2009 November » Punchin International

Emporio’s Christmas menu is available on Christmas Eve for $55 per person.

Nov 292009

Technorati Tags: holidays,Christman,restaurant,Italian

Emporio: 231 Mott Street

New York, NY

Phone: 212-966-1234

November is flying by, which means Christmas is just around the corner. If you’re exhausted from Thanksgiving and can’t possibly think about hosting another holiday dinner, let Emporio take care of the cooking for you. Celebrate your Christmas Eve with its decadent prix fixe menu as you gaze into the winter sky through the restaurant’s custom glass atrium. Choices like the braised beef and prosciutto tortellini and the roasted sunchoke soup will leave you feeling festive. Each meal also comes with a glass of Champagne with burrata and winter truffle crostino, a perfect drink to toast the holidays with.

Emporio’s Christmas menu is available on Christmas Eve for $55 per person.

NATALE DA EMPORIO

$55 per person

Complementary glass of Champagne

with burrata and winter truffle crostino

choice of one

Roasted sunchoke soup

with robiola la tur and truffle oil

Jumbo shrimp with white bean puree,

roasted trevisano radicchio

Bollito misto terrina

with lentil vinaigrette and mostarda di Cremona

Braised beef and prosciutto tortellini,

chicken broth

(vegetarian option available)

choice of one

Moist roasted Colorado lamb with rosemary potatoes

Halibut with soft polenta and wild mushrooms

Butternut squash sformato

with taleggio fondue, roasted brussel sprout

choice of one

Bayles tiramisu’

Home made cantucci and vinsanto

From the Owners of Aurora, Emporio

Mediterranean Mansion in South Beach

South Beach No Responses »

Nov 292009

Technorati Tags: south beach,florida,travel

The Kind of Crabs You Want

Florida, Restaurants, South Beach, Travel No Responses »

Nov 292009

South Beach’s Red, The Steakhouse serves up entire Alaskan King Crabs this season

Defying the notion that a steakhouse is just for carnivores, Red, The Steakhouse is not only offering Alaskan King Crab at the trendy South Beach eatery, but they are serving it up in its entirety. Made infamous on the Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”, Alaskan King Crab is the porterhouse of shellfish.

During the four months of season (November through February), Red is the only steakhouse in Miami that offers the option of ordering a full, six-foot long Alaskan King Crab, which can serve up to 10. From the sea to your plate, Red serves the King Crab within 24 hours of delivery, ensuring the freshest in taste and flavor.

KINDLE ROMANCE IN KENYA WITH MICATO SAFARIS THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Africa, Safari, Travel No Responses »

Nov 292009

Guests Can “Dream of Africa” with Kindle Wireless Reading Devices

Pre-loaded with Epic Tales of Love and Adventure in the African Bush~

Few love stories are as well-known — or well-loved — as Karen Blixen (aka Isak Dinesen)’s sweeping memoir, “Out of Africa”, the epic tale of her life and loves in the African bush. What better time to kindle (or re-kindle) romance, then, than 2010, which marks the 25th anniversary of the classic film version of “Out of Africa”, starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford?

Micato Safaris’ Kindle Romance in Kenya itinerary offers a perfect balance of adventurous wildlife viewing, luxurious, private accommodations and romantic activities—all certain to inspire love. And, to set the stage, Micato will send all booked guests a Collector’s Edition DVD of “Out of Africa” and a Kindle wireless reading device pre-loaded with tales of love and adventure in East Africa, including Ernest Hemingway’s “Green Hills of Africa”, Anita Shreve’s instant classic “A Change in Altitude”, and Beryl Markham’s renowned novel, “West with the Night”. The Kindles will also be loaded with guides to East African flora, fauna and culture. Perfect airplane reading for the journey to Kenya!

The special touches continue once guests land and they experience Micato Safaris’ unparalleled personalized service and passion for excellence, ensuring the creation of warm memories that will last a lifetime.

The 9-day journey, departing Wednesday, February 10, 2010* includes:

Day 1 Depart the U.S.

Days 2-3 Giraffe Manor, Nairobi

DeBragga.com Features the Holiday Rib - Roast and Chop - for this Year’s Table

Food, Food shopping, Holidays, gourmet products, mail order, shopping No Responses »

Nov 292009

DeBragga.com offers a fine selection of beef rib roasts and chops, as perfect for gift-giving as keeping for one’s own holiday table. To complement the cooking, DeBragga offers excellent pantry items such as sea salt and veal stock. All DeBragga orders are delivered next day, and all the meats are shipped fresh, so orders may be frozen without consequence to the meat. Gift orders may include gift messages to make each one personal. Shipping within 100 miles of New York City is only $9.99 per box. Limited quantities are available.

The selection of beef available as rib roasts or chops includes hand select Angus beef, aged both wet and dry, prime beef and naturally raised beef, also aged both wet and dry-aged. DeBragga’s American Wagyu beef ribs are dry-aged for 30 days and then sold as roasts and/or chops. Any of DeBragga’s beef rib roasts may be left whole, with seven ribs, or custom cut into a four-rib roast and three rib chops. All beef chops are frenched for a beautiful presentation.

Muscat à Petits Grains

French, Wine, dessert No Responses »

Nov 292009

Technorati Tags: French,dessert,wine,sweet

Infinite scents and flavors

From the vineyard to the winery, 53 growers in the renowned French appellation of St. Jean de Minervois have put all their talent and know-how into making naturally sweet, fresh, and fruity Les Petits Grains from the noble Muscat à Petits Grains grape variety. Located near the coastline of the Mediterranean Sea between the Pyrenees Mountains and the Rhone River, the Val d’Orbieu winery sits on a limestone plateau surrounded by steep, rocky cliffs. The unique

combination of the delicate soil of the appellation, the sun reflecting off the dry white stones, and the brisk northerly winds produces wines of unparalleled character, finesse and freshness.

Technorati Tags: muscat,wine,dessert,sweet,French,France

Terroir	30 miles from the Mediterranean Sea on the foothills of the Montagne Noir (Black Mountain), Val d’Orbieu’s St. Jean de Minervois winery stands on a limestone plateau surrounded by steep cliffs. At an altitude of 980 feet above sea level, the sun reflects off the dry white stones in the soil, swept by northerly winds.
Grapes	Muscat à Petits Grains
Vinification	The grapes are harvested by hand when they are overripe to ensure maximum sugar concentration. Yields are low at an average of 25hl/ha depending on the year. After cold settling, the wine is kept at low temperatures, 64°F, to optimize fruit and flavor extraction. Neutral alcohol is added to halt the fermentation process and preserve the sweetness. The wine must have a minimum alcohol level of 15% and residual sugar content of 125g/l.
Tasting notes	It has a brilliant golden color and boasts flavors of honey, quince and apricot. The bouquet reveals hints of peaches and orange zest highlighted by elegant spicy notes. To taste this wine is to sink your teeth into a lovely ripe grape, which is round and fleshy on the palate.
Served with	As an elegant aperitif, with strong blue cheeses, with a wide range of desserts (cheese cake, crème brulée, crème caramel, fruit tarts, ice cream, chocolate) or as a digestif.
Temperature	Serve chilled: 45°F – 46°F

Disclosure

Two products that make food preparation easier and more fun.

food preparation, home products, kitchen No Responses »

Nov 292009

A New Spin On Greens

Spin ‘n Stor Salad Bags Provide Simpler Alternative To Salad Spinners.
http://www.argeecorp.com/HTML/spinnstor.htm

t’s a simple kitchen product that is as fun to use,
as it is functional and effective. The patented Spin ‘n Stor Reusable Salad Spinning Bag is designed to easily remove excess moisture from freshly washed salad greens without the use of bulky salad spinners. The clever design of the Spin ‘n Stor also helps produce & herbs stay fresher longer.

Additionally, the Spin ‘n Stor allows consumers to take fresh ready-to-eat salads & herbs with them to work, on picnics and more.

How Does Spin ‘n Stor Work?

Simply place the freshly washed salad greens and/or herbs in the Spin ‘n Stor bag, hold the top closed and vigorously spin the bag in a circular motion. The water collects in the unique Spin ‘n Stor "reservoir" at the bottom of the bag and can be poured out neatly. From there, the bag becomes the produce container and can be closed with provided twist ties and stored in the refrigerator using minimal space. Check out the video on the site:
http://www.argeecorp.com/HTML/spinnstor.htm

"It’s just spin, drain, and store," says Argee President and Spin ‘n Stor Inventor Robert Goldman, "and no more wasted paper towels." He says the Spin ‘n Stor removes the hassle of taking the traditional spinner apart, washing the parts and then trying to find space for it. "It’s everything spinners aren’t." Used Spin ‘n Stor bags can simply be rinsed out and folded small for easy storage in a refrigerator.

The Spin ‘n Stor sells for $11.75 for 12 bags online at www.argeecorp.com or by calling: 800.449.3030

________________________________________________

Le Serre Nuove dell'Ornellaia 2006

Italian, Wine No Responses »

Nov 292009

Technorati Tags: Italian,wine,holidays,ornellaia,value

Wine is always a sure bet when it comes to holiday gifts and entertaining, but with so many labels to choose from picking the right one can be a challenge…regardless of whether you’re a wine collector, or a casual drinker. You can almost never go wrong when choosing an Italian wine, but to help narrow down the selection, here are a few suggestions to please any palate and price range:

Luce della Vite went against the grain, creating a Sangiovese-Merlot blend in Montalcino where Brunello’s reigned. Those looking for the same quality, but a less expensive alternative should reach for Lucente ($28). The Sangiovese-Merlot composition of Lucente is further complimented with Cabernet Sauvignon. It is an elegant yet versatile wine, the perfect companion for both regional and international cuisine.

One of the top makers of Super Tuscans – Tenuta dell’Ornellaia offers high-quality seconds – and thirds for that matter. The Tuscan classic, Ornellaia sells at $175-190 at fine wine retailers. But for more affordable options consider the ‘second and third vins’ of the estate – Le Serre Nuove ($50) or Le Volte ($28), which have a similar flavor profile.

And for the person who has it all, Masseto, the gold standard of Merlot, is among a class of its own, transcending region and varietal. Serious wine collectors will want to hold on to it and see its value increase. Suggested retail price $400. Limited number of cases slated for U.S. distribution.

http://www.ornellaia.com/

We suggest, for your dining pleasure, Le Serre Nuove (SRP: $50). For the price, you will be delighted with the elegance, balance and subtle fruit. Happy Holiday!

Bolgheri DOC Rosso
Le Serre Nuove dell’Ornellaia 2006
Variety:
35% Cabernet Sauvignon
50% Merlot
9% Cabernet Franc
6% Petit Verdot

After Ten Years, Rediscovering Esperanto

Entertainment, New York, Restaurants No Responses »

Nov 212009

December is Flamenco month at Esperanto! Every Thursday of the month, holidays aside, Esperanto will be hosting special Flamenco nights from 8-10:30pm. Enjoy as musicians, like Alfonso Cid from the band Gazpacho Andalu, perform into the evening. Allow yourself to be transported to the sultry pleasures of Spain as dancer Isabel Del Dia shows off her moves.

Esperanto’s regular Latin inspired menu and cocktails will be available. The restaurant is located at 145 Avenue C in New York’s East Village. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Imagine the success necessary for a quirky Brazilian-inspired eatery to stay in business for an entire decade. It would be insurmountable for most, but for Stephan Gerville-Reache, Dimitri Vlahakis and Latin mainstay, Esperanto, it’s reality—and for anyone who’s been watching, their tenth anniversary shouldn’t come as much of a surprise.

Their success is due, in large part, to the extraordinary talent and passion that led to Esperanto’s creation. Gerville-Reache and Vlahakis’s were coming off of a major success at their first joint venture, a popular bar called Baraza in the East Village (which only recently closed), when they realized their ability to create a dynamic atmosphere would pair perfectly with their mutual love for great food and intrigue for Latin culture. Having lived in Brazil and traveled extensively around Latin America, Gerville-Reache had an impeccably high standard for Latin cuisine that he knew he could draw from, while Vlahakis’s business savvy (he’s now co-owner of both Motorino locations) could ensure the stability of the operation.

Just as Esperanto was a hit from the start, an experience there begins even before arrival. The walk may be a few avenues long, but it provides some of the rarest, most unexpected sights the city can offer—two protected parks (one with Bette Midler’s name on it) that feature century-old willows, densely packed and draping over smatterings of art installations. It’s the perfect set-up for a dining experience that’s so transportative—by the time you leave, you’ll never guess you’re still in Manhattan.

Bobby Flay Opens BAR AMERICAIN, an American Brasserie at Mohegan Sun

Hotels, Restaurants, Travel No Responses »

Nov 212009

Technorati Tags: restaurants,hotels,travel,casinos,Bobby Flay

Bobby Flay, celebrated chef, restaurateur, television personality and cookbook author, opens Bar Americain today. Conveniently located off the hotel lobby, the 276-seat restaurant celebrates America’s diverse culinary heritage, inspired by Bobby’s extensive travels throughout the country. His decidedly American menu is mirrored by the energetic fast pace of the time-honored European brasserie.

“I’m thrilled to introduce Bar Americain to Mohegan Sun,” says Bobby. “Here I’ll celebrate the vast culinary traditions found in the US while also featuring dishes that showcase the wealth of ingredients and traditions of New England and, given our location, that of the Native American culture.”

This is Bobby’s 10th restaurant in operation and his second Bar Americain; the first opened in New York City in March of 2005, receiving rave reviews including two-stars from The New York Times. Today, Bar Americain continues to be an essential mainstay in Manhattan’s dining landscape.

“We are extremely excited to have Bar Americain as part of our culinary roster, and are proud that Bobby Flay has chosen Mohegan Sun to be the site of his first fine dining venture in the New England market,” says Lynn Malerba, Chairwoman for the Mohegan Tribe. “ There is no doubt that this is a perfect match of one of America’s great Chefs and one of America’s most amazing entertainment destinations,” added Mitchell Etess, President and Chief Executive Officer for Mohegan Sun.

With a menu that ranges from spiced-up starters such as Shrimp-Tomatillo, Crab-Coconut and Lobster-Avocado Shellfish Cocktails to ‘gotta have’ sides like Hot Potato Chips with Blue Cheese Sauce, Creamed Kale and Brooklyn Hash Browns, American regional fare never sounded, looked and tasted so good. Bobby takes his cues from the bounty of local New England ingredients, introducing new menu items inspired by the region and of Native American tradition with dishes such as Crispy Connecticut Oysters with Crème Fraiche Chowder and Bacon Relish as well as a Native American Taco with BBQ Duck, Cranberry and Red Chile.

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