I cook with wine. Sometimes I even put it in the food.

Picture Gallery

Check out our "master" list of photos on our Facebook page here!

Bob with Chef Lester Esser and Valerie Larsen of The Swirling Vine.  This was taken at the end of a wonderful night of eating fall appetizers and "swirling" great wines.  Can't wait to do it again!





   

Kitchen Club is looking for a cool space like this one in or near Attleboro, MA.  Part commercial kitchen for rent and part kitchen "theater", we're going to be in the market in Q1 2011.  We're also looking for used commercial kitchen equipment so if you know of any leads for either please let us know!





   

Chef Esser's Goat Cheese Poached Fig Tarts with Port wine reduction.

These delectable tarts show how versatile puff pastry truly is.  Chef Esser demonstrated his technique for keeping the pastry from rising - pressing on a sheet pan which covers the bottom pan while in the oven. 

The result are dense puff pastry about 1/4 inch high.  The port wine reduction drizzle really finishes off this great fall appetizer.

   

The Kraken Black Spiced Rum

Thanks to Chef Esser, I've been properly introduced to this killer spiced rum.  Definitely tastes richer than Captain Morgans.  Really fun marketing as well if you go to the website.

Chef used this in his incredibly flavorful guava rib sauce.  Good stuff!

Here's a nice recipe for a cocktail to go with those ribs!

A Perfect Storm

  • 2 oz Kraken Rum
  •  6 oz Ginger Ale (or Barritts Ginger Beer)
  •  splash fresh lemon or lime.

Mix all ingredients in a shaker over ice. Shake and strain into a highball over fresh ice. Garnish with lemon or lime twist.


   

Review of Hawksmoor Steak House, London, UK 

As you might imagine, we (red-blooded Americans) were a bit disappointed when our London hosts (Yahoo marketing guys) told us we would be dining in a steak house.  We reminded them that we were indeed American's and that great steak houses were a dime a dozen here. 

They insisted and I'm delighted they did.  The Hawksmoor was an outstanding experience.  Not only were our steaks amazing (even a new cut called the D Rump) but the prohibition era cocktails were the cat's meow - indeed!


 

One of our favorite wines from the evening of November 13th, 2010 was this San Jacopo Chianti Classico Sangiovese.  Described as:  intense layers of ripe red fruit with bold red cherry flavors.  Soft, pleasant, but very discreet tannins. 

What I personally describe as a "super smooth and surprisingly delicious Chianti".  When in stock, this wine can be found at The Swirling Vine shipped from Norton, MA.





Chef Esser recommends this Lebanese Tahini and we can't agree more.  His Hummus recipe is outstanding!  Look for this brand in places like the various Greek stores in the area.  It retails for about $4.99 but the taste is priceless!  Happy Hunting!





   

 We're "Official"

Thanks to the kindness of Tom Patterson, a gifted artist and friend, we're able to now proudly stand behind a new logo!  Thanks Tom!


   

 Review of Manny's Steak House in Minneapolis, MN

Wow!  Manny's really is a nice surprise not only for the well-prepared steak but the mammoth proportions (as can be seen at right).  That's a "slice" of cake about the size of a volleyball!

My colleague here also ordered their Double Porterhouse steak which is the equivalent of the cut that tipped over Fred Flintstone's car.  Huge doesn't do it justice.  What's equally huge is the price - a whopping $92!

If you're on a diet, do not go to Manny's.  



Manny's Steak House in Minneapolis

Review of MIT Endicott House in Dedham, MA 

This is one of my favorite places.  My wife and I wanted to get married here ever since we lived in this neighborhood (Precinct 1) and would ride our bikes by the mansion.  At that time they had a rule that only business functions could be held there but to my surprise, they now do weddings!

We had lunch at a function there recently and the food was wonderful.  Check it out for yourself!  It's definitely a hidden gem!