Winter Cooking Classes and Wine tastings
Hi Everyone,
Ok now-a-days it's all about saving money, so here's a way to travel without leaving Vermont. Not only that but we're going to concentrate on maximum enjoyment with minimum expenditure. During this winter we at Ariel's are going to focus on soul satisfying food and wine from unpretentious places to show how people with limited resources indulge themselves and do so on at least a semi-regular basis. This is not to say that these items are not sophisticated, but they are certainly not pretentious or prissy. The added bonus is that most are hearty and or spicy and with what's going on outside, a little snuggle time at home with friends is just what the doctor (read psychiatrist) ordered. So sign up for one or more of the following and this winter is bound to take on a rosier hue. Call 229-2295 to reserve your spot.
Winter Cooking Classes
Classes will be held Saturdays at the restaurant in Montpelier from 10:30AM-2:00PM and include lunch with an appropriate beverage(wine, beer or cocktail) matched to the menu by Richard. All classes cost $60/person including tax, except Feb 7, which will be $75. We will provide information on sources for ingredients and wines served as well as typed recipes for your collection.
These classes will be limited to 12 people and will require a minimum of 6. Payment necessary at signup. Jan. 10:Cassoulet a Perfect Winter Indulgence
Learn to make authentic Cassoulet, including instruction on making Duck Confit and rich duck stock from scratch, then cooking and assembling the white beans, sausage and confit into the ultimate winter dish from France. Lunch will include a very French salad of frisee with lardons a light dessert and the perfect glass of wine. Jan. 24: Thai Curries and Pad Thai
The class will make three of Lee's most popular Thai dishes:
Thai Red Curry with Mussels; Thai Green Curry with Seared Scallops & Rice Noodles and Pad Thai with Chicken, Shrimp & Tofu. At lunch Richard will show how matching wine to these fragrant and spicy dishes is not as difficult as it may seem. Feb. 7: A Valentines Feast for Your Sweetheart
We will give away some of our most popular and effective recipes for love and romance. Our famous Crab Cakes in Kataify Pastry, then a Roast Filet of Beef rubbed with coffee and ancho chile with a red wine reduction and Blue Cheese Scalloped Potatoes and deep, dark Chocolate Fondant for dessert. Richard will outdo himself with his wine selection for this one. Feb. 21: Authentic N'Awlins Style Mardi Gras Party Dishes
Lee's two years of living, working and eating in New Orleans taught her a lot, and she'll pass it on in these authentic recipes for Chicken & Andouille Sausage Gumbo; Shrimp Etouffee and Caramel Pecan Bread Pudding with Bourbon Sauce. Will richard match this one with beer or wine? Come and see! Mar. 7: Classic Regional Mexican Cuisine
Our most popular ethnic dinner has always been Lee's careful reproductions of classic Mexican dishes. You'll learn two moles from scratch: the many ingredient Mole Poblano and the simple but delicious Pumpkin Seed Mole, which we'll serve with chicken and fabulous spicy black beans. But that's not all! We'll start with a classic Tortilla & Lime Soup and end with a not quite authentic but luscious Mexican Chocolate Creme Brulee. This one just has to be paired with one of Richard's famous Margaritas!
Saturday Afternoon Wine Tastings
Wine tastings will be held from 3:30-5:00
Charge will be $10.00 for three wines.
Jan 17th Beaujolais, The Rodney Dangerfield Of Burgundy
An eye opening experience of why Beaujolais is under appreciated, extremely versatile and undervalued.
Jan 31st Global Syrah Adventure
Syrah is grown in many places and speaks a different language depending on origin!
Feb 28th Mining For Italian Gems
Come taste Italian blends from the less pedigreed regions. These wines are full of a complexity and character that belies their modest cost.
Click here to visit Ariel's Restaurant & Pond Village Pub