Sharing our experiences eating out and what we cook at home--everything related to food and drink
Hartwood
Crop Foundation with
Joel F. Salatin is an American farmer, lecturer, and author whose books include Folks, This Ain't Normal; You Can Farm; and Salad Bar Beef. Salatin raises livestock using holistic management methods of animal husbandry on Polyface Farm in Swoope, Virginia, in the Shenandoah Valley, which he co-owns, with his family.
Featured in the New York Times bestseller Omnivore’s Dilemma and award-winning documentary Food Inc., the farm services more than 5,000 families, 50 restaurants, 10 retail outlets, and a farmers’ market with salad bar beef, pigaerator pork, pastured poultry, and forestry products. When he’s not on the road speaking, he’s at home on the farm, keeping the callouses on his hands and dirt under his fingernails, mentoring young people, inspiring visitors, and promoting local, regenerative food and farming systems.
Proceeds from this event directly benefit The CROP Foundation - fostering educational and employment opportunities for students who are driven to study and promote the art, science and soul of food. CROP's objective is to build and broaden a community of talented and dedicated individuals who support the culinary, agricultural and hospitality industries by matching students with partner chefs, schools, and organizations across the globe.
1st course: Endive Salad with poached peach, sweet pickled shallots and roasted pecans and dressed with berry balsamic glaze. Paired with 2013 Joseph Drouhin Beaujoleis-Villages.
2nd course: Lamb Trio - Seared lamb lollipop over root veggie puree, marinated lamb lollipop over cous cous salad, and fried lamb lollipop over sweet potato, cranberry and Brussels hash. Paired with 2015 Chateau Laussac biz Bordeaux.
3rd course: Floral cold smoked duck charcuterie served with fennel, black berry gastric, crostini and brie cheese and edible merigolds. Paired with 2016 Domaine De La Janasse.
4th course: Seared scallop entree served with sweet potatoes, spiced apple, pear au gratin and charred leeks. Topped with thyme and sea salt foam and garnished with red masago. Paired with 2009 Le Haut-Lieu.
MOCA ARTini 2017
Ledbury Quail Hunt 2016
Distinction Fall Harvest Gala 2016
Distinction Magazin celebrated the release of their special fall food issue with a wonderful party at the Hermitage Museum and Garden. Some of the best chefs and restaurants manned tasting tables, wine & cocktails, and live music played all night.
Bottlecraft Virginia Beach
Bottlecraft Virginia Beach is now officially open. Here are some photos from the soft opening a couple of weeks ago.
Dinner at Esoteric
Pro Tem
I had a chance to stop by and check out Pro Tem pop-up in action. Keith Hunt, Bridget Goeke and their team were hosted at the beautiful Freemason Inn Bed & Breakfast.
First Friday ViBe - April 2016
First Friday ViBe - April 2016
Stopped by Esoteric to try their first burger they put on the menu and then hung out at Commune to create edible art.
Inaugural Common Grounds Collaborative Brewer's Festival
Common Grounds Collaborative Brewer's Festival at the Holiday Trav-L-Park Campground in Virginia Beach, VA.
Turn the Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose
Virginia MOCA's Turn the Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose exhibition showcasing 51 of some of today’s foremost contemporary artists from the ten year history of Hi-Fructose Magazine.
Blue Tape
Commis for CHKD
Commis came together to serve a benefit dinner to a lucky few. Seats were hot and went quickly. Diners paid what they wanted for the dinner with the consideration that the money was going to the Children's Hospital of King's Daughters.
Strolling Supper 2016
WHRO and Coastal Virginia Magazine present Strolling Supper 2016! This year's celebrity VIP was Julie Taboulie of “Julie Taboulie’s Lebanese Kitchen” on public television.
Burtons Grill Wine Dinner
Photos from Burtons Grill Virginia Beach Status Wine Dinner by Taken Wine Company. Burtons' chef, David Francis, invited Shelby and me to enjoy an evening with his special pairing menu. Great, 5-course dinner with excellent pairings. Burton's will be rolling out more wine, bourbon and beer dinners in the future, keep an eye out!
Kiss My Cask 2016
The Kiss My Cask Real Ale Festival by Back Bay Brewing was even bigger this year with many great casks tapped for a celebration of the small barrel. Just like last year it sold out and Hashi Food Truck was there to feed hungry patrons. I was honored to judge and not just because I got in early. wink emoticon Here's who placed:
Distinction Magazine's Red Party was on a beautiful, Croatan property overlooking Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach, VA. Great food and music from the Charlottesville duo Beleza, so much fun!
MOCA Wine by Design: AQUA
Virginia MOCA's 25th Anniversary was celebrated with their winter fundraiser Wine by Design. The AQUA themed party was inspired by the sea, similar to what some of their exhibitions are focused on. Great food from the area's best restaurants, live music, drinks and dancing. We had a great time. All proceeds benefit MOCA's exhibitions and educational programs.
Shout out to Westminster Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay for inviting us to the party and for winning with that Coconut Sugar Candied Bacon Bite with Seared Scallop! So good, recipe is on their website.
Commune Burger Night
Commune did Burger Night again for ViBe First Friday. So good!
Hashi Pop-up at Esoteric
Hashi moved into Esoteric's kitchen to put together a delicious brunch!
Shiptown Opening
Bootlegger's Ball
We had a great time at the Distinction Magazine Bootlegger's Ball. Shelby was able to find a great dress and stole at the thrift store and we ended up winning the costume contest!
Treasure Chest Fest 2015
Green Flash celebrates Treasure Chest Fest once again in Virginia Beach! 2015
Battle of the Beers 2015
The Beach Ambassadors hosted another great Battle of the Beers at Tapped Gastropub this year. Bigger than ever, it's the only craft beer festival that pits all local breweries against each other in a friendly competition with all proceeds going to charity.
Sabai - Richmond, VA
Marleigh took us to Sabai, a new restaurant in Richmond serving Thai street food. Delicious!
Jet Tila Benefit Dinner
Westminster-Canterbury on Chesapeake Bay invited celebrity chef Jet Tila for their 2nd Annual benefit dinner for the community. Chef Tila worked the crowd and served up some delicious food and drinks!
Oyster Crush 2015
Oyster Crush 2015. Cape Henry Rotary Club's annual benefit hosted at The Marina at Marina Shores.
Peter Chang Dinner Session
Shelby and I were lucky to be invited to dine with Peter Chang, Gen Lee and Sean & Robin Brickell earlier this year. Gen and Peter wanted to talk about the industry, life and some new projects they have in the docket. We talked while we tried samples of what they will be offering at the new Peter Chang Wok in the Virginia Beach Town Center (and a few other goodies!)
After picking up Marleigh from Midway we had lunch at Strings in Chinatown, Chicago. Great ramen!
Millstone Cellars at The Birch
Millstone Cellars visits The Birch
PASSport Norfolk 2015
Drink the District Hampton Roads Beer Fest
Drink the District had it's first event in the area - Hampton Roads Beer Fest.
The Barrel Room
After a couple of soft openings to test the waters The Barrel Room in Norfolk, VA is finally open. We attended the grand opening, had a couple of drinks and something to eat. The local beer community was there in full force to support the new establishment.
West Elm VB Soft Opening
West Elm has a new store in Virginia Beach, VA! We were invited to a guided tour and the grand opening party.
St. Kiuchi Day 2015
The 5th Annual St. Kiuchi Day benefit at The Birch. Norfolk, VA.
Kiss My Cask
Strolling Supper 2015
WHRO and Coastal Virginia Magazine present the 2015 Strolling Supper!
Strolling Supper 2015 Cooking Demo with Laura McIntosh
Laura McIntosh was the special at this year's Strolling Supper. A cooking demonstration was performed by Harper Bradshaw, owner/chef at Harper's Table. He was assisted by Laura and local chef and author Patrick Evans-Hylton.
Merroir Terroir at Terrapin - Jan 2015. Chris Ludford of Pleasure House Oysters and Daniel Kieser, sommelier at Terrapin put together beautiful pairings or oysters and wine for those lucky enough to get seats.
Merroir Terroir - January 2015
Chris Ludford of Pleasure House Oysters and Daniel Kieser, sommelier of Terrapin pair customers with the best oysters and wines during the event.
Kusshi
Coastal Virginia Wine Fest 2015 - Day 1
Coastal Virginia Magazine is pleased to present the Coastal Virginia Wine Fest, January 17-18, 2015 at the beautiful Virginia Beach Convention Center. Enjoy wine tastings from up to 40 Virginia wineries, a Virginia craft beer garden featuring 8 popular breweries with a fabulous lounge for viewing play-off games and up to 80 other vendors showcasing the best in specialty foods, arts and crafts. Stroll the MOCA Art Trail featuring 100 juried artists such as painters, sculptors, agra-artisans, jewelers and more brought to you by Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Educational seminars, live entertainment and a grape stomp competition.
Coastal Virginia Wine Fest - Day 2
Coastal Virginia Magazine is pleased to present the Coastal Virginia Wine Fest, January 17-18, 2015 at the beautiful Virginia Beach Convention Center. Enjoy wine tastings from up to 40 Virginia wineries, a Virginia craft beer garden featuring 8 popular breweries with a fabulous lounge for viewing play-off games and up to 80 other vendors showcasing the best in specialty foods, arts and crafts. Stroll the MOCA Art Trail featuring 100 juried artists such as painters, sculptors, agra-artisans, jewelers and more brought to you by Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art. Educational seminars, live entertainment and a grape stomp competition.
Twist
Twist Martini & Assoc. at Town Center Virginia Beach
Ultimte Virginia Oyster & Wine Tour in Virginia Beach. Hosted by Patrick Evans-Hylton and Taste Tidewater Tours. #vaoystertour
Duck Donuts
A visit to Duck Donuts in Virginia Beach. Maple Bacon donut....
The Point at Phoebus
The Point at Phoebus, Hampton, VA
2014 Treasure Chest Fest - Virginia Beach
1st Annual Treasure Chest Fest - Virginia Beach. Green Flash Brewing Co.'s 2014 breast cancer awareness benefit had it's Virginia Beach debut on the site of their future brewery.
Virginia Bacon Festival 2014
The 2014 Virginia Bacon Festival in Norfolk, VA
Oyster Crush 2014
Zwanze Day 2014 - The Birch
Zwanze Day 2014 - The Birch, Norfolk, VA
New Earth Farm & Whole Foods
New Earth Farm and Whole Foods Virginia Beach team up for a NEF Food Lab.
Still
Still, in Portsmouth, VA, has a great atmosphere and feel
Distinction Magazine Mediterranean Tapas
Distinction Magazine held another soiree in the Little Neck area of Virginia Beach with a Mediterranean Tapas theme.
Alkaline
Alkaline ramen pop-up at Field Guide in Norfolk, VA
