Last night was the first Cooking Class of the 2018-19 series! We started the year off right with so many familiar faces along with a few new-comers.
The evening began with a taste of Dr. Tim O'Connor's French Brut selection, a 2016 Saint-Hilaire Blanquette de Limoux. Chef Ryan whipped up a wonderful salt-cod, kale, and potato soup while we sipped on a taste of Dr. O'Connor's next selection, a 2017 Borell Diehl Muller Thürgau Trocken.
For the second course, Chef Ryan made a risotto with Blue Hubbard squash, carrots, and an arugula pesto. To complement the risotto, Dr. O'Connor paired it with a 2013 Acacia Red Blend from California.
The third course was a pan-seared pork tenderloin on a bed of Napa cabbage. Paired with the entree were two reds, a Frontón de Oro Tradicional Tinto from the Canary Islands and a 2009 Domaine Santa Duc Gigondas from France.
Lastly, Chef Ryan prepared a delicious fruit cobbler that Dr. O'Connor paired with an Italian dessert wine, Elio Perrone Bigaro.
Most of the ingredients for the evening were generously donated by The Good Food Collective. They provided super-fresh, locally grown ingredients like carrots, Blue Hubbard Squash, leeks, potatoes, etc. Chef Ryan was able to create a delicious four-course meal out of the donated items and showed the class how he did it while sharing some of his kitchen techniques, tips, & tricks. Chef Ryan is available to cater your next special event - contact us to learn how!
Ryn Adkins and Ryan Pierson from The Good Food Collective joined us for a great evening and said a few words about the amazing work they are doing throughout New York State to keep food fresh and business local. They let us know about their subscription service, Good Food Shares, and their upcoming event, A Good Night. This annual Harvest Party celebrates the season, their farmers, and their members while enjoying local food by Root Catering & McCann's Meats, drinks from local breweries, great live music, games for kids, and a chance to meet some of the great farmers growing your food.
As always, Max of Eastman Place provided such a beautiful space in which we could learn and enjoy each other's company. The staff worked hard all evening to make sure everyone had a great time.
We are so grateful for everyone's support and are excited to see what Chef Ryan has in store for the rest of the series!
Thanks so much to everyone who joined us at this Cooking Class and we can't wait to see you all next month!