Say cheese! This week we had Damon Menapace come in to COOK to prepare a dinner highlighting local cheeses. Damon’s five course meal featured a different cheese with each dish. We are so thankful that Damon was able to put on such a great dinner being just days into his new position as Executive Chef at Le Virtù. Check out the Foobooz article for more details. If you love cheese, then read on to see how Damon transformed these already wonderful cheeses into delicious, fully-composed dishes!
As an industry worker zipping around on your feet for hours, the best part of the day is enjoying a shift drink: a post-work alcoholic beverage to decompress, take a load off, and yes, enjoy a nice buzz before heading home. In this series, we’ll explore the many fantastic bar programs of Philadelphia where you can treat yourself after a hard days work. This time, in honor of the PyeongChang Winter Games, we stopped by a modern Korean-American gastropub called SouthGate, located on the corner of 18th and Lombard Streets.
“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore”. If you love pizza, then rejoice because today is National Pizza Day! COOK is here to help you celebrate with some pizza making recipes and pizza cookbook recommendations. Additionally, as a former pizzaiolo, I have learned the art of pizza making and want to share some tips for this grand holiday. So let’s get rolling!
Inside scoop alert! Recently, while working a private event at COOK I came across one of the best bolognese sauces I’ve ever encountered. Luckily, I was able to try a bit for myself and it tasted even better than it looked and smelled. Rich Freedman, Chef de Cuisine at The Olde Bar, is the mastermind behind this meat lover’s sauce. He made the ragù for his pappardelle dish, which the guests raved about. “It’s such a win, it’s crazy!” exclaimed one of our guests. Patrons asked Rich for his recipe and about the various meats that made up this classic Italian sauce. I followed up with Rich after dinner to obtain his bolognese secrets so that I could share them with lucky you! Read on for the recipe and try it out at home on your next lazy day!
Looking to get the perfect holiday gift for that special someone in your life? Look no further! We’ve kicked off our 12 Days of COOKmas sale yesterday. Save 20% off select retail items–sale items change daily, so there’s something for everyone! Does you have a loved one that is all about baking? Maybe your bestie is a cocktail enthusiast. Or perhaps your you know a seasoned grill master. If you have a friend or family member that can be found in the kitchen any given day, we have you covered this holiday season. Below are recommended great gifts for someone special in your life.
Also, be sure to check out the 12 Days of COOKmas sale schedule!
This past Wednesday, Executive Chef Scott Megill and General Manager Elizabeth Megill of Grace Winery graced (see what we did there?) COOK with a fantastic seasonal wine pairing dinner. The Inn at Grace Winery is located in the heart of Brandywine Valley in Glen Mills, Pennsylvania. The original Quaker farmhouse from 1734 sits on fifty acres of historic land. From housing the British during the battle of Brandywine, to housing countless barrels of wine, this beautiful land has certainly seen a lot. In 1995, current owner Chris Le Vine named the winery after his sister, Grace, who previously owned the establishment, formally Sweetwater Farm Bed and Breakfast.
While the wine was absolutely a hit, Scott’s execution of locally procured meats, cheeses, and vegetables stole the show. COOK guests enjoyed an amuse trio followed by a four course meal. Each course was served with a wine that complemented the flavors of the dish.
COOKmas time is here. That’s right, our 12 Days of COOKmas Sale begins this Monday, December 11th. Through Friday, December 22nd save 20% on select retail items. Each day we will be showcasing different items, so throughout the sale there’s something for everyone.
Additionally, we are excited to host two holiday pop-up shopping events featuring Machine Shop Boulangerie and Aurora Grace Chocolates, who will be selling their tasty treats right here at COOK! Check out the 12 Days of COOKmas schedule below, subject to change, so keep checking back.
For photos and reminders of daily sale items, follow us on Instagram (@audreyclairecook) and Twitter (@cookphilly)
Merry COOKmas!
Tis the season for hearty slow-cooked meat! December is almost here so that means it’s time to start planning those holiday feasts. The star of the holiday table: a large and ready-to-carve cut of meat that has been cooked for hours. I went to Reading Terminal Market to talk to a meat expert who also has great experience with family feasts and rich traditions. Frequent COOK instructor Nick Macri (aka Meat Man Macri) of La Divisa Meats comes from a Calabrian family, which helped shape his butcher shop. In this article, you’ll learn more about Nick’s Italian-rooted holiday traditions, how they inspired his shop, as well as the meats La Divisa offers for your own holiday feasts!
