On the Menu: March 7 through March 13

by jbfauthor on March 05, 2010

Here's what's happening at the Beard House next week: Monday, March 8, 7:00 P.M. The Art of Craft Though he became a household name as a Top Chef judge, Tom Colicchio has long been a celebrity in foodie circles. The winner of four JBF Awards, Colicchio began his culinary ascent at Gramercy Tavern and has since made an indelible mark on the industry with his empire of Craft restaurants. For this special dinner, he and the chefs of his NYC restaurants will create a menu of their signature straightforward yet nuanced cuisine. Tuesday, March 9, 7:00 P.M. Top Chef Sibling Rivalry Superstar siblings Bryan Voltaggio and Michael Voltaggio kept Top Chef viewers riveted last season with their cutthroat kitchen rivalry. At this exciting event, Bryan and Michael will collaborate on an incredible dinner complete with wine pairings selected by their respective sommeliers. Wednesday, March 10, 12:00 P.M. Beard on Books In The New Portuguese Table: Exciting Flavors from Europe’s Western Coast JBF Award winner David Leite brings the often overlooked foods of Iberia center stage. Through its glossy photographs and mouth-watering recipes, Leite takes us on a culinary journey to rediscover the homeland of his family. From the classic bacalhau to primers on port and madeira, the journalist’s classic approach is woven with modern cooking techniques and easy to find ingredients to make for an accessible and friendly introduction to the regional cuisine of Portugal. Perfect for the home cook, The New Portuguese Table is sure to please both the discriminating palate and the uninitiated Iberian food lover. Wednesday, March 10, 7:00 P.M. D.C. All-Stars Watch out, New York: this group of D.C. power players is coming to town on a delicious diplomatic mission. Several of the biggest food names in and around our nation’s capital will be reaching across the burners to collaborate on what promises to be a spectacular and spirited evening. Thursday, March 11, 7:00 P.M. Modern New York Described by Frank Bruni as “a chef worth keeping an eye on,” Tocqueville alum George Mendes firmly established his unique culinary voice with the opening of Aldea last year. Named after the Portuguese word for village, Aldea is inspired by the Iberian Peninsula and features a modern, seasonal menu that seamlessly balances rusticity and refinement. Friday, March 12, 7:00 P.M. All in the Family When it comes to the Guiffridas, culinary talent blesses every branch of the family tree. Come help us welcome these gastronomically gifted siblings when they reunite at the Beard House to prepare a playful and creative menu that spans the globe. Saturday, March 13, 7:00 P.M. Modern Japanese Following in the footsteps of mentors Nobu Matsuhisa and Masaharu Morimoto, chef Akira Back serves bold, innovative interpretations of traditional dishes at the Bellagio’s Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge. For Japanese-cuisine aficionados with a taste for adventure, Back’s sophisticated and inventive cooking is a sure bet. For details and reservations, visit www.jamesbeard.org/events or call 212.627.2308.