Feastival 2017

Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. Back in the day, kids diagnosed with CF were not expected to reach elementary school age, but over the past few decades, treatment breakthroughs have increased the life expectancy of a person with CF to about 40. That's still far too young.

You can make a difference to these folks by donating to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the world's leader in the search for a cure. Donate the normal way, by sending funds directly to the CFF, or attend Baltimore's second annual Feastival event and enjoy fine food and drink at the same time. Win/win.

The event will take place on Saturday afternoon, June 17th, at Harbor East’s waterfront promenade. Feastival unites some of Baltimore’s hottest culinary talent, with chefs from Azumi, Blue Pit BBQ, Cask & Grain, Clavel, Colette, Gnocco, Gunther & Co., Loch Bar, Wit & Wisdom participating. Guests will feast on delectable bites while sipping stylish cocktails and local craft brews while the enjoy the views along Baltimore’s harbor.

Proceeds from Feastival directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the world’s leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis. The Foundation funds more CF research than any other organization and nearly every CF drug available today was made possible because of Foundation support. This is a historic time in the fight against cystic fibrosis. Promising therapies that treat the underlying cause of CF, rather than just the symptoms, are in late-stage clinical trials. If successful, these drugs could change the face of the disease and the prognosis of those who suffer from CF.

Feastival
June 17, 2017
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Harbor East’s Waterfront Promenade (Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore)
200 International Drive, Baltimore, MD 21202
Tickets: $125 or Two for $200 bit.ly/CF4Feastival



Posted on Minxeats.com.

Gnocco is Coming

Some might call the neighborhood Highlandtown (pronounced, in the local patois, Hollan-teahwn), and some might call it Brewer's Hill, regardless, the small but charming space at the corner of Eaton and Fleet Streets is now home to a restaurant called Gnocco.

We first met chef/owner Brian Lavin after he took over kitchen duties at Salt, in Butcher's Hill, and we featured a few of his recipes in our book, Baltimore Chef's Table. A bit later, he moved on to Fork and Wrench. Today, the talented Lavin has his very own place with which to leave his mark on Baltimore's culinary scene.

We were invited to Gnocco for a pre-opening media tasting and were quite impressed. The space is small, but bright and welcoming, with a long reclaimed-wood bar and glossy subway tile on the back wall. The menu is "Mediterranean-inspired," with touches of Italy and Spain in Lavin's simple and seasonal dishes. The items we tasted aren't necessarily going to be on the opening menu, but were a good indication of the style of food that will be served at Gnocco come opening day, June 21st.

Among our favorite dishes were oysters on the half shell served with uni, creme fraiche, and salmon roe (that reminded me of the late, lamented Pabu's "Happy Spoons" dish that I loved so much), and a lovely crostini of eggplant agrodolce topped with stracciatella (which will be made in-house).

There were also crispy stuffed olives with 'nduja (a spicy spreadable pork sausage) and boquerones (anchovies), beef tartare, and incredibly tender octopus.

We also tasted three entrees: a lovely house-made agnolotti stuffed with goat cheese and chives, with sauteed chanterelles and hazelnuts; a whole red snapper with yogurt and a cucumber and radish salad; and a perfect NY strip with grilled green onions and romesco.

Everything was really top notch. Simply looking at the photos makes me want to eat it all over again.

We think Gnocco shows great promise, and are looking forward to enjoying a full dinner there sometime later this summer.

Gnocco
3734 Fleet Street
Baltimore, MD 21224
http://www.gnoccobaltimore.com/



Posted on Minxeats.com.