Wine & Wisdom – Flamenco Dinner at La Catalana

Our first Wine & Wisdom of the year finds us visiting and enjoying the delightful new Spanish restaurant, La Catalana. If you haven’t discovered this little gem yet (next door to Havana Rumba) you really should consider joining us for an evening of food, fun and flamenco.

The purpose of the Wine & Wisdom is to elevate the traditional wine dinner to the next level and create a full cultural and/or educational experience where the food and drink are more of  an enhancement versus the focus of the overall event.

WHEN: Friday, February 12 6:30pm
WHERE: La Catalana Restaurant, next door to Havana Rumba
COST: $35 + tip for BVS members, $45 + tip for non-members*
*if you join that evening, the $10 event fee will be applied toward your membership fee
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.

Our evening starts with a conversation with Domino, the owner of La Catalana and will cover the dining traditions of northern Spain. At 7:00, we’ll take over the front of the restaurant for a VIP view of Flamenco Louisville’s performance all while enjoying a delicious dinner of tapas, paella, sangria and more. If you speak Spanish, or have been wanting to practice, this is the evening for you as most of our delightful hosts are all native speakers!

MENU

Tapas:
Huevos rellenos (stuffed eggs with tuna)
Tortilla de Patatas (Potato tortilla/omlette)
Mejillones Tigres (Tiger Mussels)
Berejena a la Parmesana (eggplant parmesan – some of the best I’ve ever had and I’m not a huge eggplant lover!)

Main Course:
Traditional Paella
Black Rice with seafood

Dessert:
Peras al Vino (Pears in Wine)

Pitchers of Sangria and non alcoholic drinks included
Additional wines and cocktails available with special pricing for our event

2010 Teasers…

Oh yeah, baby…you’ll definitely want to be reading our newsletter (if you’re not on it, you should sign up now)  to keep up with all the fantastic events and opportunities we have planned this year – from new partnerships, to new series and some seriously unique “one-off” events – well, there’s a ton of fun to be had! Take a peek:

NEW ART SERIES
F-N Art

For those of you with art in your heart, the F-N Art quarterly event (minds out of the gutters, it just means Friendship and Art), offers a chance to mingle with other artists, art lovers and any one else who feels the desire to express themselves through art.  The theme for the first F-N Art series is “Madness” and will be launched in March – see the connection? Clever, no? All forms of art are encouraged. And kudos must be given to my friend Carrie in Birmingham who introduced me the the F-N Art concept.

NEW MUSIC SERIES
Fleur de LIVE

Have you ever wanted to ask a musician a question but were afraid to hear yourself on the radio? Have you been to a live gig, heard a great song and wondered where the artist’s inspiration came from?  The Fleur De LIVE event will offer you a chance to see, hear and have a dialogue with local artists in an intimate, unplugged venue that encourages interaction and participation. Series debuts in July.

THEATRE HOP

Think Gallery Hop but with live performances. The return of the Theatre Hop happens in May this year. Our 2^nd (nearly) annual event features theatre companies from around the city giving short performances in non-traditional venues. Hop from gallery to bar to restaurant for a 2 hr revolving show clock and finish the evening with a late happy hour and cast party where you can meet the performers.

NEW PARTNERSHIPS:

LEO
While we can’t reveal all the details just yet, I am excited to announce that BVS and LEO have joined forces to offer some spectacular events and experiential advertising options in celebration of LEO’s 20^th Anniversary this year. Details to be revealed soon!

mberry
Many of you know my fascination and enjoyment experimenting with Miracle Fruit, but you may not realize my interest in exploring the health benefits (obesity, diabetes, chemotherapy patients) of the berries/tablets as well. With these life enhancing properties in mind, BVS has partnered with mberry, a company based in AZ, who is very proactive in spreading the word on this intriguing fruit. Starting now, subscribers to BVS newsletter are able to purchase through the mberry site and receive a discount of 15% and free shipping. Discount code to be sent in the upcoming newsletter.

Supper Speakeasy to feature Cancer fighting and preventing foods

COOKING TO FIGHT CANCER
WHEN: Saturday, January 30, 6:30p
WHERE: As always, only revealed to those who RSVP
CHEF: Alison Mann, most recently sous chef to Chef Curtis Stone of TLC’s “Take Home Chef
COST: $75 per person
RSVP: You may either call 502.287.2772 or click on the button below to purchase online. Service charges will apply to online purchases.

WHAT: All courses focusing on foods to assist in the fight against cancer or assist in prevention! Plus, enjoy the opportunity to hear directly from Kinsey Morrison, 13 yr old cancer survivor recently seen in the Courier-Journal here. More details to develop. Stay tuned. Proceeds to help benefit Gilda’s Club of Louisville.

Enjoy this amazing menu prepared by Chef Alison Mann, while also learning about the benefits of certain foods for fighting and preventing cancer. Alison is a certified nutritionist, and while our menu is not meant as a prescription, we are looking forward to all aspects of healthy living and the nutritional benefits of several foods. This is a first in a quarterly series this year of healthy lifestyle Supper Speakeasys. As always, all courses are paired with wine provided by Bryant Distributing.

Caramelized  onion tart with ricotta, gruyere and arugula garnish

Asparagus Veloute

Tomato Tartare salad with roasted garlic, basil oil and micro greens…possibly bay scallops bound by a chive

Pan-seared whitefish over artichoke puree, tomato lobster buerre blanc and steamed spinach

Blueberry creme brulee with rosemary lemon curd ice cream

Amanda Lucas and Nick Hardesty finish the 2009 2nd Sunday Schedule

artwork by Jennifer Christy-Penney

I’m excited to announce our next artists in the musical series, Second Sunday Serenades, which will take place – you guessed it – on the 2nd Sunday of every month. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of acoustic music and conversation with the artist in an intimate setting. If you remember the days of MTV’s Unplugged, this is my attempt to capture some of the fun and closeness of that series – Louisville Style. You may hear jazz, punk, folk, rock… it’s all possible! Admission is on a sliding scale to accommodate all pocketbooks and this is a non-alcoholic and child friendly venue – provided you have a child who is interested in learning and listening.

ARTISTS: Amanda Lucas and Nick Hardesty
STYLE: Pop/Rock/Acoustic
TIME: 2:00-4:00pm
COVER: $5-15, sliding scale. The more you pay the more the artist makes.
A limited menu will be available.

Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP to have your name on the list.

Artists to look forward to:
Jan – Troubadours of Divine Bliss
Feb – Sarah Elizabeth Burkey
Mar – Butch Rice

Campo Negro/Finca el Reposo Argentinian Wine Dinner

Join Tim Stratman of Vanguard wines for a fabulous Argentinian tasting from the Campo Negro and Finca el Reposo portfolios, including the difficult to find Saint Jeannet. Four-course menu will be delightfully prepared by 60 West Bistro in St. Matthews and all wines will be available for purchase and pre-order through 4 Flights Wine Boutique in Norton Commons.

WHAT: Four Course menu tasting with Wine
WHEN: Monday, December 14, 7:00pm
WHERE: 60 West Bistro, St. Matthews, 3939 Shelbyville Rd (by Burdorf’s, the old Bacons for Louisville folks)
COST: $45 + tax and gratuity (this is not a BVS event, so no member pricing)
RSVP: Call the restaurant to reserve your space – (502) 719-9717

Menu:
Saint Jeannet
Ahi Sashimi with Fresh Gari (Marinated Ginger), Daikon Radish, Shoyu Sauce aside Anise Scented Napa Cabbage Slaw

FR Malbec
Ground Brisket and Black Bean Chili served over a Grilled Rosemary Potato Wedge with Roasted Corn Salsa

CN Malbec
Blackened Bone-in center cut Pork Chop with Rich Mole’ served over Roasted Beet Salad, Sautéed Baby Bok Choy, Toasted Sesame Seeds, and Caramelized Red Onion

Cabernet
Blackberry Mousse with Espresso Creme

‘Locavore’ Nibble & Sip is back!

It’s finally back! We’re up and running with our first Nibble & Sip of the year and it has returned full force. Join us for our ‘Locavore’ Happy Hour at Browning’s at Slugger Field on Wednesday, Nov. 11 between 5:30 and 7:30 pm.

Groove to Butch Rice, be dazzled by Darshwood the Conjuror and enjoy special light bites and drinks that utilize locally sourced ingredients – featuring the fun of pumpkin as we celebrate fall. Show your support for all things local and the CFA.

Sliding scale cover ($5-10 suggested) and members get their first feature cocktail or mocktail free. Featuring Horseshoe Bend Wines, Effen Vodka and Maker’s Mark.

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

The Dickensian Speakeasy – Even Scrooge himself would be pleased

Join us on Sunday, December 6, for a traditional Victorian feast with a menu that will delight and surprise, created by Chef Michael Hargrove, sous chef at the Jefferson Club currently and past executive chef at Primo. We will dine on historical goodies (menu is currently being finalized), including roast goose and Christmas Pudding, all while enjoying the beauty of a historical home from the period, a bit of wassail and the lovely singing of local carolers.

Non-Members: If you have not attended a Supper Speakeasy before, you may attend one before becoming a member.

Cost, as always, is $75 per person. Please call 502.287.2772 to reserve your space or click below to pay securely online. You will save $4 per ticket in service charges by calling.

MENU

Cocktails
Fresh Eggnog
Hot Cider
Wassail

Hors d’oeuvres
Sweet and savory scones with clotted cream and young butter
Candied, spiced and roasted nuts
Charcuterie

Main Course
Roasted goose – Cranberry mustard and Bird gravy
Accompaniments
Mince meat pie
Baked acorn squash
Onion and chestnut dressing
Mashed potatoes
Glazed carrots
Roasted pearl onions  with bay and clove
Braised Greens

Dessert
Buche De Noel
…and a few surprises

Sam Hadfield & Neil Johnstone to play next Sunday Serenade

artwork by Jennifer Christy-Penney

I’m excited to announce the next artist in the musical series, Second Sunday Serenades, which will take place – you guessed it – on the 2nd Sunday of every month at Le Gallo Rosso at 1325 Bardstown Rd. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of acoustic music and conversation with the artist in an intimate setting. If you remember the days of MTV’s Unplugged, this is my attempt to capture some of the fun and closeness of that series – Louisville Style. You may hear jazz, punk, folk, rock… it’s all possible! Admission is on a sliding scale to accommodate all pocketbooks and this is a non-alcoholic and child friendly venue – provided you have a child who is interested in learning and listening.

ARTIST: Sam Hadfield & Neil Johnstone
STYLE: Soul/Americana/Folk
TIME: Sunday, Nov 8, 2:00-4:00pm
COVER: $5-15, sliding scale. The more you pay the more the artist makes.
Coffee and Iced Tea will be served and are free of charge. A limited menu of small plates, beers and sodas will be available as well for a small charge.

Space is limited, so be sure to RSVP to have your name on the list.

Artists to look forward to:
Dec – Amanda Lucas and Adam Hardesty
Jan – Troubadours of Divine Bliss
Feb – Sarah Elizabeth Burkey
Mar – Butch Rice

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.