Twin Cities’ Mark Haugen Gathers Culinary Team at Historic James Beard House

Twin Cities’ Mark Haugen Gathers Culinary Team at Historic James Beard House

Bobby Flay among featured chefs at Nov. 19 event in New York City

For the second year in a row, a cast of culinary standouts will prepare a special dinner to support the James Beard Foundation and to benefit the Taste of the NFL at the esteemed James Beard House in New York City on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.  The James Beard House, at 167 West 12^th Street, is located in the former townhouse of celebrated cookbook author & television personality James Beard and hosts a limited number of monthly events to showcase culinary artists from around the world.

The Taste of the NFL dinner takes place on the eve of the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles matchup at the Meadowlands—featuring some of the country’s best chefs to represent their teams in the kitchen for a night of charity, football and food.  Taste of the NFL Chef Director Mark Haugen has assembled an all-star culinary line-up including:

• Bobby Flay, Mesa Grill in New York City
• Stephan Lewandowski, Tribeca Grill in New York City
• Jack McDavid, Jack’s Firehouse in Philadelphia
• Pastry Chef Stephane Motir, Tribeca Grill in New York City

Also scheduled to join the chefs in the kitchen and the guests in the dining room are members of the NBC Sports and Sunday Night Football broadcast team, including Michele Tafoya who is a Taste of the NFL board member.    NBC Sports has long been a supporter of Taste of the NFL and will broadcast Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis in February.    Another member of the NBC team, Tony Dungy, is serving as the Honorary Chair for Taste of the NFL this year.

It is a great honor to be invited to host an event at the legendary James Beard House, and we are particularly proud of the caliber of talent we have assembled this year,” said Taste of the NFL Chef Director Mark Haugen. “We look forward to delivering a spectacular evening of food and wine for guests while celebrating the longstanding efforts of our organization and founder.”

Wayne Kostroski, Taste of the NFL founder and the 2010 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year, will serve as host for the evening. Tickets are available to the public and can be reserved by calling 212.627.2308. Tickets are $250; James Beard Foundation members receive a discounted ticket price of $200 per ticket. Proceeds will benefit both the James Beard Foundation and the Taste of the NFL.

Taste of the NFL Nov. 19 Menu

Hors d’Oeuvres:

Lobster–Green Onion Salad with Crispy Serrano Ham and Toasted Brioche
Crab–Avocado Fritters
Braised Short Rib Pierogi with Foie Gras Cream
Shiitake Mushrooms with Pumpkin Risotto

Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc 2010

MacMurray Ranch Pinot Noir 2009   

Dinner:
Butternut Squash Flan with Chanterelles, Chipotle Brown Butter, and Sage
Gallo Family Vineyards Winemaker’s Signature Series Chardonnay 2009

Torn Hot-Smoked Salmon with New Mexico Hatch Chilies
Gallo Family Vineyards Winemaker’s Signature Series Pinot Noir 2009

Roasted Guinea Hen with Stuffed Leg, Braised Sauerkraut, Caramelized Cipollini Onions, and Pommery Mustard
Gallo Family Vineyards Winemaker’s Signature Series Chardonnay 2009

Maple-Glazed Smoked Buffalo Sirloin with Cranberry, Corn, and Spelt Salad
Gallo Family Vineyards Winemaker’s Signature Series Cabernet Sauvignon 2008

Bittersweet Chocolate–Caramel Crunch with Candied Chestnut Crème
La Marca Prosecco NV

About the James Beard Foundation

Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation is dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and nurturing America’s culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of our culinary excellence. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, James Beard, who died in 1985, was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts. Today, the Beard Foundation continues in the same spirit by administering a number of diverse programs that include educational initiatives, food industry awards, scholarships to culinary schools, and publications, and by maintaining the historic James Beard House in New York City’s Greenwich Village as a “performance space” for visiting chefs. For more information, please visit www.jamesbeard.org.

ABOUT TASTE OF THE NFL The Taste of the NFL (TNFL) is a 501c3 that exists to raise awareness and dollars for hunger relief organizations involved in tackling hunger in America. Proudly celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2011, the organization conducts national and local fundraising events throughout the year to raise money to combat hunger issues facing millions of Americans. Minneapolis-based Taste of the NFL has raised more than $11 million for this critically important cause and is looking forward to its 2012 event on the eve of Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis. For more information, visit www.TasteoftheNFL.com.