Huge crowd on hand for Taste of Derby Festival

Chefs of Jack Fry's

PHOTO & STORY by STEVE COOMES, freelance food  & restaurant writer

More than 1,000 hungry donors packed Slugger Field’s Hall of Fame Pavilion on April 22 for the Taste of Derby Festival. In its 23rd year, the annual fundraiser for Louisville’s Dare to Care food bank gathered more than 50 local restaurants and beverage providers who donated food and drink for the cause of feeding the area’s hungry.

It’s a Wonderful Wine & Wisdom Dinner

Another favorite is back in full force! This time, we’re giving you a preview of our fabulous mobile wine tastings that have been created by Tom Johnson of Louisville Juice. Join us Monday, November 16, 7pm at L & N Wine Bar and Bistro to enjoy a wine tasting with a twist! Learn about wine through the eyes of a beloved holiday classic and delicious dishes by Chef Rick Adams.

MEMBERS: $35 + gratuity (call for promo code if you purchase online)
GENERAL PUBLIC: $55 + gratuity.
Call 502.287.2772 or email for RSVP You may also purchase through the button below which will include a small service charge. BVS members should contact me directly.
Seating is limited to 24 for this event

1st course
Three – 1 oz. servings of today’s artisanal cheese selection. Traditional accompaniments.
Served with the Grecco di Tufo & Furst Riesling.

2nd course
Seared Sweetbreads, Capriole Farms goat cheese grits, Benton Farms bacon & whole grain mustard veal reduction, micro greens.
Served with the Protocolo Tempranillo.

3rd course
Duncan Farms Rabbit, swiss chard, celery root puree, bourbon pepper rabbit stock reduction.
Served with Plungerhead Zinfandel & Chono Cabernet

4th course
Classic Crème Brulee
Served with the Ivy Blondia Moscato

Cellar Door Chocolate “365 Days of Chocolate” Launch Party

You heard right, 365 Days of Chocolate, and it is the brilliant idea from Erika Chavez-Graziano, owner and delish truffle maker of Cellar Door Chocolate.

WHEN: Friday, November 13, 7-10p
WHERE: Park Place @ Slugger Field
WHAT: Enjoy an ample tasting of local brews, paired with delightful truffles as well as a light dinner of wild mushroom bruschetta, stuffed endive and mussels with pomme frites all while groovin’ to the seductive beats of DJ Kim Sorise. Local brews include BBC Taproom, Browning’s, Cumberland and NABC.
TICKETS: $25 in advance/$35 at the door
RSVP: by calling 502.287.2772 and save on the online booking fee ($4 per ticket), or book securely online by clicking the LWE button below

1st 50 RSVPs WILL ENJOY A SPECIAL GIFT
portion of the proceeds benefit Crusade for Children

Tune in to the Terry Meiners Show on WHAS Radio, Wednesday, November 4 betwen 3:30 and 4pm to hear Erika and Jo talk more about the event or watch us Saturday morning, Nov. 7, on WHAS Weekend GMK at 7:15 am.

Supper Speakeasy – Down on the Farm

art by kent whitaker

Enjoy a delicious farm fresh meal all in the beauty of a field of veggies and herbs
WHEN: Thursday, September 17, 2009   6:30pm
WHERE: Louisville
SPOTS: 20 spots available
COST: $75 per person all inclusive (five courses, wine, welcome cocktail, entertainment, tax and gratuity)
RSVP:  502-287.2772 to save on transaction fees or use the button below to securely purchase online

Join us as we dine and delight on5 farm fresh dishes, all prepared by Chef Timothy Tucker (as seen here in USA Today recently) and his band of chefs in training from the Salvation Army Culinary Training Program. We will enjoy several wines as well as fresh non-alcoholic beverages that enhance the overall experience. We’ll enjoy a cocktail hour starting at 6:30 with live music performed by one of Louisville’s best bluegrass bands, Relic, then move into a delightful dinner at 7:30. As always, our BVS members will enjoy a special treat.

Menu:

IVOR’S FRESH VEGETABLE TOWER WITH BASIL OIL
oven roasted tomatoes, capriole goat cheese, caramelized onions, herbed baked eggplant

LOCAL PRAWN TACO’S WITH  YELLOW TOMATO SALSA AND JICAMA SALAD
local prawns, kenny’s white cheddar, rainbow swiss chard)

KENTUCKY RABBIT STEW with country ham and green tomatoes
rabbit, garlic, beer, green tomatoes, country ham, okra, tomatoes, herbs

ASIAN STYLE SHORT RIBS BRAISED IN BOURBON
with a coconut rice cake and mixed greens

CHOCOLATE SIN CAKE WITH A RASPBERRY SAUCE AND FRESH BERRIES

April Events Preview – Nibble & Sip and Supper Speakeasy

Spring has sprung in the Derby City and “the” season is upon us… you know, Derby Season? As we all know it’s an epoch all its own. The time for hats, the time to enjoy the blossoms (minus the sniffles and Ohio Valley allergies) and a time to come out from hibernation and start mingling again amongst the masses. So, socialize we will… won’t you join us?

NIBBLE & SIP
This year’s Nibble & Sip happy hours are focused on bringing awareness to the Community Farm Alliance. The organization is statewide and strives to create opportunities both in communities and in the legislature that promote local farms and foods. It is my desire to spread the word, through social measures, for what I believe is a wonderful cause. I do hope you’ll join us and discover more about CFA for yourself.

When: Thursday, April 16, 2009  6:00-8:00pm
Where: The Roost Inn at Le Gallo Rosso Restaurant
1325 Bardstown Rd   map
What: Happy hour with food, drinks and live entertainment
Price: BVS Members – $15*; General Public – $20.00 advance/$25.00 at the door
Price includes food, 2 cocktails/mocktails, entertainment, tax AND gratuity

*BVS Members save and additional $5 for each guest they bring, though savings may not go over the cost of the event. Savings will be applied to this event only when calling to make your reservation. If you make your reservation online, you will be given a gift certificate toward use on a future event.
You can avoid service charges by calling to make your reservation at 502.287.2772

Seasonal Menu created and prepared by Sherry Hurley of Farm to Fork Catering

• Lavender Lemon Bars (local eggs and flour)
• Mini Chicken Caesar Salads in Wonton Cups (local chicken, cheese, and salad greens)
• Smoked Salmon Mousse on Cucumber Rounds with Radish Garnish (locally smoked salmon)
• Goat Cheese Crostini with Roasted Beet Tapenade (local cheese and beets)
• Asparagus with Roasted Garlic Aioli (local asparagus)
• Spring Peas and Mint Bruschetta

Please stay tuned for updates on entertainment and seasonal beverages to be included.

And a bit later in the month…

SUPPER SPEAKEASY
The Dumante Dinner
When: Monday, April 20, 2009   6:30pm
Where: As always, only those who RSVP will be in the know, however, I will let you know that is in Southern Indiana this time
Chef: Annette Saco of Le Gallo Rosso
Price: $75 per person, all inclusive – welcome cocktail, six courses paired with wines as well as tax AND gratuity  20 seats available
RSVP by calling 502.287.2772
Special Note: There are no additional savings on this event for BVS members and non-members may attend if they have not dined a Speakeasy with us before.

Chef Annette Saco is working diligently on our menu and I will be posting more details in the very near future. You can expect 6 courses, paired amazingly with wines by David Dubou of Vintner’s Select (he has a great track record with our events so far!), all enjoyed in a wonderfully unique environment. Stay tuned for more information…

CANSTRUCTION® 2009 AT MALL ST. MATTHEWS TO BENEFIT DARE TO CARE FOOD BANK

Over 35,000 pounds of food to be used to build 17 structures on display February 23 to February 28.

2007 People’s Choice and Juror’s Favorite Winners.

Seventeen volunteer teams will be competing for honors in the 2009 Canstruction® event at Mall St. Matthews from February 23 to February 28, 2009. Teams will use over 35,000 pounds of nonperishable food to build edible works of art that will be on display for public viewing by Mall St. Matthews’ patrons. Canstruction®, a biannual event, is a design/build competition between design and construction industry professionals. Canstruction® is being done under the auspices of the Society for Design Administrators.

The teams will compete for several prizes, including the People’s Choice Award, which will be determined by balloting from Mall patrons. Local sponsors of this year’s event include Kroger, Lynn Imaging, Commercial Works, Muhammad Ali Center, Builder’s Exchange of Louisville, Benjamin Moore and Yum!

Dare to Care Food Bank is a local nonprofit agency with a mission to end hunger in its community. Last year, Dare to Care distributed 11.4 million pounds to over 115,000 different people in eight Kentucky and five Indiana counties. The Food Bank also operates 15 Kids Cafes in neighborhood afterschool locations and Backpack Buddy weekend nutrition programs in 19 elementary schools.

Technorati Tags: Louisville,Charity,Dare to Care,Food,Competition,Yum

Sponsors buy the food from Kroger and then donate it to Dare to Care Food Bank at the event’s conclusion.

Brands. Teams include:
Whittenberg Construction
Abel Construction
Reese Design Collaborative
Schaffer Contracting Services
ORI
Yum! Brands
Munson Business Interiors
The Estopinal Group
Swope Design Group
OMWorkspace
Luckett & Farley
Shaw Contract Group
Chase Design Group
Badgett Constructors
Studio Kremer Architects
H&H Design Build
Generation 14
CDC
Singer Wallcovering
Office Environment Company
GBBN
JRA Architects
Interior Design Institute
U of L IIDA Student Organization
Laughlin Millea Hillman Architecture
Details Commercial Group
CMTA
Bravura
Messer Construction
CORT Furniture Rental

Help raise money for James Brown Cancer Center

Bring your family, friends and colleagues to O’Shea’s, Flanagan’s and
Brendan’s restaurants Monday, November 3rd to support the University of
Louisville James Graham Brown Cancer Center’s Mint Jubilee Cancer
Resource Center.

Money raised from this event will provide transportation and housing
funds for disadvantaged cancer patients. The restaurants will donate
proceeds of sales from 11:00 a.m. – midnight, and JGBCC staff and
volunteers will be at the restaurants to distribute information about
the support programs provided by the Mint Jubilee Cancer Resource
Center.

Final movie night: monster house and friday the 13th

Rated PG

Rated R

Saturday, October 25
Picnics & Flicks DOUBLE FEATURE
“BYOM”-Bring your own Meat (or veggies) Grill Fest
EP Tom Sawyer State Park, 3000 Frey’s Hill Rd
5:00pm-til end of movie
Members: Free Non-members: $5 for adults and children
Costumes are Welcome
Percentage of Proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of KYANA

BVS presented a new monthly summer series, every third Saturday of each month, and Saturday, Sept. 20 was our farewell to summer and Picnics n Flicks for 08!  BUT, due to such a HUGE demand and response, we will present a Double Feature for October and celebrate Halloween with Monster House for the kids followed by the original classic, Friday the 13th. The event will feature free candy, s’mores & free hot cocoa and water plus a couple of grills for grilling your own meats or veggies – but please feel free to bring your own grill too!

The Picnic’s n Flicks special encore will feature as usual live local bands. Bands include the UL Community Band and OK Zombie! UL Community Band will lead into Monster House and OK Zombie will play between movies .We will also have some good ole fashioned fun featuring field games including corn hole and horse shoes with movie beginning at dark ( 6:00)

Double Feature Line-Up:
UL Community Band-5:00pm
Monster House-      6:00pm
OK Zombie-8:00pm
Friday the 13- 9:00pm

E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park offers plenty of ample parking and bathrooms. We changed locations— The event will be held a mile or so past the main parking entrance on Frey’s Hill Rd at the Baseball and Soccer fields.  Coolers are welcome… so pack up your friends and family, grab your blankets, baskets and meats/veggies for a wonderful night and a wonderful cause.

Special thank you to E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park and Louisville Audio Xterior

speakeasy menu for October dinner

SOLD OUT – EMAIL ME TO BE ADDED TO THE WAITING LIST FOR THE NEXT EVENT NOV. 9, 4-6pm Cost: $12

Something wicked this way comes…

When: Thursday, October 23 6:30pm
Where: It’s a secret – but we may be the first to have a dinner here
Reservations: Email me or call 502-287-2772
Cost: $75 per person, but $10 per person will be donated to a worthy Arts cause (you’ll learn more that night)

It’s finally complete! Our dinner for the evening, enhanced by the outdoors (rain or moonlight), basking in the glow of the season, will be served to you in comfortable style. Our evening will start with tales of Louisville’s hauntings by Mr. Ghost Walker himself while enjoying our signature cocktails for the evening, the Houdini (recipe to be posted later). Dinner will follow and our menu is:

Autumn Squash Soup with Gruyere Crostini

Seared Corvina served en Papillote of Banana Leaf

Lamb Shank with a Spiced Fruited Sauce over Roasted Walnut Cous cous

Gourmet S’mores (mmmm) and mulled port

Each course will also be accompanied by a wine pair, but also feel free to BYOB. I also encourage you to bring a bottle of water. And feel free to leave a comment here for Elaine, she can testify as to the deliciousness of the lamb! Dinner will be prepared by both myself as well as Annette Saco from Le Gallo Rosso.

Dress for the evening to be outdoors. Not roughing it per se, but be comfortable for whatever the weather calls for that evening. Masks required as is the password. We have a few spots still available, so make your reservations now.

Benefit for Adam of Oak St Pizza, Th Oct 16 @ DCE

For the full article, please visit thevillevoice.com where the article originally appeared. It’s so great to see the community coming together in a  time of need.

Benefit, organized by Matt of DCE, will be held, including a silent auction on Thursday October 16. A $1 from all drinks will be donated to the cause. BVS will be donating a seat at the next Supper Speakeasy among the other items mentioned in the villevoice article.

Foodies Unite for Adam and Oak Street Pizza

October 8th, 2008 by rick 

A few years ago, my son Nick and I embarked on a project to sample independent pizza parlors around town. We called it “Pizza Club.” Every Thursday afternoon, we’d go to a different local shop and sample a pie.

I’m sure we’d have stopped at Oak Street Pizza had it been open then. It’s gotten rave reviews from local foodies, and folks in the know say that Adam, the proprietor, has a passion for his pies and is well-liked in the neighborhood. Which makes it that much sadder to learn that he was shot Sunday during a robbery attempt at the Old Louisville store. Adam (no one seems to know his last name) remains in the hospital, though, and Oak Street Pizza, pretty much a one-man operation, remains closed. More