On the Menu: February 14 through February 20

by jbfauthor on February 12, 2010

Here’s what happening at the Beard House next week: Sunday, February 14, 7:00 P.M. Valentine’s Day Seduction Spice things up this Valentine’s Day at a romantic dinner of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s dramatic, sexy Asian fare prepared by Anthony Ricco, executive chef at Spice Market. The restaurant’s much-acclaimed original pastry chef, Pichet Ong, will provide decadent, passion-inspiring desserts. Tuesday, February 16, 7:00 P.M. West Coast Basque Cuisine Basque native Gerald Hirigoyen has spent the last two decades in San Francisco, where he runs two wildly popular restaurants, Piperade and Bocadillos. His signature style, as showcased in his new cookbook, Pintxos, artfully blends the robust flavors of Basque cuisine with the simplicity and ingredient focus for which his adopted city is known. Wednesday, February 17, 12:00 P.M. Beard on Books In Simple Fresh Southern: Knockout Dishes with Down-Home Flavor the South Carolina-bred Lee Brothers present their updated take on Southern cuisine, using unexpected combinations and lighter techniques. Respectful of Southern traditions, yet mindful of the realities of modern life, the journalists have devised recipes that achieve soulful flavor without laborious preparations and hard-to-pin-down ingredients. Simple Fresh Southern will satisfy both the die-hard Southern food fanatic and the casual cook looking to expand their repertoire. Thursday, February 18, 7:00 P.M. Gascon Invasion Founded by Gascon native Ariane Daguin in 1985, D’Artagnan introduced Americans to the French region’s rich cuisine, shipping staples like foie gras, duck, and game meats across the country. Twenty-five years later, D’Artagnan is a beloved supplier to both chefs and home cooks throughout the U.S. Join us as we mark the company’s milestone anniversary with a memorable Beard House feast prepared by the swashbuckling Gascon chefs, each of whom will craft a course inspired by D’Artagnan’s premium foie gras, duck, goose, and other decadent products. The meal will be accompanied by a selection of fine regional wines, including Cahors, Madiran, Jurançon, and, of course, Armagnac. Friday, February 19, 12:00 P.M. Wine Lovers’ Luncheon Best known for the sophisticated, seasonal cuisine at his critically acclaimed Dining Room at Anthony David’s, chef Anthony Pino is building on his success with Bin 14, where locals line up to pair the spectacular wine list with a savory selection of bruschetta, pizzas, cured meats, and more. Saturday, February 20, 7:00 P.M. Modern, Refined Indian There’s no shortage of fabulous restaurants in Las Vegas, but food lovers looking for something truly out of the ordinary head to Origin India Restaurant and Bar, where chef Kuldeep Singh’s internationally influenced Indian cuisine is refreshingly inventive and modern. For details and reservations, visit www.jamesbeard.org/events or call 212.627.2308. (Photo by Eileen Miller)