This year we were lucky enough to be invited to experience the spirited dinner on opening night to kick off the New England Whiskey festival at Fred and Steve's Steakhouse at Twin River casino in Lincoln, RI. This event was sponsored by William Grant & Sons. The night started off with whiskey cured salmon, creme fraiche and fig pearls and a crab cake and scallop duo appetizer paired with creative whiskey concoctions prepared by some of the best bartenders from around New England and handpicked by the one and only, Frank Martucci (extremely talented, class act foodie himself; general manager of beverage operations at Twin River Casino and also the coordinator of this special event and many others put on by the casino.)
The delectable courses that followed were prepared by Fred and Steve's kitchen with fall whiskey cocktail pairings that really pleased the palate! Some of the brilliant bartenders to note were Twin River Casino's own Kat Darier, Patrick McDonald of Central Provisions in Portland, ME, Jared Sadoian of the Hawthorne in Boston, MA, Corey Bonderenko of the Highland Brass Company in Waterbury ,Connecticut, Carl Summa of Enlightened Spirits in Watertown Connecticut and Willa Van Nostrand of Little Bitte cocktails in Providence, RI.
Mouth watering lamb ribs with a honey and bourbon glaze with walnuts and cave aged cheddar polenta paired with a Hudson Manhatten Rye cocktail.
Center cut filet mignon with a celery root potato cake, king oyster mushrooms and haricot vert with red sorrel and truffle vinaigrette, paired with a yummy fall Balvenie cocktail.
Whipped buttermilk, chocolate hazelnut cake with cherries and a spiced cherry sauce, paired with a warm hot toddy like whiskey cocktail.
The rest of the weekend was filled with other fun whiskey events and tastings. If you missed this wonderful event, Twin River holds many more throughout the year. Check out their upcoming events on their website and come and enjoy an evening or two with your special someone or support a great cause. November 17th is the New England Humane Societies first annual Cocktails for Canines event at 6 pm with entertainment, sit down dinner, vendors, raffles and more. Tickets can be purchased on their website.