News Feed: February 21, 2012

by jbfauthor on February 21, 2012

A look inside the Mount Vernon kitchen. [NPR] Hercules: the story of George Washington’s enslaved personal chef. [GT] Bill Chait: Los Angeles's biggest restaurateur. [LAT] Exploring the versatility of the Manhattan cocktail. [WSJ]

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Eye Candy: A Top Chef's Tortellini

by jbfauthor on September 08, 2011

When Mike Isabella came to the Beard House last month, he swiftly dashed away any doubts that he could cook incredible food beyond the judges' table. His menu was stunning from start to finish, but we especially loved these delicate veal-sweetbread tortellini, which were surrounded by perfectly salted country ham broth, cauliflower purée, and pickled baby vegetables. You can see more photos of Mike Isabella's Beard House dinner on our Facebook page.

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Recipe: Mike Isabella's Rice Bean Arancini with Bacon and Cheddar

by jbfauthor on August 18, 2011

Sicilians have been frying leftover risotto into golden, bread crumb-coated arancini for centuries (and it’s not hard to see why). Mike Isabella of Graffiato and Top Chef fame plays on this age-old recipe by crafting his arancini from rice beans, the tiny legumes that resemble grains of rice but boast a softer, creamier texture. For an added twist, he also stuffs his fritters with hunks of bacon and sharp cheddar cheese. Get the recipe here.

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On the Menu: Bryan Voltaggio

by jbfauthor on April 12, 2011

Since making it to the finale on Top Chef, Bryan Voltaggio has been on fire, earning a 2010 JBF Best Chef nomination and the widespread praise of critics and diners. At tonight's Beard House dinner, chef Voltaggio will treat guests to a taste of his electrifying, modern cuisine. The event is booked solid, so we're left to only imagine what it will be like to feast on his menu, which is listed below: Hors d’Oeuvre Celeriac Macarons with Foie Gras and Cara Cara Orange Lobster Crackers with California Estate Osetra Caviar, Chives, and Crème Fraîche Chips and Dip > Ibérico Lomo and Barbecue Potato Chip Edible Mojitos with Sea Foam Crispy Hay–Smoked Oysters with Ramps Pairing: Champagne Gardet Chigny-Les-Roses Brut Reserve NV Dinner Spring Garden > Beets with Timothy Hay–Smoked Carrots, Radishes, Soil, Fiddleheads, and Sheep’s

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