Food & Wine Online Extra [CITYSunTimes July 2009]

Vincent’s 22nd Annual Bastille Day Celebration

In the tradition of his native France, Chef Vincent Guerithault will celebrate Bastille Day at Vincent on Camelback on Saturday, July 11. He will prepare a traditional French three-course dinner for lovers of true French cuisine in celebration of the French holiday.
His menu selections for this year’s celebration will include a choice of starter: Vegetable Terrine with a Tomato Coulis, Frisée Salad with Bacon and Goat Cheese or Escargot in Puff Pastry with Spinach and Garlic Butter. Choice of entrée: Duck Confit with Orange Sauce, Grilled Salmon with Basil Sauce or Bistro Steak with Green Peppercorn Sauce. And choice of dessert: Lemon Crêpe Soufflé or Tarte au Chocolat, Coffee or Tea. Everyone will also enjoy a complimentary glass of champagne to toast the occasion.
This year, the special occasion is priced at $42 per person plus tax and gratuity.
For more information, call 602.224.0225 or visit vincentsoncamelback.com.

Memorable Summer Parties

Read the story in our July issue.

CITYSunTimes Online Extras July 2009
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FOOD & WINE
Memorable Summer Parties
Go local, go fresh – keep it simple

The backyard is the summer entertainment hot spot as Americans seek affordable ways to spend time with family and friends. Here in the Valley, with temperatures on the rise and the Monsoon season upon us, it is a good idea to keep your plans simple so that sudden thunderstorms won’t dampen your spirits or your party. Most important: be flexible and prepared to bring the outdoor party in.
Here are a few ideas to help you find the best local ingredients, keep your guests refreshed and lessen your festivity footprint.

Shop At Year-Round Farmers’ Markets
Keep your summer menu light and fresh by shopping at local farmer’s markets. Find fresh in-season fruits and vegetables, flowers, jams, baked goods, free-range eggs, honey, sweets and more. Visit the market, then plan your menu around the seasonal produce and local foods you discover. For information on area farmers’ markets, visit fillyourplate.org. Here are a few to try:

Serve Up Serious Refreshment
For The Kids: What could be better than an ice-cold root beer on a hot summer day?

Visit sonoranbrew.com for more information.

For The Adults: Cachaça adds a cool twist to some classic summer favorites. From Brazil, cachaça (ka-SHAH-sa) is made from fresh-pressed cane juice, which is then fermented and distilled. Here are a couple of easy recipes from Leblon Cachaça (liveloveleblon.com) – just mix, pour and samba the night away.

Go Eco When Possible
If you are throwing a larger party and want to use disposable plates and utensils, why not go green? Rather than using petroleum-based utensils and cups or paper plates, lessen your impact with biodegradable, compostable versions. Some comparably priced products can be found online at allthingsrenewable.com and ecowise.com.

FOOD & WINE Online Extra | CITYSunTimes July 2009