Vinous in the Kitchen: Jump Start Spring with Asparagus Risotto
Vinous Table, General Interest, Vinous in the Kitchen
, Apr 2020
There I was, a young culinary school student with a background in central and southern Italian cooking, but very little knowledge of the north, when I came to realize that our lesson that day was making Risotto. I suddenly felt tense, as a wave of anxiety washed over me, remembering when our Chef-instructor had explained at the beginning of our semester that the two preparations that define an expert chef are the perfect French omelet and Risotto. What’s more, it seemed alien to me, having grown up with my grandmother making fresh pastas and sauces based on olive oil, tomatoes, and herbs from our backyard. Flash in the pan preparations were my forte, using a minimal amount of ingredients. The idea of spending a ½ hour standing over a pot—no way. That is of course until I made my first Risotto, or should I say, when I tasted my first Risotto.
The Last Supper...For Now
Vinous Table, United Kingdom, featured
, Apr 2020
Amid tumultuous times, I reflect upon the two soirées that took place in the twilight days of the pre-coronavirus world, including a dinner with Vinous forum members, finishing with a shard of optimism for an unwritten future.
Vinous Table: Via Forno, Scarsdale, New York
United States: New York, Vinous Table
, Mar 2020
Via Forno is one of my local pizza joints. Despite the somber outlook, the staff at Via Forno has been upbeat on the few times I have been there recently. I am looking forward to going back when things eventually come back to something resembling normalcy.
Vinous Table: NoMad, New York City
Vinous Table
, Mar 2020
I have been to NoMad many times, but most of the times to host Vinous events in one of the private rooms. I was really looking forward to this dinner in the main dining room as a brief distraction during what has become a very rough time around the world.
Vinous Table: Brixton Laundry, London, United Kingdom
Vinous Table, United Kingdom
, Mar 2020
Brixton Laundry is a welcome addition to the London dining scene south of the river (and I might be biased, but it has always preferred it to the north.)
Vinous Table: Providence, Los Angeles, CA
Vinous Table, United States: California
, Feb 2020
This recent dinner was a great opportunity to catch up with friends over a leisurely meal and enjoy some nice bottles. The food was off the charts, and the wines were pretty terrific too.
Vinous Table: Piedmont Icons at Legacy Records
United States: New York, Vinous Table
, Feb 2020
There are few things I enjoy more than hosting small dinners for Vinous readers. The conversation and company are always just as good as the wine and food, while the intimate format allows for deeper conversations than at larger events. That was certainly the case at this recent dinner we held Legacy Records featuring wines from a handful of benchmark Barolo producers.
Vinous Table: L'Expression, Beaune, France
Vinous Table, France: Burgundy
, Feb 2020
L'Expression is a welcome addition to the dining scene in Beaune. A seasonal menu and fabulous wine list make a lunch or dinner at L'Expression a must.
Vinous Table: Au Fil du Zinc, Chablis, France
Vinous Table, France: Burgundy
, Feb 2020
Au Fil du Zinc is a local institution in Chablis. The place to go. An inventive menu married with a killer wine list and a casual environment make Au Fil du Zinc a must for readers visiting Chablis.
Vinous Table: Wheeler’s Oyster Bar, Kent, United Kingdom
Vinous Table, United Kingdom
, Jan 2020
Is Wheelers worth the schlep down from London? Well, if you want outstanding seafood without paying a king’s ransom, then certainly.