From my recent rosé-infused podcast interviews, Facebook LIVE shows and mouthwatering food & wine pairings (if I do say so myself!), I really hope you’ve been enjoying Rosé Month here on The Glamorous Gourmet. I only say that because…it’s about to get even BETTER!
It is with great pleasure that I announce the 2018 Glamorous Rosé Giveaway featuring a fabulous bottle of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne ~ a $100 value! This bottle is perfect for Summer indulging like lounging in the pool on your oversize pink flamingo floatie with a BIG glass of bubbles in hand because, as the name implies, this Champagne is specifically designed to be enjoyed over ice!
Moët & Chandon pioneered this trend in 2011 with the release of their Moët Ice Impérial Champagne. This special cuvée was inspired by Summering St. Tropez socialites (i.e. Margherita Missoni) sipping their chic “La Piscine” cocktails by the pool, which consisted of Champagne with frozen Champagne ice cubes. Based on the success and immense popularity of the Ice Impérial, they debuted the Ice Impérial Rosé last year!
Not only is the Impérial Ice Champagne formulated to improve as the ice melts, it also comes with distinctly different serving instructions than traditional Brut Champagne. Imbibers are encouraged (yes, encouraged!) to serve these wines in wide, Cabernet-style wine glasses with three large ice cubes as well as any accoutrements that might highlight the wine’s freshness and aromatic intensity. For the Imperial Ice Rosé, suggestions include mint leaves, citrus wedges, ginger slices, cardamom seeds and/or red fruits such as raspberries, strawberries and even watermelon.
And if THAT didn’t blow your mind, mixing these Champagnes with spirits and liqueurs is also encouraged! And I’m happy to report, after some experimenting, I’ve come up with my own glamorous, yet simple cocktail that embodies the free spirit and relaxed elegance of Summer: the Rosé Elderflower Fizz. This glamorous combination of Impérial Ice Rosé with St Germain elderflower liqueur, strawberry and lime = c’est fantastique!
To enter The Glamorous Rosé Giveaway for this fabulous bottle of Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne (again, a $100 value!), all you need to do is leave a comment at the end of this post sharing your favorite Summer food and wine combination. It’s that simple!
For ADDITIONAL chances to win, simply comment on other blog posts here on my website. Each ADDITIONAL comment on another blog post will count as ONE additional chance to win!
The Glamorous Rosé Giveaway is open to anyone 21 years of age or older who lives in the continental United States. It starts TODAY, Thursday, May 31st and ends next Thursday, June 7th, 2018 at 9:00pm EST when a winner will be randomly drawn. The lucky winner will be contacted immediately to arrange shipment/delivery – the cost of which is also included as part of the contest!
Thank you in advance for your participation and feel free to spread the word! Best of luck and remember, you have to play to win so please leave your comment(s) now. I look forward to announcing the lucky winner next Thursday!!!
Cheers,
The post A Glamorous Rosé Giveaway: Moët & Chandon Ice Impérial Rosé Champagne appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
While interviewing world-renowned Chef Marcus Samuelsson at last month’s Chefs & Champagne was an honor and privilege indeed, I also interviewed another very special someone on that glorious Hamptons evening. Someone I’m very excited to feature as this month’s “Inspiring Woman of Food + Wine,” James Beard Foundation President, Susan Ungaro.
You see, the 2017 Chefs & Champagne event had special significance not only because of its amazing honoree, fabulous sponsors and talented Chefs. It was also the last for Ungaro in her official capacity. After eleven years with the foundation, she announced just weeks before this year’s event she would be stepping down in December.
And as the woman behind one of the most revered culinary organizations in the country, not to mention one of my favorite foodie events of A L L time, I just couldn’t let that happen without giving this inspiring lady some major props!
But Ungaro’s role with the foundation was not this accomplished woman’s first rodeo. Prior to joining the JBF, she made a name for herself during her twenty five years at Family Circle Magazine, twelve of which she spent as the publication’s Editor-in-Chief. Here, she received numerous accolades and awards for her achievements and only left in 2005 after the magazine sold.
Ungaro assumed the reigns of the James Beard Foundation in 2006 during a very tumultuous time, rife with financial scandal. Previous President, Leonard Pickell, Jr., had recently been convicted and imprisoned for embezzling over one million dollars from the organization, leaving it seemingly inextricably tarnished.
Chair of the JBF Board of Trustees Fred Seegal, JBF President Susan Ungaro, Honoree Marcus Samuelsson seen at the 2017 JBF Chefs and Champagne at Wolffer estate on Saturday, July 29, 2017 in Sagaponack, N.Y. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision for James Beard Foundation/Invision)
Scholarship recipient Jordan Werner, Earlene Cruz, JBF President Susan Ungaro, Scholarship recipient, Christina Cassel, Scholarship recipient Luis Reyes seen at the 2017 JBF Chefs and Champagne. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision for James Beard Foundation/Invision)
Not one to shy away from a challenge, Ungaro spent the next eleven years restoring the culinary institution’s once sterling reputation and elevating it to new heights. She re-energized the foundation’s scholarships programs which today award over $750,000 in financial aid to deserving students. Ungaro also created the super successful Women in Culinary Leadership Program and even moved the James Beard Awards ceremony, the culinary equivalent of the Oscars, from New York City to Chicago where it will remain until 2021.
Ungaro also expanded the Chefs & Champagne event from a mere “Summer soirée” to a true “party with a purpose” and I was happy to catch up with her before this year’s event on a gloomy evening at Wölffer Estate in Sagaponack. As if on cue, however, the clouds dissipated as soon as guests began to arrive, revealing a stunning blue sky followed by a breathtakingly beautiful sunset…what can’t this woman do?
The warm and welcoming Ungaro was happy to expound on the highlights of her career with the foundation as well as her future plans:
Q: What went into making the decision to step down from your role as JBF President?
A: Well, this is my twelfth Chefs & Champagne and I really feel like I’ve done so many things I really wanted to do with the Foundation and honestly, I really want to think about my next adventure. I’ve had two great careers, one in publishing at Family Circle and this running a foundation as great as James Beard and I want to do things that maybe a little bit simpler, give back, maybe work part time…I’m really not sure.
I’ve got five more months on the job, got a lot of things happening and I’m just going to be here for the board and staff as the next leadership is decided upon and help with that transition.
Q: What has the Chefs & Champagne event in particular meant to you?
A: It was one of my first big events. My very first was the James Beard Awards but I was only on the job two weeks, but the next big event was this one here in the Hamptons when Christian Wölffer was still alive [Wölffer passed away unexpectedly in an accident in Brazil in 2009]. What I’m really proud about was the first year I asked him if we could start a scholarship in his name and he agreed. That’s when we decided we’d make this event a “party with a purpose” and raise more money for our mission and its just grown every year.
Also, our first honoree was Chef Thomas Keller and what’s really special about Marcus [Samuelsson] is he’s been around this tent cooking for other honorees, he’s a man whose always giving back, honoring others and I just think tonight is so special that we’re able to honor him for all the great work he’s done in the food world and his philanthropy work as well.
Honoree Marcus Samuelsson and JBF President Susan Ungaro seen at the 2017 JBF Chefs and Champagne. (Photo by Mark Von Holden/Invision for James Beard Foundation/Invision)
Q: What’s been the highlight of your tenure at the James Beard Foundation?
A: I’m proud that every year is our best ever, you want each year to be better than the last. I’m also proud we’ve never had rain even when it’s forecast (laughs) somehow even if it’s not the sun, the weather is cooperating and I’m proud we’ve named a scholarship for the man who founded this vineyard. This is the twelfth time we’ve honored him and I think his family appreciates that as well.
Q: What are your favorite flavors of Summer?
A: Right now I’m really into peaches and cherries. I like James Beard’s approach of, “whatever’s in season.” When strawberries were in season, I was very into them, the ones that were literally just picked – there’s nothing like a fresh picked strawberry!
Q: Favorite wine or cocktail of this Summer?
A: In the Summer I like Rieslings and I’ve also been going along with the rosé trend so of course tonight along with the Champagne, I’m gonna enjoy some Wölffer Rosé.
Q: Is there anything else about the foundation you’d really like people to know?
A: Yes! The one thing people don’t realize…is that anyone can come to James Beard’s house in New York City. We’re online, on Open Table there’s welcome for anyone to come and enjoy one the over 200 dinners a year at the James Beard House.
The gracious Ungaro closed with the sentiment, “I’m moving on but my heart will always be involved.” I know all my fellow Glamorous Gourmets join me in wishing her the best of luck on her next adventure and I greatly appreciate her taking the time to chat.
Bon appétit,
The post Inspiring Women of Food + Wine: James Beard Foundation President, Susan Ungaro appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
After a late night at the James Beard Foundation’s dreamy “Chefs & Champagne” event (I just can’t resist a dance floor and 80’s music!) we slept pretty late the next morning. As the Champagne-induced haze lifted, we decided on a deliciously relaxing day wandering the Hamptons. There are definitely worse places to wander, that’s for sure!
We set out into the blissfully sunny Summer day (with zero humidity, Z E R O) and, after a pit stop at the Southampton Starbucks, we made our way to Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton for an afternoon cocktail (nothing like a little hair of the dog, my friends!).
Built in the 1840s, the Topping Rose House was extensively renovated in 2011 and is one of the Hampton’s most beautiful and luxurious hotels. We sipped delicious Ginger Margaritas as we relaxed into cozy chairs on the beautiful green lawn. As we kicked off our shoes, the feel of the cool, damp grass on our feet was sheer heaven.
In 2016 world renowned Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten took over the Topping Rose restaurant. After dining there last year, I thought the food was truly fabulous but we had another place in mind for that evening. It was a long shot, but hey, after a Ginger Margarita anything seemed possible.
Earlier this year, New York’s famed Eleven Madison Park was named The World’s Best Restaurant. Needless to say when you’re named the number one restaurant on the planet, your already sterling reputation becomes, well, legendary.
So when we discovered owner/partners Chef Daniel Humm and Will Guidara were closing Eleven Madison Park in Manhattan for the Summer and heading to East Hampton to open a Summer pop-up restaurant…well, we were ALL in!
However, EMP Summer House, a partnership between Eleven Madison Park (aka EMP) and American Express, was not intended to be a mini-version of the famed, sophisticated NYC eatery. In fact, quite the opposite. This playful, Summer-inspired riff was to feature classic Summer cuisine in a casual atmosphere.
The new concept truly embodies Summer featuring an a la carte menu, whimsical decor and indoor and outdoor seating. But the pièce de résistance of EMP Summer House is its expansive back yard replete with ping pong tables, corn hole boards, and oodles of other fun activities for children and adults alike. The fun, festive ambiance exudes Summer…chic, Hamptons Summer but definitely Summer nonetheless.
The Summer House’s pièce de résistance is it’s Beautiful Lawn
While reservations are required for the indoor dining room, the patio and backyard are for walk-ins and thankfully, the Hubs and I slid right in for the first dinner seating. But while the atmosphere was relaxed Summer chic, the Summer House seriously ‘brought it’ with the food. This casual, Summer-inspired meal was definitely my most memorable of the year!
To take full advantage of the impending sunset and heavenly weather, we dined al fresco adjacent to the beautiful lawn which was buzzing with activity. We decided to indulge in some bubbles and the super approachable and knowledgeable Somm guided us toward an excellent choice, the Bérêche et Fils Brut Réserve Champagne NV. This delightful grower Champagne, made of equal parts Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, is a blend of 70% base year wine with the balance reserve wines.
A Wonderful Recommendation from our Somm!
As promised, the sparkler did embody the richness of Krug Grande Cuvée balanced by a splendid, food friendly acidity. While truly delicious on its own, the Champagne’s layers also paired brilliantly with the deliciousness to come.
At the recommendation of our server (everything looked incredible it was SO hard to pick!), we ordered the Lobster Tempura with Bibb Lettuce and Chile Lime Aioli; Corn, Black Truffle and Parmesan Flatbread and the Bouillabaisse for Two.
The Lobster Tempura with Bibb Lettuce & Chile Lime Aioli was a Favorite
The Corn, Black Truffle & Parmesan Flatbread Delighted our Palates
The Lobster Tempura and Corn and Black Truffle Flatbread arrived together and were as much a feast for the eyes as our palates. The contrast of the warm, tender lobster coated in a heavenly, golden tempura with the crisp, cool lettuce leaves was superb and only made more so by the spicy aioli.
The heavenly flatbread was a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crispy grilled bread was the perfect delivery system for the deliciously al dente corn kernels and earthy truffle shavings. Each bite was perfectly accented by flavorful snipped chives and a generous dusting of snowy, shaved Parmesan that just melted in our mouths.
As if our first course wasn’t amazing enough, the bouillabaisse took things to another level. A dish intended for two, Steve and I each received our own plate featuring a golden crusted black bass fillet and a dollop of delicious rouille, a classic bouillabaisse accompaniment.
In the center of the table was the bouillabaisse proper, a generous white bowl filled with heavenly braised fennel, shellfish and potatoes in a delightful, saffron-imbued, tomato-based broth. The dish was garnished with additional saffron and fennel fronds making it even MORE Instagram-worthy!
The care that went into the preparation of each individual ingredient was astounding. From the creamy, perfectly sliced potatoes to the tender, plump shrimp to the savory, tender fennel – each component was sheer perfection. Steve and I savored each and every bite washing it down with our delicious Champagne. We seriously didn’t think the meal could really get any better at that point…boy were we wrong!
You see, a few months ago while in NYC for business I had the pleasure of staying at the NoMad Hotel and dining at the Elephant Bar. While the food was indeed amazing, my favorite thing about the meal was the delicious Milk and Honey dessert which I dispatched single-handedly. So when I saw it there on the Summer House menu, I knew we were ALL in!
So while we were sure of our dessert choice…what about a wine pairing? Well, once we spotted the ’96 Château d’Yquem Sauternes, the perfect pairing for this honeyed, divine concoction, we decided to go for it…as in we split a glass between the two of us 
And if you’ve seen any of my social media posts, you’ve probably seen the slow motion pour of this nectar from the gods, but just in case you missed it, you can watch it right here.
As we sipped and savored (and battled for) the remaining bites of dessert and sips of wine, we couldn’t have been more content. We were so glad we made the effort to drive out to East Hampton which rewarded us tenfold. It made me even MORE determined to experience Eleven Madison Park in the future…probably 10 years from now when we can finally get a reservation.
If you plan on visiting the Hamptons and would like to dine at EMP Summer House, there’s still time! They’re accepting reservations until September 4th but, if you happen to be in the neighborhood, why not drop by unexpectedly.
EMP Summer House
341 Pantigo Road
East Hampton, NY 11937
www.empsummerhouse.com
Bon appétit,
The post A Delicious Day in the Hamptons: Topping Rose House & Eleven Madison Park’s Summer House Pop-Up appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
I walked into Walgreens yesterday and could not believe my eyes. Their Halloween decorations were up already! Now I L O V E Halloween (especially making this spooky recipe), but it’s only mid-August and the first day of Fall is still over a month away. Sorry, but I am NOT ready to say goodbye to Summer just yet. Thankfully, this delicious recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Romesco Sauce helps make the transition from Summer into Fall not only painless, but extremely enjoyable.
While cooking on the grill is synonymous with Summer, the rich, oily texture of the swordfish and smoky, peppery Romesco sauce conjure thoughts and flavors of Fall. I love this culinary yin-yang that makes this delightful dish perfect for savoring the remaining weeks of Summer. And what’s better than enjoying great food with friends? We were fortunate to collaborate on this meal with some wonderful friends who just happened to have some fresh, delicious swordfish steaks on hand! As we prepared the sauce and fish, their beautiful daughter (who had just broken her arm, poor thing!) picked flowers from the yard at Chez Miskew to make a gorgeous arrangement featuring gardenias, jasmine and allamanda.
Romesco sauce originated in the seaside town of Tarragona in Northeastern Spain. The sauce is a mixture of almonds and hazelnuts, roasted red peppers, garlic, Sherry vinegar and olive oil that was invented by local fishermen. Using a traditional mortar and pestle, they would grind the ingredients together, much like an Italian pesto or French tapenade, to serve with the day’s catch. Over time, different variations of the sauce have emerged such as Salvitxada, which is Romesco that’s been thickened with garlic-rubbed, toasted bread. The hearty flavors and textures of the Romesco sauce also make an excellent accompaniment for chicken and beef as well.
The ideal wine pairing for Grilled Swordfish with Romesco Sauce is a dry, Spanish white wine that mirrors its flavors and texture like the Bodegas Palacio Cosme Palacio White Rioja. Made from a blend of Viura and Malvasia grapes, this lovely wine has fragrant aromatics of pear and citrus and a creamy, rich texture that mirrors that of the swordfish. The wine also has a delightful spiciness, thanks to a little time spent in French oak, and notes of almond and citrus that highlight the acid and nutty flavors in the sauce beautifully. When pairing food and wine I usually like to stick with the tenet, “If it grows together it goes together,” whenever possible (like here and here). However, if you’re unable to find a white Rioja to pair with this dish, a full-bodied white like a New World Chardonnay with a kiss of oak will also make a very nice pairing.
I hope you enjoy our recipe for Grilled Swordfish with Romesco Sauce and that it helps you make the seasonal transition seamlessly! Do YOU have any recipes that get you through the Summer to Fall transition? If so, I’d LOVE to hear about them in the Comments sections below.
Bon appétit,
The post Grilled Swordfish with Romesco Sauce appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
For the next installment in our frozen Summertime Sweets series, which has included a mouth-watering Mango & Rose Water Sorbet and a delightful Strawberry & Pistachio Semifreddo, I’m happy to share a cocktail recipe with you for the Hop, Skip & Go Naked. Like the other recipes, this drink is perfect for beating the Summer heat and in case you haven’t created any lasting Summer memories, this drink is... Read More
The post Cocktail Couture: Hop, Skip & Go Naked! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
Back to school sales, Halloween displays and the bittersweet conclusion of family beach vacations are all signs the end of Summer is near. And while I do love Fall, I inevitably dread bidding adieu to the delightful frozen, sweet treats that are a welcome antidote to the sweltering South Florida Summer days. So in an effort to savor the remainder of the season, for the rest of August I’ll be whipping... Read More
The post Summertime Sweets: Mango & Rose Water Sorbet! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
One of my favorite food and wine pairings during the Summer months is a Tuna Niçoise Salad paired with a dry, Provençal rosé – sheer deliciousness! But why limit the wonderful Niçoise flavors to just one dish? When a friend kindly offered us some fresh swordfish steaks over the weekend, these delicious flavors immediately sprang to mind as we happily accepted his generous offer. Niçoise (pronounced nee-SWAZ) essentially means “in... Read More
The post Perfect Pairings: Swordfish Niçoise & a Provençal Rosé! appeared first on The Glamorous Gourmet.
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