Hello All,
Once again spring has sprung! I hope all of you and yours had a joyous weekend with family and friends whether you were gathering to observe the Easter Holiday or Passover. I don’t believe the day could have been more beautiful.
I have no recollection of the flowering trees being in full bloom for so long in the springs of past. As I drove around the area this past week I was so pleased to see so much of our environment in full bloom, all of the colors and textures and smells. Mild winter, fantastic spring; let’s hope for a grand summer. I am so eager to get the local harvest season under way, it is always an exciting time of the year as I re-acquaint myself face to face with the farmers of our community. During the cooler months our phone calls slow down a bit but now the connections will strengthen as we all have tangible needs again, Cool!
Sue Turner of Brickel Creek Organic Farm in Jamestown walked into the restaurant on Tuesday with a bag of just snapped Mary Washington asparagus (heirloom variety). She planted it from seed and it had matured enough for harvest. She makes the time to build good relationships with other local growers trading knowledge and tips for success. She continues to educate herself to keep Brickel Creek moving in the right direction. I consider myself blessed to have Sue Turner in our number.
I intend to call Jon Branstrator tomorrow as I have for the past 4 weeks and bug him until I get the asparagus he has ready to harvest:). Jon is working daily on providing exceptional produce from early spring to late fall/early winter. He has tapped into my culinary mind and managed to bring me the most delightful items through the years. I have already called dibs on many a case of the smaller sweeter strawberries he will have before long. I am encouraging Jaime and Aaron to hang in there until the local fruits begins to roll. They both have the need for fresh fruit daily but during the winter months I don’t permit strawberries in the house due to their lackluster flavor and color. Just because someone offers you something doesn’t mean it is good. Think about it, think about what you eat and where it has come from, read any labels.
Tom and I are heading to New Orleans this coming Sunday morning for a quick trip. As guests pass through Rue Dumaine we both find ourselves speaking with guests about New Orleans…where to dine, shop, hear a bit of music etc. We love to speak of our favorite things about The Crescent City. We are turning the tables on you now, any suggestions we should check out while we are in town?
We plan to arrive in time to catch a few live shows at The French Quarter Fest, hang for a bit with baby brother Patrick and family, drop into Rubenstein’s so Tom can freshen up his spring wardrobe, have coffee with big sister Sue, find a dress to wear to the James Beard Awards, fit in a meeting or two, and dream of working in a breakfast and a lunch with a few friends and associates on Monday. All within 48 hours, WOW! We are looking forward to it.
In addition to the menus listed below we showcase the seasonal harvest of the Miami Valley and regionally in a variety of daily specials from soup to desserts, ** local. Everyday Joanie posts our daily offerings by 3pm: On our webpage http://ruedumainerestaurant.com/, Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/ruedumainerestaurant, and Twitterhttp://twitter.com/rue_dumaine.
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Wine tasting for Tuesday, April 10th, 2012 (5-7pm)
Evan has decided we are tasting all California wines this week. Alban is a Rue Dumaine exclusive that is a great buy and one of the best Viognier we’ve tasted.
Alban Vineyards Viognier 2010
Grey Stack Chardonnay 2010 $7
Shafer Red Shoulder Ranch, Chardonnay 2009 $10
Corison Cabernet Sauvignon 2002 $10
Frank Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon $10
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Bistro specials for the week of April 10th, 2012
Tuesday-Cabernet Sauvignon marinated chicken quarters** ~ quick braised with roasted potatoes, mushrooms, carrots and apple wood smoked bacon-$22
Wednesday-Come on in for a taste of Louisiana tonight… Pecan crusted OHIO rabbit tender, house-cured tasso cream and sweet potato Lyonnaise-$16
Thursday-House-cured corned beef sandwich with Gruyere cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand Island dressing, served griddled on rye bread with pommes frites-$15
Friday-Grilled duck breast* with beet risotto, grilled asparagus**, and orange gastrique reduction-$25
Saturday- Crispy veal sweetbreads, golden Yukon gateau, and a demi-glace sauce garnished with apple wood bacon, grilled Fuji apples and wilted shallots-$25
** local
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Prix Fixe Menu forThursday,April 12th , 2012 (5-9pm)
Warm spinach** salad with fried oysters, oven-roasted tomatoes, wilted shallots and whole grain mustard vinaigrette
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Griddled smoked housemade pork sausage, scalloped potatoes, apple wood smoked bacon-red onion jam
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Pistachio profiteroles with Tahitian vanilla gelato and chocolate sauce
$23
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Lunch menu for Friday, April 13th, 2012 (11:30-1:30pm)
Seafood chowder $6
Dumaine salad with balsamic vinaigrette, toasted cashews and Fair Oaks smoked sweet Swiss cheese $7
Griddled scallop sausage, arugula**, spring peas & leeks**, and caper-preserved lemon aioli $13
House-cured corned beef sandwich with Gruyere cheese, sauerkraut, and thousand Island dressing, served griddled on rye bread $12
Open faced sandwich of grilled asparagus**, caramelized onions, aged Gouda and a pan-fried organic egg** $12
Nougat glace $5
**local