Newport Great Chowder Cookoff Celebrates 30 Years on June 4, 2011

The Newport Rhode Island Waterfront will be buzzing with The Great Chowder Cookoff on June 4. Now in its 30th year, the celebration promises to be thicker than ever! Three world champions will return this year to defend their title. You will Enjoy all-you-can-eat samples of various traditional and exotic chowders from across the country and beyond, and vote for the best in three categories: Clam, Seafood and Creative. The festivities this year will include a Clamcake Eating Challenge and the introduction of the Chowdahead Club.

For more information, visit the Newport Waterfront Events website.

Best Sugarmakers in Vermont gather maple sap the old fashioned way, by horse and sleigh!

Courtesy of Dakin Farm on YouTube 

Wentworth by the Sea Resort: Spring Dining Package

Treat yourself to a chef-inspired three course dinner for two at Wentworth by the Sea Resort in New Castle, New Hampshire! This package includes:

•Deluxe accommodations
•Custom three-course dinner for two
•Book online with promo code YX1

*Package expires May 12th. Available Sunday-Thursday only. Restrictions apply.  Based on availability.  

For more information visit http://www.wentworth.com/ or call 866-240-6313

Grace Hotels Opens the Historic Vanderbilt Grace in Newport Rhode Island, Announces the Launch of its Fine Dining Restaurant, Muse by Jonathan Cartwright

Vanderbilt Grace Launch Party in London
Courtesy of Grace Hotels on YouTube

Grace Hotels http://www.gracehotels.com/, the family-owned award-winning hotel group has announced the opening of Vanderbilt Grace in Newport, Rhode Island.

The property was acquired in late 2010 and is the first Grace hotel in the USA. The former Vanderbilt Hall now opens its doors as Vanderbilt Grace, an exquisite mansion hotel which in recent years has been restored to its former glory. Grace Hotels promises to deliver its signature style, elegance, attention to detail and consummate service.

This summer will see the opening of the hotel's new gourmet restaurant Muse by Jonathan Cartwright, a fine dining experience created by celebrated New England chef, Jonathan Cartwright. Recently appointed as Grace Hotels' Group Chef de Cuisine, Jonathan Cartwright is developing exciting menus at Muse that promise a subtle combination of New England ingredients with a modern take on traditional European cuisine. Chef Cartwright is best known as Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux at Vanderbilt Grace's sister hotel, The White Barn Inn in Kennebunk, Maine.

This summer, Spruce Point Inn will debut "Deck" an umbrella-shaded, oceanside café in Boothbay Harbor, Maine.

Spruce Point Inn on the edge of Boothbay Harbor is recognized as one of the top dining spots along the Maine coast. Chef Peter Stiles turns Maine seafood, locally grown produce and herbs from the Inn’s own garden into both traditional “Down East” favorites and innovative dishes showcasing lobsters, summer blueberries and farmstand vegetables. Recognized by national publications, the Inn has won two Gold Medals, a Silver and two People’s Choice awards in the Maine Lobster Promotion Council’s annual “Most Creatively Prepared Lobster Dish” competition and will be participating in the 2011 contest.

This summer, Spruce Point Inn will showcase its fantastic view of the coast, lighthouses and ocean-bound boats with the debut of Deck, an umbrella-shaded, oceanside café, open daily for lunch. Opening in late June 2011, Deck is the Inn’s highly anticipated new addition to Boothbay Harbor’s luncheon scene, serving club lunch favorites, whether a crab salad and a chilled pinot grigio or a classic lobster roll with a local craft beer, plus familiar children’s favorites. Deck will be open daily, 11-2

For more information, visit http://www.sprucepointinn.com/

Movie Night: “The Sound of Music” + Dinner Buffet Inspired by the Film's Setting

The Ocean House, located at 1 Bluff Avenue on Watch Hill in Rhode Island, is turning to a classic film for their April Movie Night - “The Sound of Music”. 

A dinner buffet, inspired by the film's setting, will precede the movie.

On the menu:

• Red Cabbage Salad with Green Apple and Toasted Walnuts
• Pork Schnitzel with Pea, mint, Tomato Spaetzle
• Bratwurst & Onions
• Apple Strudel

You can enjoy this special evening on April 17 at 6pm. 

Cost: $32 for adults, $18 for children.

For more information, visit http://www.oceanhouseri.com

Tim Fonseca, Executive Pastry Chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, demonstrates how to make delicious Creme Brulee

Here is a video and recipe on the Pastry Channel, we think you'd enjoy! 

It features Tim Fonseca, Executive Pastry Chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Boston, demonstrating how to make Creme Brulee. At the outset, the model is hilarious. Do you love Creme Brulee?

http://thepastrychannel.com/creme-brulee-recipe-video/

King Arthur Flour: Two Centuries of Flour and Baking in New England

The well-known King Arthur Flour company was founded in Boston in 1790. In 1984, the business was moved from Massachusetts to Norwich, Vermont. There is a history section on the King Arthur website, that features a historical timeline and history video. Check it out here

Organic Gardening and Apple Cider Making at the Round Barn, Waitsfield, Vermont

Video Courtesy of the Round Barn on YouTube