{ Aphrodisiac Bliss }

For several years now, we have laced the Valentine’s Menu with aphrodisiacs from cultures throughout the world. Aphrodisiacs have been used since the dawn of time for aiding in all matters of libido. While modern science has not quite isolated and identified the compounds in the everyday foods we eat to show a “positive” effect, humans have always believed that certain foods hold the key to ultimate happiness. Researching further into the roots of aphrodisiacs, I found that most of the foods considered to be aphrodisiacs were fruits or seeds of the plant or were uniquely shaped. Threaded throughout this years Valentine’s menu you’ll find velvety clam chowder with a crisp fried oyster and gently braised, bone-in English short ribs enrobed with a natural jus and tender florets of rapini. And who could leave Niche without the archetype chocolate and all if its decadence. Elisa’s chocolate - coffee torte will surely cap the evening off with a rush of dark chocolate chased by champagne bubbles and a smile on your valentines face.

The more I studied these foods, a common thread of sharing an intimate moment that is centered around preparing, serving and eating food was woven through fabric of cultures and celebrations. Food and love are absolutely essential to our lives; both of which we indulge in some form daily. Every so often the two combine in a way that resonates deep into our memory, and for just a short moment in time we find that true bliss.

Save The Dates

September
5th ~ See Chef Jeremy’s demo at Geneva’s Festival of the Vine17th ~ 3rd Annual Harvest Dinner
24th ~ Concert Between Courses, Young Artists Recital
October
1st ~ Concert Between Courses Michelle Areyzaga - soprano and Larry Dieffenbach - piano
29th-31st ~ Halloween themed Tasting Menu
Tasty Bits
Welcome to the latest edition of Tasty Bits Newsletter!
Mark your calendars for another busy fall and holiday season here at Niche Restaurant!Thursday, September 17th we are hosting our 3rd Annual Autumn Harvest Dinner. That evening we will highlight the best that the season has to offer from local farm pastures to the plates here at Niche. Six courses of tasty morsels of food for $50 plus tax & gratuity and$40 for an optional wine flight paired by Vince.
As the Summer winds down and the weather begins to keep us indoors, check out three great websites about wine that our Sommelier Dan Fijolek sifted from the abundance of info on the web in the Oeno-File column.
Chef Jeremy discusses a bit about the difference between organic and sustainable farming practices and how they ultimately affect the flavor below. Then find out his take on what it is about the change in weather that evokes so many great food memories in the Kitchen Connection.

~Amuse Bouche~

Click the links below and check out the blogs and websites Chef Jeremy keeps tabs on!

Eat Me Daily

Tasting Table

Michael Ruhlman’s Blog

Line Cook

Oeno-File

by Sommelier Dan Fijolek

When all young palates first fall in love with wine the desire for knowledge is never far behind.  Fortunately for today’s emerging connoisseurs the Internet serves to teach us all we are willing to learn.  But like all information on the web the question becomes what wine info on the web can we actually trust?  Below are three websites that come to mind whenever I am asked this question.

• robertparker.com ~  Robert Parker is probably the most influential wine critic in the world.  And unlike Wine Spectator or Wine Enthusiast which has biased opinions based on advertising that is done in their magazines, Parker’s magazine Wine Advocate has no advertisements therefore no bias.  Although his site is only partially free, he has reviews for most of the modern world’s wines which makes it a valuable resource.

• wine-maker.net ~  When people ask me who my favorite wine maker is, the name Sean Thackrey inevitably comes to mind.  He has achieved true cult star status as a modern wine alchemist and insists on using traditional wine making techniques that date back to the Middle Ages.  He breaks all the modern rules of wine making which gives him huge street cred from hedonists like myself.  His site is fantastic because he includes a good portion of his very extensive and very old personal library for free on the site to nourish our minds.

• wineaccess.com ~  This site is a great online wine shop that pays special attention to more obscure wines that require seeking out.

Fortunately for today’s emerging connoisseurs the Internet serves to teach us all we are willing to learn. You don’t even need to leave your house to get great wine anymore.  Oh mighty Internet, is there anything you can’t do?