The Last Sunset Sensations

(Notro Tinto Fundacion 2010 was paired with the duck course during the 2nd demo, Can Feixes Blanco Seleccio 2010 was paired with the monkfish course during the 1st demo.)

Yesterday was the last Sunset Sensations at Locust Grove (a monthly unique wine and food sampling series from May to October).

The first course and wine pairing were served on the lawn in front of the rows of blooming tree hydrangea. Guests strolled among the dahlias admiring the different colors, shapes and sizes many also toured the heritage vegetable garden. The second and third courses were served in the west gallery of the visitor center.

It was a delightful afternoon and a lovely evening in the Hudson Valley (the sky was a bit overcast, but mother nature was kind, blessed us with a light sprinkle just when we were getting ready to bring the party indoors). Everyone in attendance had a wonderful time. My friends Linda and Rose attended for the first time and loved it.

To learn more visit http://www.lgny.org/calendar/sunset%20sensation.html

The featured chef was Bruce Kazan of Main Course, 175 Main Street, New Paltz NY.

Bruce and his team did an excellent job. Lots of thought went into the composition of each course, making sure the flavors, texture, taste and eye appeal of all the ingredients complimented each other.

I especially liked the Eggplant Caponata, the Pumpkin Brandade and the Hudson Valley Duck Rilette. My favorite was the Celery Root Remoulade.

Wine pairings was by  Robert (Bob) Brink of Arlington Wine & Liquor, 718 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY.

The 3 wines chosen by Bob complimented the 3 different courses and drew great cheers and applauses from the crowd for his excellent choices. Bob obviously knows his wine, he did not choose the ordinary or popular wines, instead he presented different and unusual wines, wines that one would not normally ask for but would certainly enjoy. He was so correct.

The Heritage Vegetable Garden Tour and the Talk & Show between the 1st and 2nd cooking demonstrations were by Tim Steinhoff, Locust Groves‘s horticulturist. Tim knows his veggies and everyone enjoyed his presentation and listened attentively. Who knew veggie talk could be so captivating!!!!!

The photo at the top of the post and the photos below show some of the vegetables grown in the Heritage Vegetable Garden: top left, collection of onions; top right, cheese pumpkin; bottom left, eggplants; bottom right, celeriac.