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What’s on Tap this Week @Max’s Oyster Bar

by Brian Mitchell, Beverage Director, Max Restaurant Group

One of our favorite local brewers produces this tasty beer on occasion and only in limited quantities, especially on draft.  This week, though, at Max’s Oyster Bar we will be placing the New England Brewing Company Weiss Trash Culture on line (you should expect it to start either Tuesday or Wednesday).

NEBCO-weiss-trash

Produced at NEBCO, in Woodbridge, Ct., this is a great example of a weiss style beer, which is closest to what is known as a Berliner Weiss.  The name though is a play on words and also refers to the specialty yeast that is used to make this style of beer, which are known as White beers. “Weiss” refers to the yeast strain as well as the cloudy effect the beers often have from both yeast and wheat which is the main grain for production.

Extremely refreshing and crisp, the Berliner Weiss beers are often dosed with a little sweet syrup, such as raspberry, to soften them.  These are perfect to enjoy on their own when the weather is a bit warmer (such as it will be this week), as they are crisp and light.  A characteristic which also makes them a perfect draft to have at Max’s Oyster Bar with some fresh seafood dishes, including Oysters and the raw bar, or a lobster special, which will also be running later this week.

The other great thing about this beer is the fact that it is only 3.4% abv, which means you can drink one (or two) and not get as weighed down as from one of the fuller styles of beer.  Perfectly suited to dining and fine cuisine.  Give this a go at Max’s Oyster Bar this week and enjoy one of the best locally produced beers by one of CT’s best brewers – NEBCO. 

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Dinner at the Nathan Hale Homestead

Dinner-at-the-Homestead-2014-EDIT-2 copyConnecticut Landmarks celebrates Food, Farms & Connecticut History.
Dinner at the Homestead celebrates our state’s rich agricultural
heritage at the Nathan Hale Homestead in bucolic Coventry, CT.
This exceptional event features a farm-to-table multi-course dinner
prepared by Executive Chef Scott Miller of Max’s Oyster Bar
& Max Chef To Farm Dinners. Take a tour of the historic
Nathan Hale Homestead with demonstrations, live music,
living history, silent auction and more!
5:30pm: Open Homestead
6:00pm: Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres
7:00pm: Dinner
Call today for reservations! 860.247.8996 ext. 23
$175 Individual Ticket
$1,200 for a Table of 8 (a $200 savings)
Or purchase individual tickets online here
All proceeds benefit educational programming at
Connecticut Landmarks’ Properties.
*Rain Date: Sunday, September 7th, beginning at 4:30 pmCt Landmarks Logo

 

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Max Chef To Farm “Head To Tail”

C2F-Head-To-Tail-3-1 copyCuisine by Chefs Hunter Morton & Scott Miller
RECEPTION 6:30PM
The Picket Fence of Local Vegetables
Dips | Spreads
Sub Edge Farm Radishes
Sea Salt | Goat Butter
Sepe Farm Lamb Burgers
Golden Tomato Ketchup | Hartford Baking Co. Roll
Broad Brook Beef Cheek Huaraches
The Garlic Farms Pickled Onions
Watermelon Skewers
Crisp Pork Belly | Basil | Pickled Watermelon Rind
Housemade Ricotta
The Farmer’s Cow Milk | Starlight Gardens’ Tomatoes
GourmAvian Farm Chicken Liver Mousse
Chicken Skin | Horseradish & Beet Eggs
AMUSE BOUCHE
Marwin Farm Duck and Peach
Smoked Breast | Peach Marmalade | Rillettes
Peach Mostarda | Chicharrón | Peach Salt
FIRST COURSE
Sub Edge Farm Beets
Oak Leaf Dairy Goat Cheese Stuffed Red Beets | Beet Greens
Beet and Fennel Vinaigrette | Salt Roasted Gold Beets | Chioggia Chips
SECOND COURSE – LOCAL CATCH
Stonington Squid & Peppers
Squid Ink and Jimmy Nardello Pepper Risotto | Grilled Squid
Shishito Pepper Skewer | Arborio Crusted Squid | Romesco
Stonington Monkfish & Summer Squash
Monkfish Liver Mousse | Squash Blossoms |Monkfish Confit
Zucchini Bread Toast | Piperade
ENTRÉE COURSE
Secchiaroli Farm Pork & Onions
Pork Presse | The Garlic Farm Sweet Onion Soubise
Crispy Pig Ear Salad | Grilled Scallions
TABLE SHARES
Rosedale Farms Corn On The Cob
Honey Butter | Chipotle Salt
Starlight Gardens’ Tomato Gratin
HBC Bread Crumbs | Coach Farms Aged Goat Cheese
BREADS
Hartford Baking Company
DESSERT COURSE
Stone Fruit
Roasted Apricots | Plum Sorbet | Oak Streusel
Reception and Dinner includes Local, Organic Wines
$115 per person (not including tax & gratuity)
To reserve your seat, CLICK HERE or call 860.566.8360

 

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Saturday is National Rum Day – YO HO!

National-Rum-Dayby Brian Mitchell, Corporate Beverage Director, Max Restaurant Group

Saturday August 16th, is National Rum Day!

Normally we do not get too caught up in all the National (fill in the blank) Days, but this one is right up our ally.  Rum is one of the top selling spirits in the world, and at the Max Restaurants we sell a lot of rum and rum-based drinks  – point of fact, our #1 selling mixed cocktail across the company is the Max Painkiller – a delicious rum-based, tropical TiKi styled drink.

Max-Painkiller-Rum
Well Chilled Max Painkillers

So come celebrate a day dedicated to the tasty fermented cane spirit by joining us at any of our locations.  We will be serving up the Max Painkiller, as wella as Hurricanes, Beachcombers, Mojitos, traditional Daiquiri,  Hemingways, Rum & Cokes, Dark & Stormies, or any of the vast number of rum drinks our bartenders can concoct for you. (Nothing frozen, though – sorry.)

A Little Rummy History

Fermented cane juice has been made in many areas of Asia and Africa going back probably millennia, but modern distilled rum production really dates to the 17th Century in the Caribbean.  Sugar became a valued commodity in Europe around this time as it had been fairly scarce, but the opening of the New World allowed for a continuous source of sugar.

A by-product of sugar production is molasses, which was not thought to have much use at first, but it was quickly discovered to be fermentable and then distillable.

Rum became a popular drink in both the old and new world regions, and especially in Colonial America (primarily New England and New York), where the technology for making and maintaining stills and ample supply of wood for barrels meant a refined product could be produced (and consumed).   Molasses were shipped in and refined into rum, before being shipped back out and used for trade, often for slaves, which were needed to work the sugar plantations to make more rum.  The Rum-Slave Triangle was formed by traders moving from West Africa to the Caribbean to population centers of New England and New York, moving “goods” back and forth.

rum-barrel-xxxAs rum was traded and shipped on the high seas it became a custom aboard naval ships, and eventually pirate ships.  Traditions among the Naval powers of Great Britain and others lasted well into the 20th century with daily rations, and even continue to this day with special occasion rations being given out to service persons.

Styles and Production of Rum

Rum is produced in many regions, but essentially there are three groups of styles, with variations or ageing categories within each group.  These main groups are often categorized by the language or tradition of the colonial power that was in control of the original production areas.  These colonial powers had favorite styles and from these grew both production and taste styles that more or less remain today.

  • English-speaking islands and countries are known for darker rums with a fuller taste that retains a greater amount of the underlying molasses flavor. Rums from Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Barbados, St.Lucia, Belize, Bermuda, Saint Kitts, the Demerara region of Guyana, and Jamaica are typical of this style.
  • French-speaking islands are best known for their agricultural rums (rhum agricole). These rums, being produced exclusively from sugar cane juice, retain a greater amount of the original flavor of the sugar cane and are generally more expensive than molasses-based rums. Rums from Haiti, Guadeloupe and Martinique are typical of this style.
  • Spanish-speaking islands and countries traditionally produce añejo rums with a fairly smooth taste. Rums from Cuba, Guatemala, Panama, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Venezuela are typical of this style. Rum from the U.S. Virgin Islands is also of this style. The Canary Islands produces honey rum known as ron miel de Canarias and carries a geographical designation.

 

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Newburyport Brewing Co. Dinner at Max Burger Longmeadow

by Brian Mitchell, Corporate Beverage Director, Max Restaurant Group

Newburyport Brewing Company was founded just a couple of years ago (2012), but my first really solid encounter with them was at our Marchtoberfest Beer tasting last March at Max’s Tavern in Springfield.  I had the opportunity to meet the guys from the brewery and taste through the beers.  Without being overly biased, this was one of the best take-aways for me from the whole tasting.  I really enjoyed the style of the beers, the fact that they brew exclusively in cans (large and small), and that they are a couple of local guys.

So, it is with great pleasure that I announce that co-owner Chris Webb, will be joining us at Max Burger in Longmeadow on September 8th, for a great beer dinner, pairing Newburyport Brewing beers with the cuisine of Executive Chef David Sudol.

The price is great – the beer and food are going to be delicious; really no reason not to attend.  Take a look at the menu…

Max Burger of Longmeadow

Presents a Super Awesome Beer & Food Pairing Dinner

Featuring – Newburyport Brewing Company

Newburyport-brewing-logo

With Special Guest – Chris Webb – Owner

 September 8th

Reception at 6:00 · Dinner at 6:30

Awesome Course 1

Potato Bacon Cheddar “Fritters” with Tasso Ham Gravy

Melt Away Session I.P.A. – 4.6% ABV

Awesome Course 2

“Fish n Chips”- Blackened  Swordfish Sliders (Sweet Slaw, Agent 9 Sauce, Crispy Onion Straws) Beer Battered Steak Fries

Yeet! Extra Special Bitter – 5% ABV

Awesome Course 3

Pork Tenderloin, Chorizo Potato Hash, Spiced Cherry Compote, Sweet Tea Gastrique

Green Head I.P.A. – 7.2% ABV

Super Dessert Course

Peach ‘N’ Cream Cobbler Milkshake

Plum Island White – 5.4% ABV

COST: $55.00 per person

(not including tax or gratuity )

Please call Max Burger Longmeadow to reserve your seat

413-798-0101

 

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Black Hog Brewing Comes to Max Burger West Hartford

by Brian Mitchell, Beverage Director for Max Restaurant Group

Lat week I had the pleasure of tasting some of the newly released brews from one of the newest breweries to hit the quickly growing CT brewery scene: Black Hog Brewing.  Based in Oxford, Ct, and built on the ashes of a recently defunct brewery, the beers coming from Black Hog are quickly building to be some of the best quality brewed in the state and certainly able to compete with some of the best nationally.

Black Hog

Formed as a partnership between Tom and brother Jason Sobocinski, who own and operate Caseus Fromagerie & Bistro in New Haven, and a family friend Tyler Jones, an experienced brewer, the team has the make-up and back ground for making some truly outstanding beers.  I had the pleasure to taste four beers, which will be released later this week to limited state-wide distribution, and was really impressed with the overall quality.  We also featured the Ginga Ninja as one of the featured beers in last week’s Chef to Farm dinners at Farmer’s Cow in Lebanon, Ct.  Very well received by all.

We will be featuring all four beers this coming Wednesday, July 23rd, at Max Burger in West Hartford as part of local mini-tap-take-over.  As an added bonus, you will get a chance to meet brewer Tyler Jones who will be on hand, drinking and talking beer with any and all.  Brewery folks will be on hand starting at about 5pm; Black Hog beers available until they are gone.

Here is a list of what was tasted and what will be featured at Max Burger;

Ginga Ninja – a red india pale ale brewed w. fresh ginger; 6.5% abv

Easy Rye’Da – an easy drinkin’ low abv rye india pale ale; 4.7% abv

Granola Brown – brown ale brewed w. a granola mix of oatmeal, grains, hops & roasted malts; 5.5% abv

S.W.A.G. – summer wheat ale brewed w. grapefruit peel; 4.3% abv

ginga_web

 
 

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Lagunitas Tap Take Over @ Max Burger WH

Join us for a great evening of Beers and Burgers, all to support a great cause.

All month long, Max Burger in West Hartford, has been featuring beers from Lagunitas Brewing out of Petaluma, California.  On Thursday June 26, we will be hosting a tap take-over with the beers from Lagunitas, with proceeds going to the Protectors of Animals animal shelter in East Hartford, Ct.

Come on out, enjoy a great Thursty Thursday and support those helping to save animals and give them new homes.  What could be better?  Great Beers, Great fun and all for a Great Cause!

Lagunitas at Max Burger WH

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Jason Sowik from Max Burger Wins Medal at Food Smooze Martini Competition

By Brian Mitchell, Corporate Beverage Director, Max Restaurant Group

Congratulations to Jason Sowik, Bar Manager for Max Burger in West Hartford, for winning the Bronze Medal at last night’s WNPR Food Smooze Martini Competition.

WP_20140619_005Jason beat out over 30 other competitors to place third in a strong field of well conceived drinks from some of Connecticut’s best drink makers.

Using a combination of fresh blueberries and limes, Jason’s drink was simple yet elegant and delicious.  A Blueberry Moji-tini, is a take on a traditional Mojito, to which Jason adds fresh blueberries.  He served this up in a mini-martini glass for the evening, hence the “tini” twist.  Pretty simple but very drinkable recipe.

Jason can be found tending the stick at Max Burger in West Hartford, where he and his team have fun mixing all kinds of modern and traditional drink combinations.

Click Here to see the link on the event round up and all the competition results. 

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Forager Cocktail #1 – Rosedale Flower

By Brian Mitchell, Corporate Beverage Director, Max Restaurant Group

Rosedale FarmsLast night we had the pleasure of kicking off our new season for the Max Chef to Farm Series, now in its 7th season.  This dinner series is a popular series where we take the Max experience out to local farms and present meals based on the ingredients available at that point in the season and what we can source locally.

This series has become so popular that we routinely sell out each event, and often have a wait list.  Chef Scott Miller along with a number of the other Max Chefs creates thoughtful, delicious meals with locally sourced farm produce as well as locally sourced meats, cheeses and seafood.  For my part, I get to start the evening off with a welcome cocktail when guests arrive, and in line with the locally sourced ingredients I try to find not only local produce or other ingredients to make this cocktail.  I also like to find local, or at least hand-crafted / artisanly produced, spirits for the base of these drinks.

For the summer of 2014, I have decided to theme my drinks under the umbrella name/concept of Forager Cocktails, and will be producing a series of these drinks for each C2F dinners through the season, each making best use of local ingredients available at that point in the season.

I had so many requests last night for my recipe that I am posting here for any to see and use.  Please feel free to contact me if you need assistance or have questions on how to recreate this cocktail or any others in the series.

Rosedale StrawberriesFor the Forager Cocktail #1, I made a drink based on a slightly obscure, but well thought out drink called the Artemis Flower.  This drink combines fresh ingredients that fit perfectly with what is available in early summer –  berries.  For my part, I called this drink the Rosedale Flower, as we were serving the dinner at Rosedale Farms in Simsbury, Ct, and the main ingredient here were the strawberries picked fresh that morning.

I used the berries with some Bourbon, fresh lime juice, house made “sambuca”, and a thyme syrup that I made in the morning.  The “sambuca” actually makes use of a few other locally sourced items for a great flavor twist that is hard to replicate.  I use Rime Vodka, which is made by Westford Hill Distillers in Ashford, Ct as the base, to which I infused about a dozen (per 750ml of vodka) fennel blossom heads into slowly for about 3-4 hours.  This process allows me to pull the flavor out of the fennel, but not the harsh green components that would detract from the lovely licorice flavors.  I added some sugar to balance and the result is very similar to a Sambuca.

My Bourbon of choice for the night is a small production bourbon called Corner Creek Reserve Bourbon, from Kentucky.  This is an 88 proof whiskey that is actually aged about 8 years for mellowing.  I like the power this bottling has, along with the deep bourbon flavor, and the extra touch of proof did not hurt at all.  In fact, the tempering of alcohol by the sweetness from the fresh thyme syrup was perfect.  Very simple to make, I used a big fist of thyme sprigs and added them while the water was still cool and then let it steep as it came up in temperature.  Once I could smell the thyme strongly, I pulled it off the heat just before boiling.  I let it sit for a few minutes and then strained out the leaves and stems.  While still hot, I mixed in equal parts (by volume) of granulated sugar to make my syrup.  Very flavorful and delicious – adding a great extra flavor element to this drink.

anyone can make this drink at home, and if you are willing to go a little extra for the local and the home-made ingredients, then you will have an even more special experience – something we try to achieve out on the farm.

Forager #1 Rosedale FlowerForager Cocktail # 1 – The Rosedale Flower
In a mason jar –
Add 3-4 fresh picked strawberries – lightly crushed, but not pulverized
Then combine in jar
2oz Corner Creek Bourbon
½ oz House-made fennel-buca (you can use regular Sambuca like Meletti)
¾ oz Thyme Syrup
½ fresh lime juice
Let sit for a few minutes to absorb the strawberry juice
Fill with ice, add splash of Club Soda and serve with Thyme sprig for garnish

 

 

  

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Stone Brewing Dinner at Max’s Oyster Bar

Stone-Brewing-Dinner-at-Oyster-2Join us for a very special evening featuring Stone Brewing Company
of Escondido, California and the cuisine of Executive Chef Scott Miller.
With Special Guest Speaker Jeff Nelson of Stone Brewing.
For more information visit their website, here.
NOANK OYSTERS
Strawberry “Caviar” | Aged Fig Vinegar
Stone Go To IPA – Amerian IPA – 4.5% ABV
******
CRAB
Asparagus | Fennel | Yuzu
Stone Saison – Farmhouse Ale – 6.0 % ABV
******
RABBIT
Ricotta Gnudi | Peas | Oyster Mushrooms
Kyle Hollingsworth / Keri Kelli / Stone Collective Distortion
American Double IPA – 9.2 % ABV
******
SWEETBREADS
Black Ledge Fonduta | Pickled Celery | Pimenton
Stone Enjoy by 07.04.14 IPA – American Imperial IPA – 9.40 % ABV
******
BEEF DECKLE
Marrow Gratin | Wild Greens | Smoked Hollandaise
Matt’s Burning Rosids – Imperial Cherry Wood Smoked Saison – 10.5% ABV
******
CHOCOLATE & CHEESE
House Biscuits | Berries
Special Late Night Tasting of Stone Stochasticity Project Quadro Triticale
Belgian Style Quad – 10 % ABV
$75 per person, not including tax & gratuity
Limited seating, please call for reservations: 860.236.6299

 

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Jefferson’s Bourbon, Beer & Cigar Dinner at Trumbull Kitchen

bCrOI7g4snIx1FT7iqLyiNsHP_UdHi9FWGCHeYSRr10EjX4qki4fHBCk-FV2Ay7Pyodo1_H4EQ83D9OMytEmHmyLcEbwy93K8eqAa3eSwgOBXGBHKnMl0v-GxWf1Ea0ugtlHG7YH5iBFbEHK=s0-d-e1-ftFounded in 1997, Jefferson’s is the brainchild of Trey Zoeller and his father
Chet, a famed bourbon historian. They were continuing a family tradition that
goes back to Trey’s 8th generation grandmother who was arrested in 1799
for the “production and sales of spirituous liquors.” To personify the brand,
they chose Thomas Jefferson, known for his curiosity and experimental spirit.
This is a mindset to which Trey has dedicated himself, pushing the boundaries
of the definition of bourbon. Upholding tradition, yet always discovering
new possibilities.For more information on Jefferson’s Bourbons, click here.
Join us for a very special evening of bourbon, cigars,
and the cuisine of Executive Chef Christopher Torla.
Cigars from The Tobacco Shop of Hartford, Inc.
Kobe Beef Slider
Bourbon BBQ sauce, Cajun corn maque choux
Monticello Old Fashioned with Jefferson’s Bourbon
******
Brown Sugar Crusted Hanger Steak
Vidalia onion crust, Yukon gold purée
NOLA Sazerac
******
Braised Veal Breast
Apple and bacon stuffing, Bourbon Demi
The Ciderhouse Cocktail with Jefferson’s Chef Collaboration
******
Grilled Angus New York Sirloin
Gorgonzola potato Napoleon, winter kale
Vieux Carré with Jefferson’s Reserve Bourbon
******
Jaime Garcia Cigars
Jefferson’s Ocean Bourbon
$125 per person, not including tax & gratuity
Limited seating, please call for reservations: 860.493.7412

 

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