Cocktail Corner:
Big Daddy Cocktail
Named after renowned Chef Kent Rathbun (a.k.a. "Big Daddy"), the signature Big Daddy Cocktail is a favorite at Rathbun's restaurants including Jasper's, Abacus and Rathbun's Blue Plate Kitchen.
Big Daddy Cocktail
1.5 oz. Grey Goose Orange
1.5 oz. Grey Goose Le'Limon
1/2 oz. House Sour Mix*
1/2 oz. House Simple Syrup*
Juice of 3 Orange Slices
Juice of 1 Lemon
*In place of House Mixes, use your favorite brand at home.
Method:
Shake all ingredients and serve straight up in a martini glass garnished with lemon and orange slices.
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Gift Certificates
Now Available
Looking for the perfect gift for the food and wine aficionado in your life? Give a gift certificate to your favorite Grand Wine & Food Affair event!
Gift certificates are now available for purchase online to the 2012 Grand Wine & Food Affair's Sienna Sip & Stroll, Bistro Brunch and Grand Tasting. Or, purchase a VIP Grand Pass for access to all three events.
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Versatile Wines That Pair With (Almost) Anything
Take the guesswork out of wine pairing with these versatile wines that are sure to leave your guests pleasantly impressed.
Italian Food
NV Sorelle Casa Secco Italian Bubbles Rosé
Two Italian sisters joined forces to create this dry sparkling wine. A blend of 60 percent Glera (the grape of Prosecco) and 40 percent Pinot Noir, it's brightly fruity, with a scent of fresh strawberries.
Asian Food
2009 Schloss Gobelsburg Steinsetz Grüner Veltliner
The alpine pebbles of the high Steinsetz vineyard help give this brisk white from Austria's Kamptal region a distinctive minerality.
Seafood
2009 Foxen Ernesto Wickenden Vineyard Chenin Blanc
Old-vine fruit makes this Central Coast California white particularly aromatic and complex.
Spanish Food
NV Hidalgo La Gitana Pastrana Manzanilla Pasada
Though sherries are usually vineyard blends, this single-vineyard bottling has manzanilla's classic seaside scent, with an impressively long finish.
Pairings courtesy of Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine Magazine
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Cooking with Philippe Schmit
For a dish that will add gourmet flair to any menu, try Chef Philippe Schmit's recipe for Petatou with Goat Cheese. This savory fall dish is easy to make, tastes delicious and is sure to wow all of your friends!
For the complete recipe, click here.
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Philippe Schmit's Petatou with Goat Cheese
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Farmers Market Opening at Imperial Sugar Land
If you like fresh, seasonal produce and crafts by local artisans, then look no further than the Farmers Market at Imperial Sugar Land set to open Saturday, October 1.
With the Imperial Sugar silos and historic Char House as its backdrop, the Farmers Market offers a weekly taste of homegrown produce, baked goods, honey, jams, grass-fed meats, organic cheeses, eggs and more.
Live music, cooking demonstrations by area chefs and childrens activities are also planned, turning this traditional Farmers Market into a festival of food and fun.
 Relax at a picnic table under sprawling oak trees while you enjoy a cup of coffee or freshly-made breakfast tacos to start your Saturday off right. The Farmers Market at Imperial will be held every Saturday from 9am - 1pm through December 10, rain or shine, under a huge covered pavilion at Highway 90 at Brooks Street (198 Kempner St). For more information, visit Farmers Market at Imperial's website or Facebook Page. |
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Destination Spotlight: The Driskill Grill, Austin
A Food & Wine Lovers Paradise
If you enjoyed the culinary creations of the talented Chef Jonathan Gelman at The Grand Wine & Food Affair, be sure to visit him in his element at The Driskill Grill.
Chef Gelman's passion for the culinary arts and commitment to excellence are reflected in his menus and presentations, which carefully utilize the freshest, locally grown seasonal ingredients possible. His dishes are perfectly complimented by the Driskill Grill's wine list, service and elegant surroundings, making it a must-visit dining destination for wine and food lovers alike.
The menu at The Driskill Grill features "Farm to Table" cuisine with a nightly three-course tasting menu incorporating fresh market driven selections. Signature items include Lobster Polenta, Lobster Bisque, Fennel & Coriander Crusted Ahi, Duck "Three Ways," Dijon Crusted Colorado Lamb Chops and Prime Dry Aged Filet Mignon.
The four-diamond restaurant is located inside the historic Driskill Hotel in downtown Austin. The Driskill Hotel, built in 1886 as the showplace of cattle baron Jesse Driskill, is a landmark of Texas hospitality.
With fabulous accommodations, dining and weekly events including Live @ The Driskill (an early evening experience featuring the Hill Country's most celebrated musicians, cocktails and Small Bites by Chef Gelman), the destination remains a hot-spot for locals and visitors alike.
For photos from The Grand Wine & Food Affair's recent food and wine tasting event at The Driskill Grill with Kevin Simon, director of the Fred Parks Wine Cellar at the Conrad N. Hilton College and advisor of The Grand Wine & Food Affair, to view photos click here.
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