WHAT A TREAT!

 This past Thursday evening my kind and wonderful sister, Pam, invited me to The Grand Tasting Event sponsored by North Shore Magazine. What a treat! I have been working real hard gearing up for real life Shark Tank, because this Entrepreneur smells success.

We were excited to try all the culinary delights literally against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean! The venue took place at the Sea Glass restaurant in Salisbury Mass. I was happy to have a long and overdue night out with my sister. And, what fun we had. When we walked into the enormous room overlooking the sea we were handed the Best Prosecco (Italian Sparkling Wine) we have had…. Gambino Prosecco! I can assure you, if you like Champagne, you will LOVE this. It’s the Prosecco you can’t refuse! It’s like everything you love most in the world liquidizing into one sparkling glass…bubbly, chilled, and fabulous! Salude!

My sis and I walked around feasting on lobster rolls (I wish I could remember the vendor because they sure were extra yummy). We grabbed bunches of shrimp and scallops from Woodman’s of Essex. Seafood doesn’t get any better!  We passed the Davio’s Restaurant table and we just couldn’t say no to their Lobster Risotto.  While I was swooning over my second serving (one was not enough) Pam sampled this new Rum made in Ipswich of all places. It’s called Privateer. It was an instant hit. We highly recommend this sublime and historic brew made with a great deal of integrity right here in New England. May I suggest you try it with mint and blueberries because summer will soon be here...

The food offerings were generous and endless. We had only hit one side of the room but we were already full! We could only admire the homemade asparagus soup, the fresh sushi, the tenderloin, and spicy soft tacos!

After a fit of laughing, like sisters often do, and usually over nothing that is all that funny, just the joy of being together and the history we share, we headed for the desserts. I was eager, but, Pam had to be prodded a bit. Eventually she followed me into the dessert room (yes an entire room of some of the best desserts I have ever had). I spotted the really good Red Velvet Whoopi Pies, but, it was Pam who discovered the 24k gold salted caramels from The Candy Dish. Only three letters can describe the latter, OMG! Truly top notch chocolates. 

Then, that little Renee inside of me gravitated towards Bellavella Handcrafted Cookies. I just stood there coveting all the cakes and cookies.  I felt like a child in a candy store surrounded by so many pretty and irresistible baked goodies. What’s not to love?

When I thought I had had enough, I decided to take a tiny bite of the Maya Gourmet Baklava! This was undoubtedly the finest Greek pasty I have had! Please get some now. Just ask for it at your grocer. It’s my new favorite. Maya Gourmet goes perfectly with the Gambino Prosecco. And, that was our last stop. Back to the delicious and refreshing Italian sparkling wine. We raised our glasses and promised not to eat as much for the rest of the week, or maybe two!

If you hear of any Grand Tasting Events in your area, check them out. It’s really a fun way to share an evening and try new things. And, often part of the proceeds are donated to worthy charities.