Weekly Chef And Menu Report: The Week Of November 11, 2013
Every week, we take a look at some new chefs and menus that have appeared across the country. Here's this week's roundup:
Home of the original pie cup, the Hill Country family launched Hill Country Pie Kitchen, its online store selling and shipping its signature 3-inch pie cups wherever they're requested, according to a press release.
Thirty-year-old Marco Polo Ristorante in Carroll Gardens introduces its fall and winter menu of modern interpretations of Italian cuisine as well as traditional classics, according to a press release. The seasonal menu offers Portobello mushrooms baked with ricotta cheese, over smoked panzanella sauce; pumpkin soup garnished with toasted pumpkin; and walnut and chestnut fettuccine mixed with radicchio and Gorgonzola sauce to name a few dishes.
Presented by Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, the 31-year rivalry at Battle of the Badges will continue on Nov. 22 at The Theater at Madison Square Garden. Begininig the event, Tullamore D.E.W. will offer attendees the chance to support their favorite department, the New York Police Department or the Fire Department of New York, by purchasing a select Tullamore D.E.W. beverage at local bars around Madison Square Garden. Visit Brother Jimmy's and Mustang Harry's before Nov. 22 and buy a shot of Tullamore D.E.W. to support the NYPD or a Tullamore D.E.W. and ginger ale to support the FDNY. Tullamore D.E.W. will donate $1 for each drink purchase. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Atlas Cops & Kids Boxing Program and the Building Homes for Heroes Organization.
West Village's legendary Italian restaurant Gradisca has taken on chef John Creger, previous sous chef at Le Cirque, as its executive chef, according to a press release. While chef Creger will offer his own style and creativity to the menu, the restaurant's values — "heartfelt" Italian cooking inspired by Massimo Galeano's "Italian mama" — will remain the same. Creger's father was a chef and at 13 years old, Creger was working in professional kitchens.
On Nov. 17 at 12 p.m., Alder will open for lunch with a limited number of reservations available, according to a press release. Brunch dishes offered include the blood mary popcorn; a bacon, egg and cheese gyoza; a pizza bagel; the Singapore chow fun sandwich; coconut waffles and jerk chicken; and the open-faced lobster "knuckle sandwich." Aside from draft cocktails, Alder will offer its "spotlight" cocktail series of green, yellow, and traditional Bloody Mary's. Reservations can be made on Alder's website.
The first night of Hanukkah, Nov. 27, will kick off with A.G. Kitchen's debut of its Cuban Reuben sandwich, according to a press release. The sandwich, which will be available throughout December as part of the restaurant's Cubano of the Month series, consists of roast pork, house-made corned beef, Swiss cheese, pickles, sauerkraut, and Russian dressing on pressed Cuban bread.
The Upper East Side's new spirits and wine retail store Whiskey & Wine Off 69 launched "Home Mixology Mondays," a monthly educational tasting event led by top mixologists of New York, according to a press release. On Nov. 25 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., King Cocktail Dale GeGroff will be demonstrating how to make his favorite Thanksgiving cocktails. Classes are free.
Pennsylvania
In appreciation of the pig, Wyebrook Farm, 355 acres of sustainable agriculture only 45 minutes from downtown Pennsylvania and two hours from New York City, will host La Tuade, a traditional French celebration of pig slaughter, on Nov. 24, beginning at 9 a.m., according to a press release.
Yardbird Southern Table & Bar has expanded its menu, according to a press release, with smoked and roasted bone marrow, beef sirloin tartare with fried cornbread and barbecue sorbet, and a take on "Chicken Under a Brick" called Manchester Quail "Under a Brick" with farrow salad, arugala, and warm chicken vinaigrette.
California
Returning for the 13th year, Dine About Town San Francisco will be held Jan. 15 through Jan. 31, allowing guests to experience San Francisco's finest restaurants for up to 25 percent off the regular dining price, according to a press release. Over 100 participating restaurants will offer two- or three-course lunch menus for $18.95 and three-course dinner menus for $36.95. The complete list of participating restaurants will be available after Dec. 15 on San Francisco's visitor website.
Ohio
Farmer Jones Home Delivery from The Chef's Garden introduces a new Feast Box for the holiday season, according to a press release. The Feast Box delivers 25 pounds of seasonal vegetables, herbs, and greens.
Hawaii
Tiki's Grill & Bar in Waikiki Beach is hosting a Bacon and Bourbon Dinner, featuring a six-course bacon-inspired menu paired with Jim Beam cocktails. The dinner costs $50 and will take place Dec. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are limited and must be reserved on eventbrite.com.
We're always looking for tips about new chefs and seasonal menus, so if you think there are any that we missed, let us know!