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Worcester Wine Festival’s “Bubbles & Brunch” Menu Unveiled for Altea’s

Worcester Wine Festival's "Bubbles & Brunch" Set for Altea's Eatery

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The first course, a yogurt and granola is set to pair with a mimosa to start out brunch on a social, light note.
The first course, a yogurt and granola is set to pair with a mimosa to start out brunch on a social, light note.

Altea’s Eatery in Worcester has released the five course brunch menu that Chef Enton Mehillaj has prepared for their Signature Dining Event as part of the 2017 Worcester Wine Festival. The menu is focused on thoughtfully sourced, honest American food with a French twist. The “Bubbles & Brunch” menu (whose $50 price is inclusive of food, beverages, tax, and gratuity) is paired with a selection of Global Wine’s portfolio. You’ll start off with a mimosa and work your way through the flavor profiles from Italy, Oregon and Spain with Prosecco, Cava, Moscato d’Asti and more. The variation of bubbles are the perfect balance to match the flavors and texture in each delectable dish. The brunch, includes:

  1. Housemade Granola (Greek yogurt, honey, assorted berries) paired with Kelsey Sparkling Mimosas
  2. Spiced Sugar Beignets (Strawberry compote, crème fraiche) with Borgo del Col Alto Prosecco
  3. Frittata (Bacon, leeks, gruyère cheese, topped with greens) paired with Iris Pinot Gris
  4. Croque Monsieur (Black Forest ham, gruyère cheese, mornay sauce, on country white bread) paired with Flama d’Or Cava Rose
  5. Nutella Crêpe (Fresh strawberry and banana) paired with Mozzafiato Moscato d’Asti

The Worcester Wine Festival, which is a three day festival during Columbus Day weekend was created to bring the community together around wine. In addition to the Signature Wine Dinners, featuring restaurants like Lock 50, Bocado, The People’s Kitchen, Altea’s and more, the culminating event is the Grand Tasting which is scheduled on Sunday at Union Station. The Grand Tasting offers an intimate setting where attendees can taste over 400 wines, speak directly with the vineyard owners, and be educated on all things wine. In addition, the presenting sponsor, the Worcester Art Museum, will be hosting both a wine auction and a wall of wine raffle allowing attendees the chance to take home some of the best wines available.

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Natchitoches Meat Pies

 

In lieu of an entrée at Gumbo, I opted for two indulgent appetizers – each entirely different ‘fried’ experience. The Natchitoches meat pies were surprising light and a flakey golden brown. I enjoyed the finely ground texture of the meat and the mild Creole flavors with an overall warm buttery appeal without being heavy. The jalapeno aioli added another dimension – I tasted less jalapeno and cooler ranch than I would have expected, but was very content nevertheless. On the other hand, the shrimp and eggplant beignets were heavy and doughier than I would have liked. Each fritter contained a bite or two of shrimp and the eggplant was entirely indiscernible. The Creole tartar sauce was undoubtedly the star of this dish and I appreciated the distinct Creole kick. The savory beignets were a unique concept that could be improved upon and I only hope that Gumbo adds the traditional sweet beignets to their dessert menu – a dish no New Orleans kitchen should be without!  Overall, I think that Gumbo is a refreshing addition to the Worcester restaurant scene and I look forward to trying their other dishes. –MO