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the sweet scoop
Cheers to Spring! Cocktails to Celebrate the Season
Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 05:04 PM - Posted by Megan - (0) commentsSpring is finally in full swing, and there are plenty of reasons to celebrate. Warmer weather, longer days, shorter hemlines, Cinco de Mayo, Mother’s Day, the Kentucky Derby… just to name a few. And what better way to properly ring in spring than with a refreshing seasonal cocktail?
Whether you’re hosting a springtime soirée or just need a reason to raise a glass, here are a few of my favorite fresh and vibrant cocktail recipes to sip this season. Cheers!
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2013 Cochon 555 NYC: Princess of Porc Competition
Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 01:03 PM - Posted by Megan - (0) commentsThe fifth anniversary of Cochon 555 kicked off in NYC with the tour’s first-ever all-female lineup of chefs. The nationwide traveling culinary competition, designed to raise awareness of heritage breed pigs and sustainable practices, challenged Big Apple chefs Alex Guarnaschelli, Missy Robbins, Elizabeth Falkner, Leah Cohen and Shanna Pacifico to create a multi-course menu using an entire 200-lb. porker, from nose-to-tail. Hundreds of swine-loving gourmands gathered in Chelsea’s Pier Sixty to savor the meat-centric spread, while sipping wine from five different producers, a variety of spirits and punches from local mixologists.
A panel of esteemed chefs and judges, along with the crowd, voted for their favorite of the day. Besides scoring the ultimate bragging rights, the winning chef was crowned Princess of Porc and will advance to compete at Grand Cochon during the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen. Cochon 555 founder Brady Lowe invited me to shoot a video at the action-packed event. Check out the clip below to see which fierce female was crowned 2013 NYC Princess of Porc!
Congratulations to Brady and everyone who participated!
Alobar Restaurant Celebrates the Year of the Pig
Saturday, November 10, 2012 at 02:11 PM - Posted by Megan - (0) commentsHappy one year anniversary to Alobar! Since opening in November 2011, this cutting-edge dining destination in Long Island City has taken “pub grub” to new heights, and has become renowned for serving rustic nose-to-tail American fare paired with carefully selected craft beers, whiskeys and handcrafted cocktails. Alobar even earned a coveted place on Michelin Guide’s 2013 Bib Gourmand List.
Alobar’s owner Jeff Blath and chef Ian Kapitan
To celebrate its first anniversary on November 15th, Alobar is hosting a week of especially delicious events:
Whiskey Tuesday with Four Roses Bourbon | Tuesday, November 13th: To kickoff the celebrations, Beverage Director Chess Lankford presents a complimentary tasting of Four Roses Bourbon, along with a brand rep to share insights on each variety of the Kentucky spirit.
Alobar Charcuterie Night | Wednesday, November 14th: Paying homage to its favorite meat curing styles, Alobar is offering one large platter of eleven of the tastiest house-made delicacies ($50; serves 2-3), with varieties including: Pig Ear Terrine, Duck Breast Prosciutto & Foie Gras-Apple Terrine.
Anniversary Beer Dinner | Thursday, November 15th: Commemorate Alobar’s one-year with an indulgent 5-course menu (including Smoked Trout, Grilled Quail & Rosemary Sausage, Roasted Rack of Lamb & Braised Shoulder, and more) paired with beers from San Diego’s Stone Brewing Company ($50 for dinner & pairings, view the full menu here).
Weekend Pig Roasts | Friday & Saturday, November 16th-17th: Kick up your heels and get ready to pig out at Alobar’s weekend-long pig-filled feast served family-style ($30 per person for mains & sides).
Reserve your spot today! AlobarNYC.com | 718.752.6000 | 46-42 Vernon Boulevard, LIC NY
And to savor the flavor of Alobar at home, mix up their addictive Maple Bacon Popcorn recipe:
Maple Bacon Popcorn | Recipe from Alobar (serves 6)
Preheat an oven to 350°. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add bacon strips and cook until crisp, turning occasionally. Remove bacon to a paper towel-lined plate; reserve 2 tablespoons bacon drippings.
Crumble bacon. Toss bacon, drippings, maple syrup, black pepper, and salt with popcorn. Spread popcorn mixture in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheets and bake for 10 minutes, rotating trays halfway through, stirring occasionally. Serve hot. Enjoy!
Images courtesy of Alobar Restaurant
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