12. Diner Cuisine: Tradition and Taste from the Catskills

Diner food is comfort food, and the Phoenicia Diner celebrates the regional produce and food traditions of the idyllic Catskills mountains region. American author Sara Franklin has made a study of the relationship of food and agriculture to identification with place through the lenses of local food traditions and generational memory. Joined by Kingston food writer and author of Out of Old Ontario Kitchens, Lindy Mechefske, they explore the Catskills region’s fascinating history and the revival that defines it today, and ponder the similarities and differences between its historical food traditions and those of settlers in Ontario, and even Kingston, itself.

While they chat, Kingston participants can enjoy mouth-watering and hearty offerings, home-style cooking with flare, with a menu inspired by The Phoenicia Diner Cookbook, interpreted and prepared with love and local ingredients by Chef Richard Nicholas of Chez Piggy Restaurant. Read below for all the juicy details!*

We are grateful for the support of the Embassy of the United States in Ottawa, and collaboration with Chez Piggy Restaurant.

3 Course Diner Cuisine Dinner from Chez Piggy Restaurant (heat and serve)

Option 1 $55†
Appetizer
Roasted Beet + Baby Kale salad
cucumber – radish – almond – scallion – cherry tomato – quail egg – yogurt dressing
Main Course
12 Hour Braised Short Rib
brandied mushroom demi-glace – butter + wine-braised leeks – horseradish + burnt shallot whipped potatoes
Dessert
Going Topless
peanut-chocolate mousse – beer nuts – salted caramel
or Crème Brûlée
Optional Wine Pairing
Stoneburn, Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand $32
Villa Pillo, Sangiovese/Cab/ Merlot, Tuscany, Italy $34

Option 2 $45†
(vegetarian or vegan w/ egg removed, house dressing, no yogurt)
Appetizer
Roasted Beet + Baby Kale salad
cucumber – radish – almond – scallion – cherry tomato – quail egg – yogurt dressing
Main Course
Smoky Eggplant + Chickpea Tagine
preserved lemon – golden raisin – apricot – tomato – paprika – ras el hanout – harissa – sesame – minted yogurt – almond jeweled couscous
Dessert
Going Topless
peanut-chocolate mousse – beer nuts – salted caramel
or Crème Brûlée
Optional Wine Pairing
Sandbanks, Riesling, Prince Edward County, Ontario $30
Malivoire, Gamay, Niagara, Ontario $32

† applicable taxes + gratuity not included in pricing

 *Order directly from Chez Piggy 613-549-7673. Pick up only. Pick up time can be arranged when the order is made.
DEADLINE EXTENDED! Dinners must be ordered by 6 pm on Monday, September 21, 2020.

6:00 – 7:30 pm ET

Donations gratefully accepted