Support the Debra Whiting Foundation and Celebrate our Finger Lakes Community at the Wine & Food Event of the Season
HECTOR, NEW YORK – May 22, 2013 – Red Newt Cellars Winery & Bistro is slated to host an elegant dinner on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at 6:30pm with one hundred precent of the proceeds to support the Debra Whiting Foundation and to celebrate Debra’s vision and commitment to the wine, food, farms, families, and community of the Finger Lakes.
Debra Whiting was a visionary chef in the Finger Lakes wine growing region. Her passion was not just the food as it appeared on the plate, but the food as it grew on local farms. During the 12 years that Debra led the culinary team at Red Newt Bistro, she was a leader in the development of farm to table relationships that blossomed with the burgeoning wine industry of the Finger Lakes.
“This year we are continuing to focus our efforts on defining the cuisine of our region,” says Brud Holland, Red Newt Bistro Executive Chef. “We do this by collaborating with our Finger Lakes farmers, other winemakers, and chefs that share our same passion.”
On June 1st, Holland joins forces with Veraisons Restaurant at Glenora Wine Cellars Executive Chef Orlando Rodriquez to not only prepare the wine and food event of the season but also to pay tribute to one of the region’s most devoted Finger Lakes ambassadors, the late Debra Whiting.
“Working private events and other dinners with Debra in the past was great; anytime we were cooking together we always had a fun time,” says Rodriguez. “To be one of the first guest chefs to put on this fundraising dinner in her name is such an honor.”
In the same of spirit of collaboration, Holland echoes “for me, it is exciting to work with other chefs like Orlando; sharing ideas, techniques, and experiences – it’s what keeps us inspired.”
The evening will feature an announcement of the first agriculture grant to a local Finger Lakes farm, introduce the 2013 culinary scholarship applicants, and a silent auction. The cost to attend is a $100 donation to the Foundation. Purchase tickets and make a reservation at debrawhitingdinner.eventbrite.com. Applications are still available; email Samantha@rednewt.com for more information.
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6:30pm Welcome Reception: Red Newt Cellars “Circle” Riesling 2011 & FLX Cheese & Charcuterie Board by Chef Brud Holland
7:00pm Wine Pairing Dinner with Guest Finger Lakes Chef Orlando Rodriguez
The Debra Whiting Foundation Dinner Menu:
FIRST
Salad of greens, goat cheese, brioche croutons, hydroponic strawberries and strawberry vinaigrette
Red Newt Cellars Pinot Gris Curry Creek Vineyards 2010
SECOND
Intermezzo: Knapp Winery limoncello and mint granita
THIRD
Chimichurri marinated pork tenderloin, pinto bean spread, asparagus and pickled ramps
Red Newt Cellars Cabernet Franc Glacier Ridge Vineyards 2007
Red Newt Cellars Gewürztraminer Curry Creek Vineyards 2008
FOURTH
Honey bourbon flan with peaches
Red Newt Cellars Riesling Lahoma Vineyards 2009
The Debra Whiting Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that has been formed to carry on Debra’s vision with culinary and agricultural scholarships, internships, and apprenticeships. Stay updated with DWF program developments by joining the DWF email list or make a donation at debrawhiting.org/donate.
