Noble Fare Hosts Book Signing With RM Seafood Chef Rick Moonen, ‘Fish Without A Doubt’

Cooking demo, samples from some of the book’s 250 recipes

When the Gourmet magazine book club launched earlier this year, the editors sought to create a reference for cooks frustrated by sifting through the myriad of cookbooks that line the shelves.
Its inaugural selection, by some measure, was fairly narrow - focused on a genre that frightens many home cooks.
But “Fish Without A Doubt,” by Chef Rick Moonen and Roy Finamore, was praised by the editors for its insight and delicious results. A panel of 30 staffers took the book home, cooked from it and pronounced it, “a book that makes you want to cook and the recipes really work.”
Moonen is recognized as one of the nation’s top seafood chefs from the helm of his RM Seafood restaurant in Las Vegas. He has been a pioneer in adoption of organic and sustainable produce and seafoods. This past June, the RM wine list only offered sustainable wines.
You can meet Moonen and purchase a signed copy of “Fish Without A Doubt” at Noble Fare on Monday, Aug. 25, from 4-6 p.m. Moonen will present a cooking demonstration and hors d’oeuvres from the book.
Free admission.

Posted in Today's Meanderings | No Comments »

Dinner Explores Elegant & Exquisite Rums

Join me, John Sovacool of National Distributing Co. and the staff of Vic’s on the River for a world tour of rums and complimentary foods.

The event begins at 6:30 p.m., Aug. 19 - And Vic’s GM Sean Dylan is wasting no time getting into the evening’s spirits.
You’ll be greeted with an hors d’oeuvre of Jumbo Lump Crab Salad with Fresh Mint and, to wet your whistle, Vic’s Mojito made with Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum.

Find a seat, get comfortable and settle in for the night’s courses:

First: Pan Roasted Mahi Mahi over Plantain Puree with Rum Runner Glaze
10 Cane Rum - Virgin Islands

Second: Jerk Grilled Wild Georgia Shrimp over Pina Colada Risotto with Rum Pine Nut Cream
Gosling’s Black Seal - Bermuda

Third: Pork Tournedos over Rum & Brown Sugar Harcot Vert, Roasted Georgia Peaches and Rum Raisin Sauce
Barbancourt Rum - Haiti

Fourth: Poached Bosc Pear with Vanilla Rum Creme Angliase
Flor de Cana 7year Riserva - Nicaragua

Fifth: A rum-only course of Pampero Anniversary 23-year blend - Venezuela

As you can see, these rums range from light and tropical to big, bold, aged rums loaded with character and variety. John will enlighten us throughout the evening on the origins of the rums being served - and also provide background on rum and its popularity.

And what a bargain - only $50 each. Call Vic’s on the River today for reservations - seating is limited.

Posted in Today's Meanderings | No Comments »

Great wines, extraordinary cuisine at Noble Fare dinner

7 courses, 7 wines - a feast for the senses at Noble Fare

Four Vines Wines and Dusi Vineyards are teaming up to handle the wines for a spectacular seven-course wine dinner at Noble Fare on Monday, Aug. 18, at 7 p.m.
The food line up includes Chef Patrick McNamara’s usual elegant presentations surrounding such ingredients as Deviled Quail Eggs, Ahi Tuna, Diver Scallops, Irish Salmon, Lamb Loin and Steak and Eggs.
You can count on imaginative and innovative dishes created with locally sourced or sustainable ingredients. Of course, Chef Patrick promises a chocolaty good finishing course of dessert!
Read Pete Lamb’s review of Noble Fare here.
Price per person is $100++. Only 25 seats remain, reservations may be made by calling Noble Fare at 912.443.3210.

Posted in Today's Meanderings | No Comments »

Get Tickets Now for Savannah Brew Fest

Beer, Food, Music and Like-Minded Brew Fans –
It’s the Inaugural Savannah Craftbrew Fest!

Make the click and get your tickets for the inaugural Savannah Craftbrew Fest, Aug. 29-31. More than 120 beers will be ready for sampling during the Grand Tasting on Saturday, Aug. 30 — and the venue overlooking the historic Savannah Riverfront will be alive with music, great food and some of the nation’s finest craft and micro beers.

Join me Friday night at a remarkable beer and food paired dinner featuring all-Georgia beers and cuisine that definitely will leave some “South in your mouth.” Proceeds from this charity dinner will benefit programs of Senior Citizens Inc., the area’s largest non-profit that works to help seniors remain healthy and independent.

The festival website features hotel deals and a growing list of local restaurants that are featuring beer menus or beer dinners for times outside of the festival.

Admission to the festival is limited, so get your tickets today — and join me on Labor Day weekend for an awesome three days of great beers!

Posted in Today's Meanderings | No Comments »

Grilled Chicken Called for Pimping My Weber

Friends provided Independence Day chow, but today, Miss T.J. and I stayed home — and smoked jumbo chicken breasts!

There is no more versatile backyard tool than the Weber Kettle Grill. Click here to see how I tricked out my Weber with a thermometer and then smoked big, beautiful chicken breasts. Want a side dish too? Click here for my Three-Squash Casserole!

You can make your Weber an even more versatile smoking rig with a gas grill replacement thermometer, a hand drill and about 15 minutes of time. The results are amazing — and the control you’ll gain will turn this simple, inexpensive kettle grill into a championship smoking machine!

Posted in Today's Meanderings | No Comments »