Whiskies of the World Overwhelms and Delights Attendees

Recently, I was honored to cover Whiskies of the World, Houston edition, and please, dear readers, do not take my delay in writing about my experiences as any indication of how much (or little) I enjoyed the event! 

Indeed, I departed at the end of the evening with a warm glow caused not solely by the quaffing of sophisticated spirits but also by the passion with which so many of the distillers described the origin and preparation of their potable products.

Up close and personal with Macallan

Stepping into the lobby preceding the large ballroom of the JW Marriott, my photographer and I were warmly greeted by the staff and given adorable miniature snifters for samples. We took a brief tour of the room, which was pleasantly but not oppressively crowded, noting with admiration not only the diverse vendors but the amazing buffet(s) (not the plural) of appetizers (cheese, crackers, nuts), entrees (sliders, macaroni and cheese), and desserts (cookies and puddings).   

We then headed to our Macallan Master Class, which I kept calling, even when corrected, a "seminar," I think because I subconsciously want to get a third Master's in whiskey.

The sommelier Elyse gave a very detailed presentation regarding Macallan's history, then guided us as we  sipped the distillery  12 Sherry Oak,  Double Cask 12, 15 Fine Oak, and  Rare Cask. These varieties ranged from the smoky and heady to the  sweetly botanical, and presented in a spectrum of light and dark amber hues that often belied the dominant tasting notes, which made for some delightful surprises with each sip.

Despite Bridey's heritage, she is only a wee lass and had to pace herself and not polish off the entire contents of each tasting glass in order to leave some capacity for a couple more tasting tipples before departing for the evening.  

Although I am "a whiskey person," I would urge those who don't identify as such to attend Whiskies of the World next time it stops in Houston. The sheer fun I had in discovering the variation in different whiskeys was equally matched by the infectious spirit (hah!) of the fellow attendees.

Upcoming: Whiskies of the World (September 30th, 2017)

This weekend, I encourage you to eat locally (#HoustonStrong) but drink globally by attending the Whiskies of the World Festival this coming Saturday, September 30th. This event, rescheduled due to Harvey, will feature approximately purveyors from locales in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. An added bonus is that 50% of ticket sales go to Harvey Relief.

Click here to buy tickets;  $40 will be credited at checkout. Woo hoo!

Participants can also purchase additional tickets for master classes led by experts who can enhance your quaffing with some quality facts about the background of a particular spirit.

Bridey plans to attend and if you see her, please do say, 'hello.' But not in the Adele way. 

Sushi Deliciously Decontructed at Seaside Poke

When I was invited to try some dishes at a poke place within walking distance of my house, I was already sun-weary but still hot to trot. Seaside Poke  had received generally very positive reviews and I was eager to see not only if it lived up to the hype, but also if it had the potential to distinguish itself from the plethora of other poke places in town.

The first good sign was that even though Seaside Poke, located in EADO a few blocks down from the soccer stadium, provided ample parking that I was able to access easily despite large crowds for a Dynamo and an Astros game. Yes, I have wonderful timing.

Fish collage highlighting local people and institutions.

I found more things inside to like, such as the vibrant wall collage of fish shields featuring local persons of note and institutions, as well as tidy jars of accoutrements for garnishing your bowl.

I will take double ito togarashi, please.

And what I ate was even more exciting: an invigorating salmon ponzu roll, sweet and piquant from the inclusion of orange slices and toasted garlic to dress the tender chunks of salmon. I also enjoyed its heavier, richer counterpart, the tuna aioli, laced with rich pepper mayonnaise, thai chilis, shallots, and some cucumbers to cut the heat, all abed a fluffy mound of white rice.

But it's eclectic bowls like the truffle yellowtail whose disparate but yet harmonious flavors and textures from the shoyu, truffle, crackly puffed rice, airy cilantro, and searing threads of ito togarashi that will enable, IMHO, Seaside Poke to endure.

That and the ube rice krispie treats. Wish I had those at my elementary school bake sales.

Diversity Manifested in Deliciousness: Pride Cake at 3 Brothers Bakery

If you're 1) colorblind 2) live in a dark cave 3) both, you may not have noticed Houston is awash with rainbows this week for Pride Week (June 18-25) as well as Pride Month. As an ardent ally of the LGBT community, I am proud to live in a city that not only recognizes (most of the time, we're getting better) the rights of its diverse residents but also proudly celebrates its different communities. Kudos to 3 Brothers Bakery for joining in on the fun this year by offering rainbow petit fours, cake balls, and the pièce de résistance, a massive cake in which a thick layer of vanilla buttercream frosting encloses seven strata in colors red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, and lavender.  

The pride treats are available throughout the month of June and the cake is available whole and by the slice ($9.95). “Our rainbow cake is a bright, fun way for Houstonians to show their LGBT pride,” said Bobby Jucker, bakery co-owner and fifth generation baker. “This is the first year the bakery is featuring rainbow goods and products during the month of June. It’s a tradition we’re excited and proud to start." Hear, hear, Bobby!

You can take a slice to go or saddle up to a table at one of 3 Brothers three locations.

In the name of research, I had to sample the pride cake, for unfortunately it has been my experience that food once perceived as innocuously colorful in the eye of the beholder turns garish when the taste fails to match up to the visual expectations. Not so at all with this cake, whose layers retained a lovely mild vanilla flavor despite the use of kosher vegetable dye. Furthermore, the buttery icing was judiciously distributed as to create the perfect proportional contrast of smooth sugary cream and moist cake. Such balance would easily facilitate consuming the whole wedge in one sitting. Not that I would know, of course.

THIS Saturday, June 17th: Pop-Up Bake Sale With Fluff Bake Bar and Southerleigh

Remember all those sad excuses for bake sales you were forced to patronize or participate in during elementary school?

This Saturday's pop-up bake sale co-hosted by Fluff Bake Bar and Southerleigh will be nothing like it. 

And, I promise, that's not fake news, 'cause here's the menu:

• Fried Chicken and Praline Crepes, SoCo steeped Pecan, Crystal Hot Butter Sweet and Sour Gooseberry Southern Style Hand Pie

• Fredericksburg Peach and Crystal Cookie, Smoked Gouda Shortbread

• Handheld Pineapple and Cornbread Pudding

• Puro SA Pan Dulce Breakfast Sandwich, Sausage and Egg, Jalapeño Pimento Beer Cheese 

THE DEETS:

When:  10am-(sell out), Saturday, June 17, 2017
*Arriving early is encouraged as quantities will be limited

Where:           
Fluff Bake Bar
314 Gray St.
Houston, TX 77002 

Countdown: Angel Fire Food & Wine Roundup

In fewer than three months, I plan to head to the idyllic forests of the San Moreno Valley in northern New Mexico for the food & wine festival at the Angel Fire Resort.

My festival itinerary includes spirits seminars, cooking demos focusing on regional specialties, and a Chuck Wagon breakfast. But given the hotel's location and other amenities, I might also have to work in some biking, hiking, and boating.

UPCOMING: Burger Bash At Karbach Brewery (Tuesday 10.18.2016)

Does the idea of eating burgers created by some of Houston's top chefs and drinking beer for three hours make you want to click your heels with glee? Well, that's what I did when I was invited to this upcoming burger competition hosted by Pat La Frieda and Food Fanatics. 

Yes, there are THREE cronuts on that middle shake.

(Well, honestly, I get giddy whenever I am invited to any "VIP" food event. Yes, it is that easy to flatter me.)

If the prospect of eating my way through the burger entries wasn't sufficiently enticing, I recently confirmed that milkshakes garnished with multiple baked goods will be on hand.

UPCOMING: Barry Farm Dinner with Harold's In the Heights

Talk about farm to table. Talented Chef Antoine Ware of Harold's in the Heights will be hosting a five-course agrarian feast in collaboration with The Barry Farm at 5:30pm on Sunday, October 23rd, 2016. 

Check out the menu:

Passed Appetizer:
Chicken liver mousse on crostini with pickled vegetable
Steorra Brut Sparkling, Russian River Valley
First Course:
Crispy pork rillette with apple butter & jalapeno, apple salad
Pratsch Gruner Veltliner, Austria
Second Course:
Tasso ravioli and shrimp raviolis filled ricotta, spinach, mushrooms, tossed with lemon
basil pesto
Elouan Pinot Noir, Oregon
Third Course:
Peri peri chicken with roasted Atkinson farms vegetables
Beran Zinfandel, California
Fourth Course:
Whole roasted lamb, smashed sweet potatoes and garlic rosemary sauce
Campo Viejo Rioja Rererva, Spain
Fifth Course:
Chocolate molten cake
Taylor Fladgate 10 year Twany Port, Portugal

Tickets ($100), which include food, wine, tax, and gratuity, are going fast. Get yours online at Harold's reservation page or by calling the restaurant (713-360-6204). 

ON-GOING: Candidate Cookies At Three Brothers Bakery

If you, like me, are continually seeking solace in the form of booze and/or baked goods during the trainwreck that is the 2016 Presidential Campaign, go to 3 Brothers Bakery.  In addition to offering their regular menu comprising standouts such as the buttery hamantaschen, creative cupcakes (burger??), and lovely challah, the Bakery is once again offering an election special: sugar cookies adorned with the images of the Democratic and Republican candidates as well as "Gingy", 3 Brothers' write-in selection.

If you can't tell Trump to "eat it," you might as well eat him.

Lest you prematurely conclude that since, as in the case of this reporter (and anyone who doesn't think the leader of the free world should be a misogynist xenophobe), I'm With Her and therefore will certainly not be consuming a Trump cookie, consider the wisdom of the Addams Family credo:

Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc.*

(We gladly feast on those that would subdue us.)

I suggest picking up a dozen for your debate-viewing party.

*Yes, I know the Latin isn't perfect but neither are you so get over it.

ON-GOING: LuAnn's Kitchen Contest at Luby's

Is your 10-year-old son Jacques Pepin reincarnated? Is your 12-year-old niece a Julia Child in training? Luby's is partnering with Homemade Hope to find best budding chef in Houston.

They were kids once, too! Credit: Associated Press.

Here are the details:

LuAnn’s Kitchen Contest officially launches today, offering junior chefs ages 10 to 15 the opportunity to win a $1,000 grand prize and have their dishes featured and credited on the Luby’s line throughout the Houston area, while collaborating with and supporting similarly aged homeless and at-risk children involved in Homemade Hope. A portion of sales from the showcased dishes will benefit Homemade Hope, helping to fund the initiative that brings a taste of home to kids residing in the city's shelters and transitional living centers through culinary arts programming designed to foster creativity, develop life skills and feed every child's belief that life has hope.

In the preliminary round of the two-phase contest, entrants are asked to submit – either online or via mail – original and typed side, entrée or dessert recipes crafted from a list of ingredients found on the contest page. Due by midnight onSeptember 30, 2016, all entries must consist be accompanied by a title of up to 45 characters, a short description of how the recipe came about or family/friend taste taster feedback (up to 1,000 characters), an ingredient list (up to 1,000 characters using common U.S. household measures), the resulting number of portions, step-by-step preparation instructions including cooking times (up to 2,000 characters) and a photograph or drawing of the completed dish (digital files must be no larger than 6 mb).

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of corporate chefs from Luby’s, who will select up to ten finalists based on perceived taste, presentation depicted in the photo or drawing, creativity/originality and written description. Finalists will be invited to the Luby’s Uptown Houston flagship at a soon to be determined date in October for a cook-off challenge. Each junior chef will be paired with a junior sous chef from Homemade Hope plus a Luby’s manager, and the team will be tasked to replicate the recipe in the kitchen for final judging by a group of VIPs, including Houston area media, personalities and chefs.

For more information about the LuAnn’s Kitchen Contest, log onto www.lubysluannskitchencontest.com. Recipe submissions can be uploaded at that page or mailed to: LuAnn’s Kitchen Contest c/o Luby’s Fuddruckers Restaurants, LLC 13111 Northwest Freeway, Suite 600 Houston, TX 77040.

HIGHLIGHTS & UPCOMING: Tony Vallone's Regional Italian Cuisine Series

Last Thursday I was the guest of Ciao Bello for a dinner as part of their Regional Italian Cuisine Series hosted by the legendary Tony Vallone.

In the case of this dinner, the pictures are not only worth 1000 words, but also conjure roughly as many pleasant memories. We feasted on olives stuffed with ground beef, braised octopus, lamb shank, and one of the most tender, rich white sauce spinach lasagnas I have ever eaten in my life.

Complementing these well-curated culinary treasures was fantastic conversation and truly generous pairings of Garofoli varietals.

If you missed this dinner, stop your your regretful sobbing. Another dinner is scheduled for October 5th and tickets will be available soon.

UPCOMING: National Lasagna Day (Friday, July 29th)

Oh, who doesn't love a good food holiday? Not this girl. 

This coming Friday, July 29th is National Lasagna Day and I can think of no better way of celebrating the end of the long work week and kicking off the start of the weekend by enjoying a large delicious piece of homemade lasagna.

Scratch that--yes, I can: if said lasagna was made in someone else's home and I can focus my efforts on curating the perfect Sopranos episodes to pair with my dinner.

Grazie a dio, Damian's, one of my favorite Italian restaurants, is offering their lasagna bolognese (made using Mama Mandola's recipe) as a special to-go item.  A half-pan ($75) serves 8-19 and a full pan ($150) serves 16-20.*

*Humans. Not Garfield who eats double.

Hungry yet? Call 713-522-0439 to place an order.

Drool-Worthy Coffee and Baked Good Collaborations at Three Brothers Bakery

This past week Three Brothers Bakery invited me to try their new line of create-your-own coffee drinks, which they encourage patrons to pair with a complementary baked good. 

Now, lord knows I never need an excuse to eat cake or cookies, especially those produced by Three Brothers Bakery. Coffee, however, is tricky for Bridey, who only drank tea during all-nighters in college  (what she drank while not studying, ahem, is a different story) and didn't have her first cup of coffee until she was 30 years old. 

Stately Gingerbread Man and Luscious Hamantaschen.

Not only am I still fairly sensitive to caffeine, but I also find the typical bitter flavor of run-of-the-mill coffee not very palatable. However, two important factors enabled me to highly enjoy the various iterations of hot and cold coffee at Three Brothers.

First, the Bakery employs the equivalent of a coffee sommelier, Jack, a most impressive java autodidact who oversees the roasting process as well as carefully evaluates the sourcing of the beans. Thus, this ain't your office's lame-ass brew that you and your coworkers' refer to fondly as "Satan's bathwater."

Second, the addition of syrups. Never underestimate how much some liquid flavored sugar can enhance a caffeinated beverage and an accompanying baked treat.

And because some don't like it hot, there are lovely iced versions.

See, for example, the infusion of caramel in a hot cup of joe, which provides a sweet balance to the savory top notes of a buttery hamantaschen. Or, pair an iced coffee inflected with vanilla syrup to even out the pungent spice of one of Three Brothers' gingerbread men.

Mexican Wedding Cookie and Almond Stick

I also recommend matching the intense the marzipan flavor of a crunchy, chocolate-drizzled almond stick with a soothing cafe au lait laced with hazelnut for a most pleasant legume battle.

Permutations and combinations galore.

But don't rely on my creations. Invent your own and sample all those terrific items proffered by Three Brothers that I didn't mention...until now. #cinnamonrolls #icedcookies #poppyseedloaf #somuchmore

Hail Cesar! Standout Salvodoran Treats From Chef Alvarez of the Rollin' Kitchen

My next international trip may very well be to San Salvador. 

After sampling some of the Salvadoran specials created by Cesar Alvarez of The Rollin' Kitchen, I realized that for the past 34 years I have be idiotically ignorant of the brilliant culinary offerings of an entire nation. For shame, Bridey.

Not that I was unaware of the potential of The Rollin' Kitchen, the food truck started by GR8 Plate Hospitality,  to vend solid fare. Their transition from Cajun to Salvadoran food, however, is most welcome as the former represents an embarrassing lacunae in our local culinary landscape.

Although all the items on Alvarez's menu are appetizing, the absolute must-order dish is his take on the cemita, a type of Central American sandwich or torta that traditionally combines different meats with avocado, cheese, and salsas.  The Rollin' Kitchen's cemita, stuffed with an over-sized piece of fried chicken seasoned with jalapeno and oregano, avocado slices, slabs of Oaxaca cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, and black beans, is a terrific confluence of crisp, juicy protein, botanical notes (both creamy and tangy), and dairy richness. This bastion of diverse flavors combined with its girth makes other tortas seem woefully pathetic.

Dirty Fries

And, listen up, Chamillionaire. The next time you be ridin' dirty through the streets of H-town, take along a most appropriate snack: Rollin' Kitchen's "dirty fries."  A monstrous basket filled with fries and  hot links smothered in chipotle mayo, cheese, and dusted with a generous amount of fresh cilantro, the "dirty fries" are as Alice Levitt most accurately put it, "real food truck food." Watch out if you get pulled over as the authorities might confiscate it as "contraband."

I'm eager to try Chef Alvarez's brisket and grits during my next visit, but I also would love to see his Salvadoran spin on tamales and quesadillas. Fall menu, perhaps? :-)

James Beard Foundation Blended Burger Project Featuring Shannen Tune

For those of you who didn't get the memo, one of our own kicked ass recently on Chopped!   

Now, he's involved in another national competition sponsored by the James Beard Foundation. In the spirit of sustainable cooking and farming, the Foundation is running The Blended Burger Project in which chefs across the country are invited to submit their creative burger that uses a combination of ground meat and mushrooms. Since there is no paucity of culinary talent in Houston, Tune is one of many local chefs competing; go here to vote for your favorite.   

I caught up with Tune recently to learn a little bit about his background. Here are my seven favorite facts about the Chopped! winner:

7. He Played Hard to Get With Chopped Producers. Five years in a row Tune was emailed and asked to audition for the show. He ignored the offers until a friend urged him to give it a go.

6. Kids' Cereal Is Not Off Limits. Tune's favorite variety? It's a toss-up between Fruit Loops and Cocoa Puffs.

5. ..And, For That Matter, Neither Is Ketchup On Hot Dogs. Bridey agrees but recognizes such a belief would get her booted out of Chicago. (Well, whatever, that town doesn't love me back anyway because one of my ancestors tried to burn it down.)  Tune does reasonably note that he prefers his customers take a bite his burgers first before drowning them in ketchup, as he pays very special attention to adding other condiments that might be masked by the deluge of Heinz.

4. Fashion Is Other Passion. Apparently his creativity extends to cloth as well as cuisine because he's starting a line of chef jackets.

3. An Admirable International Education. Some serious wanderlust has led Tune to travel to India, Thailand, and Malaysia among other destinations and his all-time favorite meal abroad was in a hut in Negril, Jamaica. 

2. Mentors Not Idols. Tune doesn't "idolize" chefs with whom he has never worked, but rather pays homage to those who have mentored him along the way, specifically, Jason Weaver. Wise outlook, my friend.

1. At Two Years Old He Was A Sous-Chef. Tune's mom vividly recalls walking into the kitchen one day to see that Tune (then a toddler) was in the process of pulling out all the ingredients to make chocolate cake in the order in which he had previously observed his mom use them. I CANNOT STAND THE CUTENESS.

HIGHLIGHTS: Sugarland Food & Wine Affair

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to be able to attend the Grand Tasting at the Sugarland Food & Wine Affair. 

Although I cannot tell you with any certainty the difference between a food & wine 'affair' and a food & wine 'festival', I can tell you my favorite sips and bites. Here they are; order not reflective of Bridey preference.

Multiple samples were had.

First, the "moist unusual" piquant cucumber-infused cocktails courtesy of Hendrick's Gin.

Second, the earthy rabbit rillets prepared with Spanish brandy atop a crispy herbal  'po-boy' crostini from The Durham House. 

Third, the lighter-than-air yet delightfully rich in botanical flavor caramelized cheese soufflee from La Table.

Author ate too fast; forgot to take photo.

Fourth, the perfectly cooked scallop atop earthy fennel and leek risotto from Frank's American Revival.

Fifth, the most impressive chocolate cake stuffed with a whole pecan pie from Mystic Dessert Bar.

Still stuffed and can't wait for next year.

UPCOMING: Flanagan Wine Dinner at Harold's

FYI, you've got plans now for Tuesday, April 26th.  Why? Because that is when Harold’s Restaurant, Bar & Terrace will be hosting a wine dinner featuring Flanagan Wines.  As many of you may know, Harold's is home to one of my all-time favorite dishes: crispy duck parts. After perusing the menu for this six-course dinner, I predict Chef Antoine Ware's glazed pork belly with root beer may also be joining that list.  

This special wine dinner costs $125 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations can be made online or by calling the restaurant at 713-360-6204.

UPCOMING: Duchman Family Wine Dinner at Harold's

Mark your calendars, folks! Harold's in the Heights will be hosting a wine dinner featuring selections from Duchman Family Winery on Wednesday, March 2nd at 6:30pm.

Based in Driftwood, Texas, Duchman Family Winery  has received numerous accolades for their wine and this dinner presents a terrific opportunity to sample a spectrum of their varietals. 

Also, there will be pork ribs. And chocolate cake. And, I hope, then even more pork ribs.

Russian Night at Genesis

This past weekend I went to Genesis Steakhouse & Wine Bar for Russian Night, a theme culinary event they hold on a semi-regular (but not often enough IMHO) basis.  Well-crafted vodka cocktails are on offer; however, if you really want to keep the spirits flowing and your own spirits up, opt for bottle service ($100).

Salmon Roe, Toast, Egg, Red Onion, and Sour Cream

A special menu or classic Russian dishes was served including such highlights as salmon roe on toast with red onion, egg, and sour cream and pelmeni, sickle-shaped beef dumplings resting in a meat broth and dressed with dill.

Pelmeni

The aforementioned represent only a fraction of the decadent dishes on hand, so I highly recommend going in a large group to sample everything. Also, who wants to do shots of Stoli alone? :-)

UPCOMING: Russian Night At Genesis Steakhouse and Wine Bar

They had me at caviar.

Russophiles rejoice! This Saturday, February 20th is Russian Night at Genesis Steakhouse and Wine Bar. To say the menu is drool-worthy is perhaps the understatement of the year:

Caviar

Salmon Roe, Toast, Egg, Red Onion & Sour Cream

25

Beef Shish Kebabs

Dipping Sauces

18

Salad Olivier

Chopped Potato, Carrots, Pickles, Onions & Salami

12

Roasted Eggplant Salad

Roasted Eggplant, Walnuts, Raisins, Parsley & Olives

12

Blinchiki

Chopped Beef Rib, Eggs, Caramelized Onions wrapped in Crêpe

14

Golubtsi

Cabbage stu ed with Ground Beef & Veggies

14

Tsyplionok Tabaka

Half Cornish Hen Split & Seasoned with Black Pepper, Salt & Garlic

15

Dressed Herring

Lemon, Red Onion, Parsley, Dill & Bread

12

Pelmeni

Ground Beef, Broth, Sour Cream, Vinegar & Chopped Dill, Parsley & Garlic

12

Tabouli, Matbucha, Babganoush, Hummus Platter

Homemade Pita Bread

15

Assorted Pickled Vegetables

Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Pickles & Beets

9

Bottle Service

Upon Request

100+