[cutting edge]
Bravo’s Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio has given two thumbs up to a product from right here in the Lou. NHB KnifeWorks’ Thai Basil Knife line (pictured above) has a starring role in the reality TV chef’s preferred collection of foodie items. NHB KnifeWorks was founded in 2012 by chef/knife-maker Nate Bonner and former attorney Melody Noel. To see the knives, log onto daraartisans.com, a website for unique, handmade artisan crafts and products.
[ post party ]
Wrap up the holidays and grab a slice of King’s Cake Jan. 3 at The Old Courthouse from noon to 4 p.m. during the 1764 Twelfth Night (Afternoon) Ball, hosted by The National Park Service. The free event offers French colonial music, dance and samplings of French holiday fare provided by food historian and QB columnist Suzanne Corbett.
Seasonal specialties appear and disappear quickly. Picks to savor before the holiday fades are Montelle Winery’s mulling wine, St. Wenceslaus, and Schlafly’s Chestnut Mild Ale, a small-batch dark brown ale brewed with chestnuts. Seasonal sweets to consider are The Cup’s peppermint stick and gingerbread cupcakes, federhofer Bakery’s German Springerle cookies and Piccione’s Pumpkin Cassata Cake.
[last hurrah]
Dec. 26 is the Last Chance, Last Dance Party planned to celebrate Ya covelli’s 95th year before the North County culinary landmark shutters Jan. 1, 2015. “It’s been a great run,” says Jack and Jan Yacovelli, who view retirement as bittersweet. “We’ll truly miss our loyal customers and staff.”
- Chris DeMercurio has flown the coop at Old Standard Fried Chicken to join Home Wine Kitchen and chef-owner Casey Vires, who reports Chris’ savory additions are already on the winter menu.
- Chef Eric Brenner’s New Year’s resolution includes the opening of Las celles Granite City Tap & Grill, where upscale comfort food is slated for the center of the plate.
- Death in the Afternoon (Citygarden) executive chef Nick Martinkovic has moved on, while Jack Massa returns to Town & County just in time for Christmas with the opening of Massa ’s.