Noodles and Company Giveaway and Salad in the City Event at the Country Club Plaza

Up for grabs is this prize pack courtesy of of Noodles and Company. It features a Noodles and Company water bottle, chap stick, pen, two coupons for free salads, a package of seeds and reusable tote bag.

To enter just leave a comment below on what your favorite dish is at Noodles and Company. Winner will be drawn at random Monday July 30th and winner will be notified by email. 

More information is  below from the official press release concerning the Noodles and Company Salad in the City Event on the Country Club Plaza going on this weekend. The event will run from 9-5 on Saturday and Sunday and also feature a spokesperson on sight to talk about the event.        

               

(Kansas City, Mo., July 24, 2012) – Noodles and Company, with their philosophy of “we work here, we play here, we live here and we help here,” has a long history of supporting the communities in which they operate.  This weekend, Noodles will be entertaining and educating Kansas City families the importance of incorporating fresh vegetables into meals by creating a visual chalk garden right in the heart of the Country Club Plaza.

WHAT: Noodles & Company is creating a 3D chalk garden called "Salads in the City'.  The garden will feature some of the 21 fresh vegetables that Noodles has on their menu, including many found in the Summer Salads. Folks are encouraged to come out and take a picture of them in the garden and then upload it to the Noodles Facebook page. The first 100 people to upload a photo each day will receive a coupon for a FREE Summer Salad.  Noodles will also offer giveaways to a handful of lucky fans on Facebook. In addition, Noodles is creating a time-lapse of the creation to show folks how 3D chalk art is created.

WHERE:                        

       Country Club Plaza Noodles and Company 

                              

                  540 Nichols Rd

Kansas City, MO 64081

WHEN:                         

        July 28 – July 29, 2012, 9 a.m to 5 p.m.                
               

The Generous Pour Wine Event Returns to The Capital Grille

The Generous Pour Wine Event at The Capital Grille runs July 9 - September 2. This event features a spectacular sampling of nine outstanding wines for only $25.00.



This event is amazing and if you are wine lover it is well worth attending. The wines are delicious and the pours are generous! I had the chance to sample these wines along with a wonderful dinner courtesy of The Capital Grille.

The evening started with a Lunetta Rose which was paired with a seared scallop.This wine was a little bubbly and very crisp.

The white wines featured were a Simcic, Rebula from Slovena and a Gary Farrell Chardonnay.  Both were delicious. The Simcic is made with leaving in the tannins which adds some color and rich flavor.

The red wines included Conn Creek Anthology, Ferrari Carano, Chateau Du Pin, Falesco, Assisi Rosa and Villa Mt Eden. All of the reds accompanied the meal delightfully.  I chose lamb and a side of the creamed corn with bacon. The Chateau Du Pin was very rich and paired nicely with the smokey flavor in the corn.

The Creamed Corn with bacon is prepared fresh at the restaurant and is so delicious. As you can see by the picture the kernels are cut fresh off the cob! This has become my new favorite side!

The dessert wine featured was Kanu Kia-Ora.  I love sweet wines and this one was right up my alley.  I must admit I do not know too much about wine and attending these events helps me understand and appreciate all the detail that goes in to making them. Plus it gives me the opportunity to taste and broadens my selections the next time I am searching for a wine to buy.

All of the wines featured at this event are outstanding. It is well worth the visit.  I wish to thank The Capital Grille for treating me to this event and I enjoyed it so much I am planning a visit back before September 2 to experience it again at my own expense, $25.00 for all those wines is a steal!

For more information on the wines including tasting notes and suggested parings visit The Capital Grille Website. You can also check out this series of videos that feature the wines for the event.



Below is more information on the Generous Pour Event from The Capital Grille's press release. Don't miss this event!

In Good Taste,
Sharm
The Capital Grille
4740 Jefferson St
Kansas City, MO 64112
816-531-8345

The Generous Pour Wine Event – just $25 per person at dinner from July 9 to September 2.

The Generous Pour Wine Event offers guests an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy generous pours of as many of the featured wines as they choose and the event exemplifies the expert, personalized service that The Capital Grille is known for.  Guests will be guided through the experience, with suggested pairings and wine tasting notes for each course ordered.

Each wine was chosen from unique vineyards around the world by The Capital Grille’s Master Sommelier, George Miliotes, one of only 186 in the world.  “I selected the wines for the Generous Pour Wine Event, relying on favorites from unique vineyards that I enjoy in my own personal cellar.”  Allowing guests to experience the wine paired with food, tasting notes and expert guidance from our servers, adds depth to the experience that a traditional tasting event would not provide.  The best way to learn about wine is to drink it!”

The Generous Pour Wine Event introduces guests to some of the season’s newest wine trends, while also offering hard-to-find varietals and known favorites.  Highlights from this summer’s signature collection of choice whites and reds are:

·         Conn Creek Anthology, Cabernet, 2007 – The finest vintage of the last 50 years for Cabernet in Napa, this robust blend of Bordeaux grapes from 13 of the region’s top vineyards is Conn Creek’s crowning jewel.  A rich and creamy wine to complement dry aged steak.

·         Ferrari-Carano Mountain Reserve, Cabernet, 2008 – The Capital Grille is proud to be hosting the exclusive debut of Mountain Reserve from Ferrari-Carano.  With a mixture of aromas and a long, dry finish, this bold Alexander Valley Cabernet is the perfect accompaniment for Kona Crusted Dry Age Sirloin.

·         Simčič, Rebula, 2008/09 – Available exclusively at The Capital Grille, this wine, also known as “Orange Wine,” is a 1,000 year-old style of wine production making a comeback.  Highly aromatic, it is an ideal companion for appetizers and light fish dishes.

·         Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve, Pinot Noir, 2007 – One of Master Sommelier George Miliotes personal favorites, this silky and smooth wine, boasting flavors of strawberry, cherry, and toffee, pairs beautifully with Cedar Planked Salmon with Tomato Fennel Relish.

About The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille owns and operates 46 locations nationwide.  The restaurant is known for its dry aged steaks, award-winning wine list and professional service in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.  Routinely recognized by Wine Spectator magazine, The Capital Grille has received the American Culinary Federation’s “Achievement of Excellence Award.”  In June 2010 The Capital Grille was voted a guest favorite on Open Table’s “2010 Best American Cuisine Winners - Top 50 Restaurant List,” with 10 The Capital Grille locations filling out the List’s coveted 50 spots.  The List is derived from more than 5 million reviews submitted by Open Table diners for more than 11,000 restaurants in all 50 states.

The Capital Grille offers more than 350 New and Old World wine selections, including a Captain’s List of some of the world’s most highly allocated and sought-after wines.  The restaurant also offers a variety of elegant private dining spaces for meetings and group events.  For more information on The Capital Grille, please visit www.TheCapitalGrille.com.

Tavern in the Village Selected as Kansas Restaurant for Nationwide "Tree-to-Table" Campaign

This Wednesday, July 11 Tavern in the Village will be representing the wonderful state of Kansas in the Northwest Cherries national campaign for National Rainier Cherry Day. 

NW Cherries has selected one iconic restaurant in each U.S. state to create and feature a unique Rainier Cherry menu with $400 worth of free rainier cherries to play with and incorporate on their menu. From Rainier cherry-infused cocktails and brews to rainier cherry compotes, chefs all over the country are cooling down with this sweet, power-punched superfruit from the Pacific Northwest.

Tavern in the Village will be offering two dishes created by Chef Zeb Humphrey to highlight these magnificent cherries. The dishes include a Slow roasted Pork Shoulder served with Whipped Potatoes, Creamed Spinach with sliced Rainier cherries and a Rainier Cherry Gastrique  Rainier Cherry Panna Cotta with candied walnuts and Rainier cherry bourbon coulis.

Below is more information from the official press release about the Tree to Table campaign and the recipe for the Rainier Cherry Panna Cotta.

EVERYTHING’S BETTER WITH A CHERRY ON TOP:

 50 STATES TO BRING RAINIER CHERRIES TREE-TO-TABLE ACROSS AMERICA!

13 regional restaurants showcase cherries Midwestern style on July 11

SEATTLE, Wash.–(July 9, 2012)– In celebration of National Rainier Cherry Day on July 11, Northwest Cherries has commissioned one iconic restaurant in each US state to create a unique menu offering featuring Rainier cherries. This famed cherry is regarded for its crisp bite and pale yellow flesh bursting with exceptional sweetness.

Coast to coast, Northwest Cherries is making sure everyone has the opportunity to indulge this once-a-year treat. From Rainier cherry-infused cocktails and brews to Rainier cherry compotes on perfectly prepared proteins, each chef has designed a special dish that not only showcases the cherries’ sweet, crisp flavor but also incorporates them into the cuisine for which the state is known.

Rainier cherries are also beginning to prove they pack more than just a punch of flavor: recent scientific studies have shown the fruit to significantly reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer in high-risk males. Other key benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, contributing to wellness inside and out. In addition to less wrinkles, glowing skin and thicker hair, internal benefits include prevention of cancer and Alzheimer's Disease, decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and hypertension/stroke, reduced insulin resistance for diabetics, and better sleep.   

Rainier Cherry Panna Cotta w/ Macerated Cherry Gastrique and Candied Walnuts

Panna Cotta

3.25 cups heavy cream

1 cup milk

.75 cup sugar

2 tbs. Pink peppercorns crushed

2.5 tsp. unflavored gelatin

1 tsp. vanilla extract

Bring cream, .75 cup milk, sugar and pink peppercorns to boil

Remove from heat, cover for 10 minutes

Pour remaining milk into small bowl, sprinkle gelatin over and let stand until gelatin softens – about 10 min.

Bring cream mixture to a simmer, add gelatin mixture, and vanilla and let stand for 5 minutes and then pour through strainer

Coat ramekin with nonstick spray, divide mixture evenly, refrigerate and let stand until firm – about 6 hours

Macerated Cherry Gastrique

12 ounces of pitted rainier cherries halved

2 tbs. and .5 cup sugar

.25 tsp. fresh ground black pepper

1 cup red wine

Combine cherries, 2 tbs. sugar and ground pepper stir and let set 1 hour

Boil wine in saucepan until reduced by ¾ and .5 cup sugar

In a blender puree half of the cherries and put though a fine strainer

Add rest of cherries and red wine puree and reduce until a nice syrup – about 15 minutes

Candied Walnuts

1 cup walnuts

1 cup powdered sugar

3 tbs. water

Combine ingredients in a skillet and stir until all sugar has caramelized and walnuts are evenly coated.

The menu will be available through July 31.  

Tavern in the Village

3901 Prairie Lane

Prairie Village, KS 66208

For more information on the new Tavern in the Village menu or to make a reservation, visit www.taverninthevillage.com or call 913.529.2229. Follow Tavern in the Village on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/tavern_village and Facebook at http:///www.facebook.com/TavernintheVillage.

The Capital Grille New Summer Plates Menu

Below is information on the new Summer "Plates" menu from the Capital Grille. I have been invited into try a few of their new items and know for sure I will be ordering theWagu Cheeseburger and Watermelon Salad. I cannot wait to get there and tell you all about it. In the meantime I am leaving you with some information they have given me. Trust me it will leave your mouth watering!

The new Summer “Plates” menu at the Capital Grille marks the return of the Wagyu Cheeseburger with Fried Egg and Crisp Onions – served on a buttery Brioche bun that pulls the egg, onion, cheese and Wagyu together for a truly delicious burger experience.  Another notable lunch entrée is a brand new dish, full of rich and appealing flavors – Seared Sea Scallops with Sweet and Sour Tomatoes.

 
New Summer “Plates” menu items also include Carrot Ginger Soup and Tomato and Watermelon Salad with Feta Cheese.  As always, guests of The Capital Grille can customize their lunch, choosing now from ten “Plates” offerings – soup or salad, lunch entrée and a side – all for $18.

“The new Summer “Plates” lunch menu was designed to bring back some of our guests’ favorite items and introduce other, new selections for the season,” notes Executive Chef Ray Comiskey. 

“Carrots contain plenty of natural sugars in the beginning of the season.  Combining them with ginger in our new Carrot Ginger Soup creates a depth of flavor and vibrant color, well-suited for summer.  We are also pleased to offer a new luxury addition to our menu, the Seared Sea Scallops with Sweet and Sour Tomatoes, served with a unique Israeli cous cous.”

For guests with a limited amount of time at lunch, The Capital Grille ensures they can enjoy the personalized service and mouth-watering cuisine that characterize a Capital Grille dining experience and still be on their way in about 45 minutes.  Guests can also tempt their appetites with traditional lunch favorites like the Caesar Salad with Roasted Chicken Breast, Lobster and Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Ribeye Steak Sandwich with Caramelized Onions and Havarti or the Lobster and Crab Burger, among other classics.

In addition to the new Summer "Plates" The Capital Grille will be launching their Generous Pour Event on July 9. This event features unlimited pours of nine different highly-allocated wines, each hand-selected by The Capital Grille’s own Master Sommelier, George Miliotes – all for just $25 with dinner.

In Good Taste,
Sharm