Fists of Feury

Chefs Patrick and Terence Feury, of restaurants Nectar and Fork respectively, teamed up with Bill Covaleski of Victory Beer Co. to create Fists of Feury, an ode to the English and Irish heritage of their parents. Chef Patrick has been home-brewing since he was young and has known Covaleski for a while so teaming up was bound to happen eventually. Fists of Feury is an English pale ale that combines English and American hops with rosemary, an ingredient found in a lot of Chef Patrick’s dishes.

Fists of Feury and food at Nectar make a great pair!

Visit Nectar online or call 610-725-9000 for reservations

Wednesday night Aperitivos at Restaurant Alba

Every Wednesday from 5 to 7, experience Aperitivos at Restaurant Alba in Malvern.

In Italy, an aperitivo is a pre-dinner cocktail that is meant to stimulate the palate before dinner. At Restaurant Alba it’s an Italian Happy Hour.

Chef Sean Weinberg will prepare complimentary bites to include a variety of Italian tapas. Menu items will vary, but guests can expect to sample grilled flatbreads, or bowls of roasted almonds, salami, cheese, roasted peppers, and much more. Munch on that while you sip a bitter, a glass of sparkling wine or gin.

Restaurant Alba’s contemporary, rustic menu features Northern Italian dishes created from the freshest, local seasonal ingredients. Call ahead to reserve a table for dinner. The restaurant is located right next to the Malvern train station at 7 West King Street in Malvern, PA. For reservations, call 610-644-4009.

Bistrot La Minette’s Burgundy Wine dinner with Brian Freedman

Wednesday, September 1 marks the first of a series of wine dinner collaborations featuring the cuisine of Bistrot La Minette’s Chef Peter Woolsey and the chosen pours of wine writer/consultant Brian Freedman. This installment features the tastes of Burgundy.  It’s a great opportunity to learn about food and wine pairings; Chef Woolsey and Freedman will be available to answer any questions you may have.  Not to mention everything will taste SO good.

The five-course dinner with wine pairings is $90/person. See the full menu here.

Reserve your table in the private salon for one of the two seatings at 6:30 or 8:30. Call 215-925-8000 or book online at www.bistrotlaminette.com

What’s better than crab and a three-day weekend?

Nothing.

If you’re thinking of entertaining this Labor Day weekend Phillips Foods crab meat is great to have on hand.  Use it to whip up quick and delicious recipes like a crab and cantaloupe margarita with southwestern crab and corn dip. Check out the recipe center for more inspiration on dishes that are great for entertaining, light and healthy or kid friendly. Phillips Foods crab meat is available in four varieties: jumbo lump, backfin, special and claw. Click here to find out where Phillips Foods crab meat and other products are sold near you.

Chef Peter Woolsey’s takes Sabbatical in France

Perhaps the second best thing next to actually going to France yourself is to reap the benefits of a chef who has just traipsed through the country himself. Bistrot La Minette’s Chef Peter Woolsey has returned from his annual sabbatical in France where he perused the markets, devoured the cuisine and visited with family. All of this means one thing to you…he’s brought back all he’s seen (and eaten) and will serve it up for you at Bistrot La Minette.

Make a reservation to try his culinary re-creations at 215-925-8000.

Family heirlooms at Linvilla Orchards

This Saturday, August 21 (rain date: Sunday, August 22) from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. you can view the whole color spectrum of vibrant reds and yellows at Linvilla Orchard’s annual Tomato and Pear Festival.

The day is loaded with fun things for the entire family. Makin’ Music plays host and tuneskeeper, plus there’s pony rides, contests, and a world class playground.  Get messy at the tomato toss, then clean up and march over to the Linvilla Grill for a bite to eat. Pop in the Market and taste the more savory eats from our harvest like salsa, juices, and pies.

Pick heirloom Brandywine and Pineapple tomatoes or the unusual pear shaped Japanese Black Trifele tomato straight from the vine. You’ll be amazed when you see the wide variety that is planted!

Stop by to see Chef Michael Falcone of Funky ‘lil Kitchen in Pottstown who will be doing a cooking demonstration at noon. Linvilla Orchards is located at 137 West Knowlton Road, Media, PA. Call 610-876-7116 for more information or visit online.

When: Aug. 21 (Sat.) 9 am-6 pm
Rain date (Sun.) 9 am-6 pm

Best dessert in Philly

The anxiously awaited Philadelphia Magazine “Best of Philly” picks of 2010 have been announced! And for anyone who’s got a sweet tooth they recommend you head over to Bistrot La Minette (623 S. 6th St.) for some dessert.

Before chef/owner Peter Woolsey was turning out traditional French cassoulets and flammenkuche at Bistrot La Minette he was putting his Le Cordon Bleu pastry education to use in the kitchens of Washington Square and Striped Bass.

During the past two years at the helm of Bistrot La Minette, Chef Woolsey has expanded his repetoire from sweet to savory, but he hasn’t lost his touch. Philly Mag says his desserts are the best in the city, including his “traditional raspberry mille feuille that’s better than versions we’ve had in France.”

We second that.

Wanna taste some of the best? Call 215-925-8000 to reserve your table.

There’s always time for tea at Lotus Farm to Table

Better skin, healthy hearts, strong bones? Take tea, naturally!

Courtney Rozsas, owner of Lotus Farm to Table in Media, Pa. has a special fondness for tea. When she was a child, her mother would nurture her with teas that would comfort, soothe, and energize her. But it’s more than nostalgia. A former pre-med student, Rozsas has done her homework about the healing effects of the time-honored beverage, and this passion has made its way onto the menu of her new establishment.

While other restaurateurs may boast world-class wine cellars, Rozsas is proud of her selection of loose teas, each one specially chosen for its flavor – and for its health benefits.

Here’s a few you’ll find on the menu at Lotus:

Happy Tea is gently touched with mint and lavender, combining zest and tranquility.

Beauty Secret is scented with fresh cassia and blended with oolong, helps soothe the heart and spleen, and may help clarify and refresh your complexion.

Charm Tea is a clear, lemon tea that’s as invigorating as a spring breeze and as an added bonus. helps to clear away fatty deposits!

Oolong imparts a sense of relaxation.

Green Tea is believed to increase metabolism, boost the immune system, and lower blood pressure by attacking cholesterol.

Chrysanthemum Tea is a detoxifying agent in Chinese medicine. It might be just the thing for fevers, sore throats, and allergies. And it’s said to energize and promote better vision and hearing.

Anji White is rich in antioxidants for maintaining youthfulness and strong bones.

Flowering Teas are hand-rolled green tea and jasmine blooming teas.

Iced Tea options are Green Oolong, Rose Oolong, or Gardenia Oolong.

Lotus Farm to Table is located at 112 West State St. in Media, PA.  The restaurant is open Tuesdays through Saturdays. Lunch is served 11 am to 3 pm.; dinner from 5 pm to 9 pm. Lotus is also available for private parties on Sundays. For reservations, call 610.565.5554.