Unassigned
Any sommelier will tell you that the wine served with lunch or dinner plays an integral role in bringing out the flavor profiles of food. And it’s no secret that cooking with various liquors, liqueurs and wine varietals can enhance and inspire food.
Using Port, a sweet red wine, for culinary inspiration was the focus at the Cockburn Culinary Competition last week. Hosted in conjunction with the School of Culinary Arts at Kendall College, student teams were challenged to create innovative Port recipes and pairings that would woo a panel of celebrity judges and land them an educational trip to the Cockburn (pronounced Cough-burn) Winery in the Douro Valley in Northern Portugal.
The Cheeky girls hit the culinary scene and were lucky enough to sip on various Ports, sample the competing dishes and channel their inner Top Chef-selves. We were thrilled to rub elbows with some of the most respected names in the food industry. The judges included:
• Stephanie Izzard (2008 Winner, Bravo TV’s Top Chef)
• Shawn McClain (Owner and Chef, Spring, Green Zebra and Custom House)
• Angela Roman (Wine Director, The Signature Room)
• Miguel Côrte Real (Cockburn’s Viticultural Director)
• Christopher Koetke (Dean, Kendall College)
The competition called for original culinary creations incorporating Cockburn’s Special Reserve Port. The live cooking event helped debunk the myth that Port is merely a sweet dessert wine best served after dinner. While Port will always be enjoyed with classic pairings such as blue cheese and dark chocolate, the winning team – Tracey Torres and Jeremy Fisher – proved that Port can be incorporated into a vinaigrette and demonstrated their zest for Portugal and the Douro Valley by serving Crispy Braised Pork Belly, Migas, Black Beluga Lentils and Frisée Salad in a Cockburn’s Special Reserve Vinaigrette.
Ready to step out of your comfort zone and try some new pairings? We love these local haunts for Port pairings and tastings:
If you’re in River North…
Eno at the Hotel Intercontinental (505 N. Michigan Avenue)
If you’re in the Gold Coast…
Cru Café & Wine Bar (25 E. Delaware).
Check out our review on last week’s Scene page!
If you’re in Wicker Park…
Vintage Wine Bar (1942 W. Division)
If you’re in the West Loop…
The Tasting Room (1415 W. Randolph)
