snack

snackwire.nyc: trick or trade?

Is it possible to have too much candy? Perhaps. Particularly if you're prone to diving head first into your Halloween goodie bag and staying there until you're done. Mmmm candy corns.

Consider trading it all in for some nice healthy granola on Thursday (the day after Halloween) at Whole Foods in Union Square. Full details and press release after the jump.

hotsnack: the great wine way

Over the years, we've seen dinner theater, chefs on stage and even tales from the reservation book (i.e. Fully Committed, a personal favorite). It was only a matter of time before someone brought bottles to Broadway. This December the first ever wine tasting musical debuts at the Triad Theater.

   Late Harvest Productions proudly announces the world premiere of WINE LOVERS, the wine-tasting musical. WINE LOVERS tells the story of two mismatched students attending a wine class led by an effervescent teacher and their journey of discovery. Audience members enjoy six delightful wines along with the class, and everyone learns a little about wine... and love.

snackwire: gansevoort south debuts january 2008

Planning on going to the South Beach Wine & Food Festival in February? From experience I can say the prime hotels will sell-out early. If you want to see chefs poolside, I'd recommend booking a room at the Loews or Raleigh. If you want to stay in the newest spot, the Gansevoort South (sister hotel to the Gansevoort in the Meatpacking in Manhattan) will open in January. Full press release after the jump, detailing outposts from Philippe Chow, STK and David Barton.

papersnack: gawker is funny

I went to the bookstore the other day to check out The Gawker Guide to Conquering All Media. I searched in vain in new-non-fiction and media. Is it in self-help? Finally, I asked a salesperson. No, they did not have it, but if they did - it would be in humor. I thought that was funny.

hotsnack: valentino's timeless universe

Sometimes a cookbook can lead to a great discovery, something other than a new dish. Like in A Return to Cooking by Eric Ripert. Yes, there are many lovely seasonal recipes from the French chef, along with photos and text. But also original paintings by artist Valentino Cortazar. Beautiful.

The oil painting pictured here, I Love Manhattan, is a part of Valentino's Timeless Universe collection debuting tomorrow at the Hal Katzen Gallery at 459 Washington Street. By invitation or appointment only at Coral|Fine Art.

When was the last time you discovered a new artist you liked? If you cannot remember - perhaps it is time.

hotsnack: james beard awards save the date

The open call for nominees for the 2008 James Beard Awards has been a hot topic across the country this week. It is the offical start of the game. But, before you go crazy nominating your favorite chef in every category, do read the fine print.

While everyone is aware of the nominations, most people (chefs, publicists, media et al.) I've talked to recently are not aware of the date. Historically the awards ceremony happened on the first Monday in May to coincide with James Beard's birthday - May 5, 1903. Not this year.

Sunday June 8, 2008 is the day to mark on your calendar. This was the date Avery Fisher Hall at Lincoln Center (the new posh venue for the awards) was available. The Media Awards are slated for Friday June 6th.

For all the wine-types going to the Napa Valley Auction (June 5th-8th) and those heading to the Food & Wine Classic in Aspen (June 13th-15th), it is going to be a very busy month.

hotsnack: go orange

Tonight the Empire State Building will be orange. This week, Snack will be orange. No, Halloween has not come early. It is the Food Bank for NYC's Go Orange week. It is a citywide event with much to see and do. Get on board. You look good in orange.

snackwire: scott bryan leaves veritas, heading to washington d.c.

Perhaps you read today in the paper that chef Scott Bryan has left Veritas. He's heading to Washington D.C., specifically 2941 Restaurant, for a three-month guest chef gig. Full press release in all its cut-n-paste glory after the jump.

snackwire: primehouse opens today

Opening today is Primehouse, a Chitown steakhouse import courtesy of Steve Hanson and B.R. Guest. When I stopped by friends and family this weekend, the Himalayan rock salt-tiles had not yet been fully installed in the meat aging room. They look like small salmon-pink marble bricks. An interesting concept I think and I'll be curious to see what affect they actually have on the steaks. Complete unedited press release after the jump.