The Nickel City Chefs…

I am off this evening to attend the following at the James Beard House:

Sort of like Buffalo’s own version of Iron Chef, the Nickel City Chef Competition pits western New York’s most talented chefs against each other in creative and entertaining cooking duels. For this dinner the Nickel City Chef team will prove that their talent for collaboration is as strong as their prodigious culinary skills.

MENU

Hors d’Oeuvre

Beef Tartare with Brûléed Horseradish Sabayon and Toasted Caraway
Prosciutto–Wrapped and Pan-Fried Miniature Foie Gras Pierogi with Loganberry Gastrique and Sauerkraut Powder
Fennel-Scented Sausage with Broth, Sweet-and-Spicy Onion–Pepper Jelly, and Charred Bread Crumbs
WOODEN NICKEL BOTTLED COCKTAIL > HALF MOON ORCHARD GIN WITH SMOKED DUCK FAT–WASHED CAMPARI, PUNT E MES, AND NATURAL SPRING WATER

Dinner

Bibb Heart Salad with Carrot Greens, Nasturtium, Roasted Wild Mushrooms, and Pickled Carrots
LEONARD OAKES ESTATE WINERY STEAMPUNK CIDER

Corn Agnolotti with Pork Broth, Pickled Chowder Vegetables, and Potato Foam
SILVER THREAD GEWURZTRAMINER 2012

Dill and Beer–Crusted Cod with Deconstructed Duck Egg Tartare and Crispy Olive Oil Frites with Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar Powder
DR. KONSTANTIN FRANK PINOT GRIS 2011

Herb-Crusted Veal Tenderloin with Leek Chips, Leek Confit, Charred Tomato Demi-Glace, and Herb Gastrique
ONABAY VINEYARDS MERLOT-CABERNET FRANC BLEND 2007

Dessert Trio

Chèvre Arborio Pudding with Wildflower Honey and Lavender
Apple Frybread with Gjetost and Salty Butterscotch
Dark Chocolate Madeleine–Cinnamon Ice Cream Sandwich with Turkish Coffee Sauce

Of course, the most important ingredient in a meal is a good dining companion, and I’m fortunate in that I’m being joined by MvG tonight. He’s a fellow foodie with a similarly long lineage, and we enjoy extensive discussions on history and culture over our meals. It’s sure to be another convivial evening.

In other news, my mother’s residence sold predictably quickly, and as of mid-November she will be in her new residence in North Carolina. We found her a lovely 2BR/2BA one-level home with an enormous cathedral-ceiling living area, large kitchen, dining area and deck. At around 1,500 sq. ft. it’s still a bit large for just one person, but it will eliminate stairs, which were becoming the bane of her existence in her duplex.

The best part is, her new home is about 90 min. away; close, but not too close. And only 15 min. from the Raleigh-Durham airport, so easy to make visits on my way out/in every week. The house is also right next to my cousin, who moved here in January.