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Dinner at The Academy with Chef Paul Desiano

IMG_0056We thought we would take you on a brief look back at our most recent Wine Dinner, “East meets West” with Chef Paul of Ridgefield Academy.  Wine dinners are not just for wine geeks.  They are a wonderful way to explore new foods and wines, and in this case, sakè and beer too.  There is no ordering at a wine dinner, just a wonderful exploration of a chefs culinary mind.  It is very similar to ordering “chefs choice” at a restaurant. At this dinner, Chef Paul explores the synergies and contrasts of Eastern and Wester cultures through food and beverage.  One of my personal favorites was the Tuna in an oxtail broth and corn sprouts.  At 109 we work with our local chefs to create these dinners to help encourage you to explore your food and wine passions and hope you join us for at least one of these journeys soon.

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The Menu

Snacks for the Taste Buds

Unique take on salty, sour, bitter, sweet, umami

Sweet: Shrimp Sheet, lemon confit sorbet

Sour: Yuzo Ceviche

Bitter: Poached Diacon, Marrow Aioli, Watercress Puree

Salty: Oyster & Caviar

Umami:  Jellied Eggplant in bonito broth

Sake Martini

Maguro (Tuna)

Oxtail broth, corn sprouts

Sake ~ Konteki, Pearls of Simplicity, Kyoto

Wine~ Domaine de Pellehaut Harmonie Blanc Gascogne France

Duck Sausage

Kale, mushroom, radish

Sake~ Hakutsuru Excellent, Hyogo

Wine~ Domain Pierre Clavel “Le Mas” Languedoc, France

 

Braised Pork Belly

Star anise polenta, baby bok choy

Sake ~ Mantensei, Star Filled Sky, Tottori

Wine~ Tomas Cusine “Llebre” Costers del Segre, Spain

Yakionigiri (Grilled Rice)

 Spring Brook Farm Reading Raclette cheese Vermont, soy sauce, cornichon pickles

Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale, Kiuchi Brewery

 

Macha

Mocha, sweet soy powder

Sake ~ Tozai, Snow Maiden, Kyoto

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Chef Paul & 109 are having a dinner this Saturday!

East vs West Sake & Wine Dinner – March 1st

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Snacks for the Taste Buds
Unique take on salty, sour, bitter, sweet, umami
Sweet: Shrimp Sheet, lemon confit sorbet
Sour: Yuzo Ceviche
Bitter: Poached Diacon, Marrow Aioli, Watercress Puree
Salty: Oyster & Caviar
Umami:  Jellied Eggplant in bonito broth
Sake Martini – paul to provide
Maguro (Tuna)
Oxtail broth, corn sprouts
Sake ~ Konteki, Pearls of Simplicity, Kyoto
Wine~ Domaine de Pellehaut Harmonie Blanc Gascogne France
Duck Sausage
Kale, mushroom, radish
Sake~ Hakutsuru Excellent, Hyogo
Wine~ Domain Pierre Clavel “Le Mas” Languedoc, France
Braised Pork Belly
Star anise polenta, baby bok choy
Sake ~ Mantensei, Star Filled Sky, Tottori
Wine~ Tomas Cusine “Llebre” Costers del Segre, Spain
Yakionigiri (Grilled Rice)
 Spring Brook Farm Reading Raclette cheese Vermont, soy sauce, cornichon pickles
Hitachino Nest Red Rice Ale, Kiuchi Brewery
Macha
Mocha, sweet soy powder
Sake ~ Tozai, Snow Maiden, Kyoto
$95
Tickets are all inclusive – Wine, tax, & tip

This exquisite dining experience is limited to 50 guests.

 

 

Journey Through Burgundy – Class February 21st

Journey Through Burgundy, France –

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Burgundy
Special guest speaker Paul Cullen of Martin Scott Imports helps guide us through the mystery of Burgundy.  We will taste and discuss 6 different wines looking at their style, grape variety and represented Terroir.  Monica will do her magic with exploring a perfect cheese for each wine with a discussion of the producer; style and guide you to helping you make your own perfect pairings.

Small bites
Wild Mushroom Flatbreads
Charcuterie Board with truffle mustard
Fromage  

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Délice Bourgogne – Lincet
Soumaintrain – Berthaut
Puits d’ Astier – Roldolphe Menuier
Abbaye de Belloc
Fourme d’ ambert

Wines

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Pierre Morey Aligote 2011
Jean-Claude Bessin Chablis VV 2011
Deux Montille Montagny 1er Coere 2010
Michel Gros Haut Cote de Nuit 2011
Patrick Javillier Savigny-les-Beaune 1er Serpentieres 2011
Chateau de Puligny-Montrachet Nuits-St-Georges 1er Clos des Grandes Vignes 2009
February 21st
$65 per person

Our Valentines Day Special Class

Join 109 along with
Chef Paul,  Executive Chef of Ridgefield Academy or some of you might know him from his wonderful restaurant Cello,
formerly in The Marketplace.
Chef Paul and Monica will be demonstrating a simple menu paired with a wine tasting.
Come enjoy a casual meal and learn a few
Chef tricks.
When: Friday, February 14
Where: 109’s Second Floor Classroom
Time: 7pm – 9 pm
Cost: $65 per person, plus tax
Menu:
Fire River Oysters from Richibucto, New Brunswick on the half shell with celery jus and caviar
Wilted Kale Antipasto Salad
Crispy Guanciale and Speck, Bianco Sardo Sheep Cheese, Bourbon Barrel Soy, Yuzu & Créme Frâiche Dressing
Black Truffle Sfoglini Wild Hive Pasta
Fresh Black Winter Truffle & Parmigiano-Reggiano
Sweet Custard French Toast
Raaka Virgin Milk Chocolate and Fresh Made Ricotta
Wine Tasting:
Aria Cava Rosè Spain
Caparra e Siciliani Mastrogiurato,
Calabria Rosso 2010
Ramos Pinto La Grima White Porto Portugal
Please call for reservations, class size is limited.
203 438 5757

The Upcoming Class Schedule

I can’t believe it is already February 2014.   We just completed or Spain class it was awesome!  Thank you Emily for a great presentation and passionate explanation of the wines!  The cheese and wine pairings were some of the best we have had to date.  Coming up next is our journey to Burgundy on February 21st.  In true french style, come explore some of the great cheeses and wines of the region.  We will be providing some delicious foodie treats and something sweet.  Our wine expert for the evening will be Paul Cullen, a veteran in the wine business and we are so looking forward to his expertise.  Looking ahead to the “Just Cheese” class, this is fun for all ages!  See if you or your son or daughter have what it takes to be a future cheesemonger! Don’t fear the stinky cheese.

Wine dinners are being planned with Chef Tim Lebant from the Schoolhouse, Chef Paul Desiano from RA & Cello & Chefs’ Bernard & Sarah Bouissou. So stay tuned for more information on these amazing wine dinners in the works.

We have also created “Sip & Savor for a Cause, an on-going series to benefit various local charities.  This series will be held on the last Thursday of each month.

And what better way to finish up the current schedule but with the man, Jim Morrison.  This guy bleeds wine and is so passionate about the wine, it’s people and it’s terroir that it is infectious.

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The Upcoming 109 Class / Wine Dinner Schedule
Journey Through Burgundy France – 2/21
$65 per person
Just Cheese (all ages welcome!) – 2/23
$49 per person
Wine Dinner with The Schoolhouse
at Cannondale – 2/26
Additional info coming soon!
Sip & Savor for a Cause – 2/27
(on-going, last Thursday of each month)
$25 per person
East vs West Sake & Wine Dinner – 3/1
Additional info coming soon!
Sarah’s Wine Bar Series Continues 3/9
Additional info coming soon!
Washington / Oregon with Jim Morrison 3/14
Additional info coming soon!

It’s Time to Celebrate at Bernard’s!

It’s that time of year! Happy Birthday Sarah & Monica!
Sarah & Monica’s EXCELLENT Birthday
#Wine #Tasting #Dinner
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Friday, January 24th @ 7 PM
Everyone celebrates
at this wonderful wine tasting dinner!

Passed Canapés
Foie Gras Gougères / Himachi Crudo / Giant Bean wrapped in pancetta with mozzarella / Bernard’s house made charcuterie
Muscat de Beaumes de Venise Sparkling Cocktail
~~
Duo of Oyster with Caviar – Chilled with Cucumber, Dill & Crème Fraiche.
Warm with Leek Fondue, Lemon Chive Beurre Blanc
Xavier Frissant Sauvignon Blanc Touraine Loire France 2012
~~
Pancetta Wrapped Monkfish, French Lentil Ragu, Root Vegetables, Fried Leeks
Chartron Trebuchet Rully Burgundy France 2010
~~
Roasted Wild Duck Breast Tournedo, Wild Mushrooms Risotto, Acorn Squash, Sautéed Spinach & Red Wine Sauce
Domaine Gaston & Pierre Ravaut Cotes de Nuits Villages Burgundy France 2009
~~
109 Cheese Selections
Winnimere Jasper Hill
Brie Fermier and Black Truffle
Domaine Clavel Copa Santa Languedoc France 2011

~~
Meyer Lemon Trio
Meringue Tart, Cake & Sorbet
Philippe Prie Brut Champagne NV

$ 90 per person plus tax and gratuity.
Please call 203 438 8282 for Reservations.

New Years 2013 – Champagne & Caviar please

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As the holidays pass through our lives and the New Year approaches, we find ourselves trying to figure out what caviar to savor and what Champagne to drink.  As luck may have it, we at 109 have the perfect solution. This year, our caviar selection includes Alaskan Salmon Roe, American Hackleback (Mississippi & Missouri River), Snake River White Sturgeon (Idaho) & Galilee Royal Osetra (Israel).

For Champagnes we are featuring a 2005 vintage Lallier, Paul Clouet, Charles Ellner, & Gosset (sounds like a law firm), and in addition to the true Champagnes, we also love our Rosé Cremant & Cava.

Why Champagne & Caviar?

Why not!

Champagne & Caviar were meant to go together! Champagne being one of the most food-friendly and celebrated beverages ever conceived needs the incredible decadence of caviar, crème fraîche & the blini.   Most look for a celebratory excuse to consume Champagne, we look at it as a wonderful wine that is food friendly, and beautiful on the palette.  Definitely enjoy a class throughout your evening celebrations, at the stroke of midnight, and all through 2014!

 

Special orders for Champagne and Caviar can still be placed if you hurry.

Don’t be caught without your bubbly!

Thanksgiving at 109

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CUSTOM CHEESE PLATTERS                  PRICE 

Let us design a custom cheese platter for you! Select your cheeses and add:

Cheese Platter Design                                                             $ 5.00

Disposable Platter      $6.00 small (4-6 ppl)__               $8.00 large (6-12 ppl)

Dried Fruit Selection                                                               $ 8.00

Grapes                                                                                         $ 8.00

Figs                                                                                             $ 5.00

Marcona Almonds from Spain                                            $ 7.95

Honey from Red Bee, Redding, CT                                     $ 8.50

Sweet and Spicy Pecans        $6.00 small ___               $ 12.00 large

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GIVING THANKS FOR AMERICAN CHEESEMAKERS PLATTER $95

Celebrate the national holiday with fine cheeses from our country’s best cheese artisans! Each platter will be beautifully designed and feature: Approx ½ lb of each cheese, serves 8-15pp

Kinderhook, Old Chatham is delightfully creamy sheep’s milk cheese, even spreadable, developing a natural rind and creamy, firm paste with mushroom overtones. NY

Mt. Tam Triple Crème made with organic cow’s milk from Cowgirl Creamery, California

Bonne Buche VBC Ashed ripened goat cheese ladled by hand and aged for 15 days. VT

Milton’s Flory’s Truckle Cheddar is more salty caramel like Gouda though still with the mineral and grassy tang of cheddar. Iowa/Missouri

Rogue River Blue wrapped in brandy-soaked grape leaves from Rogue Creamery, Oregon

Grapes, figs and water wheel crackers

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NEW WORLD, OLD TRADITION CHARCUTERIE PLATTER  $75.00

Enjoy a beautiful selection of traditionally crafted charcuterie made right here in America.

Serves 8-12 people. Each platter will offer: Approximately .35 lb of each

Duck Rillette (shredded duck confit) from Bernard’s

Creminilli Picante slightly spicy

Finochietta dried fennel sausage from Saumeria Bielle, NYC

Molisana Salame with whole black peppercorn and garlic from Olli Salumeria, Virginia

Caperberries, cornichon, olives and roasted garlic

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CAVIAR

Alaskan Salmon Caviar, USA 4.5 oz (125 grams)         $ 20.00

Almas Ara Caviar, Spain 15 grams                                    $ 42.00

Hackleback Caviar, USA 1 oz (28 grams)                       $ 35.00

Russian Ossetra 1 oz (28 grams)                                      $ 109.00

Blini (30)                                                                                 $ 11.00

Kendall Farm Crème Fraîche                                             $ 8.00

**Larger Sizes are available  – 48 hour notice needed

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APPETIZERS                                                                                   PRICE   

Baked Vegetable Spring Rolls (6)                                                 $ 12.00

Spring Roll Sauce                                                                              $ 2.00

Brie encroute  (caramelized onion and thyme) serves 4        $15.00

Flatbread Pizza             -Grilled Vegetable and 3 Cheeses       $ 10.00

Pigs in a Blanket (16 pieces)                                                          $ 16.00

Risotto Balls with Truffle and Fontina (15 pieces)                  $ 18.75

Spicy Lamb Beggar’s Purses (12 pieces)                                     $ 18.00

SWB Crisps                                                                                         $ 8.00

Baguettes                                                                                             $3.00

Whistle Stop Pies –                                    Small / Medium / Large   

Apple, 3 Berry, Chocolate Truffle, Pumpkin       $12/  $20/  $36

Chocolate Bourbon Pecan                                             $14/  $24/  $36

Jeni’s Ice Cream                                                                       $11.99 pint        

Vanilla Ndali Estate

Salty Caramel

Brown Butter Almond Brittle

Riesling Poached Pear

Wildberry Lavender

Thanksgiving

BERNARD’S THANKSGIVING SELECTIONS

STARTERS                                                                                            PRICE  

Butternut Squash Soup, quart, serves 4 people                           $ 10.00

Lobster Bisque, quart, serves 4 people                                          $ 15.00

Salad –                                                                                                     $10.00

Baby Greens with Toasted Pumpkin Seeds, Dried Cranberries with Apple Cider Vinaigrette, serves 2 people

 

SIDE DISHES                                                                each serves 3-4 people            Price

Baby Brussels Sprouts “à la française” w/ caramelized onions and bacon, 1 lb            $ 16.00

Baby Pumpkin Gratin (each)                                                                                                         $ 6.00

Bernard’s Rich Turkey Gravy, 1 pint (4-5 ppl)                                                                           $ 6.50

Cranberry Chutney with apples, orange zest, ginger and maple syrup, 1 pint             $ 9.00

Haricots Verts Almondine, 1 lb                                                                                                     $ 16.00

Mashed Potatoes, 1 lb                                                                                                                      $ 12.00

Mashed Potatoes with goat cheese, 1 lb                                                                                     $ 14.00

Mashed Potatoes with truffle, 1 lb                                                                                                $ 16.00

Roasted Root Vegetables and Caramelized Cippolini Onions, 1 lb                                    $ 11.50

Sautéed Wild Mushrooms, 1/2 lb                                                                                                 $ 25.00

Stuffing, Vegetarian – brioche, cranberry, butternut squash and pecans, 1 lb              $ 9.50

Stuffing, Cornbread – sausage, chestnut and sage, 1lb                                                          $ 10.50

Sweet Potato Purée, Apples, and Bananas, 1 lb                                                                       $ 12.00

SAUCES (each serves 6 ppl)                             8 oz 

Peppercorn Sauce                                                        $ 12.00

Porcini Sauce                                                               $ 16.00

Red Wine Sauce                                                          $ 14.00

Truffle Sauce                                                                $ 16.00

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Don’t forget the Wine! – Ask about our perfect Thanksgiving Case

Pick up:

            Tuesday November 26             2pm-6pm          ________

            Wednesday November 27

                                                            10am-12 noon   ________

                                                            Noon- 3pm       ________

                                                            3pm-6pm          ________

No. 109 Cheese and Wine call for ordering 203.438. 5757

or stop by 109cheeseandwine.com

On Facebook – Twitter – Pinterest 

109 Classroom – Upcoming Event Schedule

Hanging with Monica & Sarah at Sarah’s Wine Bar, “Let’s talk Turkey”

Thanksgiving

Wine & Small Plates at Sarah’s Wine Bar with No.109 Cheese & Wine  $70

Sunday, November 17th @ 6:00 pm

Cranberry margarita

Buratta with roasted beets, candies walnuts and aged balsamic

Chat Moulin Favre Morgon 2010

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Kale & Farrow Salad with Dried cranberries, Bouquet de pomme vinaigrette

Jean Paul Brun Beaujolais Blanc 2011

~~~

Baby Pumpkin gratin with Rock Shrimp & wild mushrooms

Guido Marsello Fiano di Avellino Campania Italy 2010

~~~

Pork Tenderloin wrapped in pancetta, Braised Savoy Cabbage, Roasted Apples, Purple

carrots, calvados sauce

Pierre Breton “Trinch” Bourguil France 2011

~~~

Dessert – pear almond tart, cinnamon ice cream

Monica & Sarah will be sharing recipes & Holiday Entertaining tips!!

Reservations 203-438-8282

Italy’s Red Wines perfect for that special gift or dinner

Friday, December 6, 2013 at 7pm

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Join 109 and Jim Morrison from Artisan Wines for some exceptional reds from Italy’s renowned regions of Barolo, Brunello and a few gems that might be new to you. Monica will pair each wine with an artisan cheese to make the perfect compliment.

Find your favorite Italian wine and cheese combination to offer as a gift! A great way to fill out your holiday shopping by providing a personal experience you can share!

We will start the evening out with a few small bites to wet your appetite and finish with a little sweet.

$55 pp plus tax

Please RSVP by calling 203 438 5757

Dinner Impossible! @ The Ridgefield Playhouse with Robert Irvine!

Sunday November 17th at 8pm

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Robert Irvine brings his Restaurant Impossible:  LIVE show to the Playhouse!  It’s s a high energy, multimedia & multi-sensory theatrical experience.  More than just a cooking demo, Robert Irvine LIVE is an interactive show that provides multiple opportunities for audience participation while witnessing the challenging nature of the TV show, Dinner: Impossible, come to life right before your eyes.

Multiple cameras set up on the stage provide a close-up view of the master at his craft.  Brand new music and video content specifically produced for this show combines seamlessly with the cooking to provide an experience unlike any other.  In each segment of the show Robert will face a new and unique culinary challenge.

A signing with the chef will take place after the show!  Books, T-shirts and Aprons will be available for purchase.

The Ridgefield Playhouse Jazz Series

Join 109 Cheese & Wine for a little taste before the show:

  • Linda Eder’s Holiday Show

December 8 2013 7:30pm (Wine and Cheese tasting at 6:30 pm)

The Classroom Schedule

Understanding the Movie
”A Good Year” Friday, October 25th at 7pm

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How many times have we seen a wine-centric movie and wondered what are they were really talking about?  Well, the wine and food geeks at 109 are here to rescue you. Come to Provence with us on August 23!  Actually, join Monica and Todd around a dining table, French farmhouse style, and enjoy delicious food while sampling four (4) wines from Provence that are depicted in Ridley Scott’s comedy film, “A Good Year” starring Russell Crowe and Albert Finney.  The movie is set in London and a vineyard in Provence.  Come with friends and enjoy the latest in this series of unique film-food-wine experiences. “A Good Year,” Ridley Scott’s charming 2006 comedy set in London and Provence Dine and delight:

Four (4) wines from Provence paired with the film, plus Bernard’s famous Cassoulet, salad nicoise, 
couscous, cheeses, charcuterie with seasonal fruits, exotic olives, breads, Truffle Cheese Popcorn, assorted fruit tarts

Come with friends and enjoy the latest in this series of unique film-food-wine experiences.

$75.00 plus tax per person.  Book today by phone 203 438 5757  – spaces are limited.

 

“Terrior” a class about the effects of the land on Cheese and Wine

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Saturday November 2nd at 7pm

Terroir is the set of special characteristics that the geography, geology and climate of a certain place, interacting with the plant’s genetics, express in agricultural products such as wine, coffee, chocolate, tomatoes, heritage wheat, cannabis, and tea. The concept has also crossed to other Protected Appellations of Origin (PDOs a form of geographical indication), products such as cheeses.

Terroir can be very loosely translated as “a sense of place,” which is embodied in certain characteristic qualities, the sum of the effects that the local environment has had on the production of the product. Terroir is often italicized in English writing to show that it is a French loanword.

Come join us and explore the world of the land and it’s effects on the food we eat and the wine we drink.

$55.00

 

The Champagne Diet comes back to Ridgefield in November!

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Come taste Champagne and talk with Cara, the author of The Champagne Diet.

Cara Alwill Leyba is a women’s lifestyle & wellness writer, best selling author & life coach from New York City who empowers women to live their most effervescent lives and celebrate themselves. She encourages women to indulge in the things that make them happy, and swears that every woman can live a “Champagne Life,” no matter how busy she is or how tight her budget. Cara runs an international private coaching practice where she works with busy women both one on one and in group settings to help them learn to make themselves a priority find what makes them sparkle.

$65 plus tax

 

Wine and Cheese for Thanksgiving Part 1

Friday, November 15

 

Wine and Cheese for Thanksgiving Part 2

Saturday, November 16

 

Dinner Impossible! @ The Ridgefield Playhouse with Robert Irvine! Sunday November 17th at 8pm

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Sunday November 17th at 8pm

Robert Irvine brings his Restaurant Impossible:  LIVE show to the Playhouse!  It’s s a high energy, multimedia & multi-sensory theatrical experience.  More than just a cooking demo, Robert Irvine LIVE is an interactive show that provides multiple opportunities for audience participation while witnessing the challenging nature of the TV show, Dinner: Impossible, come to life right before your eyes.

Multiple cameras set up on the stage provide a close-up view of the master at his craft.  Brand new music and video content specifically produced for this show combines seamlessly with the cooking to provide an experience unlike any other.  In each segment of the show Robert will face a new and unique culinary challenge.

A signing with the chef will take place after the show!  Books, T-shirts and Aprons will be available for purchase.

Italy’s Red Wines perfect for that special gift or dinner

Friday, December 6, 2013

 

The Playhouse Jazz with 109 Cheese and Wine:  Join us for a little taste before the show.

Steve March-Tormé November 08 2013  8:00pm  ( Wine and Cheese tasting at 7pm)

Linda Eder’s Holiday Show December 8 2013 7:30pm (Wine and Cheese tasting at 6:30 pm)

Contact The Playhouse for more information: www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org or (203) 438-5795 

*109 Cheese Classroom is available for

private event rental

Inquire @109 – 203 438 5757

Book your private parties with us.

Now taking holiday bookings