The March Meeting of the E.C.B. was held on March15th at Everett High School. Our host for the evening was Despina Makredes CCE, AAC along with her staff of Culinary Instructors; Carolyn Parmetier, Lauren Bradford, Joanne Lombardi and of course all of their student Culinarians. We were treated to an incredible display of Mediterranean Delights. Her Mediterranean Mezze platters were unending. We had Spanakopita, Tiropites, Dolmathes, Bifteki w/ Tzatziki Sauce, Antipasto Skewers, Imported Cheeses and Olives, Arancini, Mediterranean Shooters with Fava, Pesto, Roasted Tomatoes and Cheese, Tabouleh, Hummus, Greek Loukaniko Sausage and Butternut Squash Piroskis. Those were just the appetizer platters. It was followed by a buffet dinner of an Arugala, radicchio, Prosciutto, Julienne Fennel and shaved Parmesan salad topped with a Lemon Champagne Vinaigrette. It was followed with a Panko and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb, Roasted Lemon Potatoes and Haricot Vert beans with Roasted tomato, garlic and herbs. If that wasn't enough Carolyn followed with a dessert buffet of Chocolate espresso mousse and pistachio mousse shooters, and tables full of every mini pastry, cookie and handmade chocolates you could ever have wanted. Needless to say, the meal was superb and completely over the top. It was a culinary event at its best.

 

          We were also honored to be joined by a special guest, "The First Lady of Greek Cuisine", Chef Argiro Barbarigou. She holds the title of the most successful Chef Appearing on Greek Television. She has also written twelve cook books and was in town on a rare appearance doing a wine and culinary demonstration at the Greek Orthodox Church in Arlington in which Despina was her assistant. I want to thank her for honoring us with her presence that night. We presented her with a Service to the Industry Award that night. What a delightful woman. Thank you Dez for your hospitality and a one of the most enjoyable meetings of the year.

 

          Our next meeting will be held Multigrains Bakery in Lawrence on a Monday night April 18th.This will be a terrific meeting. Our own Vice President, Douglas Patten CEC,CCA and Multigrains Bakery will be hosting us. I ask you to please take the time and make the ride to Lawrence.

Our host put a lot of time into opening their doors for us and with some of our north shore venues we get a poor turnout. We have to support our hosts with a good member turnout. For those who only make a meeting or two a year, please try and join us. We need to see some new faces! So please make your reservation early by phone (781) 231-1115 or on our reservation web site www.acfecb.com early to attend the meeting. The last few meetings the reservation is being made last minute on the weekend preceding the event and it makes planning very difficult to give the host an accurate count. Remember you can now make your reservation on line and pay for it at the same time with our pay pal system.  It should be a fun night. 

 

 

           I also want to remind you to be aware that we are bringing our golf tournament back on May 23^rd. after a five-year absence. This is the clubs most important event. It is now the sole fundraiser for our club. This event funds our charitable endeavors and also the very important funds needed to support the scholarships and competitions we support each year. This is the reason we do what we do. We try to support as many students as possible that want to enter the culinary arts field or participate in a culinary competition. You will be able to not only see it on the web site, but I have started mailing out packets to every member. We need golfers, hole sponsors, raffle prizes including gift certificates, sporting event tickets, gift baskets, overnight stays or anything we can use for raffles and silent auction prizes. Any donation to the event will be greatly appreciated. It is always a terrific day of fun and food. Any questions please feel free to call me on my cell at 1-617-314-2217 anytime. I need you all. Please join us!

 

    I have just returned from the Northeast Conference in Columbus, Ohio. I was joined by five of our members and a competing team from the University of Southern New Hampshire headed by our board member, Coach J.Desmond Keefe III CEC. CCE Congratulations to his team that received a Bronze Medal in the competition. Also our congratulations have to go out to J. Desmond Keefe who won the Northeast Culinary Educator of the Year for the Northeast. He won in a field of eight competitors and will represent the Epicurean Club of Boston and the entire Northeast Region at the National Convention in Dallas, Texas in July for the National Educator of the Year. Good Luck Desmond, We are very proud to have you representing the Epicurean Club of Boston and the entire Northeast. It is well deserved.

    Also please congratulate Executive Chef James Connolly who was nominated for the Chef in Professionalism Award. He did not win the Northeast, but did win a Cutting Edge Award.  Another award that was well deserved. Needless to say the Epicurean Club of Boston has had quite a record the last two years winning regional and National Awards. The National knows who we are and it is because of all the hard work our members do as a chapter. It is good to see hard work rewarded. Thank you all!

Warmest Regards,   

Jim DiMarzio CEC