Gilded Age Newport 2022

 

Let's begin our Newport Tour 2022 with the Gilded Age mansions.  We visited Marble House, Rosecliff, The Elms and The Breakers, considered to be the most impressive of all.  They are all breathtaking.

The design at all of them was over-the-top ostentatious, dripping with gold, luxurious fabrics, the best furnishings in the world, all combined to be showy in what some might even consider a vulgar display of wealth.  That seems to have been the point.  Subtle was not a theme.

Yet, it is absolutely fascinating to witness the indulgence up close.  We tried to show some of the smaller details here but, of course, it's impossible to capture it all.  

Aside from the rich furnishings and priceless art and decor are the sweeping views, the dramatic landscaping and wonder of what life must have been like for these people simply attending one social event after another, day and night, all summer long.

These are costumes used in the original film version of The Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, which was filmed at Rosecliff.  We have been lucky enough to attend glittering social events ourselves at both Rosecliff and Marble House and the elegance of these has been most impressive.  Yet, we really never had the chance to explore all the nooks and crannies of these places from the stunning bedrooms and parlors to the servant's quarters and kitchens.  

It's well worth a visit to even one of them.  You can learn much more (even where people are allowed to picnic on the grounds) at The Preservation Society of Newport County website.  And please check out our social media for some really fun and stunning videos and many more photographs:

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Enjoy!

Cheers,

William

A Taste Of Veneto at Giusto, Newport Part II

Our first full course at Giusto was this Scallop Crudo.  Served with a sea urchin salsa peverada, n'duja and cucumber.  Absolutely delicious and stunning on the plate.

In fact, it looked so good that even the staff took a moment to get some pics.

The Crudo was served with this Masianco Verduzo Pinot Grigio.  I don't know about you but I am definitely a Pinot Grigio guy and this one did not disappoint at all.  It was a chilled, refreshing sip on a warm summer night.

Casunziei Ravioli With Beet, Ricotta And Poppy Seed.  Very inventive and a great combination of flavors, this was one of our top tastes of the night. 

Along with the red beets the red wine began to flow including Campofiorin Valpolicella 2018 and a Costasera Amarone 2015, both substantial, rich reds.

At this point I was one happy camper but due to time constraints we had to part at this point to make it to yet another event.  We will, however, be back for a dinner soon and no doubt that ravioli will be on our table!

Giusto Newport

4 Commercial Wharf

Newport, RI  02840

Telephone:  401.324.7400

We would like to thank the Newport Mansions Preservation Society, Giusto and Masi Wines for inviting us to this event.

A Taste Of Veneto At Giusto, Newport

 The Newport Food And Wine Festival was different this year.  Gone was the always very crowded Grand Tasting and replaced with a number of smaller events and seminars that sold out quickly. The silver lining was a great restaurant program offering more intimate wine dinners sponsored by some fantastic wineries.  We attended one of them at Giusto sponsored by Masi, a family-owned, centuries-old winery just outside Venice, Italy.  And although we love the Grand Tasting, you know what?  We liked this program even better!

First of all, it's a limited number of participants.  Rather than fight the crowds ten deep at the popular restaurant and vintner's tables and guard a choice seat with a vengeance, it allowed for a much more gracious and relaxed atmosphere.  Giusto pulled out all the stops.  

The restaurant is fairly new and offers a prime location right on the water.  The sleek, contemporary design with both indoor and outdoor seating, plus a covered outdoor area where the event was held, proved to be a very coveted spot on this last weekend of summer and one that had many other events bringing in thousands of visitors.

The service was impeccable, the food a bright and inventive take on Italian cuisine and the crowd and atmosphere festive.  This is as good as it gets for late summer dining (and wining) experiences.  The young, friendly yet very professional staff was a welcome relief in these days of covid woes hitting the hospitality industry hard on the service front.

We were greeted with ice cold glasses of Santa Margherita Sparkling Rosé, a perfect choice.  Our first passed appetizer taste was this Fritelle.  The ricotta, honey and truffle in a fried crust was sublime, both rich and airily light at the same time, just packed with flavor.

Next was The Scotch Meatball, a menu staple.  Tomato, egg and salumi in, again, a perfectly crispy, not overly heavy, crust.  What a great start to the evening and a prelude to the four course dinner paired with some great wines!

Circle back later this week for A Taste Of Veneto, Part II.

Giusto at Hammets Hotel

4 Commercial Wharf

Newport, RI  02840

Telephone:  401.324.7400

Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival 2019 Grand Tasting

It was glorious weather but, then again, it always is.  Our weekend in Newport for the Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival was capped with the Grand Tasting on Saturday at Marble House.  

Of course there is wine (that flows freely) and always a new vintage, vineyard and blend to discover.  There is also plenty of food to sample.  Like lobster.  

And meat.  Since Dole & Bailey became one of the major sponsors there is lots of grilled seafood and meat.  It may be the most popular spot at the event.

What we enjoy the most, however, are the people, the chance to meet new friends from all over the country and world.  There are couples traveling together for an exciting weekend, the young lovers scoping out possible wedding venues, the wine-lovers, the mansions-lovers and the usual assortment of beautiful people.

Chef Jeremy Kean of Brassica Kitchen.

Of course there are the chefs, many of which have the opportunity to demo how they prepare a dish against the stunning backdrop of Newport.

Finish it all off with live music and all kinds of food product samples from candy to coffee and lots of laughter and great conversation and you have all of the reasons that we attend this event every year.  And you should, too.  

So, here is the best news of all:  our readers now have the chance to purchase tickets for the 2020 events and LOCK IN THE 2019 PRICES.  That's right, if your purchase your tickets by December 25, 2019 you will avoid any price increases.  Of course, we all know how the price of everything is going up, especially imported goods.  If interested (and this is a great gift idea, obviously) you can purchase tickets here or by calling 401.847.1000.  It's a great deal and without question the best gift you will give this holiday season.  When calling just mention that you got the offer from The Boston Foodie.

Socials:
@thebostonfoodie
@theboysoftbf
@deano_iam
@doleandbailey
@newport_mansions
@brassicakitchen

We attended this event as members of the media with no promise of any editorial consideration or financial remuneration.

All photos copyright The Boston Foodie 2019

On The Road To Newport Mansions

Yes, we are gearing up this week for the 14th annual Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival next weekend.  This photo sort of sums up the whole weekend for us.  It's a bit of glamour, learning, tasting, sipping, relaxing by the water in beautiful surroundings, meeting lots of interesting people, having wonderful conversations about wine (and beer and spirits) and lots of laughter and fun.  We have always described the event as sophisticated but not snobby.  Whether you are arriving by private jet or there mostly for the instagram potential it is one, big happy affair for all.

The weekend is full of all kinds of events with something for everyone.  It begins on Thursday night with the Maritime Wine Dinner at Forty 1 North and the Burgundy Grand Cru Dinner at The Elms.  Friday night features the very elegant Wine and Rosecliff Gala, a stunning social event with food, special wines and live music for dancing in the Gatsbyesque surroundings.  There are still a few tickets left for all of these events.

Saturday is the first day of the Grand Tasting at Marble House.  It is completely sold out but tickets are still available for Sunday.  There are also tickets still available for an after party, brunch and more serious seminars for those eager to learn.  Check out the website before all is sold out.  

The weather prediction for the weekend is near perfect.  In addition to Rosecliff and the Grand Tasting on Saturday we will be at Karma Pizza after the gala on Friday for some delicious late night pizza and après-ski.  Feel free to contact or join us.  For breakfast on Saturday we'll be at Stoneacre Brasserie and our dinner on Saturday after the event will be at Jo's American Bistro.  In between we'll be all over town hitting up as many foodie finds as we can squeeze in.  Hope to see you there and we'll have full reviews of everything starting next week.

Follow us on social media leading up to, during and after the events:
@thebostonfoodie
@theboysoftbf
@deano_iam
@Newport_Mansions
#NMWFF2019

Having Fun At Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival

A lot of people steer clear of wine festivals and events because, I think, they are under the impression that they are snobby with elitest wine know-it-alls who just want to impress you with their knowledge.  What fun is that, right?  This may be true at some events but not all.

Don't let the luxurious, gilded age backdrop fool you at Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival.  Yes, it was known as a place of immense wealth and formality but today it's more fun than anything.  It's an opportunity to learn more about wine if one wants to, see some great chef demonstrations and enjoy food samples and tastings, meet new people from all over the country or just relax at a beautiful spot on the water.

It's also a chance to get all dressed-up and dance the night away at some of the more elegant evening events.  We will be there again this year as we always consider the weekend (September 20-22) to be both the kickoff for and the highlight of the Fall social season.  We are absolutely confident that if you make either a day or a weekend of it you will not be disappointed.  Tickets can be purchased here.  Saturday typically sells out first.  See you there!  

Newport Mansions Wine And Food Festival 2018

Scallop With Radish And Cheese Dust at Newport Mansions Wine & Food Festival 2018

It was another delicious year at the 2018 Newport Mansions Food & Wine Festival with some great tastes, wines and products.  It just seems to get better and better every year.

Having a light moment with Paul Chevalier of Chateau d'Eclans,  maker of The Palm Rose, our favorite wine at the event this year.

 



Deconstructed Cannoli.

 



Famed fashion designer, just off his stint at New York Fashion Week, Zac Posen was there to whip up a dish from his cookbook and open up the demo stage for the weekend.

Mr. Posen served up a delicious Shrimp And Rice dish and displayed an impressive knowledge of food and cooking techniques.  It was obvious he loves to be in the kitchen.

Most of the day was spent tasting and sipping, chatting with people and vendors, always on the prowl for the new.  This Salmon And Pesto from the impressive Dole And Bailey grilling area was one of our favorite dishes.

New friends who came all the way from Pennsylvania for the event.

 



Students from Johnson And Wales University were on hand to help the chefs and cooks.  We are always impressed by their professionalism and work.

 



For more information on this and other events hosted by the Preservation Society please click here.

Socials:
@TheBostonFoodie
@NewportMansions
@doleandbailey
@zacposen
@chateaudesclans

We attended this event as members of the media with no promise of editorial consideration.