Dan’s Papers May 27, 2011 danshamptons.com Page 158
Chocolate and Wine, Decadent and Dynamic By Jacqueline Duda Chocolate and wine make a decadent and dynamic pairing on their own, but when backed by a triple threat of entrepreneurial women, the experience is that much more enjoyable. Theresa Dilworth, Tracy Ellen Kamens and Roxanne Browning have collaborated on two tasting events on the North Fork during the month of July. The events will offer locals and visitors alike the opportunity to sample unusual chocolates paired with fine wines. Theresa Dilworth, known as “Tree,” is the owner of Comtesse Thérèse Vineyard and Bistro located in Aquebogue. Comtesse Thérèse is the only vineyard on Long Island to own a restaurant. Along with wines produced on site, homegrown herbs are also featured, as well as local duck, seafood and vegetables. Comtesse Thérèse (comtessetherese.com) will host the first tasting event, titled “Chocolate Terroir and Tasting – 12 Chocolates,” on July 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. It will be held in a private dining room which holds only 16 guests, making the experience intimate and personal. The tasting will focus solely on the authenticity of the different types of chocolate, giving those involved an opportunity to absorb and digest all the knowledge of chocolate that is literally being fed to them! Dilworth said that although it is becoming a new trend for other vineyards to pair chocolate and wine, she wanted to stick strictly to chocolate because of the subtle differences between each savory morsel. The lovely and indulgent chocolates come from Roxanne Browning, New York’s Chocolate Sommelier. For the first event Browning sets out to demonstrate how different factors such as geography, climate and farming practices impact the quality and characteristics of chocolate. Through 12 different examples of artisanal chocolate, an individual can learn all about the sweet, savory, sugary goodness so many of us crave. Dilworth explained that within the 12 chocolate samplings there are
POLICE BLOTTER Amagansett A headless body was discovered on the beach in Amagansett. Police have opened a full investigation into the discovery. The body was badly decomposed and it was unclear from the police report whether or not the head had been severed or if the decomposition of the body was the cause. The body was discovered on Sunday near Big Albert’s Landing, which is a bay beach. Spa Trouble Two men in a sauna in Hampton Bays began arguing over politics. Both men started to yell, and it did not get physical, but it did draw the attention of security people at the spa who asked both men to leave. Both men agreed to leave the spa and no charges or calls to police were made over the very heated argument. Water Foul A man in East Hampton decided that it would be appropriate to get back at his neighbor for an insult by spraying him with water from a hose. The neighbor became soaked, and then decided that he was going to shoot his neighbor with a hose. Both men stood there, soaking each other, until one of their wives broke up the argument. True story. It was a very soaked argument. Shelter Island Old Man McGumbus, 97, and former World War II letter typist, has agreed to take down his 12-foot
neon, “Vote For Donald Trump” sign that he placed at his home last week after coming home from his recent stint as a Trump presidential campaign strategist. McGumbus was caught last week in the Shelter Island guns and ammo shop in a police sting after he recently tried to purchase a bazooka illegally. He was released on his own recognizance and issued a press statement that, “I apologize for my actions on my recent attempt to purchase a bazooka. I currently own a tank and several WWII fighter planes and I thought that if I am allowed to own those, then I should be allowed to own a bazooka.” When asked why he wanted to buy a bazooka McGumbus responded, “Protection from hippies…and I am am planning a really, really good Memorial Day weekend.” Boat Fire The North Sea Fire Department and the Southampton Fire Department responded to a boat fire that completely destroyed a motorboat that was docked. Nobody was injured in the fire and the boat was towed out of the water for disposal. This sort of reminds me of that old joke, “The two best days of owning a boat is the day you buy it and the day you sell it…and then that day that you find out that it sank in a dramatic ball of flames.” —David Lion Rattiner
also mini-tastings. These demonstrate that although beans may come from the same country each could have a different taste based on the chocolate maker. Dilworth described it as being similar to wine: although the grapes may be the same, the producer makes the taste a new experience entirely. If this event doesn’t satisfy your taste buds, a second event, titled “Classic Wines and Artisan Chocolate Pairings,” will be held on July 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. This tasting will take place at Tracy Ellen Kamens’ Grand Cru Classes. Kamens teaches in a classroom-style setting with an educational vineyard close by. Her students are given the opportunity to learn all about what goes on at a vineyard. Her Grand Cru Classes stay true to their saying, “We know vino!” “Classic Wines and Artisan Chocolate Pairings” is a collaboration by Kamens and Browning. It will begin with a California Zinfandel and end with two wines from Portugal – Madeira and a Ruby Port. They will be accompanied by chocolates from around the world, including the Amazon region, the Far East and the two Island nations of Madagascar and Cuba. Chocolate and wine are two of the finest pleasures in life…and thanks to these two events, your hunger for both can be fulfilled! “Chocolate Terroir and Tasting – 12 Chocolates,” July 9 from 4-6 p.m. Comtesse Thérèse, 739 Main Road, Aquebogue. 631-779-2800. Comtessetherese.com. $30 per guest/pre-paid. “Classic Wines and Artisan Chocolate Pairings,” July 17 from 2-4 p.m. Grand Cru Classes, 3985 Sound Avenue, Mattituck. 631-298-1231. Grandcruclasses.com. $75 per guest/pre-paid.