The Next Astoria Book & Supper Club: Garlic & Sapphires

I'm excited to see that after a longer respite (everyone needs the summer off), my friend Lisa who heads up the Astoria Book & Supper Club is back to her delicious goings-on.  Her next book discussion and themed dinner will be coming up in October, and I was delighted to see that the subject is one of my favorite Ruth Reichl books, Garlic and Sapphires.

Focusing on Ruth's career as the NYT food critic, the book talks about her fun and irreverent escapades, as she works her way through some of Manhattan's finest restaurants.  Lisa's dinner pays a homage to all the luxurious bites in this book, so you're in for a real treat with this one.  Here's the proposed menu:

Garlic & Sapphires inspired dinner menu:
Sunday October 13th at 7:00 p.m.

Hudson Valley Fois Gras with truffles served over baked New York state apples in season
Seasonal vegetable risotto topped with truffle oil 
Caesar salad 
Grilled Porterhouse steak served with Lisa's potatoes (her take on au gratin) 
New York style cheesecake

$40/person, BYOB

RSVP to Lisa.

Astoria's New Supper & Book Club

Image by Lisa Commisso

It's my pleasure to introduce a new supper and book club in town, founded by my friend and fellow Queens Swapper, Lisa.  Full of passion for food and books, Lisa combines these two loves, as she hosts tres chic dinners and discussion parties right in Astoria.  I can guarantee the food will be delicious and the company won't be too shabby either.  Just take a look at the details below and the tastebud-tantalizing menu:

Lisa's Astoria Supper & Book Club
Next Event: Monday, July 16th at 7:00 p.m.
Book: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zaffon

Menu will include:

A refreshing glass of Cava to start, sangria to be served with dinner

Trio of “Pintxos” served on pan di tomate:
Boquerones: Fresh anchovies and roasted pepper
Serrano Ham and Manchengo
Cured Chorizo and Manchengo

Croquetas de Bacalao  

Cod and Potato Croquettes served with mashed avocado and lemon

Paprika Roasted Potatoes and Shrimp al Ajillo (in garlic)
served with Romesco sauce

Seafood and Chorizo Paella

Coconut Flan and Chocolate Toast

Dinner will be served promptly at 7:30 p.m. so make sure to come relatively on time so you don't miss all the goodies.  The cost is $40 per person and an additional $15 for unlimited drinks.

For more info, visit: http://theastoriabookandsupperclub.blogspot.com/