An Evening Of Fine Wine And Superior Cuisine At Park East Grill

My husband and I recently took part in a unique experience; one that proved to be both pleasurable and educational. Park East Grill’s Wine Dinners offer a touch of sophistication in a soothing, low-key environment. Some of the finest wines available to the kosher consumer are paired with exotic, flavorful dishes not ordinarily offered on the daily menu.

As Michael Weltz, owner of Park East Grill explains, “Our wine director confers with our award-winning chef to fashion a unique menu for each wine dinner. The objective is to create a perfect balance between each dish and the accompanying wine, ensuring that each complements, rather than overpowers, the flavor of the other.

At this particular event, Mr. Marty Hymowitz of Royal Wines (better known as Kedem) served as wine director. He moved from table to table, explaining the origin of each wine, as well as describing its unique properties and appeal. As Mr. Hymowitz pointed out, the wine dinner is an excellent way to sample four or five different fine wines and ascertain which appeals most to your palate. That way, your next visit to the wine store will not result in a pot-luck purchase.

Far from being the less-than-interesting subject I feared it would be (I am decidedly not a wine connoisseur), my husband and I engaged Mr. Hymowitz in several lively conversations, wherein he detailed the differences in the shapes of the various wine bottles and wine glasses. (My lips are sealed. You’re going to have to ask him yourself.) He also explained the hashgachah process for wine production.

The beverages, however, did not outshine the incredible dishes. These included the exotic White Tomato Soup, the delicate and savory Fennel Smoked Duck & Lentil Salad, the incredibly tender Moroccan Spiced Hanger Steak with Jasmine Rice, Sauteed Pumpkin & Broccoli Rabe, and (last but definitely not least) the absolutely scrumptious Chocolate Mousse with Praline Wafer.

You can still take part in the 2004 Wine Dinner Series. The dates for the upcoming Wine Dinners are: November 29th featuring global wine, and December 6th focusing on Latin American wines. In addition, private wine dinners with a minimum of four participants can be arranged with as little as 24-hour notice. This is a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion such as an engagement or even a successful business deal.

Park East Grill recently established a catering company offering the extraordinary cuisine for which they are famous, both on and off premises. This service is available for holiday parties, business meetings, weddings, bar mitzvahs, and the like. (For more information about their catering service, visit www.ParkEastCaterers.com).

As a special thank-you for reading this article to the end, I’m going to pass on a secret to you. Visit Park East Grill and ask for the Park East Burger. It’s so new it’s not even on the menu. This burger is composed of top quality ground steak, not waste products. The results are a tantalizing, juicy burger that you can really sink your teeth into.

For more information and to check out special promotions, visit Park East Grill at www.parkeastgrill.com.

The Park East Grill is located at 1564 Second Ave, between East 81st and East 82nd St. in Manhattan.