Rue Dumaine Restaurant

Week of May 15th, 2012…

Tom — Mon, 14 May 2012 14:25:58 +0000

Hello All, Happy Mother’s Day moms! Keep up the great job of raising your kids no matter how old they are.

While I came home from New York City without a James Beard medallion in hand we thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. The trip to NYC was filled with visits with a few good friends, a great awards program and a 2 pretty good meals, not bad for 24 hours, uh? Now it’s back to work in the kitchen as the local harvest begins to take stride.

In addition to the year around local chickens, pheasant, Bibb lettuce, and honey our Dumaine salad now has 100% locally grown greens (4 local farmers), that is awesome. We are also featuring locally grown asparagus, herbs, watercress, arugula, radishes, parsnips, pea shoots, and strawberries. Keep it coming. If you or anyone you know is growing any fantastic produce and want to sell some of it ask them to give me a call.

The Centerville Farmers Market kicks off this coming Thursday from 2:30-6:30pm in the Northeast corner at the SR48 & Spring Valley/ not all the farmers will be on is the just yet but as the weeks move on it will begin to fill out. Rue Dumaine will be setting up a tent the second Thursday of each month starting with June 14th.

This Tuesday our Bistro special will feature a griddled sausage made with local chicken. It will be generously seasoned with spring herbs (tarragon, chives, thyme and parsley), a dollop of Dijon and seasoning. Brian plans to season, grind and stuff the sausage on Tuesday. By service time on Tuesday he will have chicken** sausage, chicken** burgers (4 per pack), and garlic sausage available for bulk sale. Email me with any advance orders or speak up when you come in for a bite on Tuesday. Available while supplies last, thanks.

Nate Vance (our veteran sauté cook extraordinaire) and I worked out an appealing lunch menu for this Friday incorporating 2 of our favorite mid-spring ingredients: Artichokes and strawberries. Nate put together several flavor profiles that were then fine tuned into a tasty menu, I really like the finished menu. Join us for a great bite to eat as you kick off the weekend.

This Friday evening May 17th we will be closed for a private event. Thank you.

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.

Thanks for reading my story, Anne
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Wine tasting for Tuesday, May 15th, 2012 (5-7pm)

Here is a little mental dialogue from Evan regarding our Tuesday tasting, you go Evan:

Riesling from 2010 hung on the vine for a long time good concentration and good acidity due to the low production(bad year for birds). Pinot Gris from 2011 is the same as far as a late ripening season, but production was higher ( plus not as much loss). Both Riesling and Gris have been planted for 10-26 years and estate versions are each made from older fruit. For the Pinot’s both of the single vineyards are included in the Willamette Valley as well as their other 3 vineyards. The Willamette Valley is really the antithesis of a Willamette Valley Cuvée for 2009. Both of the single Vineyards are fairly new, Roosevelt was planted in 1993 and predominantly consists of Willakenzie soil. Sands at elevation of 300-500ft. and is plantings of Dijon clones as well as 4th generation improved clones though 4 different estate vineyards(ECV Estate, La Boheme, Roosevelt, and Mt. Richmond). Five Mountain was purchased in 2005 from Ponzi Vineyard and is 100 percent Pommard clones. The vineyards comprised of Laurelwood soil and lay at 450-600 ft., there is also old vine Pinot, Dijon Pinot, Pinot Gris, Pinot blanc, Riesling and Gewürztraminer.

Elk Cove

Riesling 2010 $5
Pinot Gris 2011 $5
Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2009 $7
Pinot Noir Mt. Richmond 2009 $10
Pinot Noir 5 Mountain 2009 $10

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Bistro specials for the week of May 15th, 2012

Tuesday-Griddled chicken** sausage, arugula**, preserved lemon-fennel relish and preserved lemon aioli-$18

Wednesday-Come on in for a taste of Louisiana tonight… Chicken** Étouffée over Creole rice-$18

Thursday-Pan-seared chicken livers**, parsnip puree** wilted spinach and balsamic pearl onion flecked pan sauce-$20

Saturday-Grilled beef ribeye* with roasted beet, pickled red onion & watercress** salad-$28

** local

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PRIX FIXE MENU for Thursday, May 17th, 2012

Steamed mussels with Pernod, fennel, tarragon and cream
-
Pan-seared sea scallop croquette, arugula**, radishes**, cucumbers and fresh herbs
-
Strawberry**-Rhubarb cake

$24

** locally raised

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Friday lunch menu for May 18th, 2012 ( seating from11:30-1:30pm)
Artichoke soup $5.5

Salad of arugula**, beets, strawberries**, pine nuts and goat cheese $7

Flash fried artichokes with Niçoise olives, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and lemon $8

Lamb stew with pearl onions, spring peas, and barigoule artichokes, served with a sunchoke croquette $13

Pan-seared pork medallions* with balsamic-poultry pan sauce garnished with strawberries** and pistachios, served with wilted spinach $12

Fish (TBD) en paupilotte with Yukons, fennel, artichokes, and oven-roasted tomatoes $13

Strawberry**-tarragon ice cream with spiced oatmeal-walnut cookie $5

** Oh, yeah it’s local!!

Week of May 8th, 2012

Tom — Tue, 08 May 2012 14:29:19 +0000

Hello All,

As you read this Tom and I are flying from Chi-town to The Big Apple. We enjoyed ourselves at the NRA show and dining on some tasty treats while in Chicago. The next time you make your way there check out Ruxbin Kitchen, www.ruxbinchicago.com . We so enjoyed our dining experience at this tight, unassuming foodie haven. The food was complex yet subtle, very fresh and innovative. The Girl & Goat, Longman & Eagle, and Xoco also made our list this trip.

Tonight is the big night as we head out for the James Beard awards. Win or lose it has truly been an honor to be included this the Great Lakes region, really. I get to stand among my peers and watch it as the evening unfolds. I will enjoy watching and listening as tonight’s program touches on the many of us who have chosen this intense profession as our own. The acceptance speeches are always pretty cool as people typically reflect a bit on their journey. It is always nice to know where people came from and where they might be headed. I look forward to connecting with a few old friends and eating some great food at the post-event reception. 20 chefs, many of them award winners gather to prepare a rock solid dish as all roam through a gorgeous hall, charming. flowing freely. Oh yeah, that’s where we will be.

Thanks for all the well wishing. Enjoy your day, I am, Anne

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Bistro Specials for the week of May 8th, 2012

Tuesday-Chicken confit**, white bean puree, wilted spinach, and a relish of Cordoba olives, oven-roasted tomato-caper relish $17

Wednesday-Come on in for a taste of Louisiana
tonight…Griddled white boudin Chicot with smothered greens and Creole mustard $18

Thursday-Tarragon braised spring leg of lamb, creamy goat cheese polenta, English peas, and tarragon jus-$23

Friday-Grilled duck breast*, Sarlot potatoes, grilled asparagus**, and a relish of Picholine olives & celery, served with Chardonnay-shallot reduction-$24

Saturday-Pan-seared squab with hazelnut crusted chicken liver** smear, wild rice pilaf, roasted asparagus and Port infused demi-glace reduction-$30

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PRIX FIXE MENU for Thursday, May 10th, 2012

Poached sea scallops Piperade with preserved lemon aïoli
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OHIO pheasant**, Yukon potato & spinach hash topped with a pan-fried organic farm egg**
-
Pineapple-mango tart

$25
** locally raised

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Friday lunch menu for May 11th, 2012(11:30am-1:30pm)

Spring pea soup $5.5

Mixed green** salad with balsamic vinaigrette, strawberries** and OHIO sheep’s milk feta $7

Beignets de Morue ~ Salt cod fritters with sauce Vert and red pepper relish $8

Grilled Scottish salmon, relish of English peas & radish** and asparagus** risotto $13

Pork brochette, wilted spinach, pine nut-sultana relish and sweet onion rusk $12

Choucroute Garni ~ dressed sauerkraut with 3 house cured pork products ~ ham, bacon and sausage $12

Bittersweet chocolate mousse $5

** Oh, yeah it’s local!!

Farmhouse bread available upon request

We pay tribute to James Beard this Week of May 1st, 2012 –

Tom — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:22:00 +0000

Hello All,

Brian and I wrote this week’s Bistro specials, Prix Fixe menu and lunch menu using James Beard as our inspiration. One of the books we pulled thoughts from was published in 1949, another in the 70s and the last in the early 80s; we are talking seriously old school. Many of his dishes are personal interruptions of the classics, he may have been onto something, uh? We will not be using his exact recipes per se but we attempted to bring him into our world as I prepare to celebrate the 25th James Beard Awards this coming Monday evening at the Lincoln Center in NYC.

Tom and I will work diligently this week as we ready ourselves for a weekend trip. Saturday morning we head to Chicago to attend the National Restaurant Association show 2012. We attended in 2011 with the anticipation of our upcoming projects and this year we intend to source information, check in with specific equipment companies, make a few solid contacts and eat some good food. Evan and Brian will join us for a long day at the show on Sunday, I think they will both enjoy this fantastic show. Tom and I broad a plane Monday am to fly to New York City for a whirlwind 36 hour adventure. Upon our arrival we have a lunch date with our dear friend Evan Darnell, check in, get cleaned up then it’s off to the James Beard Awards for an evening of celebration with many of this country’s finest chefs and restaurateurs. We have several friends who dwell in the city and we have made a practice of dining out after the awards are complete. You’ve got to love a city that can provide several viable options for late night dining. Win or lose, this is a great opportunity for Tom and I to represent our fair city of Dayton and Rue Dumaine, we are honored. We will enjoy ourselves.

Ladies, as of Sunday evening I managed to secure a kickin pair of heels, got my hair cut and highlighted, then enjoyed a manicure and pedicure. This week I will tie up any loose ends at the RUE and lock down my accessories, I am on my way. Yup, I excited.

Thanks for reading my story this week, lets all have a good one, Anne

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Wine tasting for Tuesday, May 1st, 2012 (5-7pm)

As the weather changes bringing a thoughts of warmer days the request and availability of Rose wines is on the rise. I personally love Rosé and I believe Evan chose a nice selection to be tasted side by side. Stop by to discover their similarities, differences and complexities.

Bernard Griffin Rosé, 2011 $5
Elicio Rosé, 2011 $4
Bella Glos Rosé, 2010 $6
Ponzi Rosé, 2011 $5

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Bistro specials for the week of May 1st, 2012

Tuesday-Pan-seared chicken quarters** with walnuts, shallot and herb, served with herbed basmati and wilted spinach $22

Wednesday-Come on in for a taste of Louisiana tonight… Griddled Gulf shrimp cakes with asparagus** relish and tarragon emulsion-$18

Thursday-Bourguignon deviled pork ~ lightly breaded pork medallions with a pan sauce of cornichons, Dijon and shallot $18

Friday-Pan-seared quail (2 each) with white grapes, bacon and sage, served with wild rice-spinach pilaf $24

Saturday-Veal Oscar ~ Pan-seared veal medallions with American crabmeat, asparagus** and hollandaise $27

** local

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PRIX FIXE MENU for Thursday, May 3rd, 2012

House smoked trout, radishes**, Bibb lettuce** and creamy champagne vinaigrette
-
Braised oxtail stuffed crepes with sauté of kale and mushrooms**
-
Ozark pudding aka Huguenot torte

$25
** locally raised

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Friday lunch menu for May 4th, 2012 (11:30am-1:30pm)

Cullen Skink aka Scottish Vichyssoise soup $5.5

Orange, avocado and red onion salad $7

Clams Casino ~ Baked clams with house-cured pancetta, red peppers and Parmigiano-Reggiano $13

Grilled Tillamook cheddar sandwich with house-cured ham, caramelized onions and Dijon $12

Sauté of calves liver with onions and wine vinegar topped with a pan-fried organic farm egg**, served over creamy polenta $12

Orange custard brulee $5

Please enjoy our James Beard inspired lunch

Good food finds for the week of April 24th, 2012

Tom — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 22:58:47 +0000

Hello All,

Tom and I so enjoyed our trip to New Orleans this past weekend. The trip was short but we both enjoyed ourselves as we walked the streets of a very special place. We were tourist and it was very refreshing. The rain waited to arrive until Sunday evening making for a successful French Quarter Fest full of great music and food. Over 500,000 visitors graced the street of the Crescent City for the Festival. WOW!

We intend to go back for several visits over the next year as we continue to refine our vision of Alligator Annie’s. There are so many old friends and good food to enjoy, it will be a pleasure. Evan and Brian will make at least one of these trips, I can hardly wait to show our sweet little part of the south off to them.

If you intend to travel south anytime soon please stop by Patrick’s Bar Vin, 730 Bienville Street in the French Quarter for a glass of wine and a nice conversation. We are so happy for him as he has finally made it out on his own and it is lovely. Whatever you do don’t miss an opportunity to grab a quick bite to eat at The Butcher in the CBD; I could eat there everyday for a month and still come back for more, good stuff.

The asparagus season is in full swing making it time for the spring salad of local asparagus with chilled, poached Gulf shrimp, slow-roasted tomato, and preserved lemon dressed with sauce Mousquétaire*. Join me in celebrating the efforts of the 3 farmers that provide this incredible vegetable for the RUE. It’s good and its good for you, ask for a side with your next meal.

I found a dress for the James Beard Awards while in New Orleans, the hunt for a fantastic pair of shoes has now begun. The awards are just 2 weeks away, I better start procuring a dinner reservation for a meal with our New York friends after the awards. Yup, we are going to dinner at 10pm and it is going to be a good time.

Sauce *Mousquétaire translates from French to English as Musketeer sauce ~ housemade emulsion finished with chilled Chardonnay poached shallots, chives and a pinch of cayenne. It is thin enough to drizzle atop the composed salad. Enjoy! I haven’t found any history on this sauce but I will keep looking on the French culinary websites until I do. Have a great week.

Thanks for reading my story this week,
Anne
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Wine tasting for Tuesday April 24th, 2012

Evan chose these wines because they are all Beaujolais’. Several of our salesman have been tasting him on lighter reds as we move into spring and away from winter; these four caught the attention of his palate. I am sure he has a few stories to tell, ask him for a few details.

Joseph Drouhin, Beaujolais Villages 2009 $4
Rochette, Regnie 2010 $7
Brenton, Morgon 2010 $6
Lapalu, La Croix des Rameaux 2010 $8

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Bistro specials for the week of April 24th, 2012

Tuesday-Griddled chicken burger** with Gruyere, red onion marmalade and Dijon, served with pommes frites-$15

Wednesday-Come on in for a taste of Louisiana tonight… Cured then braised pork belly, sweet potato gnocchi, garlic wilted kale and Bourbon gastrique-$23

Thursday-Ragout of pork, spring peas, pearl onions and preserved lemon, served with cashew laden basmati rice pilaf $17

Friday-Pan-seared pheasant** breast, cornmeal dumplings, broccolini, relish of house-cured pancetta, orange and thyme, and Sherry reduction-$24

Saturday-Grilled, cold smoked duck breast*, rhubarb** compote, asparagus**, Dauphinoise potatoes and Pinot Noir reduction-$25

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PRIX FIXE MENU April 26th, 2012

House-cured Bresaola with arugula**, Parmiagno-Reggiano, aïoli, capers and grilled Ciabatta
-
Chicken** Cacciatore over roasted eggplant polenta**
-
Olive oil cake with honey** Zabaglione

$23

** locally raised

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Our lunch menu for Friday, April 27th, 2012 (11:30am-1:30 pm)

Gingered carrot soup $5.5

Roasted beet salad with watercress**, blue cheese and hazelnut vinaigrette $7

House-roasted turkey breast and Havarti sandwich with roasted tomato smear and arugula** $12

Grilled fresh fish (TBD) with creamy cauliflower gratin, asparagus** relish with sage beurre noisette $12

Griddled beef & pork burger with house-cured bacon, Dijon and Gruyere cheese, served with French fries $12

Chocolate-walnut brownie cake with caramel sauce $5

** Oh, yeah it’s local!!

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The photo above is one of our signature salads, a very popular one at that. The salad is composed of Belgian endive, Fuji apples, local watercress, blue cheese, toasted walnuts and Banyuls vinaigrette. Nick and Tina of 42Krewe Photography have done it agian. Thanks N & T, Anne

Week of April 17th, 2012

Tom — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 01:01:15 +0000

Hello All,

When I came into work this past Saturday morning I mentioned to Jaime that I was headed to Hungry Toad Organic Farm to harvest rhubarb in the rain, she shrieked with delight, “Finally, the local fruit season has started”. Complete with Megan’s rain boots and Brian’s rain jacket I headed out to harvest the first fruit of the 2012 growing season; I could not have been happier. The next 6 months (at least) will be full of locally grown goodness and that certainly makes for a kitchen full of happy cooks and a dining room full of grateful guests. Jaime intends to rock out a beautiful rhubarb streusel tart for our Friday lunch. Hey John and Michael if you are reading this, rhubarb awaits you.

Michael and Nancy of Hungry Toad Organic Farm are also providing us with leeks and eggs. Keith and Cindy Valiquette are making it happen already with the delivery of those unmatchable chives, petite baby salad greens and asparagus, never a single problem with their products. Sue Turner of Brickel Creek Organic Farm has been snipping her tender spring pea sprouts, herbs, asparagus and eggs. Thank you to all and the many more to come.

We arrived in New Orleans Sunday morning to a blue sky with a hunger in our bellies. After retrieving our bag and fetching the car we were off. We silently sat in the car next to one another as we drove to the French Quarter from the airport, taking it all in. It has been many years, nearly 4 actually since we have been to the city together. The memories of our Big Easy days prior to our relocation came flooding back as we drove the streets of the wonderful town we called home for so many years. There is something really special about the community of New Orleans and I am changed for my experiences there. Peristyle sits empty on the corner of Rampart Street and Rue Dumaine which breaks my heart. I am ever hopeful something will once again come to life in that special place one day.

We headed to Butcher for our first bite of the day, Yum!!! Flash fried quail with a lamb merguez sausage gravy over a golden biscuit and a Cubano with house made meats and pickles. Chef / co-proprietor Donald Link http://www.linkrestaurantgroup.com
is one of 5 chefs nationwide nominated by the James Beard foundation for Best Chef in America, he got my vote. We will be eating lunch at his flagship restaurant Herbsaint while we are in town, it has always been a favorite of Tom’s.

After our check-in at the Prince Conti Hotel we headed out into the day. The French Quarter Fest was coming to an end but we made it into town with time to catch a few set of great local music.

We spent the rest of the afternoon with my sister Susan and brother Patrick, their spouses and 7 children at the City Park then headed back to the Quarter to catch up with several friends from back in the day. All in a days’ work. Tom and I intend to bring Evan and Brian down to NOLA in order to expose their minds and palates to benefit our Southern style social club, Alligator Annie’s. Should be a good time.

Thanks for reading my story,
Anne

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Wine tasting for Tuesday, April 17th, 2012 (5pm-7pm)

Evan has recently re-formatted his wine tastings in an effort to expose our guests to a couple of more refined wines. Due to his personal weekly tastings he has exposed his palate to a whole new world of wine. While there is not always room on the list for some of his favorite finds when he runs across one he wants to share these finds with you. Evan takes a great deal of time learning the subtle nuances that these unique wines and is eager to share his thoughts. Join us for one, two or more of the following wines accompanied by a pairing from the Rue Dumaine kitchen.

Jean Lallement et Fils, NV $11
Roger Champault, Sancerre “les Pierris,”2010 $7
Vietti, Nebbiolo Perdacco, 2008 $6
Chateau Simard, Saint Emilion, 2003 $7
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Bistro specials for the week of April 17th, 2012

Tuesday-Chicken** fricassée with fingerling coins, spring peas, leeks** and grilled shiitake mushrooms-$22

Wednesday-Come on in for a taste of Louisiana tonight…Roasted quail filled with Louisiana Andouille sausage cornbread stuffing, served with sweet potato puree and garlic wilted spinach-$19

Thursday-Pork pillard with apple flecked Riesling
reduction, griddled basmati croquette, and wilted kale-$20

Friday-Grilled fennel spiced duck breast*, Pernod kissed oblique carrots, fingerling potatoes, Pernod reduction, and shaved fennel salad-$25

Saturday-Pan-seared OHIO ribeye* with roasted fingerlings wedges, exotic mushrooms and asparagus**, and spring herb beurre-$26

** local

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PRIX FIXE MENU for Thursday, April 19th, 2012

Chilled salad of Gulf shrimp, asparagus**, oven-roasted tomatoes and preserved lemon and sauce Mousquétaire
–
Pan-seared chicken livers**, Rosti potatoes, watercress**, red onion jam and Cabernet Sauvignon pan sauce
–
Citrus crepes with orange curd and lemon mousseline

$25

** locally raised

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Friday lunch menu for April 20th, 2012 (11:30-1:30pm)

Celebrate the beginning of the local asparagus season!!

Asparagus** soup with dill crème fraîche $5.5

Salad of chilled, grilled asparagus** with roasted shallot vinaigrette, goat cheese and toasted walnuts $7

Grilled Scottish salmon atop gratinee asparagus** with a Provençal relish of Cordoba olives, preserved lemon & capers and lemon beurre blanc $12

Pan-seared pork medallions*, Dijon reduction, asparagus**- Gruyere croissant pudding, and asparagus** coin relish $12

Hash of asparagus**, shiitake mushrooms, Yukon potatoes, and leeks, served topped with poached organic egg** $12

Rhubarb** streusel tart $5

** Oh, yeah it’s local!!

Week of April 10th, 2012 – NOLA Bound!

Tom — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 21:09:19 +0000

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.

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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
–
Griddled smoked housemade pork sausage, scalloped potatoes, apple wood smoked bacon-red onion jam
–
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

Thoughts for the week of April 3rd, 2012

Tom — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 17:41:56 +0000

Hello All,

As you read this Tom and I will be the featured guests speakers at the University of Dayton lifelong learning seminar this morning. Tom graduated from UD as did his sisters and my father. We gladly accept an offer to share ourselves and our mission.

We have been working weekly on tasks in an effort to move forward with our new ventures:

Working with Carla Hale and company from the C3 Group on our websites, Facebook, social media and marketing has been beneficial. She has her eyes on the ever changing world of social media, thank goodness. We are reformatting the Rue Dumaine website, creating the Alligator Annie’s site, updating the Facebook pages for both. We have finalized the Alligator Annie’s logo, check it out below. Southern with the rod iron scrolls, a detailed gator on the move; we feel it speak volumes about the place we are beginning to see take form.

After some research, conversations, meetings and many more to come Tom and I have chose the architect/design firm MODA4 to assist us as our thoughts begin to take form. They have versatile portfolio and broad national experiences that shows their adaptability to satisfy the specific styles of their clientele with class and elegance. Their team is comprised of several talented, accomplished individuals working together to accomplish these tasks. We are eager to begin to see this project come to life. Dream big.

MODA4′s Credo ~ Do good. Have fun. Make money http://moda4.com/

I am hoping for some local morel mushrooms. One guests brought in a photo of his harvest, I can’t wait to make a Sunday morning omelet with sautéed morels, Yum! Thanks for reading my story this week, Anne

In addition to the menus listed below we will 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________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wine tasting for Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012(5-7pm)

Evan returns from some time out west showcasing a few new wines of his spring 2012 wine list. Join us and see why he chose them.

Jean-Pilippe Fichet Bourgogne 2009 $6
Bethel Heights Chardonnay 2009 $6
Jean-Claude Lapalu Brouilly 2010 $6
Finca Las Nubes Malbec 2010 $7
Bodegas Emilio Moro “Maleolus” 2008 $12

The Rue Dumaine kitchen will prepare a few tasty bites to compliment.

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Bistro specials for theweek of April 3rd, 2012

Tuesday-Poulet Basque-Pan-seared chicken quarters** smothered in a sauce of tomatoes, peppers, house-cured ham, served with basmati rice pilaf -$22

Wednesday-Come on in for a taste of Louisiana tonight… Grilled quail (2 birds each) over “dirty” rice, garlic wilted greens and sauce piquant-$23

Thursday-Panned pork with green vegetables galore-$21

Friday-Pan-seared Alaskan halibut, Yukon gratin, watercress** and a relish of crab, preserved lemon & shallot-$25

Saturday-OHIO rabbit & mushroom ragout with herb gnocchi, arugula** and Madeira reduction-$23

** local

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Prix Fixe Menu forThursday, April 6th, 2012(5-9pm)

Oyster & fennel gratin with Pastis cream, YUM!
–
Poached sea scallops with roasted
yellow & red peppers and leeks, served with a lemon aioli
–
OHIO apricot, raspberry &
almond tart

$23
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Lunch menu for Friday, April 6th, 2012 (11:30-1:30pm)

Watercress** soup with Gulf shrimp $5.5

Bibb lettuce** salad with blue cheese, radishes and toasted walnuts $7

Grilled Scottish salmon, French lentil ragoût and beurre rouge $12

Tuna Niçoise sandwich with haricot vert side salad $12

Pan-seared chicken quarter, creamy polenta**, oven-roasted tomato, tarragon & shallot relish $12

Coconut cake with lime curd $5

**local

Food thoughts for the week of March 27th, 2012

Tom — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 14:52:23 +0000

Hello All,

Ultimately this time of year renews my spirit. Everything is vibrant and hope springs eternal.

We had another great cooking class yesterday. I had a group of men in the kitchen and each one of them brought their game. I really enjoyed watching them take on their assigned task with vim and vigor. They worked through their work efficiently; I enjoyed the questions and observations they had about our kitchen, Rue Dumaine and the industry alike. We have another couples cooking class/dinner series coming up on April 22nd and I am still in need of 2 couples to join. I will fill it, first come, first serve so simply call or email me. I will send you a copy of the cooking class file to answer any questions you might have.

A few of our farmers have called to report about their spring harvest: Keith and Cindy (Valiquette Family Farm) will have some salad greens, chives and a bit of asparagus soon. Sue (Brickel Creek Organic) is bringing in rosemary, marjoram and thyme with a few dozen eggs and her Heirloom asparagus. Michael and Nancy (Hungry Toad Organic) have been bringing their eggs nearly the whole winter long but this past week I also received a wonderful, huge delivery of leeks that wintered over. The sorrel, spring onion and spinach they brought will surely be appreciated by many this week too. With buds on the currant and blueberry bushes and shoots beginning to show on the blackberry bushes Jon Branstrator is pulling out his row covers for a suspected upcoming frost. Jon is our biggest supplier of asparagus when the season really kicks in and mentioned he will come up from Clarksville with his harvest then have a seat at the bar to relax with a few of our regulars, start a little conversation; I can hardly wait.

Thanks to the many who have taken a few minutes to write a note, call, text, email or simply tell me personally your thoughts about the James Beard finalists news. I found out last Monday as I was driving downtown to Drake’s gym and I will tell you, I was blindsided (in a great way), I hadn’t even considered it possible. The news pulled up wonderful memories of previous James Bread events whether it be our several dinners I have participated in at the JBH or the 6 awards events we have attended. Loads of memories indeed, ask me about it sometime, I will share one with you if prompted.

Tom and I will be going to NYC on May 7th to attend the James Beard Awards ceremony, eat some tasty food, catch up with a few great people. The results are ultimately out of our hands at this point but I will continue to enjoy the journey.Thanks for reading my story this week, have a great week, Anne

In addition to the menus listed below we will 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, March 27th, 2012(5-7pm)

Evan has chosen a few Pinots this week and they are not just the typical red variety. The wines are all from Torii Mor; he tasted these wines a few weeks ago and thought they were great. There is currently no room for them on the wine list but he wanted to share them with you. Ross and LeChele is sitting in for Evan this week as he is taking a much needed break.

Pinot Gris 2010 $6
Pinot Blanc 2010 $6
“Deux Verres” Pinot Noir 2009 $8
Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2009 $6

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Bistro specials for theweek of March 27th, 2012

Tuesday-Pan-seared chicken quarters** with wilted pea tendrils, carrot puree and a leek**- spring herb relish-$22

Wednesday-Come on in for a taste of Louisiana tonight… Griddled red bean cake with pan-fried Blue Point oysters, served with andouille-Creole mustard sauce-$16

Thursday-Chicken** & mushroom ballotine over creamed leeks** and a Sherry reduction-$22

Friday-Grilled salmon*, Jerusalem artichoke**~ basmati croquette, haricot vert, and creamy spring peas & pearl onions, topped with flash fried leek garni-$25

Saturday-Pan-seared lamb T-bone chops*, spring pea risotto, sugar snap peas and Pinot Noir reduction-$26
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Prix Fixe Menu forThursday, March 29th, 2012
(5-9pm)

Duo of salmon-House cured Scottish salmon and smoked salmon mousseline with pickled red onion-watercress** salad, crème fraîche and sorrel** vinaigrette
–

Grilled quail served atop a wilted frisée salad with fingerling potato coins, house-smoked bacon lardons and thyme vinaigrette
–
Prune, Armagnac & apple croustade

$23
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Lunch menu for Friday, March 30th, 2012 (11:30-1:30pm)

Creamy leek** soup with triple Lily relish $5.5

Salad of watercress, Gulf shrimp, pickled red onions, and oven-roasted tomatoes, served with tarragon dressing $8

Vegetable pave with roasted tomato coulis $10

Beer battered fish (TBD) with frites and Cambridge sauce $12

Quick pan-stew of pork with Picholine olives, leeks**, and spring peas, served with fennel basmati pilaf $12

Gâteau Périgourdin – Walnut and caramel cake -$5

**local

Week of March 20th, 2012

Tom — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 22:48:34 +0000

Hello All,

I took note of the green hue on the branches of trees and shrubs as I drove to Lebanon today, 3 weeks earlier than last year. Each spring I experience a sense of urgency to receive the first of the local harvest but I have been fighting that urge for weeks now and it’s still winter. The warmer weather has me anxious to snap that first piece of asparagus, patience Anne, really, it is March 19th. A few of our farmers have transplants ready to be moved from the comfort of the green house out into the soil….what would you do?

Come and get it…this coming week is the last week that we will feature the ever popular warm escarole salad with roasted beets, wilted shallots, applewood smoked bacon and tornbread croutons. Our version of a classic cassoulet complete with house made duck confit, bacon lardons, garlic sausage and stewed white beans has made its place on our menu every winter over the past 3 years. While I am always thrilled at its popularity it too is nearing the end of its run. I will pull it from the menu after this next week to ready our palates for spring then summer. Rick, get in here for one last taste until next fall:).

After several request for its return we are featuring a Spanish influenced menu for lunch this week. I must get to Spain one day as the flavor profiles are so appealing to me. Check out the menu below and consider joining us for a taste of Spain, reinterpreted. I say re-interpreted because I am inspired by the written word to create these dishes not firsthand experience. Soon Ms. Tess will return with food experience from her trip to Spain to feed my culinary brain once again, thanks Tess.

Since the day we opened in 2007 we have offered an all-American cheese plate. We serve “Made in the U.S.A.” products with the same pride and expertise that went into the making these sheep, goat and cow’s milk cheeses. The American cheese industry is accumulating national and international awards by applying time tested European methods of cheese making utilizing U.S. products. The result, great cheeses that are sure to impress. Ask Evan, K.C. or Tom for a wine pairings or two to complement the cheeses.

Thanks for reading my story this week, have a great week, Anne

Wine tasting for Tuesday, March 20th, 2012(5-7pm)

Evan has taken an opportunity to switch things way up this week, we have a special guest coming to the Rue on Tuesday. Anne Markovich-Girard is in from Robert Kacher Selection and wanted to come in, dine with our fun bar guests and to talk about her wines! So look forward to meeting someone who knows much more about these wines than we do.

Domaine des Lauriers Vouvray $6
André Brunel Les Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc $10
Domaine des Corbilliéres Cabernet Franc $6
Domaine de Frondréche Cuvée “Nadal” $7
Mas de Guiot “Numa” $6

Bistro specials for theweek of March 20th, 2012

Tuesday
Chicken Cordon RUE– Pan seared chicken quarters (boneless) shingled with house cured ham, and Gruyere cheese, served with thyme flecked basmati rice and Dijon velouté
$22

Wednesday
Come on in for a taste of Louisiana tonight… Grilled duck breast*, griddled coush-coush cake, mirliton Lyonnaise and molasses scented reduction
$24

Thursday
Griddled chicken** & apple sausage, la truffade potatoes (potatoes layered with bacon and Gruyere), arugula, and thyme infused Dijon mustard
$16

Friday
Pan-seared American blue crab cakes, roasted beet– pickled red onion salad, watercress** and cornichon-caper relish
$25

Saturday
Madeira braised beef cheeks, cauliflower-celeriac puree, wilted spinach and pearl onion compote
$26

Prix Fixe Menu forThursday, March 22nd, 2012(5-9pm)

Pan-seared veal sweetbreads with frisée, potato cubes and mustard cream
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Seared chicken livers**, butternut squash puree**, watercress** and sage brown butter
–
Meyer lemon curd filled crepes with lemon mousseline

$25

Lunch menu for Friday, March 23rd, 2012 (11:30-1:30pm)

Butternut squash**-chickpea stew-$5.5

Spinach-mushroom**-potato torta-$8

Lamb meatballs (with artichokes and potatoes), served with Mojo Rojo (piquillo pepper sauce) and an olive salad-$11

Grilled swordfish with pine nuts and sultanas, served over saffron pilaf-$12

Pisto Manchego (Spanish ratatouille) Empanadas, served with smoked paprika crème and mixed green salad-$12

Churros with chocolate sauce-$5

Please enjoy our salute to the cuisine of Spain, ¡gracias

**local

Week of March 13th, 2012

Tom — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 03:01:36 +0000

Hello All,

I hope every single one of you got outside for a bit on Sunday. It was such a great day to get errands run with the windows down and the radio playing. While I lived down south for 13 years I would touch base with my parents nearly every Sunday. My mother would update me on the family and whatever else happen to be going on. Early every spring about this time she would begin to set my mind in motion as the spring flowers would begin to break ground, “The crocuses are sticking their heads out of the soil”. This would continue with the daffodils, tulips then iris. We always had lovely flowers in our yard growing up and she somehow knew that those words would bring a smile to my face. Thanks mom, I still carry those words with me as I watch the crocuses break soil.

Evan, Tom and I are visiting one of our wine purveyors in Cincinnati today for a private tasting. The re-charged hunt for a few more unique wine finds has begun. Evan is making the Rue Dumaine wine list his own and I have enjoyed watching him grab a hold of the information he is sourcing and pass it onto us. He is educating the staff with his enthusiasm and their access to his “wine bible”. Next time you are in ask him to work with you on making a selection to pair with your meal.

Brian’s house made corned beef is being offered up on Friday lunch this week to kick off St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Don’t miss an opportunity to get yourselves a bite.

Rue Dumaine will be closed Thursday, March 15th for a private function. Thank you for your understanding. Regular service will resume on Friday at 11:30 when we open for lunch service.

Thanks for reading my story this week, have a great week, Anne

Wine tasting for Tuesday March 13th, 2012 (5-7pm)

This week Evan is offering up six affordable Spanish wines from origins that span the country, each reflecting a different style of winemaking and grape varietal.

Priorat is Evan’s favorite region of Spain due to the complexity of the wines that are made there. It is a smaller region with older vines that yield less than they did years ago. The result wines from this region are a bit harder to come by.

Try one, try two, or three maybe more. Brian and I will taste the wines on Tuesday afternoon with Evan and come up with a tasting or 2 to complement the wines. Join us for Spanish wines at Rue Dumaine.

La Cana, Albarino 2010 $5
Sanclodio (White) $6
Eracavio, Tempranillo 2009 $5
Volver, Tempranillo 2009 $6
Pago de Valdetruchas La Muria, Mencia 2009 $6
Ferrer-Bobet, Priorat 2006 $12

Bistro specials for the week of March 13th, 2012

Tuesday-Pan-seared duck breast*, creamy leek-house cured bacon filled crepes served with orange gastrique reduction $22

Wednesday-Come on in for a taste of Louisiana tonight… Louisiana-style crab cakes (fresh American crabmeat) with Creole remoulade and a trinity relish, YUM! $22

Thursday- Rue Dumaine will be closed for service due to a private function.

Friday-Pan-seared Scottish salmon, Pinot Noir-thyme vinaigrette, red onion marmalade, fingerling potato confit, and watercress $24

Saturday-Grilled duck breast* served over a hash of duck confit, butternut squash** and tender spinach $26

PRIX FIXE MENU will resume next Thursday, March 22nd, 2012
Thank you for understanding.
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Lunch menu for Friday, March 16th, 2012 (11:30-1:30pm)

Irish-style seafood soup $5.5

Butternut, blue cheese & walnut tartlet served with a petite green salad $8

Pan-seared Gulf shrimp with spring herb vinaigrette over parsnip puree and wilted spinach $12

Scottish salmon cakes with an herbed (dill & fennel) cream, watercress and a relish of potatoes, turnip, leeks and carrots $12

Brain’s house made rockin’ corned beef served atop griddled onion rusk, caraway slaw and Irish mustard $12

Chocolate stout cake with Irish whiskey crème anglaise $4.5

**local