News
September 11, 2024CulinaryArts@SPAC Returns with Bourbon Land with Chef Edward Lee – OCT 25
Saratoga Performing Arts Center announces that its innovative CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative will continue with two special events, presented in partnership with lead sponsor Franklin Square Market, slated for this fall and winter at The Pines at SPAC. Kicking off the series on October 25 is Bourbon Land with James Beard Award-winning Chef Edward Lee, featuring specialty bourbon pourings by First Fill Spirits, a bourbon cocktail, and dishes from Lee’s new cookbook Bourbon Land, alongside conversation led by WAMC’s Joe Donahue. Following on January 25 is Bayou Kitchen with James Beard Award-winning author Melissa Martin featuring cocktails and mocktails, South Louisiana tastings inspired by her upcoming cookbook, and conversation hosted by WAMC.
“We are excited to bring back our popular ‘cook the book’ styled events with two internationally acclaimed chefs who share our ethos of sustainability, innovation and community,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “From the rich culinary tradition of South Louisiana’s Bayou to Kentucky’s favorite libation — we look forward to great food, drink and conversation.”
Beyond its amphitheater stage, SPAC has become a year-round gathering place celebrating the artistry of food in building community while empowering individuals to understand how what we eat influences our communities and our planet. The CulinaryArts@SPAC initiative, founded in 2020, combines culinary excellence and education with exquisite meals that emphasize socially conscious cultivation and consumption, local procurement, and fair wages.
Bourbon Land with Chef Edward Lee
October 25, 2024
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bourbon Land with Chef Edward Lee will feature a bourbon-forward culinary experience with James Beard Award Winner Chef Edward Lee.
Upon arrival, guests can enjoy bourbon tastings by First Fill Spirits, a specialty cocktail and appetizers, followed by tastes of dishes from Lee’s cookbook Bourbon Land including Braised Beef Shanks in Bourbon Sauce and Roasted Sweet Potato with Bourbon Miso Butter, served family-style at communal tables. Wine, beer and non-alcoholic refreshments will also be served.
Accompanying the tastings, WAMC Northeast Public Radio’s Joe Donahue will lead a conversation with Chef Edward Lee to discuss the iconic Kentucky spirit, its history, tips on cooking with bourbon, and how to taste the spirit like a professional.
Bourbon and Butterscotch Pudding and a book signing with Lee will complete the evening.
Tickets to attend are $130. Attendees can also purchase a copy of Bourbon Land and have it signed by the author. Seating is on a first come basis. Visit spac.org for details.
Bayou Kitchen with Melissa Martin
January 25, 2025
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
James Beard Award-winning author of Mosquito Supper Club, Melissa Martin will make her first CulinaryArts@SPAC appearance to celebrate the release of her new book Bayou: Feasting Through the Seasons of a Cajun Life. The event will feature South Louisiana dishes from her book, cocktails and mocktails, and conversation hosted by WAMC.
In her highly anticipated book Bayou, slated for release this fall, Martin shares a year of celebrations through 100 Southern Louisiana recipes that combine humble ingredients such as onions, potatoes, and peppers, and the local bounty, including shrimp and crabs. Her recipes feature everything from made-to-share dishes like Carnival Crawfish Boil to ring in the New Year, to the bright bounty of shrimp season, to Red Velvet Cake. Martin captures the culinary heart and soul of the bayou, while illustrating that the table is a place for restoration, nourishment, and communion.
