Truffles at The Grog

Yes, you read that right...Truffles - and then some - at The Grog.

Last night, The Grog in association with New England Wine & Spirits presented an extraordinary five course meal paired with wines of the Piedmont.

For those of you who might have missed it, we present a mouth-watering review of the evening.

The first course was a Hand-Cut Tagliatelle, Tossed with Sage Butter and topped with shaved imported black truffles. A rich and simple introduction to the subtle flavoring of the truffle. It was served with Michele Chiarlo Gavi 2006.

The second course featured Sea Bass Topped with Tomatoes & Capers tossed with white truffle oil and shaved black imported truffles; served with a Saffron Risotto. The Sea Bass was perfect and the course lightly complemented the pairing of Gagliardo Favorita Fallegro La Morra Piedmonte 2007

The salad course featured Roasted Radicchio, Fennel & Endive; topped with Peppercress and a Truffle Vinaigrette. The richness of the roasted greens paired well with the Michele Chiarlo Barbera D'Asti 2006.

Our next course was the crescendo event of the evening. Tournedos Rossini with Shaved Black Truffles & Fingerlings. This dish, named for composer Gioachino Rossini, was interpreted masterfully. The tender filet, served on a golden crostini was topped with seared Moulard Duck Foie Gras & Shaved Black Truffles. The purple & white fingerlings complemented the richness of the Tournedos. Served with this course was a Michele Chiarlo Barbaresco 'Reyna' 2005.

The evening was gently and sweetly ended as a Vanilla Bean Gelato with Biscotti Crusting & Truffle Honey Drizzle was paired with a wonderful Moscato dessert wine.

All in all, a great night. Good food, good wine, good company. Our hats are off to our Executive Chef Patrick O'Neill; our Sous Chef Matt Bradley and our General Manager Bill Nichelmann for their creativity and execution.

There will be more dinners...more tastings. Next month, in fact, we have a Belgian Beer Dinner scheduled for February 12th. More information to come soon.

Chili Con-Carnival Around The Corner

The Chili Con-Carnival Cook-Off is coming!

On Saturday, October 18th from 12 noon to 3 pm, the parking lot at The Grog will be steaming with some of the best chili in the area. Local restaurants & chili-aficionados will be putting their best chili forward for a very good cause.

With high gas prices, the increase in home heating oil prices and the generally depressed economy, the local food pantries are being stretched to - and, in some cases, beyond - their limits. Our Neighbors' Table in Amesbury, The Pettengill House in Salisbury, and Community Services of Newburyport are all facing a far greater demand this winter. The Chili Cook-Off will benefit these three agencies and, in fact, each agency will be in attendance at the Cook-Off to provide information regarding their services and to accept direct donations.

A brave group of judges - Richard Eaton, President, Newburyport Five Cents Savings Bank; Frank Cousins, Essex County Sheriff; Thomas Howard, Newburyport City Marshall; John Macone, Editor, The Daily News; and Ann Ormond, President, The Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry - will be on hand to formally judge the chili entrants. Everyone attending will also have a chance to vote for their favorite chili for The Peoples' Choice Award.

There will be live music, raffles and some great chili. Don't miss this! Admission $10 Children Under 12 Free.

It's A Blues Bash

Coming up on Labor Day Monday is an event no blues-lover should miss.

As a special Benefit for Amadee Castenell, who is currently recovering from quadruple bypass surgery, The Sunday Blues Party is gathering friends and talent for a great jam.

Featured performers are Chis "Stovall" Brown, John Colby, Steve Bankuti, Wolf Ginandes, Deric Dyer & Parker Wheeler.

The special guests include Cheryl Aruda, Joe Bargar, Diane Blue, Bob Enik, Chris Fitz, Joe Mack, Bev Rohlehr, Ricky "King" Russell, Vykki Vox, and more to come...

A donation of $10 would be appreciated. The event runs from 7pm to 11pm.

James Montgomery at The Grog

A few takes from The Blues Party on August 10th.

Music - Now & Then

North Shore Magazine has chosen The Grog as the Best Live Music Venue in its annual Best of the North Shore picks. To quote - "...The Grog offers the best local music in a kick-backed setting."

Congratulations to Parker & Joey and the hundreds of fine musicians who make the Downstairs the place to be. A special thanks to Richard who, 37 years ago, had a vision of great live music, good food & service, and a place to see and be seen.

Speaking of history, just found this clip of Shirley Lewis "The Regal Queen of the Blues" Downstairs at The Grog from 1983. Recognize anybody?



And the music goes on...

Parker's Blues Party

Sundays just keep getting better at The Blues Party.

This coming Sunday, Danny Draher will appear with Ken Clark & Deric Dyer - $5 cover

On August 10th, James Montgomery returns to the stage - need we say more? - $7 cover

August 17th brings Mike Lynch, Cliff Goodwin and Wolf Ginandes - $5 cover

On August 24th, Joe Mack & Joe Bargar will be kickin' out the jams - $5 cover

August wraps up on the 31st with Tom "T.H." Hambridge returning for a special visit - $7 cover.

A special Blues Party Event will be held on Labor Day Monday, September 1st to benefit Amadee Castenell. A donation of $10 is appreciated.

You can now enjoy highlights of The Blues Party on YouTube. Most recently, some footage from July 20th with Robert Holmes. Deric Dyer, David Hull, John Colby, and, of course, Parker -

How Time Goes By...

The last week of July has arrived and, with it, Yankee Homecoming. We'll be serving food Wednesday night at the Newburyport Brew Fest from 6 to 9pm behind the Custom House. Stop by and say hello to Patrick & Matt - Make sure they're not enjoying the evening too much! Tickets for the Brew Fest are $30 at the gate ($25 in advance). There will be 16 brewers in attendance and proceeds will benefit the C-10 Research & Education Foundation, Inc.

Thursday night in The Cabaret, The Divorced return with Kings Highway opening. Friday, Sunchunck will rock the house down with a Yankee Homecoming blast. Saturday, as the fireworks glow on the horizon, the Henry Welch Band completes the party!