Gretchen Neuman
VinoVerve Editor

Looking for something to do this weekend? Something where you can have good food and drinks? Want to have the added bonus of doing some good?

Well, I have the event for you!

Via Facebook:
Please join us at the James Hotel, on 11/22/09 from 4-7:30 to help show our love and support for our good friend Jeffrey Hemmings. As our dear friend continues his healing battle with Germ Cell Cancer, we want Jeff to know how much we all love him and that he only needs to focus on getting better. To that end, we are getting together to raise money for Jeff to cover his expenses until he can get back to the normal business of life.

We’ll gather for a late afternoon of joy to celebrate and laugh in his honor. There will be a cash bar and appetizers, as well as a raffle. We’re asking for a $20 donation to attend the event, and ask that you bring your hearts and your checkbooks! Our friend needs our help.

The specifics:
When: Sunday, November 22nd 4:30 – 7:00pm
Where: The James Hotel (Great Room) 55 E. Ontario, Chicago, IL 60611
Cost: Door Donation $20 includes buffet.

Purchase tickets and/or donate here:

http://helpinghemmings.eventbrite.com

You have the option of donating and/or buying tickets at the EventBrite page. If you would like to donate, you decide the amount you would like to contribute. The system will then tack on an EventBrite service fee to cover the cost of credit card processing.

If you’re buying tickets, you need to simply choose how many you want.

You do not need a paypal account to buy tickets or to donate. Please let us know if you have questions.

We’re also offering raffle tickets for purchase at the event as well as a cash bar. All proceeds will go directly to Jeff.

Please RSVP so that we know how many to expect!

Thanks,
Mark, Rachael, and Jeff
If you have dined with Kevin and I at David Burke’s Primehouse, chances are you have met Jeff.  He is a great guy and deserves our support.  Kevin, Rory and I will be there… Hope to see you too!

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I think that I mentioned last week that I was planning on attending the Tablas Creek wine dinner at David Burke’s Primehouse. Well, on October 15th, I did. And so did Kevin.I love these kinds of events because you get to hang around with foodies who are passionate about their vino as they are about their food. Add in winemakers who are passionate about their product and you have a great evening.The menu:Halibut Gravlaxbay scallops, citrus and avocadoCotes de Tablas Blanc 2006Pan Roasted Alaskan King Salmonstir fried lobster, pea pods and mushrooms with spicy herb sauceRoussanne 2006Pork Belly “Au Poivre”dried cherried, griddled ricotta dumplingMouvedre 2006Petite 35 Day Dry Aged Kansas City Sirloinchorizo whipped potato, garlicky swiss chardCotes de Tablas Rouge 2006Bosc Pear Tarte Tatinbleu cheese flan, apricot black pepper ice creamVin de Paille Quintessence 2005More about the wines later….. Save This Page

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Kevin and I are going! Hoping to see you at David Burke’s Primehouse.Make a reservation at Open Table: Save This Page

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Kevin brought home a little treat for me today.The latest copy of the David Burke Magazine. The magazine which features the various David Burke restaurant properties contains an article in this issue about our favorite sommelier, Rory Gurland.Specifically, the article discusses Rory’s enormously popular 777 Wine Weeks, which allow diners to travel around the world tasting seven wines and seven dishes from seven places. Proceeds from the tasting benefits Common Threads, that educates children about nutrition and cooking (Those of you following Bravo TV’s Top Chef may have seen the episode that featured the kids from that program).Upcoming events have been scheduled for lunch during the weekdays instead of including the weekends, but patrons will continue to taste seven wines for the very low donation of $7.00 (again going to Common Threads). As mentioned previously, the themes for this year’s 777 Events have been set.The week of June 2 thru 6 will feature:

• Chardonnay
• Cabernet
• Summer
• ‘New’ Old World
• South America

The week of December 1 thru 5 will feature:

• Sparkling Wine and Champagne
• Winter
• Italy
• France
• Spain

So come on by, taste some great wines, hobnob with Rory and make a donation to Common Threads! Oh and if you see some crazy woman with a camera taking pictures of her food, say hi to me as well!Oh and as note, the photograph featured in the article was taken by yours truly. Save This Page

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Holiday Rory is excited about 777 December 2007!Some of you may have joined us for the inaugural 777 in July and remember the 7 days of 7 wines for 7 dollars donated to Common Threads, http://www.commonthreads.org/. David Burke’s Primehouse is doing it again only this time we are cramming in 7 awesome wine regions into 5 days. Make reservations for lunch on the week of Monday 12/3 to Friday 12/7 and taste some really great wines, eat spectacular food, and get into the holiday spirit.Here are the wines Followed by theme inspired special additions to the lunch menu from Executive Chef Rick Gresh and Executive Pastry Chef Jove T. Hubbard:may be subject to change:Mon 12/3 Austro-Hungarian Empire (Austria/Northern Italy/Hungary)Domane Wachau Riesling Federpsiel 2003Hiedler Gruner Veltliner Loss Kamptal 2005Ceretto Blange Arneis Piedmont 2006Produttori Del Barbaresco Babaresco 2003Vajra Dolcetto d’Alba Coste & Fossati 2004Allegrini Amarone 2003Oremus Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttunyos 2000Amuse – Grilled Octopus With White Beans And Roasted Tomato RagoutApp – Chicken Paprikash With DumplingsEntree – Porcini Mushroom Risotto With Veal SchnitzelDessert – Roasted Cherry and Apple Crepe Dumplings With Farmer’s Cheese SorbetTuesday 12/4 AustraliaBetts and Scholl Riesling Eden Valley 2006Vasse Felix Adams Road Chardonnay Margaret River 2006Yerrring Station Pinot Noir Yarra Valley 2006Yangarra Old Vine Grenache McLaren Vale 2004Cape d’Estaing Cabernet Sauvignon Kangaroo Island 2003Henschke Henry’s Seven SGMV Barossa 2005Chambers Muscadelle (Tokay) Rutherglen NVAmuse – Bay Bugs (Like Crawfish) With Lemon ButterApp – Croccodile Wontons And Kangaroo Satay With Chili Dipping SauceEntree – Pork Medalions With Potato Puree And DukkaDessert – Exotic Fruit Pavlova With Passion Fruit Meringue, Exotic Fruit Creme, Lychee SorbetWednesday 12/5 Classic Regions of FranceChampagne- Louis Roederer Brut Premier NVAlsace – Trimbach Riesling 2005Loire – Merlin Cherrier Sancerre 2006Burgundy – Fougeray de Beauclair Fixin “Clos Marion” 2000Rhone – Chapoutier La Bernardine 2005 Bordeaux – Chateau de Pez St Estephe 2004Sauternes – Clos L’Abeilley 2003Amuse – Duck Liver Pate With Preserved Red Onions, Cornichon, BriocheApp -Brandade With Truffles And Garlic BaguettesEntree – Coq Au VinDessert – Bosc Pear Tarte Tatin With Toasted Cinnamon Ice CreamThursday 12/6 7 Wines From 7 North American States (Including Niagara, CA)New Mexico – Gruet Blanc de Noirs NVWashington – Kung Fu Girl Riesling 2006Oregon – Gypsy Dancer Emily Ann Pinot Noir 2006Virginia – Kluge Abermarle Simply Red Virginia 2004California – Caravan Cabernet Sauvingon Napa 2005Niagara (Canada) -Inniskillin ‘Pearl’ Icewine 2004Missouri – Mt. Pleasant ‘Vintage Port’ 2000 Augusta AVA (20th anniversary of being first AVA)Amuse – Mini Mac And Cheese With Fried ChickenApp – Maine Lobster Roll – Soft Bun, Creamy Lobster FillingEntree – The Steakhouse – Petite NY Strip With Creamed Spinach And Onion RingsDessert – Mini Slice Of PrimeFriday 12/7 SpainLlopart Cava Brut Reserva Cava-Penedes 2000Vina Godeval Valdeorras 2006Artazu Navarra 2005Lopez di Heredia Vina Bosconia Rioja 1999Capcanes Costers Del Gravet Monsant 2001Cenit Zamora 2003Alvear PX Solera 1927Amuse – Buqquerones (White Anchovies) With Garlic Potatoes And Micro ArugulaApp – Serrano Wrapped Shrimp With Chorizo RiceEntree – Beef A La Plancha With Smoked PaprikaDessert – Crema Catalana With Maple Poached Pears And Cinnamon ChurrosSpecial Thanks To:Ryan Arnold of Vin di VinoBrian Vaughn and Michael Doeffler of Distinctive WinesBrad Butcher of Southern Wine and SpiritsCurt Burns and Amy Halloran of Chicago Wine MerchantsScott Domer and Ron Balter of Connoisseur WinesLeigh Mater and Beth Gustafson of Vintage WinesRichard Betts of Betts and SchollChristophe Bakunas of CreamJody Ames Smith of HeritageMerrit Ohlson of Epicurean WinesPeter Robinson of Signature WinesJanelle Gordon of Pinnacle WinesRebecca Loewy of Old Bridge CellarsScott Levitt of Maisons Marques and DomainesJeff Anderson of Judge and Dolph Regal DivisionSusan Van Kanought of Expedition WinesJules Symon of Terlato Wines InternationalChristine Anders of Gypsy DancerJean Styles and Mitch Einhorn of Wine-O-RamaRobert Houde of Garnacha LimitedDavid Sink and Steven Spanbauer of Maverick Wine Comany Save This Page

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