Tour de Champagne New York City
By
Well, after experiencing just a small, albeit great taste of what Brooklyn has to offer and having one of the worst sugar crashes in the history of man at The Chocolate Show, my 2009 Food Odyssey ended in a Tour. Thankfully for me, it was not de France, but rather de Champagne (which made it much easier on this foodie). I hope that everyone has enjoyed reading a little about the food events NYC has to offer, and even more so, I hope everyone is encouraged to go out and attend one themselves, they are experiences you won’t regret.
Champagne is often viewed as an elitist aspect of food culture, what with the terminology, different varieties, and of course, the cost. However, the excellent Tour de Champagne – an event held around America and making its first appearance in New York City this year – aims to make the bubbly brother of wine more accessible to the masses. Featuring over twenty types of champagne, fine foods from locations throughout New York City including Aureole and Madison Bistro, the inaugural Tour de Champagne in New York was a smashing success, highlighting culinary delights and educating everyone in attendance about the wide array of champagnes available for tasting.
The atmosphere itself was fitting of an event centered around the enjoyment of champagne, with men and women of all ages dressed to the nines and the sounds of a local jazz group echoing through the spacious venue. The Tour de Champagne is a food event meant for the food enthusiast looking to broaden their horizons, and at the same time, does not mind putting on a suit and tie to fit in. That is not to say that the Tour de Champagne is “stuffy,” but rather it is an event one attends with the intent to learn something new and enjoy what the world of champagne has to offer in an atypical environment filled with food enthusiasts.
For this reviewer, the best feature of the evening was how the men and women working the various champagne and cognac booths were more than willing to inform and educate about the nuances of their products. As mentioned, the approachability of the champagne world can sometimes seem daunting, and the helpful information provided truly assisted in understanding this unique part of the food world better, leading to a greater appreciation for the food and drink on display. In short, the Tour de Champagne’s inaugural stop in New York City offered a glimpse of what to expect in future years, that is to say, a night filled with great food and drink and the opportunity to explore new arenas of the food world.
Tour de Champagne Standouts
-Lord Plumleigh Imports
Specializing in cognac, the peach and pear varieties are especially enjoyable.
Visit www.lordplumleighimportsltd.com to see their entire catalogue
-Aureole
NYC restaurant impressed with their buttercream cupcakes with passion fruit icing.
Check out their entire menu at www.charliepalmer.com
-La Maison du Chocolat
Worldwide chocolatier that has to be tasted to be believed.
See their website at www.lamaisonduchocolat.com to see their Manhattan locations
-Veuve Clicquot
A very enjoyable, drinkable, modestly priced champagne that is perfect for the holidays and gatherings with friends and family.
Visit www.veuve-clicquot.com for more information on their entire line
-Moet and Chandon
Another very enjoyable champagne that would be perfect for entertaining at holidays or with friends, especially the White Star variety.
Check out www.moet.com to learn more about what they have to offer
-Palmes d’Or
A more upscale champagne (bringing with it a slightly higher cost) that definitely brings a more sophisticated taste; recommended for special occasions due to cost.
