Tag Archives: food

Chef, Las Vegas, Restaurant, Restaurant Review, Travel

Bazaar Meat by José Andrés at the SLS Hotel, Las Vegas

August 10, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Follow Dep Lifestyle Magazine:

What not to love about Award-winning chef José Andrés combines traditional Spanish flavors with cutting edge culinary techniques in Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres at the SLS hotel recently opens in 2014 in Las Vegas.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is the James Beard Award-winning chef’s wild and delightful celebration of the carnivorous, in all its forms. Enjoy nuanced, playful cuisine and cocktails for which The
Bazaar by José Andrés has become known on both coasts, in a strikingly seductive setting by Philippe Starck, in collaboration with Gensler and SLS Hotels.

Voted one of the “44 Best Restaurants in America” by Business Insider; Chef José Andrés goes beyond the traditional steakhouse, Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres, it’s social, shared plates dining experience. It’s such a fun place for family and friends to get together.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres also features a creative cocktail selection with the well-known Bar Manager Hien Truong (formerly opening Hakkasan Vegas & Rose. Rabbit. Lie). With drinks like the Smoke on the Water, made with blackberries, atomized Scotch, Islay mist and flame and many cocktails are served table-side to show you a spectacular show of craftsmanship, only for those who truly appreciate it. And Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is also a recipient of Wine Spectator’s “Best of Award of Excellence”, an equally impressive wine list to match with the incredible cocktails list.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is designed by the famous architecture/designer Philippe Starck (Mondrian, Paramount, Hudson hotels in NYC, LA, Chicago, and Delano Miami South Beach) and features two private dining rooms, make me think of company dinner during CES. The restaurant is spacious. It’s probably one of the biggest restaurants that I’ve seen in Las Vegas, beautifully designed, warm, inviting, and quite intimate with an open kitchen, open flame grill when you first walk it.

Love the beautiful wooden communal table can hold up to 30 people. It’s a perfect table for Birthday, bachelorette, or a post work conference dinners.

While chef José Andrés bears the name, Chef De Cuisine David Thomas is the man in charge the kitchen and GM Yassine Lyoubi offers an impeccable service from the moment we arrived till we left.

The extensive menu offers everything about meats and a whole lot more from Mediterranean mussels to sea urchin, seared quail, farm chicken and oxtail. For dessert, enjoy delights like dark chocolate lollipops, bonbons, ice creams and sorbets.

The food:

– José’s Asian Taco – Jamón ibérico de bellota, toasted nori, flying fish roe – who would have thought, they go so well together?

– Cotton Candy Foie Gras Crispy amaranth – a MUST TRY

– Sea Urchin – Soy, Wasabi, pickled ginger, lemon

– Bagels & Lox Cone – Dill cream cheese, salmon roe

– Jamón Ibérico de Bellota* (Fermín, Salamanca, Spain) Hand-cut from the famous black-footed Spanish pig, Acorn-fed, free-range

– Wagyu Beef Cheeks Mojo Rojo, oranges

– Grilled Baby Corn Mayonnaise, chile piquin, popcorn powder

– Grilled Pulpo a la Gallega Galician style octopus, potato, pimentón

– Wagyu steak by 3 OZ minimum order, prepared to perfection

– The sausage was delicious for days….

Everything was prepared to perfection, out of this world with an impressive creation that I’ve never seen before. So if you come here, please leave your ‘narrow-minded’ and ‘traditional steakhouse mind’ at home. It’s Vegas, so go wild baby! You are surely in for a real treat!

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres is just ten minutes cab drive off the strip. It’s worth the drive! This is one of the most exciting restaurants recently opening in Las Vegas.

Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres at the SLS Hotel in Las Vegas
Restaurant Address: 2535 S Las Vegas Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: (702) 761-7000
Website: http://slslasvegas.com/dining/bazaar-meat
Instagram: @BazaarByJose
Twitter: @BazaarMeat
Facebook: Bazaar Meat by Jose Andres at SLS LasVegas

__________________________________

by Manda Bear

Chef, Las Vegas, Restaurant, Restaurant Review, Travel

Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca, at the Mirage Hotel, Las Vegas

August 10, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Follow Dep Lifestyle Magazine:

I saw his name flashing on the billboard display at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas, each time I pass The Strip. Voted 1 of the best Italian restaurants in Las Vegas. I finally got to take my family here.

Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca, a young chef that I had met a long time ago when he worked at the infamous Michelin Starred and James Beard Awarded Bradley Ogden restaurant at Caesars Palace. He also worked for chef Thomas Keller at Bouchon at the Venetian, and Alex at the Wynn back in the day. This chef was once dreamt of becoming a professional skateboarder or joining a punk-rock band. He told the story that when he first moved to Las Vegas with no money with only $70 in his pocket and to start a culinary school then.

On the first day of culinary school, Chef Michael LaPlaca was told to write a long-term goal on the first page of my notebook so that every day when he got to class, he would remember that dream. He dreamt of someday; his name will flashing on the billboard of Las Vegas Strip. He wrote down, “Executive chef on the Las Vegas Strip.” Dreams do come true!

Now this over 6 FT tall, muscular, handsome, and young chef runs one of the best Italian restaurants on the Strip.

We were greeted nicely by the beautiful hostesses. A long bar with beautiful chandeliers, and mirror opposite of the bar reflecting the brightness of the place, somewhat intimidating when I first walked in. The main dining room was warm, cozy and inviting. We got the booth table in the corner, comfortable for all.

They offer the incredible value for your money. The Summer Tastings menu is only $30 for three courses, and wine pairing for $25, unheard of at a fine dining on the Strip!

A good selection for vegetarian and gluten-free to choose, a pre-show menu and a regular a la carte one.

– MEATBALLS – fried squash blossom, goat cheese, and San Marzano tomatoes – a must try!

– Grilled Octopus – Calabrian peperonata, fingerling crisps, salsa verde

– Calamari – housemade Mariana, pepperoncini, Parmesan, and the Mariana sauce was so addicting, tasty, full of flavor. We had to ask for more sauce for bread dipping.

– PASTA TASTING – is a must if you’re pasta lover or if you come with a few friends.
1. Ravioli with poached egg and truffle
2. Gnocchi with sweetbreads, fava beans
3. Ripateli with housemade lamb sausage, peppers, grilled lamb, San Manzano tomatoes
4. Chicken Pappardelle, Foie Gras alfredo
5. Agnolotti with lobster, chanterelle mushrooms, corn butter

– Veal Osso Buco – Saffron risotto, bone marrow, gremolata – arr, meat lover, this is for you.

– Steak – was perfectly cooked to our liking.

– Branzino – asparagus, potato leek gratin, hen of the wood mushroom, delicious

DESSERTS:
– Nutella Creme Brulee – if you love Nutella, a must order dish.

– Cassata Cheesecake, strawberries, “Italian Wedding Cake” croutons – this was beautifully presented, looks like a gift box.

– Cooke Souffle Trio – Chocolate chips, Oreo, Vanilla Anglaise – sweet tooth heaven!

Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca, at The Mirage Hotel & Casino, offers foodies a once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience with its exclusive “Diamond and Gold” Lasagna. We didn’t get to order this dish on this visit, but chef LaPlaca told us that he might bring it back December 2015. I can’t wait.

According to the chef, the “Diamond and Gold” Lasagna will tantalize taste buds with layers of pasta stuffed with porcini mushrooms, Iberico Ham and Prosciutto di Parma. A generous serving of 24-month-aged Parmigiano-Reggiano, buffalo mozzarella, and Kobe Bolognese is spread between each layer, making the dish melt in your mouth. This luxurious creation is covered with Alfredo sauce infused with Foie Gras, leaving it dripping with flavor. White Diamond winter truffles shaved tableside adorn the dish, along with glittering 23-karat gold flakes for a finishing touch. Designed by Executive Chef Michael LaPlaca, this decadent lasagna dish boasts the authentic flavors of Italian cuisine.

Service was efficient and fast, perfect timing between course. The wines by the glass were reasonable, and the wines pairing was done reasonable for the strip. The GM was very nice and checked up on us to make sure we had a good time. Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca is surely a great spot for you to visit if you want authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist, doesn’t break your bank and such a charming restaurant.

Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca at the Mirage Hotel
Restaurant Address: 3400 S Las Vegas Blvd,
Las Vegas, NV 89109
Phone: (866) 339-4566 minimum age requirement is 5 years old
Website: http://www.mirage.com/restaurants/portofino-by-chef-michael-laplaca.aspx
Instagram: @TheMirageLV
Twitter: @LaPlacaMichael
Facebook: Portofino by Chef Michael LaPlaca

__________________________________

by Manda Bear

Chef, Chicago, Restaurant Review, Southern California, Travel, Wineries

Celebrated Chef Fabio Viviani, with a Passion for Wine, Life After Top Chef

August 4, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Who can forget Chef Fabio Viviani with his vibrant personality on Bravo’s hit reality series “Top Chef” season 5 & 8 – earning the “Fan Favorite” title. He also starred in the spinoff, “Life After Top Chef,” Chef Viviani has appeared on many television shows such as Good Morning America, Good Day LA, Access Hollywood, CBS The Talk, abc The Chew, and Ellen. He is a guest host on the Hallmark Channel series Home and Family. He was also the host of the Telly and Webby award-winning web series Chow Ciao! On Yahoo!

He has published three successful cookbooks: Café Firenze Cookbook, New York Times Best-Seller Fabio’s Italian Kitchen, and his most recent cookbook, Fabio’s American Home Kitchen. Chef Viviani also shares recipes with his fans through his magazine, Fabio’s Magazine. He currently oversees six restaurants, and a few more restaurants are slated to open later this year.

With an intense passion for food, Chef Fabio Viviani brings that same spirit to winemaking. He aims to simplify the magic in pairing wine and food, making it easy to elevate a simple meal to an extraordinary event. His first release was 2012 Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. There’re two new wines are soon to be released later this year. The Fabio Viviani Signature Red Blend, a balanced fruit and sunbaked earth tones and the Fabio Viviani Signature White Blend with medium body fruity aromas and crisp acidity.
The Fabio Viviani Wine Collection emphasizes quality while maintaining approachability. Time and energy are focused on finding the best grapes and using the best winemaking practices while staying conscious of our environment. His wine collection is available online: http://www.fabiovivianiwines.com.

We got to share a glass of wine with Chef Fabio Vivian recently. We would like to share with our readers our interview here. Thank you Chef Fabio Viviani for sharing your love for food and wine with us.

MB: You have been in America for such a short time, and you have become one of the most successful chefs around with show, restaurants, wines, cookbooks, and more. Can you share with us few pointers?

Chef Fabio Viviani: You have to have a good game plan and clear goals that you tackle one at a time. I first moved to America with the goal of learning the language in a year and a half. After I had done that I moved on to the goal of opening a few restaurants, writing a cookbook and beginning a wine collection. My overall success is built upon a series of smaller successes. Take the time to lay out a plan of action and then stick to it!

MB: When were you most satisfy with your job? What make you get up every morning and thrive for it? How do you manage your time?

Chef Fabio Viviani: I’m most satisfied with my job when I see things come to fruition. You can talk forever about “I’m going to do this” or “I’m going to do that” but until things are actually accomplished, that is all talk. It makes me happy when I see my goals realized. It’s my drive to overcome obstacles that stand between myself and what I want to accomplish that drives me to get out of bed every morning. I’m a do-er I don’t like when people are lazy or procrastinate. I’ve learned to manage my time by realizing that I have to be able to say “no” I have to be realistic when I don’t have time for things that aren’t absolutely necessary to the completion of the goals I have for myself. Also, you have to learn how to manage your leftover time. I don’t let myself get distracted.

MB: With all the restaurants that you have now, and we heard that you were launching the new wines?

Chef Fabio Viviani: I like always to be busy. I like working long hours and taking on new projects! I started building a brand with my restaurants after I moved to the states in 2005 and opened the first one. I want my name to be synonymous with quality, and that extends to my wine collection. I’ve been in the wine business my entire life – and beginning my own line seemed like a natural next step.

MB: Would you please tell us more about the wines that you about to launch? What make it different than other wines on the market?

Chef Fabio Viviani: I launched the collection with my good friends Carlos Quimbo and Sean Thomas late last year. We began with a 2012 Chardonnay and 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon. We wanted to make two quintessential California wines, and we wanted to make them very well. I think we accomplished that! We’ve continued this legacy with the release of 2013 vintages of the Cabernet and Chardonnay as well as a Signature Red Blend and Signature White Blend (www.fabiovivianiwines.com). They are all delicious wines that are best enjoyed with good food and good friends. I want my wines to be like my cooking – approachable, but high quality. What makes them different from other wines is that, because I’m from Italy, I know that a good wine doesn’t have to cost a crazy amount of money. We’ve scouted for the best grapes and refined the best winemaking techniques to produce a bottle of wine that can compete with bottles 3 or 4 times its price.

MB: Will you be at any food and wine festival this year? What is your plan in the near future?

Chef Fabio Viviani: I’m working on a leadership academy that will most likely debut early next year that will teach business approaches and best practices to be a successful entrepreneur through live conferences and events. I’ll be partnering with some very important people in the business world – stay tuned for more details! I’ll also be attending the LA Food & Wine Festival as well as the August 15th California Fig Festival at Cal State Fresno. Here is to great wine, delicious food, loving family, and friendships that last forever. Raise your glass and drink with me. Cheers.

Fabiano Viviani Wines
Address: Fabio Viviani Estates, Buellton, CA
Phone: 1- 312-508-6198
Fabio Viviani Wines Website
Fabio Viviani Wines Twitter
Fabio Viviani Wines Facebook
Fabio Viviani Wines Instagram
__________________________________

by Manda Bear

Follow Dep Lifestyle Magazine:

Napa Valley, Travel, Wineries

Silver Trident Tasting House, with Co-Founder Bob Binder, at Ralph Lauren Home Furnishing, Yountville, Napa Valley

August 4, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Silver Trident Tasting House is nestled in the charming downtown Yountville. Tuscan-style home furnished in the famous Ralph Lauren Home Furnishing from the chandelier to the plate, from the comfortable chair to the beautiful picture frame, everything to detail, are Ralph Lauren. You can buy just about anything they have in this house and take it home with you. How cool is that?

It doesn’t feel as I was at the winery or a tasting room, which there are few in this town. I feel at home, or better yet, a luxurious hotel, but yet I was so comfortable and relaxed.

There are three rooms, which each can host for 4-8 people max. There’s no sitting nor standing bar. The arts on the walls are beautiful, modern, and inviting.

We arrived a little earlier than our appointment. We were greeted nicely with a splash of rose by Susan. She’s sweet, beautiful, and gracious. She told us the story of this small and limited production of wines. They only make about 1,800 cases per year. That’s little compared to over five wineries in Napa Valley.

– The Rosé of Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast – $28, only 200 cases, a perfect wine for Summer, #RoseAllDamnDay is my hashtag 🙂

– The Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc – $28, only 200 cases, think of Sunday brunch with your family and friends.

– The 2013 Benevolent Dictator Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, Dutton Ranch Vineyard – $55, 400 cases. The microclimates of the Sonoma Coast AVA include the western portion of Carneros and the Petaluma Gap. This Pinot Noir was delicious, nice nose, bright cherry, bright acidity, a food-pairing wine, a Burgundian style, love it. A balanced wine with ripe flavors, silky texture and crisp acidity. Bright ruby color with aromas of cherry skin. The palate shows more cherry and dried fruit flavors with earthy notes. Clean, solid backbone, structure, ready to drink now or you can cellar aging it for years to come. It’s an ideal to pair to grilled fish, vegetables, or barbecued meats.

– 2010 Twenty Seven Fathoms, Napa Valley – $90, 400 cases – A Bordeaux blend style, this striking 2010 Cabernet is loaded with bright, vibrant fruit and has an exceptional body to match. The aromas and flavors of blackberry, currant, black cherry and toasty oak meld exquisitely with ample midpalate weight, a silky mouth-fee,l and luxurious tannins that add good length to the finish. An excellent wine to enjoy now, but it will also improve through cellar aging beyond 2020. I dig this wine! Think of Mediterranean lamb chop, a juicy Wagyu, or braised pork shoulder.

Kari Auringer, Winemaker, she’s been creating outstanding wines for over 14 years, including working on the team to create many of Napa’s Cult Cabs such as the 100-point Scarecrow, Lindstrom, Hollywood and Vine and Keever.

We got lucky on this visit. The co-founder Bob Binder was there. First met him, you wouldn’t know he’s the proprietor. He was energetic, vibrant, good sense of humor, and so humbled. “If you do the same things, the same way everyone else does,” he says, “you’ll end up being average. And average is synonymous with boring.” Binder said.

If we only knew he came from the best of the luxury hospitality business. The world of luxury cruise lines, think of the Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, he and good fortune to work with culinary luminaries like Jacques Pépin, a team of world-class chefs and sommeliers, and a host of outstanding epicurean partners like Bon Appétit and The Wine Spectator.

Walter Jost, the vintner, co-founded Silver Trident. Walter is past president of one of the world’s most prestigious travel companies. Although he left his native Switzerland at an early age, he’s proud of his heritage—and insists that the Swiss produce world-class wines, which they simply chose to drink themselves and not export. Walter walks each row of the estate vineyard, inspecting the vines every day while enjoying his morning coffee. Some call his meticulous attention to detail extreme. He simply calls it Swiss.

Binder and Jost, because they wanted to make extraordinary wines—wines that would be at home everywhere from a festive dinner table at home to the world of luxury hospitality where they’ve made their careers.

With only $25, you got to taste four wines, refundable with a purchase of $100 or more. If you want food pairing, you need to call in advance for it. The food pairing is a must. We got to try four different small bites, and it was fantastic to pair with the wines.

We enjoyed our visit very much, and I can’t wait to visit again. Silver Trident Tasting House is walking distance to Bottega Napa Valley, Bouchon Bistro, The French Laundry, Ad-Hoc, REDD, Redd wood, Hurley’s Restaurant, and Lucy’s Restaurant & Bar. It’s a perfect stop before your dinner in Yountville, or on your way back since most wineries are closed at 4-5 pm, Silver Trident opens till 7 pm.

Silver Trident Winery – Ralph Lauren Tasting House
Address: 6495 Washington Street
Yountville, California 94599
Tel: (707) 945-0311
Website:www.silvertridentwinery.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/silvertridents

__________________________________

by Manda Bear

Follow Dep Lifestyle Magazine:

Chef, Culinary Events, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, magazine, Restaurant, Restaurant Review

Lago Italian Restaurant, Chef Julian Serrano, at The Bellagio Hotel, Las Vegas

July 14, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Follow Dep Lifestyle Magazine:

Lago means ‘lake” in Italian, is the latest project of Michelin Starred Chef Julian Serrano, he’s been one of the original celebrity chefs to see the vision of Las Vegas; believe in it enough to move from San Francisco to Las Vegas to open Picasso at Bellagio; nearly 20 years later, just opened up LAGO in April 2015.

In 1998, Serrano brought his memorable Mediterranean-French cooking to Bellagio in Las Vegas as executive chef of Picasso. The Michelin two-star restaurant has been a 14-time recipient of the AAA Five Diamond Award from 2002 to 2014 and has received the coveted Grand Award from Wine Spectator magazine for its extensive wine list.

Chef Serrano then turned his unerring eye to the cuisine of his native Spain as executive chef of his eponymous restaurant, Julian Serrano, at ARIA Resort & Casino, which opened in 2009. Featured on the restaurant’s multiple à la carte menus is an ensemble of Serrano’s signature creations including traditional and innovative renditions of tapas, paellas, seafood and more. In 2010, Esquire magazine named Julian Serrano one of the Best New Restaurants of the year. The restaurant also received the Best of Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator magazine in 2011.

In April 2015, Chef Serrano opened LAGO at Bellagio in 2015. Lago
by Julian Serrano will be the chef’s first Italian restaurant and explored a new take on social dining. The restaurant’s small plate menu will celebrate Chef Serrano’s creativity and signature flavors. Lago serves contemporary, Milan-inspired Italian small plates. I got to try plenty of dishes the last few months here, and all were on point.

Lago boasted spectacular views of the resort’s iconic fountains on the Las Vegas Strip. If you can RSVP an outdoor table in the evening, you would enjoy it tremendously.

Chef Julian Serrano at Vegas Uncork’d talked about Lago: “In Las Vegas, people got many places to go to, lots of choices, Lago is a casual fine dining. It took months for us to open this space (former Circo Restaurant location). I love the open space, the patio, the bar, bright lighting, and design, and I can see the beautiful Bellagio water fountain.”

Chef Serrano visioned Lago to be a place for people sharing small plates, conversations, food and be yourself, having a good time. Lago has elevated the game in Las Vegas. If the two Michelin Star Picasso was the first five stars restaurant in Las Vegas, Lago is setting a new trend, an evolution for foodie, Las Vegas lover, and tourists alike

Service is excellent here as always. If you don’t have time for dinner, Lago is a perfect spot for cocktails before dinner or show. Sit at the beautiful long bar and the lounge, offer a relaxed atmosphere and ideal place for people-watching.

We enjoy bartenders Emer and Christopher; they are both fantastic. They gear up their cocktails game here. They use the freshest ingredients, hand-crafted, housemade, and creative. You should try at least one or two before your dinner or show.

Some of the delicious dishes that we got to try:

– POLPA DI GRANCHIO E FARRO, fresh crabmeat, organic farro grain, confetti

– FEGATINI DI POLLO, chicken liver, capers, pepperoncino

– FUSILLIORO, corkscrew pasta: Abruzzo, lamb ragù, spuma di ricotta, love it.

– BRODETTO DI VONGOLE, clams, spicy white wine, love it.

– AGNELLO SCOTTADITO, grilled lamb chops, garlic, rosemary, perfection.

– POLPETTE DI CARNE, tomato braised beef meatballs, so good.

– OSSO BUCO, red wine-braised veal shank, polenta al Formaggio, delicious, super tender.

Chef Serrano told us that his favorite dining table at Lago is sitting at the bar. We couldn’t agree more with him, once you get to visit Lago.

Lago at the Bellagio Hotel
Restaurant Address: 3600 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV
Phone: (866) 259-7111
Website: http://www.bellagio.com/restaurants/lago.aspx
Instagram: @Bellagio
Twitter: @chefjserrano
Facebook: Lago at the Bellagio Hotel

__________________________________

by Manda Bear

Chefs, Culinary Events, New York City, New York City, Travel

Eat, Drink, and End Hunger, OCT 15-18, 2015, The 8th Annual New York City Wine Food Festival

July 10, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

NYCWFF 2014 raised more than $1 million! 100% of the net proceeds benefit Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® Campaign. After seven years, NYCWFF has raised more than $8.5 million to help fight hunger for this worthy cause.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 15: Tony Bennett and Daniel Boulud attend the Le Cirque 40th Anniversary Dinner Hosted by Sirio Maccioni during New York City Wine & Food Festival at Le Cirque on October 15, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NYCWFF) *** Local Caption *** Tony Bennett; Daniel Boulud — NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 15: Tony Bennett and Daniel Boulud attend the Le Cirque 40th Anniversary Dinner Hosted by Sirio Maccioni during New York City Wine & Food Festival at Le Cirque on October 15, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NYCWFF) *** Local Caption *** Tony Bennett; Daniel Boulud

OCT 15-18, 2015, for three nights and four days of indulgence in food and wine, an epic epicurean event each fall in the Big Apple. The 8th Annual New York City Wine and Food Festival, sponsored by the Food Network and Cooking Channel and presented by Food & Wine. One of the country’s premier

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Shaw-Ross International Importers pouring wine Chateau D'Esclans at The Lobster Place Presents Oyster Bash sponsored by Negra Modelo hosted by Tyler Florence during the New York City Wine & Food Festival at The Standard, High Line, Biergarten & Garden on October 18, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images for NYCWFF) — NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 18: Shaw-Ross International Importers pouring wine Chateau D’Esclans at The Lobster Place Presents Oyster Bash sponsored by Negra Modelo hosted by Tyler Florence during the New York City Wine & Food Festival at The Standard, High Line, Biergarten & Garden on October 18, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Mireya Acierto/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

destinations, bringing together the world culinary talents, celebrity chefs, mixologists, vintners, and foodies unite to eat, drink and end world hunger. Proceeds go to the Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign.

Attendees are invited to explore the world-class properties as well as parties at Pier 92, Pier 94 and various locations around the Big

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: TV Personality Andrew Zimmern runs a presentation at KitchenAid stage at the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring KitchenAid® culinary demonstrations presented by MasterCard during the New York City Wine & Food Festival at Pier 94 on October 18, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for NYCWFF) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Zimmern — NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 18: TV Personality Andrew Zimmern runs a presentation at KitchenAid stage at the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring KitchenAid® culinary demonstrations presented by MasterCard during the New York City Wine & Food Festival at Pier 94 on October 18, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for NYCWFF) *** Local Caption *** Andrew Zimmern

Apple. Where more than hundreds of celebrity chefs and wineries come together to showcase a dynamic weekend of exceptional lunches, dinners, cooking demos, chef collaborations, and experience the amazing Grand Tastings, featuring the industry’s leading experts, and most coveted restaurants in the world. And it’s held at 1 of the iconic culinary destination in the world.

After seven successful years, the Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE (NYCWFF) is gearing up to once again pay homage to one of the greatest dining cities in the world while fighting to end hunger! It is the only Festival in New York to bring together both legendary culinary icons from around the globe and America’s most beloved television chefs.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 18: Absolut Vodka on display at CHOPPED! Best Bloody Mary Brunch Perfected By ABSOLUT during the New York City Wine & Food Festival at New York Hilton – Grand Ballroom on October 18, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NYCWFF) — NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 18: Absolut Vodka on display at CHOPPED! Best Bloody Mary Brunch Perfected By ABSOLUT during the New York City Wine & Food Festival at New York Hilton – Grand Ballroom on October 18, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

NYCWFF began as a one-night event, SWEET, in the fall of 2007. In 2008, Festival Founder and Director, Lee Brian Schrager (Vice President, Corporate Communications & National Events at Southern Wine & Spirits of America) launched the inaugural NYCWFF that has quickly grown to mirror the success of its sister Festival, the Food Network & Cooking Channel South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by Food & Wine.

NYCWFF 2014 raised more than $1 million! 100% of the net proceeds benefit Food Bank For New York City and Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign. To date, NYCWFF has raised $8.5 million to help fight hunger.

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 19: Chef Tyler Florence signs copies of his book "Fresh" at the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring KitchenAid® culinary demonstrations presented by MasterCard during the New York City Wine & Food Festival at Pier 94 on October 19, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NYCWFF) *** Local Caption *** Tyler Florence — NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 19: Chef Tyler Florence signs copies of his book “Fresh” at the Grand Tasting presented by ShopRite featuring KitchenAid® culinary demonstrations presented by MasterCard during the New York City Wine & Food Festival at Pier 94 on October 19, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for NYCWFF) *** Local Caption *** Tyler Florence

The 2015 Festival will once again bring together the world’s greatest chefs, winemakers, spirits producers and personalities to educate palates and entertain attendees in high style.

If you are a foodie, wine lover, this is an epicurean event, that you don’t want to miss. We look forward to seeing you there. Flow NYCWFF on Social Media for the latest update and don’t forget the hashtag #NYCWFF.

Website: http://nycwff.org
Twitter || Instagram || Facebook

Website: Food Bank For New York City
Twitter || Instagram || Facebook

Website: Strength’s No Kid Hungry ®
Twitter || Facebook

__________________________________

by Manda Bear

Follow Dep Lifestyle Magazine :

Chef, Chefs, Lifestyle, magazine, Restaurant Review, San Francisco Bay Area, Wine Country Bay Area

SpoonBar, BravoTV Top Chef Louis Maldonado, Healdsburg, Sonoma County Wine Country

June 30, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

BravoTV Top Chef Season 11, Chef Louis Maldonado launched his culinary career in San Francisco as co-executive chef at Cortez, where under his direction Cortez was awarded one Michelin star in 2006. Chef Maldonado has worked at top restaurants including The French Laundry in Napa Valley and Aziza in San Francisco. Now the executive chef of Spoonbar at h2hotel in downtown Healdsburg, where he was able to create a menu of contemporary, clean, and creative yet approachable American fare. The menu was impressive with many options for vegetarian and vegan.

The chicken cracklings, duck liver mousse, celery, elderflower was crispy, tasty and delicious. The lamb loin grilled over charcoal, braised morels, spring onion, charred white bean with crystallized lettuce was beautifully presented, perfectly cooked, and it just melt in your mouth. The Thai inspired beet boudin wrapped in a crispy pastry, lime, cilantro, coconut, peanuts, shallots, was so much flavor at one bite, amazing. The tuna sashimi,
fermented chili, shiso, serrano chili, and wild onion salsa was delightful.

However, the roasted zucchini, pickled squash blossoms, beef bouillon, crispy buckwheat noodles was the winner of it all. It was refreshing with unexpected flavor, a perfect dish for a warm evening the wine country.

It was refreshing with unexpected flavor, a perfect dish for a warm evening in the wine country.

Sit at the big long Acacia Tree communal center table where you can mingle with others. If you are all “wined out” from the wine tasting all day, Spoonbar is also a perfect place for a crafted cocktail, their menu is so scientifically delicious. And with a critically acclaimed cocktail program led by rising star bar manager Alec Vlastnik, the atmosphere is lively and vibrant. From plate to place, everything about Spoonbar is a rich alchemy of art and craft.

Spoonbar at h2Hotel
219 Healdsburg Avenue
Healdsburg, CA 95448

HOURS: Dinner, Friday – Saturday, 5-9:30 p.m.
Monday – Sunday, 5:00 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.

RESERVATIONS: 1.707.433.7222

Website // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

About the Author
Manda Bear

Manda Bear, a former restaurant owner, has had a strong passion for food and wine from a very young age and has traveled the world dining at over one hundred Michelin Star/James Beard award winning restaurants. Currently with Dep Lifestyle Magazine San Francisco Bay Area, Manda Bear works as publisher and contributor Drink Me Magazine, @DepLifestyleMag, @DiningOutVegas. Previously, she was a contributor for Viet Press USA, Studio 14 Magazine, and DiningOut Magazine. Additionally, Manda Bear is a certified level II Sommelier at www.VintageWineMerchants.com on Santana Row in Silicon Valley, a PR/brand ambassador for hospitality, food, and the wine industry, as well as a Social Media consultant for high-tech companies in Silicon Valley. To follow her food and wine adventures, you can follow her on Instagram and Twitter.

Chef, Chefs, Restaurant, Restaurant Review, Wine Country Bay Area

Seaside Metal Oyster Bar, Chef Mike Selvera, Guerneville, Sonoma County Wine Country

June 29, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

The casual and modern 35-seats classic raw bar and seafood restaurant is located in downtown Guerneville, just a short drive from the Russian River Valley wine country, a spin-off of the popular Bar Crudo in San Francisco. Chef Mike Selvera offers a small menu with an assortment to choose from, shellfish, oysters, crudo, cold, and hot dishes. Many of the plates are on the smaller side which is perfect for sharing. To pair with these delicate seafood dishes, they offer more than 40 domestic beers and local wines.

Seaside Metal is the latest creation of Executive Chef Mike Selvera and Front of House Manager Tim Selvera to join the growing culinary scene in welcoming downtown Guerneville. When dining in the open kitchen you will experience the freshness of pristine oysters, and the complexities of his signature crudo. Seaside Metal sources local produce, artisan cheese, award winning wines, and craft beer that only Sonoma County can offer. Mike Selvera is a San Francisco Chronicle Top 100 chef that brings his ideas on seafood, from his well-loved Bar Crudo to the intimate, unique, and gorgeous surroundings of the Russian River Valley.

Beside the fresh oysters, marinated mussels, lobster are always on the menu; the seafood chowder is one of the popular dishes here. The Spanish octopus with chorizo, cranberry beans, caperberry, and tomato was unique and full of flavors. But the Arctic char remains our favorite, simple, nothing overdone, crudo at its best.

Seaside Metal Oyster Bar
16222 Main Street
Guerneville, CA 95446

HOURS: Dinner, Wednesday – Sunday, 5-10 p.m.

RESERVATIONS: 1.707.604.7250

Website // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

About the Author
Manda Bear

Chef, Restaurant, Restaurant Review, Wine Country Bay Area

Valette, Chef Dustin Valette, downtown Healdsburg, Sonoma County Wine Country

June 29, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

Chef Valette honed his craft in some of the most celebrated restaurants on the West Coast; including the Michelin-starred Aqua in San Francisco, Napa Valley’s Bouchon, and Dry Creek Kitchen, a Charlie Palmer restaurant in downtown Healdsburg.

The dream of Valette Healdsburg began some 15 years ago amongst two brothers. Dustin Valette and Aaron Garzini were sitting at their father’s house overlooking the Alexander Valley. Over a glass of wine the two dreamt of opening a restaurant that showcased all Sonoma County has to offer.

Opening a restaurant together is a dream come true for both brothers. The combination of Chef Valette’s culinary acumen featuring fresh, local ingredients and Aaron’s savvy ability to provide a warm and authentic environment has brought these two local brothers full circle, back to the land they are from, and working together in the industry they love.

Valette was born in spring 2015; Chef Valette offers the intense, flavorful, and dynamic cuisine.

House made charcuterie was a real treat. The furikake crusted Hawaiian ahi tataki; the flavors were delightful. The smoked lamb
sausage “Banh Mi” with a twisted, bold flavor, a Vietnamese influenced dish. The chicken fried chicken with organic salad, buttermilk dressing was also fantastic.

Our favorite dish was the Day Boat Scallops en Croute, fennel, caviar, Champagne Beurre Blanc was one of the most creative scallop dish. It was balanced, tasty, smooth, and explode in your mouth.

Valette

344 Center Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448

HOURS: Dinner, Monday – Sunday, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
Lunch, Friday – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

RESERVATIONS: 1.707.473.0946

Website // Twitter // Instagram // Facebook

by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

About the Author
Manda Bear

Restaurant, Restaurant Review, Wine Country Bay Area

Underwood Bar and Bistro, Graton, Sonoma County Wine Country

June 29, 2015 DepLifestyleMag

A hidden gem in West of Sonoma, Underwood Bar & Bistro is located in the picturesque Sonoma wine country, sleepy town of Graton. About an hour drive from San Francisco, Graton is the geographical hub of Sonoma’s West County, nestled in the middle of Occidental, Santa Rosa, and Sebastopol. Underwood provides classic dishes and local wines in a laid-back bistro setting. It’s a happening spot for the locals and tourists alike on the weekend, and also offers a late-night menu.

Moroccan lamb sandwich, spicy grilled lamb sirloin, tomatoes, arugula, red onion, grilled flatbread, and French fries; that tzatziki, slightly aromatic garlicky spread made all the different. It’s a perfect sandwich to fill up before you continue your wines tasting adventure.

Underwood Bar and Bistro
9113 Graton Road
Graton, CA 95444

HOURS: Dinner, Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday, 5:30-10 p.m.
Friday – Saturday, 5:30-11 p.m.

Lunch, Friday – Sunday, 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

RESERVATIONS: 1.707.473.0946

Website // Facebook

by Manda Bear – Twitter | Instagram

About the Author
Manda Bear

Thank you for visiting Dep Lifestyle Magazine