Food & Drink Events for July

by Zan Strumfeld, June 29, 2011

Fleisher’s Book Launch & Block Party
July 9. Join Jessica and Joshua Applestone from Fleisher’s Grass Fed & Organic Meats as they celebrate the publication of The Butcher's Guide to Well-Raised Meat with an old-fashioned block party on John Street in Kingston. Don’t miss the pig roast, face painting, games, street performers, and live music by musicians including The New Zion Trio. Keegan Ales will sponsor Chicken $H!T Bingo and the “Dunk the Butcher” tank will help support local soup kitchen The Queens Galley. Local brewers and vendors will also join the street like Jane’s Ice Cream, The Groovy Baker, and Hickory BBQ Smokehouse. 3-6pm. (845) 338-6666; www.fleishers.com.

Burgundy Wines Seminar
July 16. Take a sip of the world with Millbrook Vineyards & Winery’s Summer Wine Seminar Session II, featuring both global and local wines. Try wines like Louis Latour Chassange-Montrachet 2008, Chanson Vire-Clesse 2008, and Nicholas Potel Nuits-St-Georges 2006. Bob Brink, fine wines manager at Arlington Wine & Liquor, will be the guest speaker. Reservations required. $45. 5-7pm.
(800) 662-WINE; www.millbrookwine.com.

Chef’s Choice Market Dinners
July 20. Prepare for a four-course meal by Chef Brian Kaywork made only from local farms and producers like Gill Farms, Millbrook Winery, Sprout Creek Cheese at The Rhinecliff overlooking the Hudson River. Reservations required. $42.95. 6:30pm.
(845) 876-0590; www.therhinecliff.com.

Friends of the Farmer Festival
July 30. A family-friendly day at the Copake Country Club with wine tastings, food sampling, and live music. This farm-loving festival lets guests meet and speak to those involved in the locally grown world, like farmers, growers, and winemakers. Includes day and night events like an educational panel and programming as well as a Taste of the Hudson Valley Bounty Dinner. The day also provides “little farmer” kids activities, like the fishing camp hosted by Big Willy’s Rods. Guests, $10. Families, $20. 11am-10pm. www.friendsofthefarmer.com.

Connecticut Wine Festival
July 30 and 31. Taste what Connecticut wineries have to offer at this weekend-long festival. There will be 14 participating wineries, including Hopkins Vineyard, Land of Nod Winery, and Sunset Meadow Vineyards. Enjoy locally produced specialty foods like cheese, salsa, and jelly from vendors of the Connecticut Specialty Food Association. Gate tickets, $25. Advance tickets, $20. Under-21 and designated drivers, $10. 12-7pm Saturday, 12-6pm Sunday at the Goshen Fairgrounds, in Connecticut. (860) 677-5467; www.ctwine.com.

Third Annual Black Dirt Feast
August 2. A five-course meal prepared by some of the distinguished chefs in Warwick Valley and served al fresco at Scheuermann Farms and Greenhouses. The menu introduces locally grown produce with paired organic and biodynamic wines. There are three options for the main entree, including Crystal Inn Chef’s James Haurey’s wild Hudson Valley codfish, pan roasted with heirloom tomato, roasted fennel, pattypan squash and quiona ragout with a leek and sweet corn cream. All proceeds go to local charitable groups. $95. 6-9pm. (845) 258-4176; www.pineislandny.com.

Terrapin’s Fifth Annual BeerFEST
August 6. Drink away the day with New York State-brewed beer, including tastings from Captain Lawrence Brewery, Fire Island, and Saratoga. Overlooking the Dinsmore Golf Course and views of the Hudson Valley, beer fanatics can sample more than 100 crafted beers at Terrapin Catering in Staatsburg. Some brewers will also pour special-release drinks exclusively for this event. Barbeque and vegetarian options will be available by Chef Josh Kroner, along with music and more. $35. Designated drivers, $19. 2-8pm.
(845) 876-3330; www.terrapinrestaurant.com.