Sara Moulton At Harvest

Yes, Sara Moulton was back at Harvest recently, the very spot where she began her illustrious career many years ago.  The Food Network pioneer and PBS mainstay returned to celebrate the publishing of her new cookbook HOME COOKING 101 and we were invited to attend the lunch.  It's almost hard to believe that Harvest has been an Harvard Square legend for over 40 years now.  The menu and wine parings, as you can see, was mouth-watering in itself.

Luckily, I was seated right next to Sara and the conversation was lively.  We all talked of Julia Childs, who lived just down the street and who Sara worked closely with, and her influence on the Boston food landscape.  Julia, who was well known for pushing Chefs and restaurants to hire more women in the kitchen, I postulated, is the reason why Boston has so many great female Chefs.  In many other cities it still remains pretty much a boy's club.  We talked food reality shows (we hate them) and recipe authentication and loads of other subjects that were great to explore with a seasoned pro.

Sara did a small demo with help from a diner/volunteer, preparing the excellent dessert we all enjoyed.

The first course was a Spring Pea Soup that featured a slice of in-house smoked salmon.  It was excellent.  All of the dishes were prepared by Tyler Kinnett, Executive Chef and/or Brian Mercury, Executive Pastry Chef and inspired by Sara's cookbook.

The Steak And Eggs were a take on the Red-Wine Braised Short Ribs Of Beef in the book.  A perfectly runny poached egg was served atop a rich slab of braised beef.

The showstopper, however, was the La Tulipe's Apricot Soufflé, adapted from Gourmet Magazine, where Sara served as Editor for many years.  Incredibly rich in the tart/sweet flavor of the apricots, the taste was intense and spectacular.  This was paired with a Chateau Suduiraut, Semillion, Sauternes, France 2005.

Executive Chef Tyler Kinnett who, despite his youthful look, has an impressive breadth of experience, then joined us.  Chef Kinnett took over the kitchen at Harvest last year.

After the feast Sara made time to sign a book for each and every person attending.  A real class act and a wonderful afternoon.  The restaurant is currently planning more Chef Luncheons so stay tuned!

Harvest
44 Brattle Street
Cambridge, MA  02138
Telephone:  617.868.2255
Twitter:  @DineAtHarvest

Newport Mansions Wine And Food Festival

We were lucky enough to be invited to the Newport Mansions Food And Wine Festival 2014 and what a grand affair it was!  It is no exaggeration to say it was one of the best events we have ever attended.  From the flawless organization and the ornate splendor of Marble House to all of the food (think plenty of salmon, blue fish pate and lots of artisinal meats and cheeses) and hundreds of wines it was just incredible.  The weather was picture perfect, the crowd was exceptionally well-behaved but very fun.  We were steps away from the Cliff Walk with sweeping views of the water plus we got to meet one of our all-time favorite TV Chefs, Sara Moulton.  Saturday was a sellout crowd this year keeping our record of every event we promote and attend selling out intact.  We could not have imagined a better day spent out-of-town and will, without question, be back next year.  Enjoy the pics!  We are already looking forward to 2015!

Newport Mansions Wine And Food Festival 2014

The beautiful Fall weather, impressive architecture, a slew of well-known Chefs, leading wine experts and sommeliers (including Michael Meager of Cafe Escadrille, Todd Lipman of Bistro du Midi and David Singer of L'Espalier), plenty of food and wine and, if that's not enough, Sara Moulton and Martha Stewart!  What is it?  It's the ninth annual Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival.  We'll be there and we hope to see you there, too.  It's a great reason to escape the city for the weekend, stroll the lush lawns of The Elms, Rosecliff and Marble House, amble along the Cliff Walk and meet all kinds of new friends enjoying some excellent food and spectacular wines.

There are brunches, loads of tastings and even some special after dark events to keep you busy in the style of high society all weekend long.  Go to Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival 2014 for detailed information on all the festivities and events and ... don't forget to leave your white shoes at home!  We'll see you there September 19-21, 2014.