Meat - By Pat LaFrieda

In Meat, Pat introduces you to cuts beyond chops and tenderloins, including inexpensive and unusual cuts, so you can venture outside your everyday selections. With detailed, step-by-step photos, he provides instruction in the best butchering skills for the home cook, such as needling, frenching, rolling, and tying.

Through heartwarming reminiscences and personal memories, you'll learn of the history of the LaFrieda family's great American success story and how they created a business that's lasted over one hundred years, becoming a New York City landmark along the way. The city even named a street after them in the meatpacking district, Pat LaFrieda Lane.

In addition to Pat's favorite family recipes, you'll find even more delectable recipes contributed by a who's who of New York City's greatest chefs, including Lidia Bastianich, Josh Capon, and Jimmy Bradley.

Dubbed by New York magazine as the King of Meat, Pat Jr. is the mastermind behind the celebrated burgers at many famous restaurants, and he has created over one hundred custom hamburger blends. 

Now, Pat will reveal to everyone how to create the perfect burger with his all-time favorite burger blend recipes.

Available at fine book retailers everywhere.

Chase Encounters, Las Vegas Uncork'd 2013 - $20,000 Scholarship Challenge

LAS VEGAS – Chase Sapphire Preferred®, a premier travel rewards card from Chase, in partnership with Bon Appétit hosted the Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge, on Saturday, May 11, during Bellagio’s Block Party at the seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit. Renowned chefs Akira Back and Todd English partnered with two local Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute students, Andrew Merfalen and Todd Huelsman, respectively, to re-imagine a classic French dish during a live grilling competition.

Todd English and Todd Huelsman were named grill challenge champions after stunning the judges with a show-stopping dish featuring a rich foie gras mousse paired with chicken payard, topped with panko asparagus and finished with a demi-glace. Todd Huelsman was awarded a $20,000 scholarship, presented by Chase Sapphire Preferred, to help fund his culinary education at the Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute. An additional $5,000 was presented to runner-up Andrew Merfalen.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with acclaimed chef Todd English at such a prestigious food festival” said Todd Huelsman. “The generous $20,000 donation from Chase Sapphire Preferred is truly life changing and will allow me to further my culinary education as I strive to be as successful as the world-class chefs at the event.”

The two students from the Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute were selected for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to serve as sous-chefs for Akira Back, Executive Chef of Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge at Bellagio, and Todd English, Chef at Olives at Bellagio, through a Vine video and essay competition presented by Bon Appétit and the Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute.

“It is an honor to be involved in the Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge and work with rising culinary talent from Las Vegas Le Cordon Bleu,” said Akira Back. “I had fun working side-by-side with Andrew building our dish and battling Team English.”

Bon Appétit restaurant and spirits editor, Andrew Knowlton, emceed the event. The judging panel included Denise Valdez, KLAS-TV anchor and 8 News NOW personality, alongside Bon Appétit, Editor-in-Chief, Adam Rapoport, and a lucky Chase Sapphire cardholder. 

“The Chase Sapphire Preferred Grill Challenge was the highlight of the weekend, the celebrity chefs and Le Cordon Bleu students not only brought their culinary expertise, but also their competitive edge to the event,” said Sean O’Reilly, general manager, JP Morgan Chase. “We know how important it is to support the next generation of chef talent, and by providing scholarships funds we are furthering these students’ culinary dreams.” 

The seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d by presented by Bon Appétit and Las Vegas, in partnership with Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay, MGM Grand and Chase Sapphire Preferred ran May 9-12. The food festival featured chefs including Akira Back, Todd English, Bobby Flay, Michael Mina, Nobu Matsuhisa, Gordon Ramsay, Michel Richard and Joël Robuchon.

As a presenting sponsor of Vegas Uncork’d, Chase Sapphire Preferred offered cardholders the ability to redeem credit card rewards points or purchase tickets to select Vegas Uncork’d events – and enjoy exclusive perks, such as a VIP lounge at the Grand Tasting and a private brunch featuring cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Julian Serrano of Picasso at Bellagio. About Vegas Uncork’d by Bon Appétit

Behind The Scenes: Las Vegas Uncork'd 2013

The seventh annual Vegas Uncork’d kicked off in front of MGM Grand’s infamous bronze lion statue where 40 chefs from Bellagio, Caesars Palace, Mandalay Bay and MGM Grand gathered to mark the official beginning of festivities. After each chef was presented with a customized, hand-painted magnum of Mionetto Prosecco, attention turned to Michael Mina. He was filled with excitement as he sabered a bottle of bubbly while Joel Robuchon applauded with approval. There were rounds of cheers from both chefs and spectators as the sparkling wine exploded out.

Later in the evening, Caesars Palace hosted a series of Master Series Dinners where Guy Savoy, Bobby Flay, François Payard, the Pellegrino Family, Gordon Ramsay, Thomas Buckley and Michel Richard served up signature dishes at the same time to a crowd of hungry diners.

Internationally renowned chef and restaurateur Guy Savoy welcomed guests to his Caesars Palace restaurant for a multi-course meal at Dinnertime Decadence with Guy Savoy. In less than a year after opening, Savoy's first restaurant received a coveted Michelin Star. Guests at the dinner enjoyed Lobster, Jumbo Lump Crab and Beets in Cold Steam, Artichoke and Black Truffle Soup and Roasted Duck, Pea Puree, Morels and Canon of Carrot. 

(click read more for the entire story)

Las Vegas Uncork'd 2013: Grand Tasting @ The Garden of The Gods Oasis Pool, Caesar's Palace (Photos)

This years Las Vegas Uncork’d 2013, was something to behold. It isn’t often you can attend a multitude of parties designed to indulge ones gastronomic desires all while rubbing elbows with the most celebrated names in the culinary world. We were able to catch a few great photos and snack on an assortment of feats directly from the minds that control the most sought after kitchens around the globe. Although bon appetite magazine presented the entire affair, a myriad of public relation firms, hotel marketing teams and many other companies helped to make all of these wonderful events achieve the results everyone was anticipating.

Hitting up the Grand Tasting at the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis at Caesars Palace we were amongst the mob of people looking to get their hands on freshly prepared canapés from the likes of Chuys Tacos, Gordon Ramsay Steak, Hypnotiq, Don Q Rum, Aureole, Tom Colicchio’s Craftsteak and many more. It was interesting to see everyone’s approach to eating so much food in such a tight space, being that everyone was so elegantly dressed. With Chefs like Morimoto, Boon, Colicchio and Ramsay walking amongst the crowd it was truly a foodies dream to be able to shake hands, show some love and enjoy a great cocktail in this atmosphere.

Knife Fight Premiers April 23rd

This isn't a made-for-TV competition. For years, this secret underground happening has taken place after restaurants close their doors to the public. Led by ringleader and celebrated chef Ilan Hall, this is where talented cooks go to prove who's the best. Feel the heat as they're cheered and heckled by a rowdy crowd of celebrities, restaurant critics, and die-hard foodies. This is not a white-napkin dinner. This is war and this is what TV needs to spice things up. For those of you who hve never worked in a kitchen or had a job where talking trash too your co-workers was the high point of the day this is the kind of show you may want too check out.  

35 Days & Counting until bon appetite presents... Vegas Uncork'd 2013

Make sure you have your tickets, this is one weeks worth of events you wont want to miss. 

Vegas Uncork'd 2013 Chef Spotlight: Chef Ho Chee Boon

International Development Chef Ho Chee Boon is a Michelin-starred chef with 24 years of experience at several of the world’s most renowned Asian restaurants, including Hakkasan Hanway Place in London, Turandot in Moscow, and Breeeze in Bangkok. Boon has been with Hakkasan since its inception and was the chef behind the original Michelin-starred location in London. His international culinary expertise transforms any restaurant and its cuisine into a true epicurean experience.

Boon presents a unique take on modern Chinese featuring dishes he specifically designs for each Hakkasan restaurant, sitting alongside their signature classics. His traditional techniques combined with fresh ingredients from local purveyors produce contemporary dishes with the essence of traditional Cantonese cuisine. With just 40 days and a few hours until the kick-off party at Hakkasan, there is still time to get your tickets and reserve your place at an event loaded with great food, incredibly original libations and celebrities from all walks of life. 

For more info check out: Vegas Uncork’d 2013

The Countdown to Vegas Uncork'd by bon appetit

With only 45 days until a multitude of the most innovative forces in the culinary world unite in the desert to throw a months worth of celebrity filled, awe inspiring parties in just under 72 hours, the question remains, will you be there? 

Vegas Uncork’d by bon appétit, will be celebrating its 7^th anniversary this year with a few dozen jaw dropping, stomach growl creating affairs that will without a doubt will be bigger, bolder and more extravagant than all of the years passed, combined. When the biggest names in the hotel & food industry come together to honor the greatest Chef’s & Sommeliers in the Nation, it truly can be touted as a once in a lifetime opportunity to not only experience their culinary feats, but to also get a chance to strike up a conversation with them in person.

On hand will be some of the biggest names from Guy Savoy, Bobby Flay, Alan Ducasse, Ho Chee Boon, Michael Mina, Nobu Matsuhisa, Gordon Ramsay, Michael Richard, Joel Robuchon & many more. Backing the event to ensure a great that each fete is better than the last are bon appétit, Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Chase Sapphire Preferred, Southern Wine & Spirits of Nevada and more. Combining the honorees with the incredibly famous celebrity attendees this event draws year after year helps you to realize why this coveted event sells out fast.

For a complete listing of the events taking place or for more info on how to get tickets, click Read More.

2 X Chopped Champion Chef Briscione's Makers Mark Braised Chicken

Fusing his love of bourbon and cooking, Chef Briscione shares his Maker’s Mark braised chicken with apples and creamy herbed polenta dish. Cooking with bourbon is popular all year long and this recipe is a great opportunity for your readers to try their hand at a celebrity chef’s favorite technique. This simple yet appetizing entrée brings in bold flavors to wrap up the very last of the winter season.

Maker’s Mark Braised Chicken with Apples and Herbed Polenta

Ingredients:

1 TBS vegetable oil

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 cup onions, chopped

1 golden delicious apple, chopped

½ cup celery, chopped

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 cup bourbon

3 cups chicken stock

1 TBS butter

2 golden delicious apples, peeled, cored and cut into wedges.

Directions:

Heat the oil in a heavy bottom pot. Season the chicken thighs well with salt and pepper and sear to golden brown on both sides.

Remove the chicken from the pan and add the onions, apple, celery and garlic. Cook over a medium flame until the onions are tender and lightly browned.

Turn the heat off the pan and add the bourbon. Carefully flame the bourbon and boil until reduced by half. Return the chicken to the pan, and add the chicken stock.

Bring the stock to a simmer, cover the pan and place in a 350˚ oven for 45 minutes.

While the chicken is in the oven, sauté the apples in butter until tender and lightly browned.

After 45 minutes, remove the chicken from the oven. Strain the liquid and discard the vegetables. Put the liquid back on the stove and reduce by half. Just before serving, return the chicken to the reduced sauce. Garnish with sautéed apples. Serves 4.

Herbed Polenta

Ingredients: 

2 cups chicken stock

2 cups milk

1 bouquet garni (parsley stems, fresh thyme and bay leaf tied in a bundle)

1 head garlic cut in half

¾ cup yellow polenta or grits

2 TBS butter

¼ parmesan cheese

2 TBS minced parsley

Directions:

Combine the milk and stock in a medium saucepot. Add the bouquet and garlic, bring the mixture to a boil. Cover and turn off the flame. Set aside for 30 minutes to infuse the herbs into the liquid.

Remove the herbs and garlic, return the mixture to a boil. Whisk in the polenta.

Simmer, stirring often until tender and thickened. Finish by seasoning with the butter and parmesan. Remove from the heat and stir in the parsley.

A bit of background on Chef Briscione:

Chef Briscione has worked at New York City’s famed Restaurant Daniel and has won Food Network’s Chopped and Chopped Champions Tournament, becoming the show’s first 2 –time champion. He co-authored “Just Married and Cooking,” a cooking and lifestyle entertaining guide with his wife, Brooke Parkhurst, which developed into a website offering recipes, tips and cooking classes. He currently teaches at the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City.

Sushi Chef Indicted for Selling Whale Meat in Santa Monica, CA

Chef Yamamoto (photo courtesy of Eater)

Various outlets have been reporting over the last few years about the growing problem of restaurants serving illegal foods such as endangered species of animals or mammals you just shouldn’t eat. Today the LA Times reported about an open case from a couple of years ago where an importer by the name of Ginichi Ohira plead guilty to getting cracked for conspiring to import and sell illegal whale meat. Mislabeling the meat from Sei Whales as Fatty Tuna from the years 2007 to 2010 Owners of the now closed (because of this case) The Hump, which was housed in the Santa Monica Airport have also been charged with Conspiracy, Smuggling, Obstructing an official proceeding, Unlawful sale of whale meat and Violating the marine mammal act. 

More Info & Photos after the jump

Don't Halfstep On Game Day, Bust Out A Few Recipes From Chef Aaron Sanchez & Impress Your Guests

When people ask you what you will be doing for the Super Bowl they really mean what are you cooking & drinking as well as where will you be watching the game. If you haven’t starting making plans yet you need to get on the fast track quickly. No one should wait until the last minute to pick up the needed libation mixers and finger foods to keep the party jumpin’ no matter what team prevails in the end. Although he is a certified Celebrity Chef, we prefer to refer to Chef Aaron Sanchez as a down to Earth, beast in the kitchen who creates the kind of dishes even the most judicious of tongues can’t turn down. 

Having met Chef Sanchez at a few events, you get the feeling this is the type of guy you can sit and shoot the breeze with over strong drinks without ever realizing your in the presence of kitchen royalty. For Super Bowl XLVII Chef Sanchez has laced our readers with an authentic recipe right from his stash-box.

Your guests will think your making the big money or have catered in something special when they get a taste of these Carne Asada Tacos w/ Roasted Tomatillo Salsa & fresh made Pickled Onions. 

The recipe is incredibly easy to follow and provides for about 8 servings. If that isn’t enough for you, make em early and enjoy em all alone. Then when your guests arrive and wonder what has the house smelling so amazing, tell them “I dunno must be something I burned prior to your arrival.”

Thanks for hook up Chef! 

(for the Entire Recipe, click Read More)

Chef Ralph Pagano Opens Alba on Collins, in Sunny Isles Beach

SUNNY ISLES BEACH, Fla. – (Jan. 14, 2013) – Solé on the Ocean and Executive Chef Ralph Pagano are pleased to announce the official re-launch of Alba, a seaside Italian restaurant and lounge located at 17315 Collins Ave., inside Solé on the Ocean hotel. Overlooking the glimmering sands and turquoise waters of the Atlantic Ocean, the 130-seat indoor/outdoor beach-chic concept serves breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.

“Sole’s pristine beach, groovy design and incredible sunrises and sunsets seduced me like a siren,” says Pagano, whose effervescent personality has landed him multiple TV roles, including the host of Lifetime Television Network’s “All Mixed Up” and Travel Channel’s award-winning “Pressure Cook.” Ralph has battled Bobby Flay on Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” and been to Hell and back with Gordon Ramsay on the original season of FOX’s “Hell’s Kitchen.”

Pagano’s flavor balance stems from a lifetime of culinary travel mixed with Italian style and classic French technique, creating what he calls “vacation cuisine.” His approach to Alba’s menu is centered on casual fine dining and offers the freshest seafood and pasta, both à la carte and family-style.

The menu offers a daily variety of fresh seafood and shellfish, including legendary Florida Stone Crabs, Stingray Oysters, Maine Lobster Cocktail, Colossal Shrimp Cocktailand Maryland Lump Crab Cocktail.  A selection of fresh fish is available and can be prepared simply grilled, Fra Diavolo-style with clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari in Arrabiata tomato sauce, or topped Oscar-style with colossal crab meat, hollandaise and jumbo asparagus.

"Never Can Say Goodbye" - Raekwon

Raekwon returns with another king status type of track entitled “Never Can Say Goodbye” featuring a killer Jackson 5 sample. The Lost Jewelry mixtape is on the way as is another full length LP which @Raekwon will be announcing the title too on Jan 1^st. 2013

Download Link Found After The Jump:

Bouchon Bakery, a Must Own Cookbook.

Cookbooks for some are like prized possessions that they would be lost without. The obsessive desire to perfect something is something many of us have felt, quite a few a times in our lives (that is if your living life correctly.) Whether it be surfing, painting, playing a melody or creating a dish, the desire for perfection sometimes consumes people to the point of breaking their sanity. This rings especially true in the world of foodies who live to recreate the feeling they experienced the very moment they took the first bite of a dish they would no longer be able to live without. In some cases Cookbooks play a major part in helping a foodie deal with their obsession, but what about those restaurants who create moments of paradise that no one else can seem to master? What happens when a restaurant refuses to serve up the secrets from inside its kitchen, and there is no way to get that one life altering treat anywhere else?

Well if you have ever been to any of the 5 Bouchon Bakery locations across America, you may have felt this way before, bt have no fear, for on October 23^rd, Thomas Kellers fifth book, Bouchon bakery will be made available to the public. The masterminds behinds the kitchens at Bouchon promise to deliver the exact same recipes that they use to create such inspiring dishes as their Macaroons, Croissants and the World Famous TKO, which is Thomas Kellers take on the Oreo (Thomas Keller Oreo.)

photo courtesy of Eater.com

You can pre-order the book on Amazon and have it delivered the day it hits the shelves or slide on over to your local bookstore and cop it firsthand to avoid any shipping charges.

Whatever you decide to do, get this book, this is a must have for all of those people who say the utterly insane words “I love to Cook but I hate to Bake,” that is usually because they don’t know how or haven’t ever been given a recipe worth re-creating.

Happy 100th Birthday Julia Child

Caesars Palace, Las Vegas to Open Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill

LAS VEGAS (July 25, 2012) – Caesars Palace is pleased to announce internationally renowned Chef Gordon Ramsay will expand on his relationship with Caesars Entertainment and open his second Las Vegas restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, in late 2012.  The new contemporary yet casual restaurant and bar will serve lunch and dinner and will be located in the heart of the resort adjacent to the premiere entertainment venue, The Colosseum, replacing Bradley Ogden restaurant. 

Michelin Star Chef Gordon Ramsay, known not only for his superior cuisine, but also his popular TV personality on the FOX Network programs “Hell’s Kitchen,” “Master Chef” and “Kitchen Nightmares,” has emerged on the Las Vegas culinary scene with rave reviews at the newly opened Gordon Ramsay Steak at Paris Las Vegas. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will provide his fans another outlet to enjoy the chef’s award-winning skills in a lively and approachable English pub-style setting, offering the finest casual food utilizing the freshest ingredients.

“Like many others, I’ve followed the accomplishments of Chef Gordon Ramsay for years at both his restaurants and on TV, and I am honored to welcome him into the Caesars Palace family of acclaimed chefs,” says Gary Selesner, Caesars Palace regional president. “With its prime location near the Forum Shops and across from The Colosseum, convenient parking for locals, and menu of familiar and
casual food, presented in a style fitting of Ramsay’s unique flair for cuisine, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will be a lively new restaurant concept to offer our Caesars Palace guests.”

The menu at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will be comprised of items consistent with British pub food—bangers and mash, fish and chips and roasted chicken—as well as some of Ramsay’s favorites like London broil prepared on a wood-burning grill, all part of a rustic menu that will change seasonally. Paying homage to a true pub, the new restaurant will feature a wide selection of craft and microbrews from around the world, offering beer enthusiasts more than 40 beers on tap.

“I am overwhelmed by the support Gordon Ramsay Steak has received by guests and our Caesars Entertainment partners, and I’m excited to now bring some more of my favorite cuisine and an authentic pub experience to Caesars Palace with Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill,” said Ramsay.

EDG Interior Architecture + Design will create a space that is welcoming, high-energy and comfortable utilizing distressed woods with cheeky references to historic and iconic events throughout the space. 

The centerpiece of the space will feature a striking bar with an array of beer taps on display and the backdrop inspired by traditional London red telephone booths. Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill will take advantage of its location with a patio area extending onto the casino floor where guests can be in the middle of the action.

Kegs will serve as a major part of both the dining experience and the design while pop culture relics from both England and the United States will fill the walls. The 290-seat
restaurant will include an impressive bar, a vintage-style lounge, a series of casual dining rooms and a private dining room, giving guests a variety of culinary experiences to fit any mood.

Chef Gordon Ramsey To Go To Prison?

Gordon Ramsay, known for talking straight trash to people who in other situations might take flight and break his jaw is setting his sites on going to prison in the Unites States and making a lot of money while doing so. Now don’t get us wrong Chef Ramsay is not going to be getting his OJ on and going to jail for something ridiculous, he instead is going to be mimicking his successful show “Gordon Behind Bars” which is currently airing in the UK. “Gordon Behind Bars” is a reality show that follows along as Chef Ramsay works with inmates in the notoriously hardcore Brixton Prison in South London to create “The Bad Boy Bakery.” 

Celebrity Chef Cat Cora Cited for DUI in Santa Barbara

Photo Courtesy of Andrew W. Walker / Getty Images

In Santa Barbara, Celebrity Chef Cat Cora, was unfortunately cited for driving under the influence after what sounds like a very minor traffic accident took place, police have confirmed to TheSupremePlate.com. Chef Cat Cora, is scheduled to be arraigned July 26^th on one count of driving under the influence, a charge she will not likely face jail time for. Chef Cora is best known for her roles on Food Networks “Iron Chef” and Bravo’s “Around the World in 80 Plates.”

As sad as it is, reports are that Chef Cora's BAC was more than twice the legal limit, which was confirmed by 3 separate tests taken by field officers and at the hospital, before she was taken to a sobering center in Santa Barbara. Reports show that Chef Cora stated to have consumed 3 bottles of beer at the Cold Spring Tavern before rear ending a car on June 17th at around 6:15pm while arguing with her longtime partner Jennifer Cora.