Category: Events

Chef George Mendes – Lupulo “Hops” Restaurant NYC

Photo credit: eater.com

Get your sardinhas appetite going! Chef George Mendes new restaurant; “Lupulo” meaning “hops” in Portuguese will feature grilled sardines on its menu. The restaurant at 835 6th Ave. at 29th St. will open sometime next month, March 2015.

The chef’s new cookbook features sardines on the cover!

“Most of the details about George Mendes’s new “rustic Portuguese” project in Chelsea are still top secret, but the head of the construction crew handed off a few tasty morsels to a member of the Eater crew. This past summer, Mendes tweeted that the restaurant would have a wood oven. The construction team adds that it will also sport a coffee bar and a raw bar, plus a take-out window. The team has already poured over $1 million into the project, which was  originally slated to open this month, and then sometime in January. For the looks of things, New Yorkers will have to wait a little while longer.” (credits: eater.com) Read this featured article in eater.com! Follow Lupulo on instagram to get updates!

 

Lenços dos Namorados – Portuguese Sweetheart Handkerchiefs

Photo credit: http://www.turistaprofissional.com

Happy Valentine’s Day

Hundreds of years ago, young women of marring age began making “Lenços dos Namorados” – Sweetheart Handkerchiefs, to show love for their sweethearts.

They were made of linen or cotton and embroidered with several romantic and love-related motifs with flowers, birds, hearts, and verses from love poems.

The motifs meant; a rose = woman; a heart = love; a lily = virginity; a red carnation = some provocation; and doves = the symbol of the couple in love.

This handcraft was a typical clothing used by young women looking for love in the Minho province of Northwestern Portugal.

“Our love when end, when this love can fly”

The handkerchiefs have their origin in the 17th century, when they were used among the Portuguese nobility as “marriage proposal handkerchiefs,” but later became popular as a way to start dating someone. Young girls at that time learned embroidery at an early age and later used these techniques to show their admiration for their loves.

These young women would often embroider a handkerchief and give it to their sweetheart as a sign of their love just before he would leave on a sea journey to the former colonial provinces. The men would then wear the handkerchief in public to show everyone they were in a committed relationship.

Today, the craft is a regional certified handcraft where a committee evaluates the handkerchiefs strict criteria including the motifs, the threads, size and colors. If it meets their requirements, they certify it as an approved handicraft.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Bizarre Foods | Lisbon

Andrew Zimmern traveled to Lisbon, Portugal for Travel Channels Bizarre Foods episode called;  Lisbon | Snails | Sardines | Barnacles which aired on Monday. He went diving for Percebes ( Barnacles ), visited a spectacular market with blogger Andrea Smith and visited Lisbon’s dining scene.

Visit Andrew’s website for a great article where George Mendes Shares 5 Favorites in Lisbon – where to eat in Lisbon!

If you missed the show. you can catch you can see it next Monday, November 10 at 8 pm!

 

Image and video credit: Travelchanel.com

Big E Fall 2014

 

Baked Loaded Potato at the Big E, West Springfield, Ma. 2014

Can you find the little Bee, joining us for lunch in the photo?

Here’s some photos from my trip with my daughter to the Big E, the Eastern States Exposition, this week! The food was amazing! We visited the State buildings of Maine and ate our shared lunch of loaded Baked Potato, Lobster roll and blueberry pie with vanilla ice cream. We decided to share each item so we would have room to taste all of our favorites.

We also visited the Vermont, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts buildings too. Our final stop was at the Rhode Island building to enjoy my favorite Big E snack of Clam Fritters! The Big E has famous giant Cream Puffs which we passed by but we were to full to try one. My favorite part every year is seeing the chick hatchery in the Farmarama Building where the farm animals are housed. The Giant Pumpkin weighed a massive 1250 pounds which tied the all time record! We had a great time, but I wish I could try those corn dogs, the giant turkey legs, the funnel cake,…the list goes on! Next year I plan on going a little hungrier to try more of the amazing carnival foods!

Chef Rui Correia Hosts Sold Out Douro Valley Portugal, Food & Wine Tour 2014

 

Chef Rui Correia owner of Douro Restaurant in Greenwich Ct. will be hosting a spectacular trip of a life time, Food and Wine tour of the Douro Valley, Portugal this October. See itinerary here: Douro – Food Wine Tour 2014.

Chef Correia will also be preparing dishes along with some of the renowned chefs at the restaurants and vineyards on the tour!  This years tour is sold out but Chef Correia will be planning another tour next year 2015!

The chef is a frequent guest on The Today Show, been featured in many media outlets and is currently a chef instructor at Clarke Kitchens Culinary Center.

The menus at Douro Restaurant are a showcase of Chef Rui Correia’s creative approach to Portuguese-Mediterranean fare. Using local and seasonal ingredients Chef Rui demonstrates how Portuguese cuisine can be fresh, unique, and comforting. Chef Correia will be featured at the Greenwich Food & Wine Festival 2014 this September which will featuring many network Celebrity Chefs.

THE DOURO FOOD AND WINE TOUR October 9 – October 15, 2014 — SOLD OUT!!!

2015 DOURO FOOD AND WINE TOUR TBA!!!


Itinerary
Thursday October 09
Depart NEWARK/ NJ on TAP Air Portugal
Friday October 10 – Arrive PORTO, PORTUGAL

Accommodation 2 nights at Vintage House Hotel, Porto
October 10 –  12

In the heart of Douro’s World Heritage site, this former 18th century wine estate enjoys a fantastic riverfront location, surrounded by famous Port wine production estates and their extensive vineyards.
The interiors are sophisticated and comfortable and all the rooms have balconies overlooking the river.The award-winning “Rabelo” restaurant provides a combination of excellent food and wines of the region.

Your experience will start with a private visit of Niepoort Vineyards at Quinta de Napoles.
This critically acclaimed vineyard is not open to the public, but Chef Rui has arranged for an early lunch and tasting of some of their finest releases for a truly unique afternoon .

For our first evening in Portugal, Chef Rui Correia has organized a wine dinner at the most prestigious restaurant in the Douro Valley, Rui Paul’s DOC. His restaurant sits above the rivers water, with spectacular views of the surrounding vineyards.
Saturday October 11:
Morning at Leisure- Take in the stunning views of the Douro Valley at our hotel, situated on the banks of the Douro River.

2:00- 4:00pm:
Setting sail from the dock at the Vintage House, the group will board a traditional barco de rabelo (sailboat), for a leisure cruise on the Douro River.
Departure for Quinta Do Portal
We will enjoy late afternoon relaxation by the pool at this beautiful vineyard while enjoying local snacks and wines.
7:30pm:
Chef Rui in collaboration with Quinta Do Portal has set up a four course tasting menu, with a private selection of wines that will be presented to the group by the winemaker
Paulo Coutinho and owner Pedro Branco of the vineyard.
Sunday October 12 – 14 

Yeatman Hotel – Accommodations for 2 nights in executive suites.
The hotel is located in the heart of the worlds porto capital,owned and operated by the Taylor Fladgate family. This stunning hotel has amazing views of the ribeira baixa, where all the port wine houses are located. Once we have settled in, the group will meet for cocktails & hors d’ouvres followed by a lunch prepared by Chef Ricardo Costa of The Yeatman which will feature some local specialties of Chef Rui’s hometown.
After lunch we will take a vintage private tour of Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca Port wine houses located in Vila Nova De Gaia.

8:00pm:
Dinner at Pedro Lemos Restaurant: Pedro Lemos is one of Porto’s most talented young chefs, and friend of Chef Rui’s. His namesake restaurant is one of Porto’s hidden gems in the Figeira Da Foz area. We will be treated to a four course tasting menu with wine pairing at this intimate, quaint restaurant.
Tuesday October 14 – 15
Transfer to EVORA and check in at Hotel Convento Do Espinheiro (Lisbon area)
After settling into the hotel we go for our last winery visit, to Quinta Do Esporao in the alentejo wine region, followed by a farewell tapas dinner with samplings of this wineries fine wines. The group will then return back to the hotel for some rest and relaxation before departing the next day.
Wednesday October 15
Depart LISBON -Tap Air Portugal

Arrive NEWARK /NJ

 

DOURO RESTAURANT BAR
363 GREENWICH AVENUE
GREENWICH, CT 06830

Douro can provide catering & event planning for your next gathering.  Our team will help you with everything necessary to create a unique experience. 
EVENT & CATERING SERVICES AVAILABLE – at home, in the restaurant, in your office, or event space

Corporate – Stations – Cocktails & Hors D’oeuvres – Full Service Staff – Outdoor Grilling – Customized Menus – Private Chef – Cooking Demonstrations

t. 203.869.7622
e. chefruicorreia@dourogroup.com

Wines of Portugal – Chef David Santos – Louro Restaurant – Poached Duck Egg with Amarello Grits, Chourico and Kale – Quinta de Vallado

Here is the recipe for June in the 10 Chefs 10 Portuguese Wineries series from Wines of Portugal.

Wines of Portugal will announce new chef collaborations and pairings (using the hashtag #10Chefs) throughout the year from now through January on Wines of Portugal’s Twitter (@WPTUSA), U.S. Facebook page, and program page. The printed recipe guide featuring all ten chef collaborations will be available by the end of the year at all Wines of Portugal events around the country and as a special giveaway to Facebook fans. credits and images: http://www.winesofportugal.com/us/food-and-wine/10-chefs-10-wineries/

Chef David Santos – Louro Restaurant

Louro is a restaurant in the West Village of New York City that features the creative Modern American cuisine of Chef David Santos in a sophisticated yet relaxed setting.

Recipe for June: From wines of Portugal
Poached Duck Egg with Amarello Grits, Chourico and Kale, paired with Quinta do Vallado

For the Chourico:

2 lb pork butt, diced into 2 inch pieces
1/2 lb pork fat, diced into 2 inch pieces
3 tbsp salt
6 tbsp smoked paprika
30 cloves whole garlic, peeled
3 bay leaves
2 cups white wine
4 onions, small dice
6 red peppers, small dice
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup tomato paste
1 bottle white wine
2 cups water
seasoning to taste

 

The day before, marinate the pork, pork fat, salt, paprika, garlic and bay leaves in two cups of white wine in a non-reactive bowl or container. Mix well with your hands and leave covered in the refrigerator overnight. The following day run the mixture through a meat grinder. In a large pot that will fit both the sausage and the remaining ingredients, sauté the onions and peppers in olive oil over medium high heat. When the vegetables begin to color and are nice and soft, add the tomato paste and toast for 2 minutes. Add the sausage and sauté until it’s nice and crumbly, about 10 minutes. Make sure to keep stirring to break up any large clumps that form. Add the white wine and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 hours, making sure to stir every few minutes. When the mix is nice and tender with a thick consistency, it’s ready. Keep in mind that you may have to add a little more water during the cooking process to allow for the time it needs to cook.

 

For the Kale:

1 small onion, diced
6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
3 tbsp olive oil
3 bunches kale, washed and de-stemmed
salt and pepper

 

In a pot with a lid big enough to fit all the kale, sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil over medium heat. When the vegetables are slightly colored and soft, about 6 minutes, add your kale and season. Cover the pot with the lid, lifting every minute or so over the first 7-8 minutes to stir. The kale will start to release moisture; this liquid will become your braising liquid. Keep the cover on and reduce the heat to low. Braise slowly for about 30 minutes until the kale is tender but not falling apart. Cool and chop to make mixing more manageable.

 

To finish the dish:

3 cups milk
4 tbsp butter
1/2 cup Anson Mills coarse grits
4 tbsp queso amarello
2 tbsp distilled vinegar
4 duck eggs
salt and pepper

 

Bring the milk, butter and seasoning to a simmer in a large sauce pot. Add the grits and stir continuously over medium heat for 20 minutes, adding more milk if needed. Check the seasoning and adjust as needed. In the meantime, while stirring the grits, fill a 2 quart sauce pot with water and add the vinegar. Bring the water to just before simmering. When the grits are done, cover and set aside. In another pot warm a 50/50 mix of kale and chourico until nice and hot. To finish the grits, mix the cheese into it and stir to emulsify. Check the seasoning. Make a whirlpool in the egg pot and crack the eggs in one at a time. Poach the eggs for about 2-3 minutes until the white is set and the yolk is soft.

                     To plate, pool grits in a bowl, then place the kale mixture on top of the grits, and top with the poached egg. Drizzle with a little good Portuguese olive oil.

Louro
142 WEST 10TH STREET
(BETWEEN WAVERLY PLACE AND GREENWICH AVENUE)
212.206.0606

Portuguese in California Documentary

The Red Carpet World Premiere Gala of “Portuguese in California will take place in the San Francisco Bay Area. The bilingual series captures the full essence of the Portuguese contribution to the California of today. This Premiere is the first of multiple events in the state of California before aired on TV Worldwide.

The launch will be on 27th April and will be in San Jose and Gala Red Carpet will be in San Francisco. Will be released in other parts of California with some dates already announced on their Facebook Page.

This premier showcase of the Portuguese Diaspora experience in the rich history of the development of California offers the viewer a comprehensive historical overview of this unique and vibrant ethnic population. Each episode presents a complete subject area as a standalone program. (http://www.portugueseincalifornia.com/)

 


The ticket purchase includes :
-Admission to the Premiere
– 1 Free DVD
– Hors D’oeuvres and cocktails
– Live Contemporary Portuguese Music “La Fora”

Purchase tickets at this link: www.eventbrite.com/e/documentary-premiere-tickets

 

In Rhode Island, a Celebration of Portugal – NYTimes.com

Click here or NY times article : In Rhode Island, a Celebration of Portugal – NYTimes.com.

“NEWPORTUGAL” DINNER WEEK:
MARCH 7 – 14

“Newport hotel is trying to change that with a week’s worth of Portuguese food and wine, aimed at promoting the heritage of the state’s large population of Portuguese descendants.

The inaugural New Portugal Food and Wine Week, hosted by the Castle Hill Inn, March 7 to 14, centers around a four-course meal created by George Mendes, the owner of Aldea restaurant in New York, and Karsten Hart, Castle Hill’s executive chef.

Mr. Mendes, whose cooking is inspired by his family’s Portuguese heritage and the culinary traditions of the Iberian Peninsula, will be on hand to prepare the first meal, on Friday, March 7, to be paired with wines selected by Bartholomew Broadbent, whose Broadbent Selections specializes in importing port, Madeira and other wines from Portugal.” Excerpt Credits: (In Rhode Island, a Celebration of Portugal By RACHEL LEE HARRIS http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/03/03/in-rhode-island-a-celebration-of-portugal/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=1)

Castle Hill Restaurant, New Port, Rhode Island

Embrace the bold flavors of Portuguese-inspired cuisine while taking in the last of the crisp winter air at Castle Hill Inn. The seven-day celebration features menu offerings that pay homage to Portuguese cooking and begins with a special collaborative dinner on March 7 with George Mendes, Executive Chef of Aldea in New York City, and our own Chef Karsten Hart. Book a one-night stay during Portuguese Dinner Week [March 7-14th] and enjoy a dinner for two at Castle Hill, along with a gourmet breakfast and afternoon tea and a luxurious amenity kit upon your arrival. The menu offers an array of native dishes inspired by the Portuguese culinary scene, along with wine pairings handpicked by the experts at Broadbent Selections. This Portuguese prix-fixe menu will be available until the following Saturday for your enjoyment in the Dining Room at Castle Hill.

*One-night stay at the Castle Hill Inn (30% offf – call to book your room)
*Daily gourmet breakfast & afternoon tea
*Portuguese-inspired dinner for two at the Castle Hill Dining Room. View the menu here.
*Dinner will include wine pairings handpicked by the experts at Broadbent Selections

Dinner: $90 per person | Lodging Rates start at $590.
Call 888-466-1355 for reservations.

Credits and photo: http://castlehillinn.com/best-lodging-deals-newport-ri/

Chef Mendes photo credit: http://aldearestaurant.com/about/

 

Azorean Festival at The Langham, Boston

Azorean Festival at The Langham, Boston

EXPERIENCE THE AZORES AT THE LANGHAM, BOSTON

In collaboration with the Azores Promotion Board, SATA Airlines, and Escola de Formação Turística e Hoteleira (school of tourism and hospitality), The Langham, Boston is pleased to bring the color and flavor of the Azores to Boston. Join us throughout March for specially created Azorean menus served in The Reserve, Café Fleuri and BOND restaurant | lounge.

The series runs from March 3 through 30 and will officially kick-off when works of art from Ponta Delgada’s Fonseca Macedo – Arte Contemporanea are installed in the hotel lobby. The series will culminate into a four-course wine dinner March 28 featuring Portuguese entertainment.

Learn more about the Azores at visitazores.com

Credits and photo: http://boston.langhamhotels.com/restaurants/azorean-festival-boston.htm