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The Wine Atelier Podcast #15: Eric LeVine, Inventor of CellarTracker

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Whether you've got hundreds of bottles in your custom wine cellar or some gems stashed in a cabinet under the stairs, you won't want to miss this episode of The Wine Atelier Podcast featuring my interview with Eric LeVine (pronounced like the grape vine!), inventor of CellarTracker.

We've been using this powerful cellar management tool here at Chez Miskew since 2011, and, after researching other options over the years, CellarTracker is, hands down, the BEST and most reliable way to keep track of your wine.

CellarTracker began as a hobby for LeVine while he was working as a programmer for Microsoft. Like me, he caught the wine bug during a trip to one of Italy's most popular wine regions and quickly discovered he needed a way to document and manage his growing wine collection. After sharing his idea with fellow oenophiles, it quickly gained steam and proved to be MUCH more than just a hobby. He debuted the CellarTracker website in 2004 and it has been his full-time pursuit pretty much ever since.

In this episode, LeVine elaborates on how Cellartracker has evolved since the early days and how he has stayed true to his original vision. And I'm here to tell you, fifteeen years later, he's still as passionate as EVER about it! And you won't want to miss his future plans for CellarTracker and what he has planned for the big fifteenth anniversary coming up next month.

And did I mention, the yearly membership fee for CellarTracker is optional?

Please tune in NOW for all the details by simply clicking the "play" button on the slider above, OR click here to be taken over to iTunes where you can also subscribe to The Wine Atelier podcast and leave a review.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

1.) For more information on CellarTracker, please visit the website by clicking here.

2.) For information on any upcoming CellarTracker events, please subscribe to my weekly newsletter here.

THANKS FOR LISTENING!!!

– To share your thoughts on this episode, please leave me a note in the Comments section below. And to view previous episodes of The Wine Atelier Podcast here on my website, please click here.

– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier Podcast, please share this link on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and/or any other social media platform of interest.

– If you enjoyed the show, please click here to go to iTunes and subscribe to so you don't miss a thing - AND - leaving your honest review of The Wine Atelier podcast on iTunes would also be greatly appreciated!

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The Wine Atelier Podcast #14: Christian Palmaz of Palmaz Vineyards

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There's nothing better than curling up on a chilly Winter night with Steve and the puppies, a good movie (like Bohemian Rhapsody - AMAZING!) and a nice bottle of red wine. And if you're also a fan of indulging in delicious, full-bodied red wines this time of year, you won't want to miss my timely podcast interview with Christian Palmaz, CEO of Palmaz Vineyards, which is home to some of my favorite Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons.

Born in San Antonio, Texas to Argentine parents, Christian's family's has had a fascinating journey in the wine world, which began with his father's groundbreaking invention of the Palmaz coronary heart stent in the 1990's. Since then, two generations of the Palmaz family have sought to bring this familial spirit of innovation and invention to the ancient art of making wine. Their background in the sciences, passion for living life to the fullest and years of backbreaking work have resulted in a unique winery situated inside an 18-story cave that combines cutting-edge technology with a respect for winemaking tradition.

Simply click the link above to listen to the interview or click here to be taken to iTunes where you can also subscribe to The Wine Atelier podcast and leave a review, if you are so inclined.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

1.) For more information on Tannins, please click here.

2.) The beautiful Palmaz book set: Book 1: "Tradition, Terroir & Technology," Written by Christian Gastón Palmaz & Nick Kolakowski; Book 2: "At the Table and Around the Fire," Written by Florencia Palmaz with Food Editor Kate Knapp

3.) Amalia and Florencia Palmaz's Goodheart brand

4.) My blog post on Red Wine 101

THANKS FOR LISTENING!!!

– To share your thoughts on this episode, please do so in the Comments section below.

– To spread the word about The Wine Atelier podcast, please share this show on Twitter, Facebook and/or Pinterest.

– If you enjoyed the show, please leave a review on iTunes where you can also subscribe so you won’t miss a thing!

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Christmas in New York City: 5 Spots You Won't Want to Miss!

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I recently asked my Facebook friends to name their favorite city to visit during the Christmas/Holiday season. Although many fabulous places around the globe were mentioned (Austria, London, Park City, etc) the most popular place hands down was New York City.

Like these folks, there's no place that puts me in the Christmas spirit quite like New York. The elaborately decorated store windows, the vibrant hustle and bustle, the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree - every square inch of this city transforms into a veritable Winter Wonderland. As a native Floridian who spent a few years living in Manhattan, there's also a bit of nostalgia for me as well. So when we make our annual trip to New York in December, here's the 5 spots we're sure not to miss:

1.) Radio City Christmas Spectacular: Ever since I saw this show for the first time during my junior year of high school I've been hooked! Having danced for 13 years growing up, the Rockettes were the epitome of glamour and I was completely mesmerized by them.

Since it's first production in 1933 this show has been dazzling kids of all ages with its elaborate sets, festive music, and, of course, the Rockettes. From their signature "kickline" and "falling soldier" moves to the arrival of Santa, I defy anyone to sit through this production and not find themselves in the Christmas spirit. So whether you're on a girls trip with your BFFs, bringing the kids to NYC for the first time, or it's just you and your spouse make plans to go - you won't regret it!

**The GG Tip: After the show take a leisurely stroll across the street to Rockefeller Center and visit the beautiful tree - perhaps even take a spin around the ice rink?

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2.) The Plaza Hotel Champagne Bar: This iconic hotel opened its doors on October 1, 1907. No expense was spared in its construction and soon it was dubbed the greatest hotel in the world! Since then, it has appeared in classic films such as North by Northwest, Home Alone 2 and Sleepless in Seattle. The hotel also appeared in Sex and the City on more than one occasion: The Plaza's famous Oak Room was the site of Charlotte's first encounter with Trey's mother, Bunny MacDougal and Carrie recreated the scene from 1973's The Way We Were (which was also shot there) in front of the hotel after Big and Natasha's Engagement party.

The glamorous Champagne Bar overlooks Fifth Avenue and the Pulitzer Fountain and is the perfect spot to enjoy a glass of your favorite Champagne after taking in the store's festive holiday windows (see #5) or before heading to dinner. After soaking up all that glamour and Champagne, don't forget to get a photo in front of the beautiful Christmas tree in the lobby.

**The GG Tip: Afternoon Tea at The Plaza's legendary Palm Court is also a classic New York City experience if you're unable to visit the Champagne Bar!

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3.) '21' Club: Officially opened on January 1, 1930, '21' is one of America’s most famous speakeasies from the Prohibition Era. Designed with its own disappearing bar and a secret wine cellar to hide the illegal liquor from prying eyes, it’s a place where celebrities and captains of industry have wined and dined for more than 80 years (they even have their favorite tables - click here to view). Over the years, '21'  has made cameo appearances in such well known TV shows and films as Sex and the City, Wall Street, and Breakfast at Tiffany's to name a few.

During the Christmas season, the restaurant is decorated to the nines and greets you with its historic jockeys and iron gate decked out in festive red bows and boughs of fir. Menu classics include the "Speakeasy" Steak Tartare, Steak Frites and Creamy Chicken Hash and for my fellow wine lovers, a tour of the cellar is a must! You'll get to see the hidden entrance, how they concealed the "secret cellar" during Prohibition, as well as bottles once stored for celebrities including Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, Leroy Neiman, Eva Gabor, and Sammy Davis Jr.

**The GG Tip: Request a table in the legendary Bar Room and make plans to tour the wine cellar either in advance of your reservation or when you arrive.

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4.) Sunday Brunch at Balthazar: I've been in love with Keith McNally's French bistro-inspired eatery ever since I lived in Manhattan in the late 1990's. Located in SoHo on the corner of Spring and Crosby, Balthazar is still thriving to this day and for good reason. Since last year's departure of founding Chefs Riad Nasr and Lee Hanson, Shane McBride, who's been at Balthazar since 2010, has taken the helm in the kitchen and the cuisine continues to be phenomenal!

Sunday brunch has become a ritual for us on recent visits and it's the perfect way to start your day before wandering the cobblestone streets of SoHo. You also never know who you'll be elbow to elbow with at the bar, Celine Dion's manager? A certain well known movie director? Just be sure to do some people watching (ok, and eavesdropping) as you enjoy a glass of Champagne (or one of Cisco's delicious Bloody Mary's) with your mouth watering Steak Frites or Eggs Benedict.

**The GG Tip: If you haven't made reservations, head straight to the bar and give your name to Cisco the bartender. The wait at the bar is much shorter than the dining room and alot more fun!

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5.) Bergdorf Goodman's Christmas Windows: Of all the iconic store windows in New York City, Bergdorf's are my favorite! Located on the corner of 58th and 5th (right around the corner from The Plaza Hotel), this NYC institution (a subsidiary of Neiman Marcus - another favorite, to read more click here) always provides the most gratifying visual confections. Since it was founded in 1899 by Herman Bergdorf who soon collaborated with Edwin Goodman, this harbinger of glamour has built its reputation catering to the world's fashion elite.

The 2018 theme is "Bergdorf Goodies," and these windows are the culmination of an 11-month creative process representing 3,500 work hours and a team of 30 employees. In keeping with this year's culinary theme, each window features a different fantasy on holiday-inspired sweets. So from candy canes to gingerbread houses to antique chocolates and other assorted confections, each window is a mouthwatering feast for the eyes and a must for all foodies!

**The GG Tip: If you really want to immerse yourself in the Bergdorf Experience, enjoy lunch and a glass of Champagne at BG Restaurant located on the 7th floor of the store (reservations recommended).

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If you happen to visit any of these suggestions, be sure to tag me using #TheGlamorousGourmet. And did I leave anything out? Where are your favorite place to visit in New York City this time of year?

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Fast + Fabulous: Clams with Fennel + White Bean Sauce with Sancerre

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"By the sea, by the sea, by the beautiful sea!" ~ Harold Atteridge + Harry Carroll, 1914

While Summer is definitely one of my favorite times to pack up and get outta town, as the season draws to a close, I find myself craving the comforts of home. Don't get me wrong, we thoroughly enjoyed our time in Highlands, North Carolina and the Hamptons, but for some reason, cooking and enjoying wine in my own kitchen, with my husband and doggies just feels supremely satisfying. And while I love the Hubs and pups to pieces, this feeling could also be due to the run of tasty recipes I've been churning out lately - what can I say, I'm on a Summer-inspired culinary roll!

But I can't take all the credit.

Living by the beach is a constant source of culinary inspiration. And during the dog days of Summer when it's not uncommon for temps to remain in the 90's all night long,  I've been leaning towards light, lean, seafood-inspired dishes that are perfect for pairing with crisp, refreshing white wines or rosés. This recipe for Clams with Fennel + White Bean Sauce is one mouth watering example!

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This one pot meal is not only flavorful and healthy, it also doesn’t require you to crank up the oven or dirty a lot of pots and pans. And I especially love featuring fabulous food and wine combinations that can easily be throw together on a weeknight as well. There's no reason to slave for hours over a hot stove to conjure beautiful flavors. In fact, that's what my collection of Fast + Fabulous recipes is ALL about!

And now it's time for the flavah breakdown! In this recipe, the flavor of the sweet, juicy littleneck clams is accentuated by the bright, citrusy lemon juice and subtle, licorice-y flavor of the fennel. The creamy white beans impart nice texture and body to the dish, creating a sauce that'll luxuriously coat the back of your spoon, not to mention your palate. The lone sprig of rosemary adds a deep, fragrant base note which provides lovely depth of flavor and you simply must, I mean MUST serve this dish with generous slices of toasted, crusty French bread that have been rubbed with a garlic clove while still warm. The fancy name for this garlic-rubbed toast is fettunta but let's just call it DELICIOUS!

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Hungry yet?

To pair with Clams with Fennel + White Bean Sauce, a crisp, refreshing white wine would be best. I especially like Sancerre from France's Loire Valley which is crafted exclusively from the Sauvignon Blanc grape. It’s mineral-driven and citrusy, and imparts brightness to the dish, while also balancing its creaminess.

I really like the Henri Bourgeois Sancerre La Côte des Monts Damnés ($30) with its delicate notes of stone fruit, limestone, pear and citrus followed by a cleansing, mineral-tinged finish. But a Sauvignon Blanc from California or New Zealand would also work nicely as would other crisp, light whites such as Grüner Veltliner from Austria, Vermentino from Italy or a Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon blend from Bordeaux.

Please see below for the full recipe and I hope you enjoy this dish as much as we do. Now, what are your favorite flavors of Summer? I'd really love to know, I'm just nosy that way, so please let me know in the Comments section below.

Print Recipe

"CLAMS WITH FENNEL + WHITE BEAN SAUCE"

Author: Stephanie Miskew | The Glamorous Gourmet

Serves: 2-4 servings

Pair this dish with a crisp, refreshing white wine like a Sancerre from France's Loire Valley!

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 15-ounce cans of cannellini or Great Northern beans, rinsed

  • 1/4 cup of good olive oil, plus more for drizzling

  • 1 medium fennel bulb

  • 3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced

  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary

  • 1 lemon

  • 1/3 cup dry white wine like Sancerre or Sauvignon Blanc

  • 1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh, flat leaf parsley

  • 36 littleneck clams, scrubbed

  • 6 slices of French bread, toasted + rubbed with a garlic clove

  • Kosher salt + freshly ground black pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Toss drained and rinsed white beans in a medium bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and season with Kosher salt and pepper. Set aside.

  2. Remove fronds from fennel bulb and set aside. Remove any damage from the outside of the fennel bulb using a vegetable peeler and then cut bulb in half. Thinly slice one half of the fennel bulb and wrap the slices in a damp paper towel to prevent browning. Finely chop the remaining half of the fennel bulb.

  3. Heat the 1/4 cup of olive oil in a large, heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add chopped fennel, sliced garlic and rosemary sprig and cook, stirring frequently, until fennel has softened, approx. 5 minutes.

  4. Using a paring knife or vegetable peeler, remove two wide strips of zest from the lemon. Cut the lemon in half and remove the seeds.

  5. Add the clams and lemon zest strips to the pot and squeeze in the juice from one half of the lemon. Cover the pot and give it a good shake back and forth to distribute the clams evenly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until some of the clams have opened or begun to open. Transfer any open clams to a separate bowl and cover the pot once again and cook until the remaining clams open, approx 7-9 minutes. Then transfer the remainder of cooked clams to the bowl and discard any clams that did not open!

  6. Add reserved, seasoned white beans and white wine to the pot and stir to combine. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce to simmer and return the cooked clams to pot along with half of the chopped parsley. Toss gently to combine and cover the pot and reheat clams for approx 5 minutes.

  7. In a separate bowl, add the remaining chopped parsley and sliced fennel and squeeze the remaining lemon half over the mixture. Season fennel herb mixture with Kosher salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil and toss to combine.

  8. Serve clams topped with the fennel herb mixture and plenty of toasted French bread rubbed with garlic to sop up the delicious sauce.

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Postcards from Montauk: Duryea's Lobster Deck

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"The ocean is everything I want to be. Beautiful, mysterious, wild, and free." ~ Unknown

The day after the glamour and indulgence of "Chefs & Champagne," the James Beard Foundation's Summer fundraiser that I cover every year, Steve and I love spending a relaxed, unplanned day discovering the Hamptons. Last year's meandering led us to afternoon cocktails at Topping Rose House followed by a delightful, casual dinner at EMP Summer House and we were hoping for similarly fabulous results this year.

From our home base in Southampton, we hopped into our rental car and set our sights on Montauk. Luckily, we were armed with some helpful recommendations we procured the night before from some fellow food and wine lovers, so we were feeling very optimistic. And we were in the Hamptons, after all - it's kinda hard to go wrong!

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We wound our way up Route 27 with the windows down, enjoying the delightful feel of the cool Summer breeze on our skin, and gradually, the scenery began to change. The closer we got to Montauk, the more dense and lush the landscape became. The cars also evolved from shiny, new Range Rovers and sleek, convertible Mercedes, to weathered pickup trucks and rugged, vintage jeeps, a tangible sign of the town's more relaxed, laid-back ethos.

Located on the easternmost point of Long Island's South Fork, Montauk is truly the "end" of the "East End." It's primarily known for its rich fishing heritage that's claimed over 30 world records and it's also a prime spot for year round surfing as well. And while Montauk is generally considered more laid back and less flashy than say, East Hampton or Southampton - its air of glamour may just be a little less obvious.

Andy Warhol once owned a sprawling estate here where he entertained the likes of the Rolling Stones, Jacqueline Onassis and Elizabeth Taylor. Today, celebs who reside in Montauk include Julianne Moore, Ralph Lauren and Robert De Niro.

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When we arrived, we headed straight to the Montauk Point Lighthouse. This impressive structure is the oldest lighthouse in New York state and the fourth oldest active lighthouse in the US. While I'd love to tell you we walked all the way up to the top (um, NOT after a long night standing and dancing in 4" heels), we DID stay to enjoy the dramatic views and bask in the amazing weather. The lighthouse was truly stunning against the bright, blue Montauk sky!

After our hour plus drive and lighthouse visit, we were definitely in need of sustenance. After the decadence of the previous night (i.e., Red Velvet Macarons with Foie Gras Mousse!) we were very tempted to simply devour some delicious steamers and clam chowder from one of the many inviting roadside stands or delicious dives...BUT we decided to push on - and we were very glad we did!

After checking out a few different restaurant recommendations, we finally eased the car into the gravel drive at Duryea's Lobster Deck. We made our way inside the quaint, whitewashed retail store and were redirected around the corner to the actual restaurant. And as we rounded that corner...the magnificent view took our breath away (click here to see video!).

I was instantly reminded of an amazing lunch we shared with our good friends Kaki and Phil at the Carlton hotel in Cannes a few years ago. The setting was virtually identical: French music wafted through the air as the sun danced and sparkled across the cerulean blue sea. Magnificent yachts bobbed gently in the adjacent harbor while beautiful people on the outdoor deck were washing down decadent lobster rolls with copious amounts of crisp, dry Provencal rosé. Needless to say we had found our #happyplace!

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Located on scenic Fort Pond Bay, Duryea's Lobster Deck has been a Montauk mainstay for over 80 years. In fact, it was 100% family-owned and run since its inception in the 1930's until 2012 when owner, Perry Duryea III, sold the business to private-equity billionaire, Marc Rowan.

The restaurant re-opened in 2016 with some timely upgrades including a glamorous new wine list (the restaurant was previously BYOB), featuring an impressive (and pricey) selection of Champagne and rosé. Also, in place of plastic tables and chairs, the new owners upgraded to teak furniture and stainless silverware.

And while pricey, the food was truly exceptional! The $35 lobster roll was chock full of succulent lobster meat, dressed only with a whisper of mayo, then nestled in a soft, buttery bun. Crispy sweet potato chips and coleslaw were the perfect accompaniment and added great flavor and texture as well. We also enjoyed plump, flavorful steamed clams served in a delicious broth which was perfect for sopping up with salty, crisp French fries. The generous bowl of tarragon-laced clam chowder rounded out our feast perfectly!

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Hmmm now whatever to drink with our meal? As you might expect, we washed everything down with a refreshing, rose petal pink hued bottle of Chateau Saint-Maur Provencal Rosé. The wine's enticing notes of red berries and spice brought the perfect brightness to the decadence of our meal. We also sampled the Summer Ale from the Montauk Brewing Company Summer Ale which had the perfect balance of flavor and freshness. The company's "come as you are" tagline also perfectly embodies the "no frills good life "of its eponymous town.

We happily lingered at Duryea's Lobster Deck for hours, savoring every bit of the delicious food and wine while enjoying the spectacular view. If you find yourself in Montauk this Summer, we highly recommend it, but just a helpful tip - beware of the eager seagulls who'll happily help themselves to a bite of your lobster roll if you're not careful!

Duryea's Lobster Deck | 65 Tuthill Road | Montauk, NY | 11954 | 631.668.2410 | www.duryealobsters.com

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Cocktail Couture: Summer Citrus Old Fashioned

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I recently featured this cocktail as part of my WPTV Father's Day segment but we've been enjoying it so much I felt I needed to give the Summer Citrus Old Fashioned more love in the form of its very own blog post. This recipe is a delightful Summertime spin on a revered classic cocktail and if you love Bourbon, or even if you THINK you don't, I think you'll be pleased with the results.

Oodles of delightful, fresh citrus and flavor-infused lemon thyme simple syrup (which is super easy to make!) take the edge off the Bourbon while also beautifully enhancing its flavor. The addition of sparkling water also diffuses its potency slightly, making it more appropriate for Summer sipping. You don't want to miss all the fun at your Summer soirée now, do you?

I also love serving it is a fashionable Mason jar so you can also enjoy the beautiful Summer colors of the citrus, thyme and cherries.

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I hope you enjoy the delicious Summer Citrus Old Fashioned as much as we do! To see other installments of Cocktail Couture, please click here. What are YOUR favorite Summer-inspired cocktails? Please let me know in the Comment section below!

Print Recipe

“COCKTAIL COUTURE: SUMMER CITRUS OLD FASHIONED”

Author: Stephanie Miskew | The Glamorous Gourmet

Makes: 3-4 cocktails

Ingredients

For Lemon Thyme Simple Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar

  • 1 cup still water

  • 6-7 sprigs of fresh lemon thyme (if you can't find lemon thyme regular thyme is fine!)

    For Cocktail:

  • 1 cup Four Roses Yellow Label Bourbon

  • 2 cups sparkling water

  • ¼ cup (or to taste) Lemon Thyme Simple Syrup

  • 6-7 dashes Angostura bitters

  • 1 orange, zested into 1" wide x 2-3" long strips for garnish, and then sectioned

  • 1 grapefruit, sectioned

  • Thyme sprigs for garnish

  • Cocktail cherries for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. To make the lemon thyme simple syrup, add the still water and sugar to a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.

  2. Once sugar is dissolved, remove pan from heat and add the thyme springs. Let steep for about 1 hour. Remove thyme sprigs from the cooled syrup and discard them. Strain the mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

  3. To make the cocktail, cut orange and grapefruit sections into bite-sized chunks.

  4. Combine the bourbon, bitters, and lemon thyme simple syrup (to taste) in a pitcher. Adjust flavors to taste and then top with sparkling water just before serving.

  5. Add ice cubes to serving glasses and divide chopped citrus among them. Add an orange twist and a few thyme sprigs to each glass and then pour prepared cocktail over ice and serve immediately!

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A Tour of The James Beard House in NYC

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If you're a foodie you've probably heard of the James Beard Awards. These famed and highly coveted awards are widely considered the culinary equivalent of the Oscars. And, like their Academy Award counterparts, they are equally as career changing for their talented recipients. But while you may be familiar with these prestigious awards, what about the man behind them - just who IS James Beard?

James Beard was a "pioneer foodie" and true champion of American cuisine. The New York Times dubbed him the "Dean of American Cookery" in 1954 and he nurtured and taught a generation of American Chefs who continue to influence our food culture today. But while he had a profound influence on American food, it wasn't always easy going for Beard.

Born in 1903 in Portland, Oregon, Beard was initially determined to pursue a career as an actor and singer. After a brief stint at Reed College during which he was expelled due to his homosexuality, he traveled abroad with a theatrical troupe in pursuit of his dream. It never seemed to happen for Beard though and after moving back to the US in 1927, he ultimately settled in New York City. Here, he continued to try his hand at acting and to supplement his sporadic income, Beard turned to catering. Thankfully, it wasn't long before he realized his future was in food.

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Beard established a small food shop called Hors D'Oeuvre and published his first cookbook, Hors D'Oeuvre and Canapés, in 1940 which established him as a culinary authority. This led to even more successful cookbooks, a teaching career as well as a live cooking show on NBC in 1946, making Beard the first American culinary television personality. Beard was the truly consummate host who loved to entertain right up until his death at 81 years old.

Today, Beard's legacy lives on in the James Beard Foundation that was founded after his death in 1984. Thanks to Julia Child, one of Beard's dear friends and colleagues, and Beard's former student, Peter Kump, the foundation's headquarters are housed in Beard's former New York City apartment. It is currently North America's only historic culinary center.

On a recent trip to New York City, Steve and I toured the James Beard House. Yvon Ros, Director of Sponsorship and Special Events for the Beard Foundation, kindly guided us through the Greenwich Village brownstone. Originally built in the 1860's, the home has been lovingly cared for and preserved. "We try to keep it as original as possible," Ros confirmed. "With Chefs and people coming in and out, the space sees a lot of wear and tear. Funds from membership, sponsorships, ticket sales and dinners are used for the constant upkeep. House purveyors are also key and keep the kitchen stocked with essentials."

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Each floor of the brownstone features portraits and paintings of Beard at different ages and stages of his career. Menus and tributes as well as a library full of books are also on display as tributes to the amazing culinary events which have taken place in the house featuring some of the countries most revered Chefs.

And while you might expect the kitchen of the James Beard House to be a grand, ultra modern showcase, it's essentially the home's original kitchen. It was brought up to code, however, which was a huge undertaking in and of itself. At any moment though, you feel Beard could appear from around a corner, offering you a caviar-stuffed mushroom and glass of Champagne.

Behind the kitchen is a glassed in atrium which leads out to a spacious courtyard that's perfect for pre-dinner cocktails when the weather allows.  Thankfully, the neighbors are pretty understanding on event nights.

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The second floor features the library, which now serves as the main dining room as well as what used to be Beard's bedroom and bathroom. This portion of the house retains much of its original charm, right down to the avocado green walls, pineapple wallpaper and the bedroom's mirrored ceilings and completely mirrored bathroom.

It WAS the 70's and 80's after all!

Beard's mattress was also placed against a bay of windows that faced the street. Ros shared a humorous anecdote, "Beard loved to entertain but rumor has it when people saw his feet against the window, they knew not to come in."

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Many thanks to Yvon for the wonderful tour and I hope you've enjoyed the virtual tour of the James Beard House. Next time you're in New York City, please consider arranging a tour and/or attending one of the many amazing dinners offered throughout the year. You'll be benefiting up and coming Chefs and preserving one of America's oldest culinary institutions.

Steve and I will be attending the Beard Foundation's annual Summer event "Chefs & Champagne" featuring Honoree Padma Lakshmi next Saturday, July 28th. Please click here for more information and we would love to see you there! You can also click here to read more about previous years and honorees (Marcuss Samuelsson, Bobby Flay, John Besh) here on my website.

James Beard House | 167 W. 12th Street | New York City, NY | 10011 | www.jamesbeard.org




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