Slow Food Coffee Blend from The Roasterie

Calling all coffee lovers....

Be on the look out over the next few weeks for the Slow Food blend coffee made by Kansas City’s own Roasterie.

A few members of the Slow Food board, myself included attended a cupping earlier this week to help create this unique blend. If you have never been to a cupping, it is really a neat experience. It is amazing the different notes and flavors you can pick up by tasting the fresh brewed coffee side by side and is similar to a wine tasting.

Our hosts for the Cupping included The Bean Baron himself Danny O'Neill, The Bean Hunter Paul Massard and Tyler Rovenstine, Roasterie Barista and Cafe Manager. Let me tell you, these guys know their stuff and helped us create the perfect blend.

I think you will be quite pleased with this blend, it has some fruity undertones and is very smooth.

Be sure to attend the upcoming Culinary Garage Sale Slow Food will be hosting September 17^th, where you will be able to get a sample of this new blend. Also clean out those cupboards and donate your unwanted kitchenware.

Stop by The Roasterie for a free tour and learn all about the cupping, roasting and blending process. Free tours are Monday - Saturday at 10 a.m. (excluding holidays). Call (816) 931-4000 to make a reservation. The tours are about an hour long. Please plan to arrive 5 to 10 minutes before the tour is scheduled to begin.

For larger groups, hour-long private tours are considered on a case-by-case basis. The best time to schedule private tours is Monday-Friday from noon to 3 p.m., but other times, including early mornings, will be considered when resources are available.

For more information on the Roasterie or to sign up for a tour visit: www.theroasterie.com.

For more information on Slow Food or the upcoming Culinary Garage Sale visit: www.slowfoodkc.org.

In Good Taste,

Sharm

What You're Missing Wednesday - Oishii Studio Sweets

I happened to stumble upon these caramels at the Brookside Farmers Market on Saturday where Chef Jasper Mirabile was demonstrating some wonderful recipes using tomatoes. Keep an eye out for that as I will have more on that later. This post is about the most delicious chewy caramels I have ever tasted.

I was helping out at the Slow Food KC booth when Emily from Oishii Studio Sweets stopped by and asked if I would like a sample of their caramels. I of course said yes and gave she gave me the choice of Sea Salt or Rosemary. Really, do I have to choose? I could not decide so asked if I could have one of each.

I quickly pocketed my goodies and went back to business. Later that day I remembered the tasty treat and am so disappointed I waited to try them. I was already home and had missed my chance to buy a bag while I was at the market. They were so delicious! The sea salt had the perfect "sweet salty" ratio and the rosemary, well if you are reader of this blog you know what nut I am about that!

I cannot wait til Saturday rolls around again so I can get my hands on a bag or two. The caramels are also sold at One More Cup Coffee Shop in Waldo.

You can also contact them at: oishiistudio[at]hotmail[dot]com to place an order. For more information visit their facebook page.

If you have a great food find in KC you think I am missing, email me.

In Good Taste,
Sharm

Exclusive Meet and Greet with Anthony Bourdain

Here is an official press release on Anthony Bourdain coming to Kansas City and how you can have the chance to bid on a meet and greet package.

(Kansas City, July 2011) — Culinary bad boy Anthony Bourdain is taking his delicious show on the road, and now is your chance to get close to the action for this unique lecture-style appearance! Bourdain brings his stories to The Midland by AMC (1228 Main Street) for a special one night engagement on Saturday, October 22, 2011 at 8 p.m.; tickets are currently on sale. Beginning Monday, July 11, 2011 at 11 a.m. fans can bid in an online auction for packages that include premium seats in the first several rows and an exclusive meet and greet with Anthony Bourdain during a private post-show reception. The bidding ends on Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 10 p.m. To purchase tickets and for additional information on the auction, visit Ticketmaster.com.

Chef and author of Kitchen Confidential Anthony Bourdain is best known for traveling the globe on his stomach, daringly consuming some of the world’s most exotic dishes on his hit Travel Channel TV show, Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations. Once known as the bad boy of cooking, Bourdain is settling into an only slightly more dignified position as a professional gadfly, bete noir, advocate, social critic and pork enthusiast. He is as unsparing of those things he hates, as he is evangelical about his passions.

As executive chef at New York’s famed bistro Les Halles, Bourdain is the author of the bestselling Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly, a candid, hysterical, and sometimes shocking portrait of life in restaurant kitchens that has been translated into over 28 languages. His book A Cook’s Tour, published in conjunction with his series on the Food Network, was also a bestseller in the U.S. and the U.K.

His latest New York Times bestseller, Medium Raw: A Bloody Valentine to the World of Food and the People Who Cook, is an insider's perspective on the changes in the restaurant business, from Bourdain's bad old days to the present. His other books include Anthony Bourdain’s Les Halles Cookbook, The Nasty Bits, the crime novels Bone in the Throat and The Bobby Gold Stories, and No Reservations: Around the World on an Empty Stomach, an illustrated journal of Bourdain’s travels.

Ticket prices begin at $35 and are on sale now. Tickets are available by phone at (800) 745-3000, online at Ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets and The Midland by AMC Box Office (1228 Main Street). The auction for premium seats and a meet and greet with Bourdain begins Monday, July 11, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. and ends Sunday, July 24, 2011 at 10 p.m. For more information, and to bid in the auction, visit Ticketmaster.com.

What You're Missing Wednesday - The Stoli Doli

This what you're missing Wednesday features the Capital Grille's Stoli Doli.

This drink is dangerously smooth and consists of just Stolichnaya vodka infused with fresh pineapple. Chunks of the fruit are placed in a jar that is then filled with vodka, covered, and allowed to steep for several days before it is enjoyed.

Why are they so “dangerous”? Because as the pineapple juices permeate the vodka, the bite of the alcohol recedes into a smooth, sweet, tropical drink. This is one of my favorite drinks in the city.

The Capital Grille is a chain with locations across the country. The Kansas City location is located on the Plaza. Check out this video featuring the Denver location that details the Stoli Doli.

The Capital Grille

4740 Jefferson Street
Kansas City, MO 64112

(816) 531-8345

If you have a great food find in KC you think I am missing, email me.

In Good Taste,
Sharm

Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen

Tannin has been on my list since it opened earlier this year. I have to say I was quite impressed. I loved the decor of the original brick mixed with the wood and modern lighting. The food was quite impressive as well.

Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen is located in the Crossroads Art District and boast an eclectic wine list. Whether you are a wine novice or expert, Tannin offers wines by the taste, glass or bottle, to satisfy everyone’s palate. Their knowledgeable staff can assist you in selecting the perfect wine to pair with your meal.

Tannin serves both lunch and dinner and Executive Chef Brian Aaron has created a seasonal, contemporary American menu that includes a unique selection of small bites, gourmet sandwiches and eclectic entrees. With the diverse menu offerings, Tannin is the perfect place to go if you are in the mood to share a selection of small plates and a bottle of wine with friends, want a romantic dinner for two or just need a great place for lunch.

The night I visited would be classified as a romantic dinner for two as it was just Steve and I. Though we both love the small plate concept, we opted for entrees since I could not pass up the Dijon Rubbed Colorado Rack of Lamb. I love lamb and Tannin’s was cooked to perfection. The Dijon coating added a nice kick to the dish and paired nicely with the tender chops. Steve chose the Roasted Free Range Chicken Breast that was cooked perfect as well.

Tannin is currently participating in the Summer of Riesling. This nationwide campaign runs June 21st – September 22^nd and highlights all of the wonderful things about Riesling. Tanning will be hosting a number of events throughout the campaign. Such events will include numerous Rieslings by the glass for $5.00 all summer long, Riesling tastings every Tuesday 5 pm – 7 pm and Riesling themed events including a Bastille Day Multi-Course Dinner Thursday, July 14^th.

For more information on menu items or special events visit:

Tannin Wine Bar & Kitchen

1526 Walnut Street

Kansas City, MO

816.842.2660

If you have a great food find in KC, email me.

In Good Taste,

Sharm

Capital Grille and The Generous Pour Wine Event

The Generous Pour Wine Event at Capital Grille runs July 12 - September 4. This event features a spectacular sampling of nine outstanding wines for only $25.00. Check out this video of Capital Grille's Master Sommelier, George Miliotes as he highlights some wonderful wines that will be featured at the event.



I had the chance to attend a preview event and sample these wines along with a spectacular dinner. The evening started with a live broadcast of Mr. Miliotes telling us all about the wines we would be sampling.


As we mingled before the event began, Hors D' Oeurves were served with Marquis De La Tour, Cremant De Loire Brut sparkling white wine. Dinner included appetizers of their Fried Calamari with Hot Cherry Peppers and Proscuitto Wrapped Mozzarella that was paired with a Chateau St. Jean Chardonnay from California and a La Cana Albarino from Spain.

For my choice of entree I chose the 10 oz Filet this was paired with Freemark Abby, Cabernet Bosche and Tarima Hill, Monastrell from Spain. Accompaniments included Sauteed Spinach and Capital Grille's Signature Lobster Mac 'N' Cheese.

Dessert followed with choice of Floureless Chocolate Espresso Cake or Strawberries Capital Grille. I was so glad that Steve was able to join me for this event so we could get one of each!! Dessert was paired with RL Bueller, The Portly Gentleman Port.

This dinner was delightful and the wines were amazing. It was such a treat to try so many different wines at such a great price. This event is worth attending. The knowledgeable staff will be able to assist you through every course by pairing wines with the dishes you select.


The 9 wines chosen for this event are as follows:

• Marquis de la Tour, Cremant de Loire Brut, France
• La Cana Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain, 2010
• Chateau St. Jean, Belle Terre, Sonoma, California, 2008
• Freemark Abbey, Cabernet Bosche, Rutherford, California, 2003
• Chalk Hill Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma, California, 2006
• Byron Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara, California, 2009
• Conte Brandolini Vistorta Merlot, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, 2006
• Tarima Hill Monastrell, Alicante, Spain, 2009
• RL Buller, the Portly Gentleman, Australia

For more information on the wines or The Generous Pour Event, visit Captial Grille's website.

If you have a great food dine, event or restaurant in KC you think I am missing, email me.

In Good Taste,
Sharm

Hopfest Hangover Party

If you were unable to attend the Hopfest that was held a couple of weeks ago or if you did and can’t get enough of all of the awesome beers that were there, you are in luck. The Well in Waldo is holding a Hopfest Afterparty on Monday July 11^th from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

The Well still has beer available from great Breweries including: Stone, Goose Island, Lagunitas, Southern Tier, Bear Republic, Grand Teton, Left Hand, Founders, Nectar, and Avery and more.

Very light appetizers will be served and all of the beers leftover from Hopfest are going to be sold at a discounted rate. If that still is not enough for you, beer will also be available for purchase to take home. All 12oz beers will be sold at $3 and all 22oz bombers or 750ml champagne style beers will be sold for $6. What a great deal! Hope to see you there.

For more information contact:

The Well

7421 Broadway

Kansas City, MO 64114

816-361-1700

In Good Taste,

Sharm

What You're Missing Wednesday - Jasper's Ristorante "Experiences"

This What You're Missing Wednesday is Jasper's Ristorante "Experiences"

Join Chef Jasper Mirabile as he creates a multi-course dinner, including a sparkling Italian beverage featuring a special ingredient.

Jasper will be offering a cooking demonstration and some important history of each featured "Experience".

The next "Experience" is July 21st and is a Limoncello Experience featuring the magical Lemon Liqueur in all of the courses.

Upcoming "Experiences"

August 8, 2011
Heirloom Tomato Experience

September 12, 2011
Cacuzza & Heirloom Garlic Experience

All are $45.00 and offer 5 courses including a Sparkling Starter.

In case you are wondering, Cacuzza are the Italian squash and are quite delicious. I have had the chance to attend a few of these experiences where Jasper has used chocolate, prosciutto, tomatoes and more.

For more information or to make a reservation visit Jasper's website.

In Good Taste,
Sharm

Foodie Apps for Everybody

Love food? Well there is an App for that.

Whether you are into cooking, dining out, calorie conscious or have special diet needs there is an app for that and more!

Trozzolo Communications recently contacted me to see if I would be interested in testing out some foodie apps and if so the great folks over at Verizon would loan me out an ipad2 and a Motorola Xoom to try them out on.

I have to tell you I am having a blast with these gizmos and am super bummed I have to send them back. The Xoom is in android format and some of the apps are available for android-based gadgets as well as ipad and iphone.

As I searched the app store, I found more than I could ever use. There is truly something for everyone whether you need gluten free recipes or want to make your own dog treats; you can find it all with a touch of the finger.

All the apps I tried were free and listed below is my take on them. This is just the tip of the iceberg so if you have an ipad, iphone, or android device and love food, go ahead and explore for yourself. It is quite entertaining, educational and informational.

The first app I tried is called Grocery IQ. This app is available for both ipad and android and once I played with it on the ipad, I immediately installed it onto my android phone. This app is handy especially for the phone. The ipad itself is equipped with a scanner but I found the ipad might be a bit big for carrying around the grocery store. My phone is the perfect size so I downloaded a scanner app from the market. This app allows you to make a grocery list by either typing in products, scanning them, or both. Finished off the last of the ketchup? Scan the bottle before putting it in the recycling bin and it will be added to your list so you are sure to never forget anything again!

The next app was called Fooducate and I love it. It is not available for android. It uses the same scanner method as Grocery IQ, but instead of adding it to a shopping list, it gives you a nutritional score of the food. It gives the product a grade from A – F and the reasoning for it. It pulls up all the nutrition facts about the product and even gives suggestions as to what would be a healthier choice. This app is great for those that are health conscious or just trying to eat a little better.

For dining out, I tried Urbanspoon, Local Eats and Yelp. All of these are available for both the ipad and android and can give you information about all the different restaurants around. When traveling this app will allow you to find out what is close and read reviews to find out what is good so making the decision on where to eat becomes a snap! Other apps that involve dining out are Foodspotting, Eat Street, Snapfinger and many others.

At Foodspotting you can see pictures of what other people are eating. Like what you see? Information includes where to find it so you can try it for yourself. Foodspotting is member based so you too can join in on the fun and share your favorite dish with the world. Snapfinger is an online take out ordering service and Eat Street is an app that will find all the local food trucks in your area. There are tons of options regarding restaurants. I even found an app for the newly opened Story Restaurant in Prairie Village.

One fun app for dining out especially when traveling is called Show Foodie, this app list places that have been featured on different TV shows like Food Wars, Diners Drive Ins and Dives and Man VS Food.

For cooking and recipes there are about a zillion, and you can find them both for ipad and android gadgets such as the Xoom. There are apps on how to cook every kind of cuisine imaginable as well as special diet needs such as diabetes and gluten free. The cooking and recipe apps I tried where epi from Epicurious, Reipe Grazer, Eating Well and Lite 42. Epicuirous features recipes from various magazines such as Gourmet and Bon Appétit. With a touch of the screen, the recipe ingredients are added to a shopping list and you are good to go. Recipe Grazer is a feast for the eyes with tons of photos and recipes from some of the best blogs around. Eating Well features healthy recipes from the magazine and Lite 42 features recipes and information from some of the hottest restaurants across the country.

If you are trying to watch your waistline there are plenty of diet and food logging apps including Spark People, Diets 2 Go, Best Diet Foods, My Food and Calorie Track.

For pure entertainment, there are plenty of foodie games.

I loved ,loved, loved playing with the iPad2 and the Xoom and they are now on their way back and I am on my way to convincing my hubby I need one of these! If we do decide to purchase one of these devices, I would have to go with the iPad2. In my opinion, I found it a bit lighter and a little easier to search with. Both were great and super cool. Remember if you love food; there is an app for that.

In Good Taste,

Sharm