Eating out is a great inspiration for learning how to impress your loved one. Whether aroused by an exotic delicacy, captivated by a creative presentation, or enchanted by the overall mood of the experience--the lighting, music, or the decor; you can learn a lot from the masters.

The James Beard Foundation has been at the forefront of America's culinary revolution for over 20 years. Throughout the year chefs from America's finest restaurants and hotels cook in the kitchen of James Beard's legendary Greenwich Village home, presenting their culinary art to Foundation members, guests and friends.The lunch events are less expensive then the dinners and are a great way to sample the goods so to speak, before becoming a member and attending lunches, dinners and other James Beard Events--all of which you will want to do.  

I attended a wonderful food and wine tasting prepared by chef Roberto Lamorte of Trattoria Dopo Teatro. Born in Pisa, Italy, Roberto's food-loving family inspired his culinary passion. After working at two highly acclaimed NY restaurants, Le Cirque and Da Silvano, Lamorte now pays homage to the regional cuisine of Tuscany.

It was a lovely Friday afternoon and a welcomed opportunity to enjoy an outdoor cocktail reception in the James Beard Garden. Hors d'Oeuvres included:

Chicken Liver Pâté Crostini
Tuna Tartare with Avocado
Arancini with Green Peas and Parmesan
Beef Carpaccio with Arugula, Parmesan, and Truffle Oil
Sausage, Spinach, and Gorgonzola-Filled Fried Ravioli with Tomato Sauce

Wine Served: Mormoraia Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2006


We moved inside for the main meal. The food served was exquisite and creatively presented, each coarse perfectly paired with select wines.

Porcini and Ricotta-Filled Homemade Crêpes with Four-Cheese Sauce
Firriato Altavilla della Corte Grillo Bianco 2006

Stracci all'Aragosta
Homemade Pasta Ribbons with Lobster, Cherry Tomatoes, and Tuscan Pesto
H. Lun Sandbichler Pinot Noir 2004

Osso Buco alla Milanese
Braised Veal Shank with Saffron Risotto and Citrus Zest
Fontodi Chianti Classico 2001

Sfogliatina di Mele
Puff Pastry Layered with Baked Apples and Chantilly Cream, Served with Chocolate Sauce
Icardi La Rosa Selvatica Moscato d'Asti 2006

Trattoria Dopo Teatro is a unique combination of extraordinary Italian cuisine, exquisite décor and affordable prices. Appearing deceptively small from the outside, this Theater District favorite is home to one of the most beautiful interior gardens in New York City,
 
Address: 125 West 44th St. NYC (betw 6th & B'way)
(212)869-2849
Saturday Brunch 12:00-3:00pm
Pre & After Dinner Menu ushrooms