Matteo Silverman’s GRACIOUS GOURMAND

Matteo Silverman’s food is legendary in Brooklyn. After many successful years of hosting 4CV (Four Course Vegan), he has refined and mastered his technique and style. This was obvious last Friday when he unleashed a six-course Mexican-fusion menu – plus a customized Kanon Organic Vodka martini; Sastuma Tangerine & Thai Basil.

The raw cashew-cheese Amuse Bouchce was both a visual delight in the pink root vegetable pocket, and a delicious starter that got everyone in the mood for more. The Cayuga Farms Black Bean Soup with Toasted Cumin and Citrus Sour Cream was rich, hearty, decadent, and perfect for the chilly weather. The Red Kuri Squash Crepinette with Pickled Beets and Oaxacan Mole was outstanding, complex, and thought-provoking – and how can you go wrong with chocolate for dessert combined with cinnamon and vanilla?

This was the last GRACIOUS GOURMAND until 2011, so if you missed it, I’m sorry! In the time being, don;t forget to come every Sunday from 11am- 3pm to the Gracious Gourmand Waffle Brunch featuring Chef Ayinde Howell.

No Comments

joshuakatcher, December 13th 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Posted in event, food, vegan, vegetarian

PETIT DEJEUNER: A Waffle Brunch Event

GRACIOUS GOURMAND and I Eat Grass have teamed up with The West Cafe in Williamsburg, Brooklyn to bring you Petit Dejeuner: A Waffle Brunch, featuring the delectable, decadent and geometrically gorgeous creations of Chef Ayinde Howell. $11 with a savory side of Mac & Yease or $9 for waffles, solo! Brunch is every Sunday, BUT WAIT… if you print out the coupon at the bottom of the page, you can buy one brunch, get one free waffle – this Sunday only.

Menu:

Le Classic Waffle w/ Butter and Vermont Maple Syrup
Country Cinnamon Waffles with Apple Raisin Compote
Pumpkin Spiced Waffles w/ Spicy Vodka Cranberry Compote
Savory Side: Mac & Yease: Ayinde’s take on a classic, you must try to believe

Sundays , 11am – 3pm, The West Cafe – 379 Union ave, Brooklyn, NY, 11211

6 Comments

joshuakatcher, December 9th 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in vegan

GRACIOUS GOURMAND: Matteo Silverman

This Friday, Dec 3rd, Chef Matteo Silverman of 4 Course Vegan – Williamsburg Brooklyn’s original vegan supper club, will be cooking for Gracious Gourmand. This incredible six-course meal is only $50, and is not to be missed! This is our final dinner for 2010 before we take a holiday break, so if you have not yet attended, now is your last chance for a while. See you Friday at The Second Stop Cafe!

MENU:

Menu Gracious Gourmand 12/03/10

Special Cocktail ($8):
Satsuma Tangerine and Thai Basil Vodka Mojito

Amuse Bouche
*****
Cayuga Farms Black Bean Soup with
Toasted Cumin and Citrus Sour Cream
*****
Spicy Avocado Timbale with
Radish Slaw and Cilantro Jalapeno Puree
*****

Plantain Torta with
Micro Wasabi and Smoked Chile Sauce
*****
Red Kuri Squash Crepinette with
Pickled Beets and Oaxacan Mole
*****
Chocolate Mousse Tart with
Cinnamon Nectar and Vanilla Anglaise

Matteo Silverman (4coursevegan.com) is an innovator of underground dining. He is responsible for producing 4 Course Vegan, a series of gourmet vegan dinners served in his Williamsburg, Brooklyn loft, that have earned acclaim from the veg and omnivorous communities alike. Chef Matteo supports the local and sustainable farmers of the NYC Green Market at Union Square.

No Comments

joshuakatcher, December 1st 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in vegan

Ella Nemcova’s Kingdom of Plaisir

GRACIOUS GOURMAND was abuzz on Friday night with people anxiously awaiting Ella Nemcova (of The Regal Vegan)‘s incredible menu, featuring six courses of sophisticated flavors and textures that soon left guests joyfully full and gastronomically stimulated. The pistachio and Bing-Cherry crusted faux gras truffles over micro-greens blew my mind, and the visual presentation of the salad, complete with butterfly-shaped golden beets was a simple pleasure. The lobster mushroom entree would have pleased any ravenous foodie, swimming in a rich porcini cream sauce and paired with a kabocha puree. What was also surprising was the sparkling rose-water infused martinis with chocolate shavings featuring Kanon Organic Vodka.

Chef Ella Nemcova performed magnificently in this forum for avant garde, sustainable fare and I look forward to her sophomore performance! The next GRACIOUS GOURMAND will be December 3rd featuring Chef Matteo Silverman of 4CV. Get tickets now!

2 Comments

joshuakatcher, November 21st 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in vegan

GRACIOUS GOURMAND: Ella Nemcova, Nov 19th

Gracious Gourmand returns Friday, Nov. 19th featuring Chef Ella Nemcova. Get tickets now! $50 prix fix

Antique Clipart: Robin.Antique Clipart: Blue-Throated Redstart.


MENU: KINGDOM OF PLAISIR

Amuse Bouche Trio:
â«· Lebanese Garlic & Smoky Kale Napoleon
â«· Faux Gras Truffle in Bing Cherries and Toasted Pistachio on Microgreens
â«· Marinated Kanpyo on Jerusalem Artichoke Half Shells with Horseradish Cream

Salade:
â«· Celeriac & Apple Remoulade with Pickled Kale Stem Dressing and Beet Farfalle

Entrée:
â«· Rice Cannelloni Stuffed with Lobster Mushroom, Pecan, Braised Leek and Tempeh in Mirin-Poached Enoki and a Porcini Cream Sauce
â«· Toasted Bread Crumb Seared Brussels Sprouts

Dessert:
⫷ Macerated Local Apple, Pear & Date on Caramelized Gingersnap Crust à La Mode

Cocktail:
â«· Rosewater-infused Vodka with Shaved Chocolate Kisses ($8)

MENU SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO MARKET AVAILABILITY

Ella has studied at The Institute of Culinary Education, The Natural Gourmet Institute, in cooking classes around the world and under the tutelage of Chef Josh Sharkey formerly of Café Grey. The Regal Vegan was created to fill the void in healthy, plant-based cuisine in the New York community. Using east coast ingredients with a global soul, Ella creates inventive food inspired by recipes she discovered while traveling around the world, to satisfy vegetarians and carnivores alike.

GRACIOUS GOURMAND, a weekly dinner event presented by The Discerning Brute & Second Stop Cafe, is not for the weak of palate. Featuring a rotating cast of chefs specializing in avant-garde, gourmet, sustainable fare, our series aims to challenge ordinary perceptions and preparations of fine food, expose visionary talent, and celebrate conscientious hedonism.

No Comments

joshuakatcher, November 9th 2010 | Tags: ,
Posted in event, food, green, organic, restaurant, vegan, vegetarian

Ayinde Howell’s Second Act

crowd

“Gracious Gourmand is like open mic night for chefs”, Chef Ayinde Howell said to a packed house on Friday night, October 22, 2010. After serving up an impressive seven-course Moroccan-inspired meal, plus a carefully paired preserved lemon drop martini with date-sugar rim, featuring Kanon Organic Vodka, he also said, “Wow, I actually don’t know any of you, which is awesome!”.

chermoulatempeh

It was one of the coolest autumn nights yet, and the cozy, candle-lit back room at the Second Stop Cafe in Williamsburg glowed with warmth, local flowers, decorative gourds, and a small crowd of fashion designers, actors, foodies, and artists whose conversational din must have radiated out onto the sidewalk, drawing the curiosity of more than one passerby, who poked their heads in to see what was happening.

When I started Gracious Gourmand a couple months ago, this is exactly what I had envisioned: an intimate, decadent, and joyous gathering where exceptional food is the star.

If you have not yet come to one of our events, make sure not to miss the next one, featuring the outstanding chef Pam Brown of Woodstock’s Garden Cafe on November 5, 2010.

No Comments

joshuakatcher, October 23rd 2010 | Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in event, food, green, vegan, vegetarian

Chef Ayinde Howell Returns to Gracious Gourmand, Oct 22


Chef Ayinde Howell makes his comeback to Gracious Gourmand on October 22nd, 2010, featuring an inspired, sustainable Mediterranean menu:

◊  Morrocan Preserved lemon drop martinis with date sugar rim
â—Š Shwarma “Street meat” skewers
â—Š Pomegranate arugula salad with Klamata Olives
â—Š Mediterranean mushroom soup
â—Š Chermoula Tempeh over Raisin Couscous
â—Š Cashew Ice cream Affogato

Don’t miss this dinner at Second Stop Cafe in Williamsburg Brooklyn, get tickets now!

No Comments

joshuakatcher, October 12th 2010 | Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in food, green, vegan, vegetarian

Yoli Ouiya’s Gracious Gourmand

The fourth Gracious Gourmand featured the satisfying creations of Chef Yoli Ouiya. Yoli’s six-course menu was rich, decadent, and integrated many fall favorites from apple-cinnamon and sweet potato to hearty soup, creamy four-cheese vegan mac, and two ‘meaty’ entrees (see the menu). The crowd was even treated to apple-cinnamon martinis and chocolate martinis featuring Kanon Organic Vodka! Don’t miss the next Gracious Gourmand with returning Chef Ayinde Howell!

1 Comment

joshuakatcher, October 12th 2010 | Tags: , ,
Posted in vegan

Yoli Ouiya – Gracious Gourmand, Oct 8, 2010

GRACIOUS GOURMAND, a biweekly dinner event presented by The Discerning Brute & Second Stop Cafe, is not for the weak of palate. Featuring a rotating cast of chefs specializing in avant-garde, gourmet, sustainable fare, our series aims to challenge ordinary perceptions and preparations of fine food, expose visionary talent, and celebrate conscientious hedonism.

The next event is October 8, 2010, featuring Chef Yoli Ouiya. See below for details.

PURCHASE YOU TICKET, $50 PRIX FIXE (drinks not included), click below:

Yoli Ouiya’s Six Course Menu

♦ Choice of Braised Seitan with African Gremolata or Ginger Barbecue Tempeh*
Both served with Caramelized Shallots

♦ Egusi Vegetable Soup*

♦ Southern 4 Cheese Vegan Macaroni*

♦ Sautéed Wild Greens*

♦ Apple Cinnamon Crisp with Salted Caramel Crème*

♦ sweet potato pie parfait*

♦♦♦ To Drink: Chocolate Vodka Shooter featuring Kanon Organic Vodka.
Drinks are  $8

*Items are or can be made gluten-free. Please email yoli@yoliouiya.com by October 3rd, 2010 for gluten-free requests.

About the Chef:

Preparing food for one’s family is a huge cultural symbol of pride for the women of Burkina Faso, a small West African country. Akin to a right of passage, it is a big part of life for a young woman from her father’s country. Though born in America, Yoland Ouiya, known as Yoli, was no exception. Twenty years later, she is known throughout the New York City area for catering for various vegan activist organizations, a brief stint at Reboot restaurant, and servicing a cultural array of clients and festivals.

Yoli Ouiya currently operates a boutique eco-lifestyle outfit called Ou!ya and YoliOuiya.com : Eco-chic Living and Green Savings. She offers rich,colorful meals, food preparation classes, and a variety of eco-chic themed events in New York.

She is currently on the junior board of The New York Coalition for Healthy School Lunches and works with various organizations for youth based events including Health Corps and Teen ACTION (NYC Department of Youth and Community Development).

No Comments

joshuakatcher, October 5th 2010 | Tags: ,
Posted in vegan

Ayinde Howell’s Gracious Gourmand

The third Gracious Gourmand took place on Friday September 24th, 2010. It was fantastic to see both familiar faces as well as newcomers! Chef Ayinde Howell created a six-course experience that was innovative, bold, and satisfying. From breadfruit and spicy quinoa hash to jerk bolognese, red velvet cake and caramelized pumpkin seeds – each dish has something delicious and comforting fused with unfamiliar yet exciting elements. The organic, vegan meal was complimented by Hibiscus Yerba-Mate Martinis with organic vodka compliments of Kanon Organic Vodka.

Chef Ayinde Howell will again be preparing a meal for Gracious Gourmand on October 22nd – but don’t miss our October 8th event with Chef Yoli Ouiya.

Please see the images of Ayinde’s menu below, and to find out more about Mr. Howell, check out his website I Eat Grass.

2 Comments

joshuakatcher, September 25th 2010 | Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in event, food, green, organic, vegan, vegetarian
« Older Posts