The James Beard House: A Gastronomic Institution
Posted in dining, food, wine and liquor tagged with Alois Kracher No. 7 Trockenbeerenauslese Grand Cuvée, David O'Day, Del Frisco's, Domaine Weinbach Cuvée Théo Gewürztraminer, Etienne Sauzet 1er Cru La Garenne Puligny-Montrachet, fine dining, James Beard, James Beard House, Kosta Browne Amber Ridge Vineyard Pinot Noir, Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV, Robert Foley Vineyards Claret, Thomas Dristas on August 18th, 2009 by Mary-Kate“I hope they have grilled chicken, vegetables and lots of wine.”
Being the “foodie” that I am, these thoughts immediately raced through my mind when I was invited to the August 11th dinner at the James Beard House. I immediately logged onto their website and searched for the menu, hoping to find something that I’d actually eat. After scanning it and realizing I might be eating air, I responded to my invitee to let him know about my liquid dinner plans.
My coworker scorned my unrefined palate. “It’s James Beard! Be adventurous—it is just a tasting. You’re not being forced to eat liver for the next month of your life!”
After remembering James Beard Foundation’s trail-blazing stature in the culinary world, I tuned up my stomach of steel and headed over to the James Beard House at 167 West 12th Street for “Del Frisco’s Divine Wine Dinner” featuring a Creole-inspired menu that reflects the famed restaurant’s Southern Louisiana roots. I was transported to the 1940’s through the rustic entrance-way and checked in with the bubbly host who sent me to the spacious backyard garden for the cocktail reception; this walkway led me through the delectable kitchen where Del Frisco’s Executive Chef, Thomas Dritsas, and his crew were hard at work. My mouth began watering; that’s when I decided to be bold and daring—I’d sample everything (almost) on the menu! Read more »
