May 22nd, 2009

New Orleans Wine and Food Experience

So much great food, so little time! Rob and I got into town just before lunch so we stopped by Napoleon’s for my customary muffaletta and Bloody Mary . . . a great start to the day! Then it was on to the Angela King Gallery for the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience.

James and Pat stopped in to take home one of my new sculptures, “Cork Envy”, while we all enjoyed Justin wine.

After the event, it’s time for a night on the town with friends Gary & Jodi to enjoy an amazing dinner at Bayona on Rue Dauphine. Chef Spicer didn’t disappoint with the Boudin-Stuffed Rabbit Loin and Buttermilk Fried Leg, Smothered Greens, Stone Ground Grits, and Smokey Creole Mustard Sauce. With a glass of the Adelsheim Pinot, it was perfect! Walking down Bourbon Street is always fun for people watching – anyone have a good recommendation for the next time I’m in town?

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May 12th, 2009

Shrimp Burgers with the Family

I’m looking forward to heading up to D.C. tomorrow for the wine dinner at Ranazul, but before I go, I’m planning on spending a relaxing evening with the family. I love to cook in the kitchen with the kids and one of our favorite recipes are my famous shrimp burgers.

We discovered the shrimp burger on a family vacation to St. Helena Island in South Carolina and have since created our own version that is perfect for a casual dinner.

The key to great shrimp burgers is buying the freshest shrimp available. The local farmers market is my choice for the best shrimp but if you don’t live in an area that sells fresh seafood, the frozen shrimp will work as well. The farmers market is a great place to bring the kids, too – it’s always an adventure for the boys when they get to touch the fish and other specialties in the market!

I’ll be making the shrimp burgers with a side of cole slaw and sweet potato fries, so if you are looking for an easy dinner idea, check out my recipe here:
Thomas%20Arvid%27s%20shrimp%20burgers.pdf

And most importantly, don’t forget the wine! I recommend a nice rosé or light chardonnay. To get tips on preparation, check out my cooking demo on View From the Bay.

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May 7th, 2009

The Perfect Getaway in Highlands, NC

I took the family with me up to the Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC for a great weekend. It’s a fun place for families and the kids really enjoyed the mineral pool and the 24-hour stocked butler’s pantry. On Friday night, I painted live at Wolfgang’s on Main at a special Shafer wine dinner – Chef Wolfgang blew me away with the coffee encrusted rack of lamb!

As if one amazing dinner wasn’t enough, the Old Edwards Inn signature restaurant, Madison’s, hosted us for a wine dinner featuring Caymus. Only one month on the job and Executive Chef Johannes Klapdohr really impressed me with his culinary creations. If you don’t have any plans for Mother’s Day, I highly recommend making the trip to Highlands, NC .

If you are in town this weekend, I hope you’ll stop in to join me at Vinings Gallery in Atlanta for a glass of wine. I’ll be showing “Cork Envy,” my first Limited Edition Sculpture.
Hope to see you there!

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