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Eye Cookies Wins Rhode Island Food Fights Spectacular Cookie Smackdown

by David Dadekian December 9, 2012

written by David Dadekian

First place winner Eye Cookies’ Katrin Schnippering’s daughter, Schnippering and award-designer Gail Ahlers

The third RI Food Fights event, the Spectacular Cookie Smackdown, took place this past Sunday, December 9, 2012. A sold out crowd descended upon Fête in Providence to sample the best cookies in Rhode Island. Fifteen area bakers competed to see who had the greatest cookie, according to a panel of four culinary judges (which included this writer), along with competing for the People’s Choice. Three awards, created by Ahlers Designs, and an honorable mention were announced by the time cookie devouring ended.

According to judges Pastry Chef Melissa Denmark of Gracie’s, Chef Maria Meza of El Rancho Grande, Andrew Shotts of Garrison Confections and David Dadekian of Eat Drink RI. First place went to Eye Cookies, a custom-order cookie baker from Barrington, for their “Gangnam Style” frosted chocolate cookie. Second place went to Dizzie Lizzie’s Cookies of Warwick for a their salted oatmeal, chocolate chip, pecan cookie. The judges’ Honorable Mention went to Flour Girls Baking Company of nearby Marion, Massachusetts and the People’s Choice award went to Kami Cakes of Johnston for their macaron. Congratulations to all the winners.

The Spectacular Cookie Smackdown at Fête

RI Food Fights was created and produced by Jim Nellis. Mike Ritz and John Taraborelli very entertainingly hosted the event, and Jess Powers of Fête provided the very important task of cookie delivery to the judging stage.

Eye Cookies’ first place winning cookie “Gangnam Style”

December 9, 2012 0 comments

chefs & restaurants news wine & drinks

Gracie’s “Wines of the World” Returns on Monday, October 22, 2012

by guest October 10, 2012

written by guest

Gracie's Wines of the World AAA Four-Diamond Award restaurant to showcase 40 wines and canapés from 10 international regions, beer and spirits tasting with sweet sensations, and live music.

Culinary fans and wine lovers from throughout New England know Gracie’s as one of the best palate-pleasing locations in Providence. For the third time, the award-winning team at Gracie’s will be hosting “Wines of the World,” a special evening to be held at the restaurant on October 22nd. This event will provide guests with the opportunity to taste over 40 wines from selected regions paired with regional canapés created by Chef Matthew Varga and Pastry Chef Melissa Denmark.

“With the autumn season upon us, it’s time to gather once more and taste a selection of some truly amazing wines from around the world,” says Brendan Chipley Roane, Gracie’s Director of Marketing & Events. “Enjoy strolling through the restaurant to visit these regions to discover how the same grape variety changes in various regions, and how different regions each provide their own delicious gems.”

The culinary team at Gracie’s has expertly paired wonderful selections of artisan cheeses and hors d’ouevres with each country. Van Gogh Vodka Distillery and Revival Brewery are joining Gracie’s teaming up with Pastry Chef Melissa Denmark, and her sweet creations for all to enjoy. And, for the first time at the restaurant, a special dessert wine tasting will be offered paired with an array of Gracie’s famous macarons prepared by Danielle Lowe.

The candles are lit, the stars shine bright, and music fills the air, as guests wander from region to region, from taste to taste, exploring the wonders of wine throughout the world. The Lois Vaughn Quartet will be performing jazz standards for all to enjoy.

“Wines of the World,” will be held on Monday, October 22nd, from 6 – 9 p.m. The cost is $75.00 per guest, inclusive. Any guests that work in the hospitality industry are entitled to 15% off the cost. Complementary valet parking is available. For reservations, please contact Gracie’s at 401-272-7811, or email Events Assistant, Katie Kleyla at katie@graciesprov.com.

Below are some photos from the January 2011 “Wines of the World.”

Michael Lester of M.S. Walker pours wine for tasters at Gracie’s Winter Wines of the World event

Sampling of wine offered at Gracie’s Winter Wines of the World event

Charcuterie platter presented by Chef Matthew Varga at Gracie’s Winter Wines of the World event

The above is a release from Gracie’s Director of Marketing & Events Brendan Chipley Roane. Roane is a volunteer with Eat Drink RI, co-producing the Eat Drink RI Festival, April 19-21, 2013.

October 10, 2012 0 comments

chefs & restaurants wine & drinks

Seasons at the Ocean House New England Harvest dinner at the James Beard House

by David Dadekian January 5, 2011

written by David Dadekian

Turned vegetables prepped for the Pork Belly dish

This past November the chefs from Seasons at the Ocean House prepared a six-course meal with wine pairings from local winery Jonathan Edwards as part of their New England Harvest dinner at the James Beard House in New York City. Led by Chef de Cuisine Eric Haugen, several items stood out as testaments to not only the Ocean House’s experienced staff, but also the local New England ingredients they work hard to source. A Duck Liver Mousse Crostini had the perfect amount of richness with a great offset of crunchy texture. The Celery Root Panna Cotta with Watch Hill Honey Glaze, Casteveltrano Olives, Meyer Lemon and Coriander had an incredible combination of flavors. The Vermont Pork Belly with Toasted Farro, Native Winter Root Vegetables and Juniper-Scented Consomme was perfectly cooked—the pork belly prepared sous vide before searing it—and the richness of the belly was greatly tempered by the earthy faro. As much as we all love dessert I rarely clean my final plate after a meal like this, but I actually did eat every bit of Pastry Chef Adam Young’s Local Squash and Dairy Study. The wine pairings from Jonathan Edwards (I was at the dinner as a guest of the winery) were spot on, beginning with an excellent match of their 2009 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc with the Panna Cotta and an even more perfect pairing of their 2007 Napatree Point Zinfandel with the Pork Belly dish.