April 2nd is the Annual DC Embassy Chef Challenge and I will be there. I am looking forward to a great night of international cuisine. I will keep you posted about what I tasted and new ideas for cooking and entertaining.
Events
Interesting Event – Dinner for 8 – Gathering for a Cause
l am always of the lookout for my next Interesting Event and this one just happened to be a “Pop-Up” venue that absolutely took my breath away. Who would expect to be invited to have dinner on a sidewalk in the middle of town, in the middle of Wisconsin. Here is the back story, my friend Randy Verhasselt, owns Evolutions in Design in Wausau, WI, a flower and gift shop that is absolutely spectacular. This past weekend was the Festival of the Arts weekend in Wausau and Evolutions in Design’s twentieth anniversary. As we were browsing through his beautiful store, he happened to mention that he wanted to put together a Dinner for 8 that night at the table he had on display outside his store. As you can see by the photos, this is no typical table, it has flowers cascading from the centerpiece, vintage china and glassware; the entire venue was a feast for the eyes. It did not take more than a second and we said “yes” we are in for dinner. “Be back at 5:30 was his parting comment” and we headed on our way enjoying the sights and sounds of the Festival of the Arts. The portion of the invite I have not mentioned is the entire proceeds from the dinner with matching gifts from Evolutions in Design and Back When Cafe were a charitable gift to The Women’s Community of Wausau. When we arrived, the festival had closed, the streets had a few walkers, but the venue was ours. Eight strangers who quickly became friends gathered around this spectacular table. One glance at the menu and I knew we were in for a treat. Jolene Lucci, the owner/chef at Back When Cafe, a very popular neighboring restaurant on the block, had prepared the menu. I knew we were in for an evening to remember and I have to say it exceeded all of my expectations. Great food, new interesting friends, a venue that was absolutely beautiful on a lovely evening, a donation to a great cause, and a caring and vibrant community.
Our menu…
Bacon Wrapped Artichokes/California Avocado Toasts
Organic Mixed Greens/Bolognese,Beef and Pork Ragu,Pappardelle/Pesto Stuffed Pacific Salmon
Angus Beef Tenderloin/ Medley of Desserts
Interesting Event – ZooFari, Smithsonian’s National Zoo -Thursday, May 17, 2018
I attended this event last year and it is absolutely wonderful, a great culinary adventure in a beautiful location.
ZooFari is a premier culinary event featuring nearly 100 of the top Washington, D.C., restaurants and vintners—all in the wild setting of the Smithsonian’s National Zoo. ZooFari is an evening of delicious food and fine wines, featuring unforgettable live entertainment from the chef that rocks, DJ Chef—champion of the Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen—renowned dance band DC Fusion, and classically trained violinist Ben Hoyt. Also, don’t miss the exotic animal encounters, food sculptors, and a silent auction featuring exclusive paintings made by D.C.’s famous panda family Mei Xiang, Tian Tian, and Bei Bei. Best of all, ZooFari proceeds support the Zoo’s mission to save species!
Event Highlights
Throughout the evening, guests will enjoy:
- Complimentary food tastings from more than 100 of Washington, D.C.’s top restaurants
- Animal encounters where guests can learn more about some of the Zoo’s most popular residents
- After-hours access to the Small Mammal House and the Reptile Discovery Center
- An exciting auction with animal-themed items and exclusive getaways
- Complimentary beer, wine, soft drinks and water
- Live entertainment and other fun activities
Whisky and Coke Bites/Host a Cocktail Smackdown!
You just never know what recipe I will find in my stash! Our very good friends host a Cocktail Smackdown each year and I thought it was the prefect venue to bring along Whisky and Coke Bites. These are made with Bourbon Whisky, Coke and chocolate, a decadent combination. My mom liked to serve small bites after dinner and I have to agree. One delicious bite after a wonderful meal – my kind of dessert!
Whisky and Coke Bites
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter, softened
- 2 1/2 cups sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup coca-cola
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup bourbon whisky
- 3 cups flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- glaze
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 1/2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa
- 3 tablespoons coca cola
- 1-4 tablesoons bourbon whisky
- 2 - 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease mini bundt pans, tiny muffin pans or brownie bite pans. In a mixing bowl combine butter and sugar, beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, one at a time, add vanilla, beat until well combined. Mix flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt and set aside. Combine cola, buttermilk and whisky and set aside. Alternately add flour and liquid mixture to the butter mixture on low speed, end with dry mixture. Scrape down sides of bowl frequently. Spoon batter into prepared pans, bake 10 - 12 minutes. Cool in pans 5 minutes, remove and cool on wire rack. Depending on pans you are using, this will make 4 - 6 dozen bites.
For the glaze, combine butter, Coke, 1 tablespoons whisky and cocoa with an electric mixer on low speed. Slowly add powdered sugar. Add additional whisky one tablespoon at a time until the glaze is of a consistency to drizzle over cakes. Drizzle glaze over cakes.
Now, more on the Smackdown. If you are looking for a unique entertaining idea, I highly recommend hosting a Cocktail Smackdown. It is a very creative idea and one I wish I had thought of! Our great friends JJ and Eleanor get the credit for this amazing party. Here is the premise, each couple brings a creative cocktail to share, a heavy appetizer, and a great story to go along with the cocktail. This year we had color changing cocktails with a great story with roots back to a Hawaiian rum maker, spiced infused maple syrup and ginger beer in a bourbon cocktail called the Crabby Pilot with airplane ice cubes, Bloody Mary’s with pickle infused vodka, homemade pickled okra, and bacon salt-rimmed glasses, Painkillers with the story direct from the Virgin Islands and Grasshoppers a throwback cocktail as delicious today and they were then. Below are a few photos that captured the evening. What a great entertaining idea that is very interactive and a great night of stories.
2017 – Oh, What a Great Year!
To think I almost decided to stop blogging last January! Yes, after starting my blog as a tribute to my mom and her wonderful recipes three years ago; last January after two years of writing this blog, I thought maybe it was time to wrap it up and move on to other ventures. I am sure glad that was a fleeting thought and that I did not stop writing this blog. In March, to my surprise and delight, Southern Living Magazine named A Passion for Entertaining as one of the top Southern food blogs of the year!
A Passion for Entertaining Named
One of Southern Living’s Favorite Southern Food Blogs of 2017
http://www.southernliving.com/kitchen-assistant/best-southern-food-blogs
That honor changed my food blogging life for sure, besides writing and publishing recipes, I have also been able to share with you some exciting Interesting Finds and Interesting Events.
Here are just a few highlights from the year-
Demo and Dine with chef Jon Krinn at Clarity in Vienna, VA
The Urbanna Oyster Festival and Virginia’s River Realm
Wonderful sushi at Sushi Hachi in Washington, DC
Making treats for my grand-pup, Packer
Radiator roof top bar at Kimpton Hotel in DC
Eating pizza at Stoney Acres Farm in Athens, Wisconsin
Cinnamon waffles at The Omni Homestead Resort, Hot Springs, VA
And not to forget my recipe posts, here are the results – the top three viewed recipes for 2017
#1 -Grilled Butterflied Shrimp
#2 – Maple Popcorn
#3 –Fried Green Tomatoes Caprese Style
Now, I am looking forward to 2018 – I hope you continue to follow my adventures both in and out of my kitchen.
One of my stops this spring will be
The Bourbon Classic in Louisville, Kentucky, March 2 & 3, 2018.
I am always looking for Interesting Finds and Interesting Events to feature – if you know of one, please send me an e-mail
apassionforentertaining@gmail.com
I look forward to hearing from you and I hope you have a wonder New Year – Carol Lou
A Passion for Entertaining:
Embracing the best in entertaining with great food, interesting finds and style
Interesting Event – For the Bourbon Lover on your Gift List
I am always searching for Interesting Events in the South and I have found a great one for all bourbon lovers! Are you searching for the perfect gift for your bourbon lover? If so, time to surprise someone special with tickets to this year’s Bourbon Classic in Louisville, Kentucky.
What is The Bourbon Classic?
The Bourbon Classic is a week long event exploring the “best of the best” in the authentic world of Bourbon, from the craftsmanship of distilling to the pure enjoyment of the spirit in its many forms.
Who Will Attend?
The Bourbon Classic has been carefully designed to appeal to two primary audiences. The first is the Bourbon Connoisseur. This is the expert who finds value in the legacy, quality and prestige that is embodied in this spirit. The second is the Bourbon Enthusiast, through the bartender competition, who is newly discovering bourbon as a hip liquor of choice.
Bourbon Classic 2017 attracted over 1,300 Bourbon connoisseurs from across the country.
When and Where Will the Event Take Place?
Bourbon Classic 2018 will take place Feburary 28 – March 3, 2018. New for 2018, The Foundry at Glassworks will host the Cocktail and Culinary Challenge on March 2 and The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts will host the March 3 events. Events earlier in the week will be at various locations (details coming soon).
Interesting Event – MetroCooking DC
Looking for a foodie outing over the holidays? Check out the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show in DC, I can’t wait to go!
The 12th annual MetroCooking DC Show! The ultimate food lover’s weekend returns to the Washington Convention Center December 9-10, 2017.
Whether you’re an aspiring home cook or expert entertainer, the two-day culinary extravaganza provides a one-of-a-kind experience for all food and entertaining enthusiasts.
Enjoy cooking demos and book signings with top Celebrity Chefs. Sample from over 50 local restaurants in the Grand Tasting Pavilion. Wash down your fare with a local brew from the Beer, Wine and Spirits Garden. Learn new techniques and tips in the Taste Talk Workshops. Sharpen your skills in the pop-up cooking school. Meet your favorite James Beard award-winning chef and see them whip up delicious dishes live on the James Beard Stage.
Plus, shop from hundreds of specialty food vendors in the exhibitor marketplace! Chances are, you’ll discover a new favorite hot sauce!
Interesting Event – Junior League of Northern Virginia’s Enchanted Forest
THE ENCHANTED FOREST
The Junior League of Northern Virginia’s 17th Annual The Enchanted Forest will take place November 18-19, 2017, at the Westin Tysons Corner. The event will feature live entertainment, Kids in the Kitchen holiday activities, visits from Santa, a model train display, kids’ crafts, gifts for purchase, premium events for adults and kids, and a silent auction of more than 80 lavishly decorated themed trees and wreaths.
The Enchanted Forest is your first opportunity to take photos with Santa, get a head start on your holiday shopping, and kick off your holiday season.
Proceeds benefit the JLNV’s community initiatives, including our Kids in the Kitchen programming. By supporting The Enchanted Forest you are helping the JLNV empower families to make healthy eating and active living a priority, and supporting the development of women who will build better communities for years to come.
If you are looking for a wonderful holiday event for you and your family, check out The Enchanted Forest sponsored by the Junior League of Northern Virginia. I was an active member of the Junior League for many years and I know that all of their events are ones not to miss, including the Enchanted Forest.
Interesting Events – Demo and Dine – Clarity, Vienna, VA
One of my favorite restaurants in Northern VA is Clarity in Vienna, Virginia. They have received numerous accolades and continue to be in the news for their outstanding food and service. I have been to one of Chef Jonathan Krinn’s Demo and Dine events and I cannot say enough good things about it. When I received word that they are expanding their sessions and offerings, I just had to share with all of you. If you are in the local area or visiting Washington, DC, these events are ones you will not want to miss. I have been to one Demo and Dine and cannot wait to attend another one of these great food events at Clarity.
Read all about the upcoming dates below the photos.
I am sitting in the middle of this group, enjoying an entertaining and delicious evening at Clarity.
“Dinner and a Demo” cooking classes at Clarity’s Kitchen Counter, where you eat a four course tasting menu paired with wines and Chef Jonathan Krinn, demonstrates and explains how everything is made. Classes are a combo of cooking class / TEDTalk because not only do we cook, but we talk cooking techniques, alternate preparations, “what do I do if…” situations, and my “cooking rules to live by” – trust me, it turns into a party by the second course. Jonathan’s goal is for you to shop with confidence because you have the skill set to choose and cook whatever is freshest at the market.
Gracious Requests from the Chef:
- #1: Because there are only 8 seats available for each class, please respond soonest to this email with your pick(s) and how many seats you are requesting – choices of 2 dates will help me secure you a spot(s) without too many back and forth emails.
- #2: I don’t ask for pre-payment or no-show charges, so if you get spot(s) please attend.
2017 Fall Schedule – Seats are $130 each, which includes everything – food, wine, tax, and gratuity
- October 16th – Cooking Fish, accompanied by Vegetables and Sauce-making Techniques
- October 24th – Cooking Meat, accompanied by Vegetables and Sauce-making Techniques
- November 6th – Cooking Vegetables accompanied by Sauce-making Techniques Using Vegetables
- November 7th – Cooking Vegetables accompanied by Sauce-making Techniques Using Vegetables
- November 13th – Soup Making – Vegetable, Fish and Meat – broth and stews
- November 14th – Soup Making – Vegetable, Fish and Meat – broths and stews
- November 20th – Cooking Meat accompanied by Vegetables and Sauce-making Techniques
Make sure you go with an appetite!!!
Urbanna Oyster Festival – November 3-4, 2017
If you are a oyster lover, the Urbanna Oyster Festival is coming up and looks like the place to be!
The Town of Urbanna is a true Oyster town and the best place to taste, buy and try all things oyster related. Start your day at the Scottish Factor Store and check out the history of the oyster industry in Urbanna. After your get a peek at how we’ve done it for decades, take a right out of the driveway to the museum and head down “Community Row” to the Waterfront exhibits where you can see the industry in practice today. Once you get a little hands-on experience head back up to the vendors and try all of the different ways to eat these bivalve delicacies! Don’t forget to try the wine and oyster pairings! Also, Virginia Craft Beer Tasting in the park. Virginia is for Oyster Lovers after all!
