For those knowing souls who keep a lookout for the delights of special dinners offered by local restaurants, a couple of notable such events are on the horizon. On tap in the coming weeks are a tomato tapas dinner at Seviche, a wine dinner at Brasserie Provence focused on the cuisine of Burgundy, and a small batch Rye whiskey dinner at Varanese.
The first of the special dinners will be Seviche’s tomato tapas dinner, celebrating the excellent tomato season that local farmers – and farmers market patrons – have been enjoying. Ambrosia Farm in Finchville grows a wide variety of heirloom tomato, which Anthony Lamas and has staff will use on the small plates menu that will play off the different flavor profiles of the tomatoes that farmer Brooke Eckmann Watson grows. Watson will be at the dinner on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 6 0.m., to talk about her tomato growing experiences. Dinner will be $85. Call (502) 473-8560. Seviche is at 1538 Bardstown Rd.
John Varanese, chef and owner of Varanese,2106 Frankfort Ave., mixes up the themes of his monthly special dinners. On Sept. 10, at 6:30, the theme will be Kentucky small batch Rye Whiskeys. Cocktails made with and tastings of Jim Beam Rye, Russell’s Reserve 6 Year Rye, Bulleit Rye, and Knob Creek Rye will be paired with dishes such as roasted broccoli salad with raisins, walnuts and bleu cheese, and Bourbon barrel smoked pastrami. Tara Schaefer will be on hand to discuss Kentucky’s rich bourbon and rye whiskey history. The dinner and drink pairings will be $55. Call (502) 899-9904 or email letsdine@varanese.com.
Wednesday Sept,16 Brasserie Provence chef Edoardo Bacci will craft a dinner of dishes characteristic of the Burgundy region of France to be paired with the value wines of Domaine Mauperthuis and Francois Raquillet. David Dubou from Vintner Select will discuss his choices of wine pairings with specialty dishes from the Burgundy region, including onion soup, fish poached in Burgundy white wine, coq au vin and black currant tart. Dinner and wine pairings will be $65. Brasserie Provence is at 150 N. Hurstbourne Pkwy.
