Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Upcoming Dining Events

There are a number of great dining events coming up in the next several weeks, and I will be keeping you updated along the way. Starting tonight, check out Detroit Synergy Group's newest food-focused social outing, "Diner's Club." From there enjoy wine tastings, wine pairings, and winemakers' dinners to your heart's content.

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Wednesday, March 11th: Detroit Synergy Diner’s Club at Eph’s

The kickoff of for the NEW Detroit Diner's Club will be at Eph's on Woodward. Eph's features a daily array of great deli sandwiches named after legendary Detroit icons & landmarks, hot soups, plus a hot cup of Joe or a Fa! ygo. They're also well-known for their famous bread pudding & whiskey sauce. Scope out the great plethera of vintage signage, photos & maps that tell a story or two of old Detroit. So come join us for some great eats and conversation.

When: 6:30pm
Where: 608 Woodward Ave. located on the east side of Woodward just north of Congress in downtown Detroit. Look for the big pickle!
Parking is available onstreet or in nearby garages for a fee.

Cost is only $13.00 and includes:

1) Four small sandwiches from their most popular menu items on one plate:
• THE MABLE CLARK ~ An Irish Reuben Style Sandwich, it features corned beef, swiss, slaw, russian dressing on an onion roll
• THE DUBLIN GARDEN ~ Lettuce, Tomato, spinach, Mayo, Red Onion, Dijon, Sprouts , Havarti on whole grain bread
• THE WOODDBRIDGE ~ Just like the Dublin but add a generous amount of turkey
• THE CAMPUS MARTIUS ~ Roast Beef, Horseradish, Red Onion, Lettuce, on an Onion Roll

2) A Beverage of your choice: Bottle of Vernors, Stewarts Ginger Beer or orange soda, IBC Root Beer, or Coffee.

3) Tax and gratuity.

Tickets: Space is limited, so reservations MUST be made in advance. Tickets are available on the DSG store http://shop.detroitsynergy.org and must be purchased by 9:00PM on Sunday, March 8th; cash reservations must be received by 3:00PM Monday, March 9th. (Editor's note: there's always room for walk-ins; send a note to the email address below.)

Will there be anything else? We're told the bread pudding with whiskey sauce is TO...DIE...FOR... but you may be already stuffed so that is an optional dessert item if you have the room. We'll also be stopping by Cliff Bell's afterwards for some live jazz with the Scott Gwinnell Orchestra & cocktails with some cool cats. Cover is $5.00 at the door plus drinks, optional of course.

For more info, contact Steve Holowicki detroitdiners@detroitsynergy.org
For additional info, visit http://www.yelp.com/biz/eph-mcnallys-detroit

Where: Eph’s, Detroit
When: 6:30PM
Tix: $13.00 (must RSVP in advance to ensure availability)
http://www.detroitsynergy.org/

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Thursday, March 12th: Wine & Cheese Pairing at Vitner’s Wine Cellar

Wine and cheese pairing in downtown Royal Oak.
Come try four of our wines with four cheeses from around the world.
Relaxed environment....a great way to spend an early evening or start your night out.
Please contact us at 248-591-9463 to reserve a spot.

Where: Vitner’s Wine Cellar, Royal Oak
When: 6:00PM-8:00PM
Tix: $15.00
http://www.royaloakwinery.com/

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Thursday, March 12th: Rock ‘n Roll Wine, “Amplified” Wine Tasting at 336 Main

An “Amplified” wine tasting. Making wine more accessible, less pretentious, and more fun by pairing it with live music in interesting venues. On Thursday, March 12th, Rock ‘n Roll Wine gets shakin' at 336 Main---a club and martini bar in Plymouth. 336 Main offers a respite from the franchise pub and sports bar crowd by espousing the concept of keeping it casually upscale with quality beer, wine, liquor and excellent live entertainment. As usual, RnR Wine will be pouring a brand-new mix of the underappreciated, unusual, and just plain good wines from all over the globe.

One of 336 Main's regular entertainers, Rick Canzano, will be performing a wide mix of popular covers and original entertainment. Canzano is a dynamic live performer, who plays several instruments, and has honed his craft throughout the clubs of Detroit.

A $25 advance ticket lets you sample all of the music and wine that your heart desires. The cost goes up to $30 the day of the show.

Wine pouring starts at 6:30pm, live music begins shortly thereafter. See you there!

Where: 336 Main, Plymouth
When: 6:30PM
Tix: $25.00 advance, $30.00 at the door
http://www.rnrwine.com/

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Friday, March 13th: Vintage Rock Wine Dinner Featuring Mike Fleetwood Riesling and Doobie Red at Fleming’s

OPENING SONG
GROOVY GOAT CHEESE & OVEN DRIED TOMATO CROSTINI
Double Platinum Champagne Cocktail
An original creation by rock star mixologist Kim Haasarud,
author of 101 Champagne Cocktails

MEGA-HIT
ROCKIN' SHRIMP & BLUE CHEESE DIPPING SAUCE
served with spring greens and batons of carrots
MICK FLEETWOOD PRIVATE CELLAR,
Riesling Central Coast, 2005
This refreshing, off-dry 2005 Riesling crafted by Mick
Fleetwood is the winner of numerous awards and accolades.

CHART TOPPER
KILLER FILET MIGNON
served with sautéed chard, tomato and whole grain
festival fries
DOOBIE RED, North Coast Collectors Series, 2005
Having managed The Doobie Brothers for over 35 years,
B.R. Cohn Winery's Bruce Cohn named this Collectors Series after the artists.

ENCORE
SMOKIN' BROWNIE SUNDAE
dark chocolate brownie, fudge sauce, raspberry sauce,
chantilly cream, chopped candied walnuts
Coffee or Tea

Where: Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, Birmingham
When: 6:30PM-9:00PM
Tix: $55.00 (excludes tax and gratuity)
http://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/

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Tuesday, March 17th: A Night in the Andes Wine Dinner at Forest Grill

Hour Detroit’s “Restaurant of the Year” presents “A Night in the Andes”
March 17th, 2009, 6:30 P.M.

Prepare to feast with Chef/Proprietor Brian Polcyn's and Executive Chef David Gilbert's collaboration as they bring you Latin America fare paired with award winning wines from Argentina and Chile.

Seating is limited for this event.

Lime Marinated Snapper
Avocado, Mango, and Green Papaya
Accompanied with: Trivento Torrentes, Mendoza Argentina 2007

Sopa De Quinoa
Roasted Sweet Peppers, Garlic, Poached Egg, and Pepper Broth
Accompanied with: Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc, Casablanca Valley Chile 2007

Aired Dried Ham
Fried Plantains, Pickled Chayote & Bacalao Pebre Sauce, Queso Fresco shot
Accompanied with: Amelia (CYT) Chardonnay, Casablanca Valley Chile 2005

Slow Roasted Loin of Lamb
Poblano Peppers, Empanada, Raisins, Chimichurri
Accompanied with: Trivento Golden Reserve Malbec, Mendoza Argentina 2006

Braised Beef Cheeks
Smoked Tongue, Fresh Bacon
Accompanied with: Terrunyo “Peumo Vineyard,” Carmenere, Cachapoal Valley Chile 2006

Churros
Dulce De Leche, Tropical Fruit
Accompanied with: Concha Y Toro Late Harvest Sauvignon Blanc, Maule Valley Chile 2005

$85 per Person Plus Tax and Gratuity
Reservations are made with a credit card only.

Where: Forest Grill, Birmingham
When: 6:30PM
Tix: $85.00 plus tax and gratuity
http://www.theforestgrill.com/

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Friday, March 20th: Duckhorn Wine Dinner at The Reserve

This Event will Sell Out

Reception 6:30 pm

Passed Appetizers
2007 Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
2006 Decoy, Napa Red Wine

Dinner 7:00 pm

Poached Butterfish

Baby Rocket and Fennel Salad, Dragon Fruit-Satsuma Vinaigrette
2007 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc

Foie Gras Cappuccino
Quinoa and Duck Breast
2006 Migration Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

Intermezzo

Veal Loin

Quince and Lentil Ragout, Pancetta, Olive Puree
2005 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot Three Palms Vineyard

Dessert
“Rocky Road”
2006 Paraduxx, Napa Valley Red
Chocolate Barks and Bites

French Press Coffee Service
Bon Appetit
Executive Chef Brian Henson

Where: The Reserve at Big Rock Chophouse, Birmingham
When: 6:30PM-9:30PM
Tix: $150.00 inclusive of tax, tip, and valet
www.thereservebirmingham.com