Outside of the “foodie aficionado world” many are not familiar with The James Beard Foundation… the JBF award is equivalent to the Oscars in culinary genius.
JBF offers diverse programs including workshops, classes, conferences, readings, and other educational experiences that help people learn about and engage with food. The highlight, in my eyes, is the specialty dining experiences, featuring top chefs from all over the world showcasing their technique and culinary talents.
I was fortunate to be invited to a lunch last week at the James Beard Foundation, which is actually established in Mr. Beard’s former townhouse tucked away in the west village.
Chef Patricio Sandoval, of Mercadito was being honored for his culinary triumph in the Latino flavors and asked to host the lunch to celebrate the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo.
After arriving in front of the multi colored brick quaint townhouse on a charming tree lined cobble stone street, I was escorted to the back garden greeted with a variety of Latino passed appetizers:
Crispy cornbread bites with four dipping salsas, three variations of guacamole on homemade corn tortilla chips and, Crispy masa with wild mushrooms and Huitlacoche
The talented mixologists, The Tippling Bros., were innovatively shaking up their version of a margarita:
The Paper Daisy Cocktail, infusioned sake served with fresh lime, Agave nectar, and orange flower essence served over ice with habenaro salted glass. It was the ultimate afternoon refresher!
Proceeding the cocktail hour we moved into the dining room where there was assigned seating. I was lucky to be placed with an eclectic group of individuals and great conversationalists!
The four course lunch was paired with excellent Spanish wines.
The meal ranged from a Goat soup served with onions, cilantro, chilies and lime (which is a real delicacy in Mexico), A Trio of Tacos: fish, beer-battered shrimp and wild mushroom to a Pork shank with peanut mole.
The meal was completed with a trio of Goat’s milk caramel, Rice, and Tamarind Flanes.
Throughout the meal we received non- invasive education about the wine selections and unique cocktails. At the closing of the lunch Chef Patricio and his staff came out of the kitchen to introduce themselves.
The whole dining experience was a true delight. What is so special about the JBF is that it gives patrons the access to experience a variety of chefs from diverse culinary backgrounds and specialties in an intimate setting with the chef, (not the sous chef) preparing your meal! One of the ultimate New York Culinary gems…
The James Beard Foundation is open to the public, members receive discounted prices. Reservations are required. Please visit the site for additional information. http://www.jamesbeard.org/
