Welcome to our expanded What

Welcome to our expanded What's Cooking in BostonUSA? monthly e-newsletter!

September 2007

The Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau is happy to present you with the full-colored What's Cooking in BostonUSA?

We hope you find the What's Cooking appealing and useful

covering everything from new food & wine events, food tours & learning events to new restaurants, chefs & season-themed menus.

Please join our mailing list for more event listings. Visit our website

www.BostonUSA.com.

In This Issue

September Food & Wine Events

Fall Season Preview

BostonUSA Cultural Festivals are Food Festivals!

New Holiday Events Open in BostonUSA

Featured New Restaurant

Culinary Tours in BostonUSA!

September Food & Wine Events: What's Cooking

Sunday Dinner Series at Sel de la Terre Sunday, September 2
After a Restaurant Week hiatus, chef Geoff Gardner gets Sel de la Terre’s Sunday Dinner Series up and running with some delicious end of the summer menus. Wind down after a booked summer weekend and gear up for the busy week ahead over a themed, three-course menu, from Gardner and his team, who bring some of their own family traditions and personal favorites to the table. The special Sunday evening menu is available a la carte in addition to Sel de la Terre’s regular menu. Call the restaurant at 617.720.1300 to reserve your table on an upcoming Sunday.

Four North End eateries, Prezza, Taranta, Tresca and Vinoteca di Monica, join together to host an evening of mobile fine dining. On Tuesday, September 4th diners will set out on a mini tour from their assigned restaurant, armed with a map and a menu. At each stop on the map, they’ll choose from among four menu options – pasta, meat, fish or veggie – until they’ve tried a little something from all four participating restaurants. Tickets for the eating and walking tour cost $40 apiece or $52 if you’d like to add wine parings. Call Prezza at 617.227.1577 to get your tickets all squared away.

From Farm to Table at Rialto, September, 9, 2007 from 11:00 - 2:00 Join Jody as she drops by the farmers market in Charles Square, shops for what's local and fresh and then heads up to the restaurant to prepare a late summer feast. After the class, you'll sit down to enjoy the meal with lovely wines paired with each course. $125.00 includes market visit, cooking demo, four-course lunch with paired wines and recipes. For reservations and more information please visit or call 617-661-5050.

Bourbon & BBQ at Bob's Southern Bistro on September 10th

Bob's Southern Bistro on September 10th from 6-8:30 pm. Guests sample three bourbons- Sam Houston, Jefferson and Jefferson Reserve- while enjoying BBQ featuring dishes like Cajun chicken strips, sweet potato fries, and cornbread. For reservations and more information call 617-536-6204 or visit www.bostonypa.com.

The 1st Annual Man's Best Friend Patio Party-Fundraiser- McCormick & Schmick's- Faneuil Hall on September 10th from 5:30PM-8:00PM

Join us and help raise money for a great cause! Our Man's Best Friend Party will benefit Underdog ResQ, a volunteer-based nonprofit dog rescue organization dedicated to saving good dogs that might otherwise be euthanized. As space is limited, advance reservations are encouraged!

The event will feature the First Annual "Fearless Friend Award" honoring canine courage and heroism, "The Champion of the Underdog Award," a Bow Wow Fashion Show, a selection of our classic hors d'oeuvres, complimentary soft drinks, and our featured drink, a SKYY Citrus "Mutt-tini!" A raffle, also benefiting Underdog ResQ will feature everything from airline tickets and luxury hotel visits to gift certificates and dog goodies. $30 per person donation. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at: Underdog ResQ's website

Great Bay Restaurant Announces New Sand Dollar Menu To fight those, “end of summer blues”, Great Bay Restaurant located in the Hotel Commonwealth in Kenmore Square is now offering their “Sand Dollar Menu” which features select items presented at their Island bar weekdays from 5:00PM – 6:00PM for only one Dollar! Daily, Weekdays Monday – Friday, 5:00PM – 6:00PM. Great Bay is located at 500 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215 Ph: 617-532-5300 www.gbayrestaurant.com

September Cheese Tuesday at L'Espalier
Cheese guru Louis Risoli takes L’Espalier’s monthly homage to fromage to a whole new level on Tuesday, September 11th with a cheese and condiment pairing. Cheese Tuesday diners, seated at communal tables, will enjoy a four-course menu from chefs Frank McClelland and James Hackney paired with matching wines from Wine Director Erik Johnson. Sign on for the evening of education – you’ll learn about artisanal cheese production, differences in taste and texture, cheese producing regions, and cheese selection. Cheese Tuesdays cost $60 per person and start at 7:00pm though they recommend getting there a little ahead of schedule. Call L’Espalier at 617.262.3023 to reserve your spot.

Stilettos and Martinis at 75 Chestnut on September 12, 2007

Join your friends and spend the evening with us at 75 Chestnut sporting your best pair of shoes as we host the Shoe Club of Boston for: In honor of Boston's fashion week, shoe designer Monika Desai of Sole Envie will join us at 75 Chestnut, exhibiting a spectacular shoe fashion show. Prizes will also be available for the Most Fabulous Shoe of the Night ! Special gifts from Moxie of Charles Street! We will feature our special Stiletto-tini as well as our Full Menu. RSVP TO 617.227.2175. Visit the Shoe Club online at www.shoeclub.us. See the designs of Monika Desai at www.SoleEnvie.com

Jazz Wednesdays in the Monday Club Bar, September 12, October 3 (after Scotch Dinner) & 17, November 7 & 28 at 9 pm The Monday Club transforms into a cool candle-lit pink and purple jazz club—with both music and magnificent cocktails flowing without restraint. The hot jazz will come from well known local bands, including the Gypsy Shaffer Band and Rollo Tomasi. The evening is designed to highlight the new, the fresh and the improvisational, both in music and in food and drink. And there is no cover charge for the evening’s jazz for diners.

Foxwoods Food & Wine Festival September 14-16
Visit Foxwood's Food and Wine Festival to benefit scholarships for students studying in the College of Culinary Arts at Johnson & Wales University. Celebrity Chef’s such as Jody Adams of Rialto, Jay Murray of Grill 23 & Bar, Ming Tsai of Blue Ginger and Bill Hall of Bravo among others will be cooking and demonstrating during the festival. Call 1-800-FOXWOODS North End Exposure: A Progressive Dinner.

Harvest Vegan Dinner September 19 at 6:30 pm, Four course dinner with wine in the Soiree Room for $55 Judging from the popularity of our vegetarian and tomato dinners earlier this fall, our clientele adores vegetables. Come try Steven Brand’s all vegan tasting menu tonight (we feature one every night in the Soiree Room!) matched with Matt’s inspired pairing of organic wines.

Soft Shell Crab-Wine Dinner, McCormick & Shmick's, September 17 at 6:30 pm The four course dinner will be hosted by McCormick & Schmick's Executive Chef Nick Cummings and T. J. Griffin of United Liquors. Each will offer commentary and insight into the creation of the dishes as well as the respective pairings.

McCormick & Schmick's Patio on September 20th 5PM-10PM

Our previous patio parties have been such a success that we are doing it again! Only this time, it will be to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation! Featuring: Harpoon Octoberfest, Harpoon UFO , Hammer + Sickle Vodka. Live Band featuring Classic Rock & Alternative Music- Complimentary food from 6-7PM Raffles...and more!

“Andy & Ed’s Trip to Providence” Dinner at Tremont 647 Monday, September 24th at Tremont 647 Tremont 647’s Chef/Owner Andy Husbands , and fellow Chef and friend Ed Doyle have recently returned from a culinary cycling tour through Providence, France. They are hosting dinner that begins at 6:00pm with a Kir reception featuring French inspired appetizers. Following the reception will be a 4-course sit down dinner featuring regional favorites. During the event, Tremont 647 will offer a selection of regional wines, aperitifs & cocktails for purchase from the bar. The French-inspired evening costs $39 per person. For information and reservations, call (617) 266-4600. This event is sure to sell out!

A Legal Sea Foods Five-Course, California Zinfandel Wine Dinner, hosted by Legal Sea Foods' Master of Wine, Sandy Block on Wednesday, September 26^th, 6:30 PM at The Wine Cellar at Legal Sea Foods, Park Square, 26 Park Plaza, Boston, MA. Tickets are $125 per person, all inclusive. Reservations are required. For more information or to order tickets, please call 617-530-9397.

Harpoon Octoberfest Sept. 28-29^,2007 at the Harpoon Brewery Harpoon Octoberfest is the largest festival of its kind in New England, involving German music, food, and beer, as well as chicken dancing, chocolate cake-eating contests, and their infamous keg-bowling. Cost $15.

dante September 29 join Williams-Sonama for a free day of culinary events. A featured guest includes Dante de Magistris of dante, who will be in-store for a cooking demonstration. Copley Place 100 Huntington 10:00 am - 4:00 pm. AND...Celebrate the end of summer on the dante patio Tuesday, September 18 as Chef Dante de Magistris prepares a unique three-course, rustic Italian menu paired with Italian-inspired cocktails. In the background, Fellinis La Dolce Vita will delight guests and evoke the essence of the sweet summer life. Contact restaurant dante at 617.497.4200. restaurantdante.com

Sapphire Month in September at Excelsior Restaurant Bring out the blue in you with Sapphire Month in September, with an ode to America’s number one selling colored gem. Bombay Sapphire® Gin, Alpha Omega Jewelers and Excelsior Restaurant have partnered together to create special promotions designed to give consumers insight to the world of the sapphire. All month long, Excelsior will feature a “Jewel Martini” made with the iconic Bombay Sapphire® gin, Lemon and Basil Infused Tomato Water and a Housemade Pickled Vegetable Skewer. The specialty cocktail is a delightful pairing to Excelsior’s contemporary cuisine. Each guest will also receive a special value offer to explore the timeless elegance of sapphires at Alpha Omega Jewelers. And all shoppers who make sapphire purchases at Alpha Omega for the month will receive a gift certificate to Excelsior. September 25, the Greater Boston Food Bank’s Kitchen Cabinet will hold an exclusive private shopping night for its members and guests at Alpha Omega’s Prudential location. An expansive variety of sapphires will be the backdrop to an evening featuring BOMBAY SAPPHIRE cocktails and Excelsior cuisine. For more information on the event, or how to attend, please visit contact Erin Evanoka at erin@alphaomegajewelers.com .

McCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurant at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel, will host a Soft Shell Crab - Wine Dinner at 6:30 P.M. on Monday, September 17. The four course dinner will be hosted by McCormick & Schmick's Executive Chef Nick Cummings and T. J. Griffin of United Liquors. Each will offer commentary and insight into the creation of the dishes as well as the respective pairings. The evening is priced at $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity). As seating is limited for this special dinner, advance credit card reservations are required. Reservations are available by.

The Piano Sings Every Friday Night This Fall in the Monday Club Bar Starting in September, there will be tickling of the ivories in the Monday Club Bar every Friday night, as local and talented young pianists come across the river from Berklee School of Music to play for us. We’re requesting Sinatra and Gershwin, with some jazz and show tunes interspersed, but requests are expected. Starting after the dinner hour, our pianist will play as long as the crowd hums along and the mood is mellow.

Preview of October What's Cooking

Supper Club on the Roof, Taj Boston, October 5, 2007:

The Taj Boston Supper Club on The Roof begins at 7:00 p.m. and dancing is from 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Admission is $50 per person. A Dinner Buffet is available for an additional $35 per person. Cocktails and wine will be available. For reservations, please call Restaurant Reservations at (617) 598-5255.

Fourth Annual Men's Event at The Palm, Boston: Join The Palm, Boston on Tuesday, October 9, 2007, for a fabulous evening of cocktails, dinner, and the company of friends to celebrate the Fourth Annual Men’s Event. This event, presented by The Palm and the National Cancer Prevention Fund, will benefit prostate cancer research at Lahey Clinic. This high profile event is a great opportunity to get together for a great cause. Tickets are $500 per person ($350 tax deductible per ticket). The cost includes an open bar along with hors d'oeuvres and a steak and lobster dinner. Guests will be eligible to win gift certificates; door prizes, including items such as men’s fashions, airline tickets, golf outings, private box seats to sporting events, dining certificates, skis, and golf clubs; and a grand prize trip. For more information or to purchase tickets call 617- 867-9292, visit http://cancerpreventionfund.org/pageinpage/mensevents-boston.com, or click here. The Palm, Boston, Westin Copley Place, 200 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA 02116. Phone: 1-617-867-9292. Web: www.thepalm.com.

"Dressed for Success" at The Palm, Boston: During the months of September and October, The Palm, Boston, will feature the launch of a new menu of "Dressed" for Success lunch entree salads. In addition, they will introduce nine "Women in Wine" vintage selections, presented by inflential women in the wine industry. 10% of proceeds from the purchase of the special lunch entrees in September and October and/or the nine highlighted wines (through December 31) will be given to Dress for Success. The program will help Dress for Success in its mission to promote the economic independence of women providing professional attire, a support network and career development skills to help them succeed in work and in life. The Palm, Boston, Westin Copley Place, 200 Dartmouth Street, Boston, MA 02116. Phone: 1-617-867-9292. Web: www.thepalm.com.

BostonUSA Cultural Festivals are Food Festivals

This fall visit Boston for one of its multicultural heritage festivals and enjoy the foods of:

Click here to view the Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau Explore! Multicultural 2007 Calendar of events for details.

28th Oktoberfest, Harvard Square, October 7, 2007

Explore Multicultural Events at a Glance 2007

Looking Ahead to 2008 Culinary Events

Plan ahead for Boston's food & wine events in January-February-March 2008. From the 17th Boston Wine Expo to the 5th Boston Gaelic Gourmet Week. Click to view: 2008 Events at a Glance

BostonUSA Restaurant News

“Cheers” to 25 Years since the Premiere Episode at the Bar Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Cheers is celebrating 25 years since the premier episode of the hit TV series with a four-story party on September 30^th at the Hampshire House, the original location of the setting for the show on Beacon Hill. Festivities include a look-a-like contest, karaoke, Cheers trivia, character sketches, local entertainment, digital photographs, and raffle prizes. Tickets are $25.00.

They may be purchased at either Cheers Beacon Hill or Cheers Faneuil Hall, online at www.cheersboston.com or by calling 617-854-7680.

Green Scene
Bambara has officially jumped on the hybrid bandwagon with its new environmental policies. Rest assured that your menu is now made of recycled paper, the fish on your plate was wild-caught, and the oil that crisped your fries is slated to become biodiesel fuel (and that’s just the eco-beginning). Bambara, Hotel Marlowe, 25 Edwin H. Land Blvd., Cambridge, 617-868-4444.

Saturday Chocolate Bar at the Langham Hotel Boston Restaurant Cafe Fleuri

Deluxe Chocolate Bar

Spend Saturday afternoon indulging your sinful side at the Langham Boston's unique Chocolate Bar. Voted "Best Indulgence" by Boston Magazine, our Chocolate Bar is guaranteed to delight chocolate lovers.

The best Boston restaurant attraction will begin its 19th Season on Saturday, September 8, 2007 with its new theme: Air, Fire, Water & Earth.

Experience this all-you-can-enjoy buffet through the four elements of nature as chocolate creations. This delicious assortment of more than 125 chocolate desserts includes chocolate mousses, specialty cakes, made-to-order chocolate crêpes, homemade ice cream, fresh baked cookies, milk chocolate passion fruit tarts, miniature s’more cups, cotton candy, delicate truffles, donut machine, homemade waffles with chocolate fondue and more.

Perfect for birthday parties, baby & bridal showers, special events – or simply a great indulgence for yourself. Gift certificates for this deluxe Chocolate Bar experience are available.

Operating Hours

Opening September 8, 2007
Served Saturdays noon to 3 p.m.

Adults: $35
Children 5-12 years old: $17.50
Children 4 years and under: Free

For more information
or to make reservations,
please call (617) 956-8751

Chocolate Idol Contest Does your chocolate creation compare with those of the Langham Hotel Boston's Chocolate Bar? Beginning September 8, Season 19 will feature a Chocolate Idol contest, where anyone may submit an original recipe to be added to the Chocolate Bar Season! The winner will receive a Chocolate Bar VIP pass offering unlimited access to the entire Chocolate Bar Season 19.

Entries will be accepted through September 22, and the winner will be announced on Chocolate Idol Day, October 6, 2007. E-mail your recipe or questions to chocolateidol@langhamhotels.com.

Hard Rock moves to a new location

Hard Rock Café opens July 2nd at 22 Clinton Street steps away from Faneuil Hall Marketplace & Waterfront. For more information please visit www.hardrock.com

The Hard Rock Café has a big party planned for its opening on July 2. At 10 that morning, Barry Goodreau (of the band Boston), James Montgomery, members of the rock band Damone, members of the Blue Man Group, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, Bruins player Phil Kessel, and former New Kid Jordan Knight (above) will help smash 71 guitars in honor of the restaurant's new location at Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

Culinary Tours in BostonUSA!

NEW! Chinatown Food Tour
Are you intrigued, yet a little intimidated by this fascinating, colorful neighborhood in the heart of downtown Boston? Are you wild about Asian food, but easily confused by the huge variety of unfamiliar ingredients in the markets? If so, this tour is your key to unlocking the mysteries that lie beyond the Chinatown Gate. Follow, as your guide leads you through this vibrant, energetic “village.”

Learn the differences between the many regional cuisine's of China. Find out where to buy and how to select the finest authentic ingredients. Complete your stroll with a delicious Dim Sum Luncheon, hosted by your guide. Learn the ins and outs of ordering from the roaming carts and stationary stalls, and the unique rules of Dim Sum etiquette.
Schedule and Rates:
Thursday and Saturday 9:30am to 1:00pm
Admission is $60 per person, plus 5% tax - dimsum included.
Advance ticket purchase is required.

Michele Topor's North End Market Tours

Indulge your passion for the food, wine, and culture of Italy without leaving the country! On these original award-winning North End Market Tours, the secrets of Italian ingredients are revealed as you're led through the narrow backstreets of Boston's historic Little Italy. Your trained guide will show you the best pastas, olive oils, cured meats, cheeses, wines and liquors, providing samples of authentic flavors and healthy Mediterranean cooking know-how. Tours are offered on Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays. Click here for more information on North End Market Tours.

Discerning Taste's Chef and owner Nadine Nelson Culinary Classes

Special culinary learning events ranging from Appetizers by Region: Spain to Latino: Miami Fusion Cuisine to The Cuisine of Polynesia to Cook with Star Chefs at the Boston Center & Cambridge Center for Adult Education throughout June. Click to view Culinary Classes

Get Festive a La Francaise

The Bar @ Sandrine’s Bistro Goes Full Service

Sandrine’s Bistro is proud to announce that it has obtained a full liquor license and is now serving creative cocktails … but that’s not all !

While building the attractive, new maple bar back, co-owners Raymond Ost and Gwen Trost got carried away and decided to re-decorate the entire restaurant. Look for new carpet, new wall colors, a subtle new luster to this award-winning Harvard Square favorite.

A bar menu of Alsatian specialties like flammekeuche (flatbread pizza), classic escargot and moules (mussels) is also available at the bar, priced from $10-15.

www.sandrines.com

Hot Modern Japanese Restaurant Looks Beyond the Big Apple to Boston First N.E. Outpost Opens in October @ The Pru

With six high profile restaurants around Manhattan (and one in Philly), HARU has earned a reputation for inventive, contemporary cuisine with a cool vibe. The company has long held an interest in Boston, and will open its first restaurant here in mid-October at 55 Huntington Avenue, in Back Bay.

Finally, HARU plans to create a selection of specialty sushi rolls to honor its location. In Boston, where construction and taste testing are both underway (look for the green and blue banner across from The Colonnade Hotel) look for such possibilities as: Boston Uncommon Roll, Dice-K Roll or Okajima Roll. In the large 6100 square foot space that formerly housed Dick’s Last Resort, HARU can accommodate 165 patrons in the lounge, at the sushi bar, outdoors on the sidewalk, and in indoor seating areas divided by a wooden footbridge. A private dining room holds 15. Takeout, delivery, catering, a vibrant bar scene and al fresco dining will also featured. HARU’s Grand Opening party will be held as a benefit for The Greater Boston Food Bank. For more information on HARU, go to: www.harusushi.com.