New Chefs And Menus Report: The Week Of June 3, 2013
Every week, we round up the most exciting changes in restaurants across the country. Here are this week's top stories:
Chef Keith "Buttons" Hicks of Buttons Restaurant
Keith Hicks, executive chef at Buttons Restaurant in Dallas, Texas, is all about the soul food, having learned a few things as a child when he would watch is grandmother cook with passion. Inspired by her ability to entice cravings just from the smell of her food, Hicks created his menu with that same effect in mind. His menu features comforting soul food with items like chicken and waffles, pot roast, and shrimp-fish-and-grits.
Grand Central Terminal Centennial
On June 12 in honor of Grand Central Terminal's Centennial celebration, vendors are offering favorite foods and services for classic 1913 prices while supplies last. Participating vendors include Ciao Bella Gelato, Manhattan Chili Co., Li-Lac Chocolates, and Swatch. Don't miss out on this opportunity to get $.10 scoops of gelato and $.25 fudge!
Strip House
In honor of National Steakhouse Month, Strip House is offering a 34 oz. Dry Aged Cote de Boef large enough for two at either their Las Vegas, Midtown or 12th St. New York locations. The offer will continue for the entire month of June and a reservation must be booked.
Father's Day Cooking Lessons
On June 15 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. there will be a Father's Day grilling lesson at Wildwood Barbeque at 225 Park Ave. S. and a BBQ lesson at Dos Caminos at 373 Park Ave. S. in NYC. Big Lou Elrose will lead the grilling lesson and Ivy Stark, the BBQ lesson. Both require reservations: 212-294-1000 for Dos Caminos and 212-533-2500 for Wildwood.
Father's Day Specials
On June 16 this year, Isabella's at 359 Columbus Ave. in New York is offering specials, like their Apricot Glazed Pork Belly. Make a reservation at 212-724-2100.
HiLo Now Open in NYC
Recently opened is the HiLo club in the Meatpacking District of New York at 26 9th Ave. at 13 St. and Hudson. It's open from 10 a.m. to 4 a.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, fully equipped with DJs and a dancefloor.
Bill's Bar & Burger and Wildwood BBQ
Enjoy watching Wimbledon June 24 through July 7 at two great restaurants, Bill's Bar & Burger at 22 9th Ave. and Wildwood BBQ at 225 Park Ave. in NYC. Both have HDTVs and special Wimbledon-inspired specials, like Strawberries and Cream.
Reef Winemaker Dinner
The Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year in 2011, Bob Cabral, will be hosting a dinner at Reef, in Houston, Texas on Tuesday, June 18, starting at 6:30 p.m. The meal will be five courses and some of the wines are not even available in Texas.
The Back Room at Sugar and Plumm
The Back Room at Sugar and Plumm, a back entrance to the original location around the corner on Bleecker St., will be opening on Friday, June 7, on Cornelia St., and a specialty you can expect to see is Danish pancake pops in noth sweet and savory flavors. There will also be ice cream sundaes, smoothies, and shakes, and it will be open Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Chef Windus Joins The Alfond
Chef J. Christopher Windus joined the staff of The Alfond Inn in Winter Park, Fla. on June 3 as Executive Chef of the hotel's restaurant, Hamilton's Kitchen. Previously having worked as executive cheg of Todd English's bluezoo at Walt Disney World, Windus returns to his native town and cook with all of the seasonal ingredients that Florida has to offer.
Signal at Cape Grace 2013 Wine and Dine Series
Signal restaurant in Cape Town, South Africa, is offering their wine and dine series until November that will focus on "History. Place. Future," with a different winemaker being featured each month. More information on the schedule of the event can be found here.
13th Anniversary of Gradisca
Gradisca on West 13th St. in New York celebrates its 13th anniversary this year, Rich with Italian authenticity and tradition, Gradisca offers dishes like Piadina Romagnola and Pesto di Rucola e Stracchino. Come down and celebrate lucky number 13.
DC Coast Celebrates 15th Anniversary
DC Coast, a restaurant in the heart of Washington, D.C., will celebrate its "Quindecennial" Birthday this whole month. A revolutionary in the D.C. dining scene, DC Coast was the first to liven up the area with seafood and local flavors, a feature that can be attributed to Chef Jeff Tunks. On June 13, the restaurant will host a special wine dinner to highlight its success.
Dogfish Head Brewery's New Beer-Centric Food/Food-Centric Beer Pairings
Dogfish Head Brewery created a line of foods inspired by their new flavors of beers: beer brats, hard-tack clam chowder, and hop-pickles, all made with their beers and available, as of May 31, at select retailers and their food truck parked at the Milton, Del. location. More information, as well as the chowder and pickles, can be found at their website.
New Summer Menu from Raymi
Raymi, a Peruvian restaurant in New York on West 24th St., is offering a new summer menu just in time for its first birthday. Dishes include Tuna Ceviche, A Lo Macho, an intricate seafood dish, and many others that blend the foods of Asian and Japanese cuisines.
Todd's Mill Summer Menu
Todd's Mill on the Lower East Side of NYC has just come out with their summer menu, featuring seasonal, local ingredients. Experienced Chef Eric Simeon's dishes are simple but equally delicious, so come down to Orchard St. and check it out.
Bonnaroo Announces Food Lineup
The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, which will take place in Manchester, TN June 13 through June 16, announced its culinary line-up for the event on June 5. Vendors will include Fat Back Collective, which will feature pork and other BBQ, as well as Eatbox, a meatball truck, and Petro's Chili & Chips. So many more great places will be in attendance; you can't miss it.
Poggio Pizza Picnic at Park
Italian trattoria in Sausalito, Ca., Poggio, announced a special To-Go menu for Fridays in the summer in honor of ten years in service. Each Friday from May 31 to August 23, enjoy the ability to take your grub across the street and enjoy the evening. Items that will be included are a choice of three pizzas, a gem lettuce salad, and a lemon mousse dessert, all for only $22.