Eat Drink RI, put a out a call out to her friends to see who would be interested in volunteering at the Eat Drink RI Land & Sea Summer Farm Culinary Series at Blackbird Farm. I jumped to the occasion and it was the best decision I’ve ever made.

Doing my stint in the restaurant industry in both front and back of the house I had some experience, but I don’t remember ever having so much fun and the food being so good.

I arrived on Friday night eager to help in my flannel shirt and backwards Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle trucker hat. What else would you wear on the best cattle and pig farm in Rhode Island? Seriously, Blackbird Farm is not only the producer of the tastiest, local and organic beef and pork but its absolutely gorgeous. The rolling hills, the view, the sunset and the deer playing in the meadows just made the next four nights of my life absolutely unforgettable.

Chef Ashley Vanasse and her crew from Easy Entertaining were furiously prepping away when I arrived. I got the low down on the evening’s logistics and time line from Ms. Kleyla, including a quick run down of the evening’s adult beverages. Jonathan Edwards Winery provided a variety of wines including their Gewurztraminer, a white wine with hints of lychee fruit and a Dark Petite Sirah that was quite enjoyable. That’s a big deal because I traditionally do not care for ports, but this port style wine was just unique enough to please this steadfast critic. Jonathan Edwards is a pretty awesome place just across the border in Connecticut which is open to the public for tours and tastings! The evening’s beer selections were provided by Revival Brewing Company, a local favorite, located in Cranston, Rhode Island. The selection included Night Swim’ah Belgian Wheat Ale and Burnsider Pale Ale. They pulled out all the stops on the last night with a pretty pink surprise of Pinky Swear!

I jumped into action and ran down to the farm house where I got to meet some of the chickens and fill up the cooler with artisan well water. It was cool crisp and straight from the earth.

The first night’s meal consisted of crostini with garlic, mustard butter and a melt-in-your-mouth roasted bone marrow. Oh I almost died, it was so good. There was also skewered pork ribs and pickled radish and potato chips with rare beef. It was so amazing and there is a clear difference in the taste between grass-fed beef and factory-farmed beef. Serving it rare and pairing it with the pickled radish really brought out the distinct difference in the more sustainable way of farming.

The evening continued with a porchetta that was out of this world, a porterhouse steak and for dessert a lemon curd tart with fresh berries.

Night two of the Land & Sea Series featured Chefs Eli Dunn & Jordan Goldsmith of Eli’s Kitchen and Moonrose Farm respectively. Their starters consisted of shoyu glazed pork, wood-grilled oyster mushrooms with herb butter on a crostini and a Stonington shrimp po’ boy.

For their entrees they selected Bomster Scallop Crudo, Wood-Grilled Blackbird London Broil and for dessert the most amazing thing I have ever put in my mouth, Moonrose Cornflour Beignets served with Thai basil cream, strawberry jam and powdered sugar. As a volunteer I got handed a large metal bowl and I felt like I was eating from a trough and I didn’t care because they were so good.

Night three was Chef Nick Rabar of Avenue N American Kitchen. They served honey Harissa beef tartare, Smoked Pork Cheek & Pimento Cheese Pierogis, “Bacon & Sausage” with candied maple and my personal favorite of the night, Grilled Hot Dog Sliders served with mole baked beans, havana street corn, cotija, lime and a smoked paprika aioli! It was like a tiny bite of gourmet summer backyard barbecue heaven!

The evening’s entrees were Apple Cider & Beer Braised Pork Shank, Carved Blackbird Farm Steak and for dessert Warm Chocolate & Brown Sugar Cupcakes filled and topped with bacon fat buttercream & bacon butterscotch brittle. This was unlike anything I have ever tasted and I could have eaten a dozen of them in one sitting. Never, have I ever tasted a frosting so amazing.

The final night featured Chef Maria Meza and her son Joaquin of El Rancho Grande. Guests were greeted by a third choice of beverage, Revival’s Pinky Swear mixed with a spicy green lime chili beverage. The combo was spicy and refreshing!

For starters there were Quesadillas with squash blossom & queso, Taco with carnitas super crispy chicharrones – oh they are so good!

Entrees included Spare Ribs and Pork Loin & Sirloin a la parilla served with scallions, cactus. Dessert was a handmade mamey sorbet. I had a chance to help make this. Everyone took turns spinning the mamey over the ice until it has a frozen yogurt consistency. It was an amazing finish to an amazing four days.

If you have an opportunity to take part as a guest at one of the Eat Drink RI dinners – DO IT! You will not be disappointed. If you’d like to learn more about Blackbird Farm visit one their Farm Stand farmers markets and visit them online at facebook.com/blackbirdfarm/

See you there!

Land & Sea at Blackbird Farm, photos by George Evans Marley

September 7, 2017 0 comment

chefs & restaurants farms news wine & drinks

Walrus and Carpenter Oysters Announces Fourth Annual Farm Dinner Series with Eight Renowned Chefs

by David Dadekian May 5, 2016

written by David Dadekian

This summer, Walrus and Carpenter Oysters is proud to present their 4th Annual Oyster Farm Dinner Series with Al Forno, Avenue N, birch, Blue Hill NY, Gracie’s, north, Persimmon and Tallulah on Thames. Each dinner features a tour of the farm, an in-the-water raw-bar, a multi-course dinner prepared by a chef committed to sourcing local seafood, and wine selections by the experts at Bottles Fine Wine. The dinner series will be produced by Eat Drink RI.

Walrus and Carpenter Oysters 2015 Farm Dinner, photo by David Dadekian

Each of the eight dinner experiences begin at 3 p.m. with a boat ride and tour of the 6-acre offshore oyster farm, with discussion and time for questions about the local ecosystem and environmental benefits of oyster farming. Following the tour, guests will enjoy an in-the-water raw bar featuring freshly harvested Walrus and Carpenter Oysters. After the raw bar, experience Rhode Island’s stunning East Beach with a view of the open Atlantic Ocean (swimming encouraged!), followed by the seated multi-course dinner paired with wine. Boats will return to land around 7:30 p.m.

Last year this series sold out in 4 minutes. Tickets for the 2016 dinners will go on sale Monday, May 16th at 9 a.m. at www.walrusandcarpenteroysters.com. Below is the schedule of chefs for this year.

Monday, July 18th | Chef Matthew Varga of Gracie’s
Varga is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, and began working at Gracie’s in 2007. He was promoted to Executive Chef in 2010. Since then, Gracie’s has won the AAA four-diamond award five years in a row for their seasonally-inspired cuisine and impeccable service. Varga has been featured in Art Culinaire and as a guest chef for the Democratic Governors Association Taste of America gala.

Tuesday, July 19th | Chef Jake Rojas of Tallulah on Thames & Tallulah’s Taqueria
Rojas originates from El Paso, Texas and is a graduate of the Culinary Art Institute of Dallas. In 2014, he received a StarChefs.com Rising Star Chef Award. Some of his earlier career tours include Sous Chef at Joel Robuchon at the Mansion & Chef de Partie at Alain Ducasse’s Mix. Jake’s restaurants embody the flavors from his childhood, with technique from his experiences working with the best culinary leaders in the country.

Wednesday, July 20th | Chef Meytal Kotik of Blue Hill NY
Meytal is the chef de cuisine of Blue Hill in New York City. Transforming daily, the menu focuses on local food sourced from producers who respect artisanal techniques. Ingredients come from nearby farms, including Blue Hill Farm in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, and Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture in Pocantico Hills, New York. Following culinary school, Meytal worked for Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group before joining the Blue Hill team.

Thursday, July 21st | Chef Nick Rabar of Avenue N
Nick has been cooking in Rhode Island ever since relocating from Upstate New York in 2001. He spent his first 10 years in Providence before opening Avenue N American Kitchen in the historic Rumford Center in Rumford, RI. He describes his food as approachable, progressive American fare that is guided by the seasons. He is the Emmy Nominated host of Nick Rabar: Chef 2 Go, 2-time Chef of the Year for the state of Rhode Island, has been named one of the Best and Brightest Young American Chefs. Chef Rabar sits on the board of directors at Hope & Main and has made numerous appearances on the Food Network.

Monday, August 15th | Chef David Reynoso of Al Forno
Reynoso is the executive chef at the internationally renowned Al Forno restaurant, where local ingredients shine in dishes cooked in wood-burning ovens and on grills over hardwood charcoal fires. He is the recipient of many accolades, including StarChefs.com Rising Star Chef Award. For this dinner, David will be tapping into his roots with a meal inspired by his birthplace, Mexico. Chef Reynoso’s menus feature seasonal New England ingredients, as well as a variety of cultural and culinary influences.

Tuesday, August 16th | Chef Benjamin Sukle of birch & Oberlin
Sukle takes a “from the roots up” approach to all aspects of the dining experience, expressing the best of New England through a creative, modern and environmentally engaging menu. Ben received a 2014 StarChefs.com Rising Star Chef Award, and has been twice nominated for Food & Wine’s People’s Best New Chef. He has been nominated for the James Beard Foundation’s Rising Star Chef and Best Chef New England.

Wednesday, August 17th | Chef Champe Speidel of Persimmon & Persimmon Provisions
Speidel is the chef and owner of Persimmon Restaurant, newly transplanted from Bristol to Providence’s East Side at 99 Hope Street in the former Rue de L’Espoir space. He has been serving contemporary American cuisine in harmony with the seasons since 2005. In 2010 he opened Persimmon Provisions in Barrington, a whole-animal butchery with well-curated cheeses, charcuterie and pantry items. Speidel is a six-time nominee for Best Chef: Northeast by the James Beard Foundation and recently was honored by his Alma Mater Johnson & Wales University as their 2016 Honorary Doctoral Candidate.

Thursday, August 18th | Chef James Mark of north & north bakery
Mark is the cook/owner/plumber/garbageman/shoveler/gopher/cat wrangler of north and north bakery. In 2014, James received the StarChefs.com 2014 Coastal New England Rising Star Community Chef award for his philanthropic commitment to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Prior to north, James worked at Nicks on Broadway and Thee Red Fez. In 2008 he helped open Momofuku Ko in NYC, and a year later he helped open Momofuku Milk Bar.

Please be aware that each dinner experience involves wading in ankle to knee-deep water, and a 15-minute walk to the beach, so dress accordingly. Guests who choose to take a swim are encouraged to wear bathing suits and bring a change of clothes. Boats will begin to depart from Charlestown, RI at 2:30 p.m., with the final boat departing at 3 p.m. Tickets are $225.00 per guest, all-inclusive, and will go on sale Monday, May 16th at 9 a.m. at www.walrusandcarpenteroysters.com.

May 5, 2016 0 comment

chefs & restaurants farms news wine & drinks

Walrus and Carpenter Oysters Announces Third Annual Farm Dinner Series with Six Renowned Rhode Island Chefs

by David Dadekian June 2, 2015

written by David Dadekian

Dinner table and kitchen set up in Ninigret Pond from Nicks on Broadway 2014 event, photo by David S. Dadekian

This summer, Walrus and Carpenter Oysters is proud to present their 3rd Annual Oyster Farm Dinner Series with birch, Gracie’s, New Rivers, Nicks on Broadway, north, and Tallulah on Thames. Each dinner features a tour of the farm, an in-the-water raw-bar, a multi-course dinner prepared by a Rhode Island chef committed to sourcing local seafood, and wine selections by the experts at Bottles Fine Wine. The dinner series will be produced by Eat Drink RI.

Click the links below to purchase tickets beginning Monday, June 15th at 9 a.m.:

Each of the six dinner experiences begin at 3 p.m. with a boat ride and tour of the 6-acre offshore oyster farm, with discussion and time for questions about the local ecosystem and environmental benefits of oyster farming. Following the tour, guests will enjoy an in-the-water raw bar featuring freshly harvested oysters. After the raw bar, take a walk on stunning East Beach with a view of the open Atlantic Ocean, followed by the seated multi-course dinner paired with wine. Boats will return to the marina around 7:30 p.m.

Last year this series sold out in less than 24 hours. Tickets for the 2015 dinners will go on sale Monday, June 15th at 9 a.m. at www.walrusandcarpenteroysters.com. Below is the schedule of chefs for this year.

Sunday, August 9th | Chef Derek Wagner of Nicks on Broadway

Wagner, winner of the StarChefs.com 2014 Coastal New England Rising Star Sustainability Award, is deeply focused on seasonally inspired, locally sourced, integrity driven food. Derek has developed and fostered strong relationships with local growers, producers, farmers, fishermen and artisans, and has been featured in Food & Wine, Travel & Leisure, and The New York Times, among many other publications.

Monday, August 10th | Chef Jake Rojas of Tallulah on Thames

Rojas originates from El Paso, Texas and is a graduate of the Culinary Art Institute of Dallas. In 2014, he received a StarChefs.com Rising Star Chef Award. Jake is committed to sourcing seasonal market-driven ingredients highlighting local farms and artisans, and opened Tallulah’s Taqueria in Providence last summer.

Tuesday, August 11th | Chef Benjamin Sukle of birch

Sukle takes a “from the roots up” approach to all aspects of the dining experience, expressing the best of New England through a creative, modern and environmentally engaging menu. Ben received a 2014 StarChefs.com Rising Star Chef Award, and has been twice nominated for Food & Wine’s People’s Best New Chef. He has been nominated for the James Beard Foundation’s Rising Star Chef and Best Chef New England.

Friday, August 14th | Chef James Mark of north

Mark is the cook/owner/plumber/garbageman/shoveler/gopher/cat wrangler of north and north bakery. In 2014, James received the StarChefs.com 2014 Coastal New England Rising Star Community Chef award for his philanthropic commitment to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Prior to north, James worked at Nicks on Broadway and Thee Red Fez. In 2008 he helped open Momofuku Ko in NYC and, a year later, he helped open Momofuku Milk Bar.

Sunday, August 16th | Chef Beau Vestal of New Rivers

Vestal prides himself on serving the highest quality produce, handcrafted products, and whole animals raised with care from local pastures. Since 1990 the team at New Rivers has upheld the belief that the best and most honest foods are sustainably sourced and made by hand. Beau, chef at New Rivers since 2000 and now co-owner with his wife Elizabeth, carry on this mission today with their artisan breads, an extensive pasta program, cured meats and charcuterie, and much more.

Monday, August 17th | Chef Matthew Varga of Gracie’s

Varga is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University, and began working at Gracie’s in 2007. He was promoted to Executive Chef in 2010. Since then, Gracie’s has won the AAA four-diamond award four years in a row for their seasonally-inspired cuisine and impeccable service. Varga has been featured in Art Culinaire and as a guest chef for the Democratic Governors Association Taste of America gala.

Please be aware that each dinner experience involves wading in ankle to knee-deep water, and a 15-minute walk to the beach, so dress accordingly. Boats will begin to depart from Charlestown, RI at 2:30 p.m., with the final boat departing at 3 p.m. Tickets are $185.00 per guest, all-inclusive, and will go on sale Monday, June 15th at 9 a.m. at www.walrusandcarpenteroysters.com.

June 2, 2015 0 comment

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