Tag Archives: gourmet

The Cheese Course: Gourmet nibblin’s

It’s not all about nibbling on some cheese at The Cheese Course in Midtown but that’s definitely the place’s biggest draw. The menu is mainly comprised of a veritable enormity of combinations of hard and soft cheeses with perfect accompaniments.

Some brie and manchego with olive tapenade, or perhaps a robust stilton and limburger with a side of fig spread. The combinations here are endless and what’s fun is trying as many different ones as possible. The sandwiches here are excellent too, all served on fresh baked baguettes. One of my personal faves is the Spanish serrano ham with manchego, black olive tapenade, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and greens.

The wines available for pairing are top notch too and it’s virtually impossible to leave without buying something from their incredible market.

The Cheese Course is located at 3451 NE 1 Avenue, Miami, FL

Fork: a gourmet but comfortable restaurant

Fork is the kind of place to go when you want gourmet food, but you also want to be in a relaxed, casual environment. While those dining in Fork will be seated in chairs, there’s also the bar — and couches — for the drinking crowd, adding to the overall cozy and welcoming atmosphere of the place. Like many higher end restaurants, the menu is clearly carefully attended to, only focusing on a few dishes — like a heavenly chicken burger — but all are sure to please your palate. Not sure what to get? The servers here are notoriously friendly and helpful, and will lead you in the right direction.

Fork is located at 4600 N. Lincoln Ave. Chicago, IL 60625. Phone is 773-751-1500. Visit forkchicago.net/ for more information.

Garces Trading Company- A Unique Concept

Located in West Washington Square, Garces Trading Company offers a dining experience unlike any other. Whether you are dining at home and looking for a gourmet touch, or looking to dine out-Chef Jose Garces has created a one-stop shop. Food Network’s newest Iron Chef has joined forces with the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board and opened Garces Trading Company, a cafe, wine shop and on-site bakery. Not only can you go in and purchase a bottle of wine to take home, but you can also buy a bottle with no markup price to accompany you at your table as an afforable asset to your meal. Along with a phenomenal menu for diners, customers can also purchase artisan cheeses, charcuterie, breads, desserts and much more. Although the restaurant is in the middle of the market, the ambience is charming and does not lack an ounce of rustic flare. This unique concept in a Philadelphia original and definitely worth a trip.

Insiders Tip: Check out the vingegar bar, where you can find a plethora of choices to dip your bread in before dinner. The pomegranate balsamic vinegar is delicious! Yum!

1. Wine and More at Toast of the Town May 24

Taking place in one of the premier wine and food capitals of the world, the Toast of the Town wine tasting festival is the place to go for wine enthusiasts or those just looking for a good time. There are over 500 world-class wines for people to taste. There is also music paired with gourmet dishes from New York’s top restaurants. The festival is organized by WineEnthusiast.com, which means many of the knowledgeable editors and writers of the site will be mingling and wine-tasting with the crowd. From wine experts to novices, everyone here will be enjoying the spectacular evening.

3. Guittard & Ghirardelli at Int’l Chocolate Salon March 20

There may never be a world made completely out of chocolate, but the 4^th Annual San Francisco International Chocolate Salon comes pretty close. Experience the finest in artisan, gourmet, and premium chocolate from over 70 chocolatiers, confectioners, wineries and other culinary artisans, ranging from Amano Artisan Chocolate to Guittard Chocolate Company to Ghirardelli Chocolate Company.

With the floor space recently increased by 66%, this place is the premier chocolate show on the West Coast. There is also a Chocolate Chef Competition and TasteTV Wine Competition. Other highlights include demonstrations, new product launches and flavor combinations, fair trade and organic offerings, chef and author talks, a live chocolate body frosting demonstration, and book signings. Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado, fanatic, buyer, or just someone who is curious, be sure to pay a visit.

4. Taste Decadent Gourmet in Philly 12/1/09-12/31/09

The Decadent Gourmet Tour title says it all. This is one tour that you don’t need to be a tourist to enjoy. It is 2.5 hours of culinary adventure starting with an extravagant cheese tasting, tea tasting, and finally a chocolate tasting. Through the various courses, attendees will be able to taste Philly’s finest in these genres from some of the city’s hidden culinary gems. If the way to your heart is through your stomach, then you might fall in love with Philly after this tour.

5th Annual Denver International Wine Festival

The finale of Denver Wine Week culminates in the Denver International Wine Festival. There are more than 400 wines from proprietors and winemakers from around the world along with gourmet food samplings and travel experts that can coordinate your trip to an exotic winery.

A Taste For Life

Before wine week begins in Denver, get your fill of food at A Taste for Life. With culinary talents from denver’s finest restaurants and caterers, there is a delicious array of gourmet appetizers, entrees, and decadent desserts.

12th Annual Phiz Fest

Champagne and sparkling wines aren’t just for New Year’s and weddings anymore. The 12th Annual Phiz Fest continues to highlight the versatility of bubbly beverages as well as food and wine pairings from Philadelphia’s finest restaurants.

Fabulous Food Festival

A foodie’s dream, the Fabulous Food Festival is the only specialty food show in the San Francisco Bay area. Along with specialty and gourmet items, there will be live music and awards presented for outstanding culinary achievement.