On the Menu: Ana Sortun Spices Things Up

by jbfauthor on November 04, 2009

Ana Sortun, who received our Best Chef: Northeast award in 2005, takes over the Beard House kitchen tomorrow night, and her menu has us intrigued. She's preparing an ambitious seven-course, Mediterranean-inflected dinner, building her dishes around exotic spice blends provided by spice expert Lior Lev Sercarz. Here's a preview of the menu: Hors d’Oeuvre Artichoke Spanakopita with Za’atar Apricot Dolmades with Loukanika Sausage, Cumin, and Orange Yogurt Lentil Sliders with Cumin, Coriander, and Pickled Eggplants Berkshire Pork Belly au 9 Poivres with Muscovado Caramel Butternut Squash Falafel with Black Garlic and Sesame Dinner Amuse Bouche Duo > Roasted Chicken Croquette

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Recipe Contest for NYC Public Schools

by jbfauthor on November 02, 2009

Anyone who has a little eater in their life knows it’s challenging to instill them with an appreciation for a healthy meal. It takes a bit of talent and ingenuity to make some green beans appear more finger-licking-good than a carton of french fries. Think you’re up to the task? We're teaming up with the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food, the NYC Office of SchoolFood, and Candle Café/79 to develop healthy, plant-based, and meatless entrées to be served at NYC public school lunches. If you're a restaurant chef and would like to participate, send a recipe to info@healthyschoolfood.org by November 30. All qualifying entries will be judged by a panel of food experts and discriminating students at the James Beard House, and the winning recipes will be made available to all New York City public schools early next year. Our ultimate goal is to see system-wide inclusion of plant-based

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On the Menu: November 1 to November 7

by jbfauthor on October 30, 2009

Here’s what happening at the Beard House and around the country next week: Sunday, November 1, 12:00 P.M. Day of the Dead Brunch On the Day of the Dead, families in Mexico lure departed spirits back for a visit with lavish banquets in their honor. At our celebration, chefs Margaritte Malfy and Barbara Sibley will delight diners—and wandering souls—with authentic Mexican delicacies from NYC’s La Palapa and their new cookbook, Antojitos! Monday, November 2, 7:00 P.M. The Pig and The Malt Gastro-pub pioneer April Bloomfield of the Spotted Pig wows critics, locals, and celebrities with British-inflected dishes prepared with a Chez Panisse–inspired attention to ingredients. Join us for a taste of the cuisine that launched the bar food

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Eat This Word: Mostarda

by JBF Editors on October 30, 2009

WHAT? Pungent preserves. No, mostarda is not the Italian word for mustard. Though the words sound similar, this sweet-and-spicy condiment is only distantly related to the hot dog's favorite sidekick. To make mostarda, fruit is preserved in sugary syrup and given a slight kick with the addition of mustard seeds or powder. According to food writer Elizabeth David, this jam-like spread is a descendant of "the honey, mustard, oil, and vinegar condiments of the Romans, who also preserved roots such as turnips in this mixture." Cherries, figs, pears, and apricots are the most common ingredients in mostarda, but different variations include candied melon, pumpkin, or oranges. The piquant fruit accompaniment is enjoyed with boiled white meats or cheeses throughout Northern Italy. The most famous and popular variation is from Cremona, a small town in Lombardy, and includes pears, quince, peaches, cherries, and mandarins.

WHERE

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