Sports
It’s Prime Time with Joe Raiola!
01 year ago
This blog was written by Joe Raiola, the Executive Chef of Morton’s in Brooklyn. It originally appeared in The Brooklyn Paper on October 10, 2011.
Photo Credit: Community Newspaper Group / Dan MacLeod
What’s better than a Sunday afternoon in autumn, relaxing watching the game with family and friends? Only one thing: Munching on some chicken wings while watching the game relaxing with family and friends!
The classic Buffalo wing is excellent, if executed correctly. But there are millions of average wings out there, so I wanted to give you a twist on this classic that you can try at home. But first a few tips.
I like to use a wing that is about three to five ounces each. I like to separate the wing from the drumette and save the tips for a stock. Your best bet is to buy them in bulk at a Costco or BJ’s, since they come in 10-pound bags already cleaned. A tabletop deep fryer is ideal for this recipe.
Oh, and one more important thing: make sure that the wings are dried well before dropping them into the hot oil. This is really important.
Sweet Sesame Soy Wings
Yields three portions
Photo Credit: Community Newspaper Group / Dan MacLeod
Ingredients
1/2 gallon canola or peanut oil
4 lbs. chicken wings, drumettes and wings (separated)
2 cups sugar
4 ounces water
2 cups soy sauce
1-3/4 cups chicken stock
2 Tbsp. ginger chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh garlic, chopped
5 pieces star anise
4 bay leaves
1/3 cup corn starch
1 Tbsp. Asian chili sauce
2 Tbsp. scallions, sliced thin
2 Tbsp. white sesame seeds
- Rinse the wings under cold water, then dry between two paper towels. This is important unless you want hot oil to splash all over you when you add the wings.
- Place the oil in a large pot over medium heat or in a tabletop deep fryer set to 350 degrees.
- Meanwhile, mix the sugar and the water in a large saucepan on high heat and cook until it turns a dark caramel color (not too dark!). Add the soy sauce, which will cause the caramel to bubble up, so be careful. Then add 1-1/2 cups of the chicken stock, anise, garlic, and ginger. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, add the corn starch to the remaining stock and mix until there are no lumps. Add this mixture to the simmering sauce while stirring. Let the sauce cook for about a minute until it comes back up to a simmer. Remove the sauce from the fire and strain through a mesh strainer.
- Fry your wings for about five minutes.
- Mix the sauce, wings, scallion, chili sauce, and sesame seeds in a big bowl.
- Put them on a plate, sit down with a cool beverage and a pile of napkins while the game is on.
Go Jets!
What are some of your favorite apps/snacks/munchies when you watch a football game? If you decide to let someone else do the cooking, catch the game in the bar at Morton’s! We have an incredible Bar Bites menu just waiting to be tackled. This menu is specially priced, starting at just $6, all night long during Sunday and Monday night football games (valid at all U.S. locations, except San Francisco).
FOODARAZZI: 60 SECONDS WITH JONATHAN VILMA
01 year ago
Jonathan Vilma
Captain of the New Orleans Saints defense and the son of Haitian immigrant parents, Jonathan Vilma also founded The Jonathan Vilma Foundation after the 2010 Haiti earthquake to help assist with the rebuilding efforts in Haiti, including a charter school to educate students from elementary school to high school. We caught up with the superstar linebacker who ruminates on Carnival, Family Guy reruns and Denzel Washington playing him in the “The Vilmanator”.
OCCUPATION: Professional Football Player.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: Intelligent, competitive, and focused.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: I love traveling during the off season. My favorite place so far is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for Carnival.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: Getting some much needed sleep.
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: Skydiving but it’s not allowed in my contract.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: Winning Super Bowl XLIV in Miami. It was one of the greatest moments in my life.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL: Football players don’t drink alcohol…do they?
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: Family Guy! It’s by far the best show out there.
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT: You can always find me on a beach in Miami.
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER: I would be honored if Denzel Washington played me in a 3-D blockbuster called “The Vilmanator”.
PRIZED POSSESSION: My Super Bowl ring. Doesn’t get any better than that.
PRE-GAME RITUALS: Nothing specific. I focus on winning and performing well.
IF I WASN’T A FOOTBALL PLAYER, I’D BE: I would be working on Wall Street.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…: Winning it all!
Join NFL Superstar Jonathan Vilma and his New Orleans teammates for a great cause on Monday, November 7 when they trade in their uniforms and helmets for plates and aprons during Celebrity Servers Night at Morton’s The Steakhouse!
MOST VALUABLE PARTY: Larry Fitzgerald’s Celebrity Server Event at Morton’s Scottsdale
21 year ago
Larry Fitzgerald, Muhammad Ali and Roger Drake of Morton's
The third annual Larry Fitzgerald Celebrity Server Event was an experience to remember for each guest in attendance. The event drew 179 guests, including Arizona Cardinals players and their families, local celebrities and media, to Morton’s The Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ on Monday, October 3, to support the well-known wide receiver and his two charities. Proceeds from the event benefited the Carol Fitzgerald Memorial Fund, which aims to help victims of AIDS, breast cancer, and other diseases Fitzgerald’s mother was involved in supporting, and the Larry Fitzgerald First Down Fund, which supports youth organizations throughout the country through resources and funding. The event title sponsors included Desert Institute for Spine Care and The Starkey Hearing Foundation.
Cocktail hour kicked off the evening with hors d’oeuvres, as guests were granted exclusive access to mingle with their favorite Cardinals players for photo opportunities and autograph signing. As dinner began, the players impressed guests with skills of masterfully pouring wine, handling stacked salad plates and delivering sizzling steak entrées.
Larry Fitzgerald and his Celebrity Servers. Go Cardinals!
A highlight of the evening was the surprise arrival of legend and Arizona resident, Muhammad Ali. Silence and awe fell over the crowd as he entered, followed by a moving standing ovation! His attendance at the event in support of Fitzgerald and his great cause was reflected throughout the entire evening, as guests made impressive donations to the two charities.
Fitzgerald’s two aunts, one who is a breast cancer survivor, father and brother all spoke to thank the event guests for their generosity, to honor the memory of Carol Fitzgerald, and to continue to spread hope of finding a cure. Between the silent auction items, including staycation retreats and Morton’s gift baskets, and the live auction of Fitzgerald’s game worn attire, the event raised $220,000, a record amount for Fitzgerald’s two charities, resulting in the highest grossing Celebrity Server Event to date!
Sweet Finale
Read all about it! Larry Fitzgerald Celebrity Server Event media coverage included ABC, CBS, FOX,
Desert Living Today, Phoenix Business Journal, Morton’s Blog – The Best Steak Anywhere and Arizona Foothills Magazine.
Reported by Katherine Thornhill, E.B. Lane
Photos by Yeung Photography
Still hungry? Click this link to learn more about Morton’s exciting Celebrity Server series throughout the U.S.
FOODARAZZI: 60 SECONDS WITH JACK NICKLAUS
11 year ago
Barbara and Jack Nicklaus
Strike up a conversation on the history of golf, and sooner or later the name Jack Nicklaus will weave its way into the discussion. Synonymous with the gallant game, Nicklaus has wowed fans and fellow golfers alike with his athletic prowess and is considered “The Most Powerful Person in Golf” with 118 worldwide victories and 18 professional major-championship titles. When he’s not designing championship golf courses or captaining the Ryder Cup, Nicklaus is a guiding light for numerous charities including the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation which provides support for pediatric heath care services. We caught up with the “Golden Bear” who ruminates on baseball, bucket lists and bone-fishing in the South Pacific.
OCCUPATION: Golf legend.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: I would actually say wherever I’m going, because wherever I go, I try to enjoy the opportunity, the experience, and make the best of it. I certainly have special places I have enjoyed visiting, such as Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand, Iceland, and many others. I enjoy places where I can combine work and pleasure.
POWER SUIT: I prefer a pair of shorts, a golf shirt and sneakers.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: Spending most of my time with family. I enjoy spending time with my wife Barbara and we especially like to spend time at our grandkids’ activities. I also enjoy fishing and tennis.
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: I feel as if I have tried everything I have ever wanted to try. The most recent on my bucket list was to see the gorillas. So we took some family and friends to Rwanda for a “Mountain Gorilla Trek.” One thing I have wanted to do is bone-fish in the South Pacific.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN GOLF: That’s hard to answer because all my victories, especially my major championship wins, have been memorable for unique and special reasons. But if I had to pick one, it would be the 1986 Masters—the last of my 18 professional majors. It came when I was 46 years old; I was almost six years removed from my last major; and it was at a point in my career when nobody expected me to win. And in many ways, that included me. For most of my career at Augusta National, most people expected me to win, whether it was the media, the fans, other players…or myself. And I don’t think anybody did in ’86. It was very special, probably the most special win that I’ve ever had. And having my son Jack on the bag is something I’ll never forget. Also, for whatever reason, that was the only Masters since my first one in 1959, where my mother and my sister decided to attend. I have no idea why, but they were there. So to have my son on the bag, and close family just outside the ropes, served to underline the moment for me.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL: I am actually not much of a drinker, and prefer water with almost every meal. But if I am going to have a drink, I prefer, of course, Jack Nicklaus Wine.
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: Football or one of my 22 grandkids.
FAVORITE GADGETS: Not a gadget guy but I carry an iPhone for outgoing calls only.
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT: Home.
PRIZED POSSESSION: My family.
ADJECTIVE TO DESCRIBE MY MOOD: Even keel.
WHOM I MOST ADMIRE: My wife Barbara. She has not only been my wife of 51 years, but she has been my best friend, my sounding board, and at many times, my conscience. She has been the guiding light of my life and our family. I know I am a better person and better parent because of her.
PROUDEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: Family.
PRE-GAME RITUALS: I always made sure to have three pennies in my pocket when I played. One was to mark my ball; a second was in case I lost the first; and the third was in case my playing partner needed one. I also preferred to play a golf ball with the No. 5 on it. I just played it for years because no one else played it, and so they made a 5 just for me. Plus, that was a score I didn’t want to have.
IF I WASN’T A GOLFER, I’D BE: If it was in sports, it would be baseball. I was a switch-hitting catcher growing up. If you are asking about a career outside of sports, I have no idea. I can’t imagine life without sports.
FAVORITE CUT OF STEAK: Ribeye.
FAVORITE SPORT, OTHER THAN GOLF: Fishing, especially fly-fishing. I also enjoy playing tennis.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…: Each day I feel like I have the ability to make someone’s life better—whether it be mine, my family’s, a child’s, or a client. I’m in a position that allows me to do that, and that’s really nice. At the age of 71, I am still able to remain involved in a game that I have always loved and loved to compete in. Although I can’t compete as I once did on the course, I am very involved in the game of golf, whether it as a course designer, a spokesperson or ambassador for the sport as I travel the world, and hopefully a voice for how we can help protect and grow the game for future generations.
Join Jack Nicklaus and his wife, Barbara on Tuesday, October 25 for a memorable evening of Morton’s signature cuisine paired with exquisite Jack Nicklaus Wines…all in the name of a good cause at Morton’s The Steakhouse in West Palm Beach, FL. Listen to the recent interview with Morton’s Roger Drake and Patty McDonald of Nicklaus Children’s Healthcare Foundation who appeared on ESPN760′s Golf Exchange show to chat about our upcoming event with Jack and Barbara Nicklaus!
FOODARAZZI: 60 SECONDS WITH CHARLES TILLMAN
01 year ago
Known for being one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, Charles “Peanut” Tillman also enjoys giving back to children and families in need through the Charles Tillman Cornerstone Foundation. Sporting a famous nickname, “Peanut” (given to him by an aunt as a baby because he reminded her of a peanut), Tillman’s also been a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award which recognizes NFL players for their charitable work. We caught up with the Bears cornerback to talk about pre-game rituals, matadors, and his passion for movies.
Charles Tillman
OCCUPATION: Sports Administration.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: Spontaneous, fun, fun-loving.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Athens, Greece.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: At the movie theater.
ON THAT NOTE, WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOVIE? Star Wars. All six!
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: Running with the bulls in Spain. Actually, just dressing up in the matador suit and watching. Close up, of course.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: A Monday night game against Arizona in 2006 when we came back to win in the 4th quarter.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL: My recipe that I call “Homemade Mexican Ginger Ale”. Mix equal parts Coke and Sprite with a shot of tequila and some freshly squeezed lime juice. The fresh lime juice is key!
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: Criminal Minds, True Blood, Entourage, Boardwalk Empire.
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT: My private theater room.
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A HOLLYWOOD MOVIE BLOCKBUSTER: Anthony Mackie.
PRIZED POSSESSION: My three kids, ages five, three and two.
PRE-GAME RITUALS: I wake up at 5am, watch film, go to the stadium, see the chiropractor, get taped, and go through my routine. Then I say my prayers while holding Lach’s (Brian Urlacher) left hand, drink a Spark energy drink, say another prayer, run out onto the field and pick up some of the grass (a little difficult when we play on astro turf), smell it, throw it, and say, “This is my home, let’s go!”
IF I WASN’T A FOOTBALL PLAYER, I’D BE: In law enforcement. My degree was in criminal justice.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…: Getting paid to play football!
Join NFL Superstar Charles Tillman and his Chicago Bears teammates for big steaks and a great cause on Monday, October 17 when they trade in their uniforms and helmets for plates and aprons at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Northbrook, IL!
Reported by Lindsay Rafayko, Empower Public Relations and Wayne Pua
A Memorable Day and Night Out with NFL icon Dexter Manley, PGA TOUR’s Charley Hoffman and Houston Texans’ Owen Daniels!
01 year ago
Power Lunching with a Legend: Dexter Manley
Vince Marshall, Hilda Merano, and Dexter Manley
At Morton’s we call the series “Lunch with a Legend,” but Monday’s event in downtown DC was a pep rally of the finest sort. The rivalry between the Washington Redskins and the Dallas Cowboys started on October 9, 1960 and has since become the greatest rivalry in the sport – maybe even in professional sports altogether.
The excitement for this week’s game was palpable as more than 150 Redskins fans, former players, families and media flooded Morton’s dining room for a live broadcast of ESPN980’s “The Sports Fix,” with hosts Kevin Sheehan and Thom Loverro. The sold out crowd donned jerseys from over the years, a majority sporting #72, the number worn by the day’s honoree, former Defensive End Dexter Manley .
Raucous applause erupted at mention of Manley’s legendary 66 sacks from 1982-1986 and his two Super Bowl rings. Former teammate Offensive Lineman George Starke arrived a few minutes late, but not without notice. Both men circled the room at commercial breaks taking photos with guests, signing autographs, and strategizing with fans how the Redskins defense could attack the injured Tony Romo.
In the end, the Cowboys prevailed in the final minutes of the game bringing the team’s record to 61-38-2 against the Redskins. The history won’t matter though. Like the classic American steakhouse, this legendary American tradition is here to stay.
Read all about it! Dexter Manley Lunch with a Legend media coverage included Washington Examiner.
Reported by Anthony Hesselius, Linda Roth Associates, Inc.
Morton’s The Steakhouse Scores a Hole-in-One With PGA TOUR Pro Charley Hoffman
It's Charley Hoffman!
The young guns of the golf world took over Morton’s The Steakhouse Las Vegas as UNLV Alumnus Charley Hoffman and 10 of his friends dropped their 7-irons to serve more than 160 guests. The guest servers who kept every wine glass filled and delivered hot entrees to the guests were Chris Riley, Bill Lunde, John Mallinger, Dean Wilson, Billy Horschel, Andres Gonzales, Ricky Barnes, D.J. Trahan, Chez Reavie and Troy Matteson.
The evening benefited the Charley Hoffman Foundation, which donated $18,000 each to five Las Vegas children’s charities – Goodie Two Shoes, Blessings in a Backpack, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and Zelzah Shriners Transportation Fund. All-in-all, more than $90,000 was raised over the course of the day!
The Celebrity Server Event was the conclusion of a golf-filled day as Charley Hoffman hosted his annual Pro-Am at TPC Summerlin. Pro-Am participants, golf enthusiasts and Morton’s regulars filled the dining room with a high-energy atmosphere. Comedian George Lopez and baseball great Greg Maddux came to Morton’s as well and each won a live auction item! Maddux even donated an autographed baseball glove and baseball to the evening’s silent auction.
Morton’s first-ever Celebrity Server Event in Las Vegas was a tremendous success. A great deal of money was raised for charity, everyone in attendance enjoyed themselves and, most importantly, no plates were dropped by the guest servers!
Local media coverage included Las Vegas Sun, KVVU-TV and Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Reported by Stephen Miller, Preferred Public Relations
OH, WHAT A NIGHT! 2nd Annual Owen Daniels Celebrity Server Event Scores Big
Owen Daniels with his Celebrity Servers and Team Morton's!
Cameras, lights, football stars and fans packed Morton’s the Steakhouse Houston Galleria the evening of September 26 for the 2nd Annual Owen Daniels Celebrity Server Dinner. The event sold out ten days prior and the 185 guests were ready to party and party they did. Beginning at 7 pm, Bar 12.21 was packed with guests shopping the silent action items, sampling the bar bites and ready for the action to start.
Houston Texans Tight End Owen Daniels called in the big hitters from the team to help with the fun and activities as Andre Johnson, Arian Foster, James Casey, Chris Myers, J.J. Watt, Shaun Cody, DeMeco Ryans, David Anderson, Steve Slaton, Garrett Graham and Brian Cushing demonstrated their waiter skills throughout the evening. Autographs were the number one request but players were busy refilling water glasses, serving wine, offering dressing for salads and being great sports.
The guests enjoyed a four course Morton’s dinner, silent auction, live auction including two trips to Cabo and opened their hearts and their wallets to help The Owen Daniels Catch a Dream Foundation. Highlights of the evening included the Texans players getting their waiter instructions from the Morton’s team and the live auction with Arian Foster, David Anderson and Shaun Cody demonstrating their auctioneer skills to the joy of the crowd. The big auction items were a Texans autographed 3 liter Monte Bello Red Blend bottle of wine being sold for $5,600 and the two trips to Cabo being sold for $15,000 each, all of which will benefit the Owen Daniels Catch a Dream Foundation.
Special news on the Morton’s Celebrity Server Dinners from Roger Drake, Morton’s Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications; “With two celebrity server events last night – one in Houston with Owen Daniels, and one in Las Vegas with Charley Hoffman and his PGA TOUR friends, Morton’s expects to exceed the $2 million dollar mark in proceeds raised over the past two years. Morton’s is proud to partner with stellar athletes and committed humanitarians such as Owen Daniels, who is truly focused on helping kids in Houston with his Catch a Dream Foundation work.”
Oh, what a night in Houston. Everyone went home with stories to tell, memories to cherish and knowing that they helped a great cause with Owen Daniels and the Catch a Dream Foundation.
Media coverage of the Owen Daniels Celebrity Server event included KHOU-TV, The Rod Ryan Show, Chron.com and CultureMap.com.
Reported by Joe Pogge, Strike Marketing
Still hungry? Click these links to learn more about Morton’s exciting Celebrity Server and Lunch with a Legend series throughout the U.S.
FOODARAZZI: 60 SECONDS WITH LARRY FITZGERALD
01 year ago
Larry Fitzgerald
Now that the NFL is officially back in session, Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals is doing what he loves best: playing football on the field and giving back to kids off the field. So what does the Fitz do to relax? We caught up with the superstar wide receiver during a rare time-out and here he ruminates on Will Smith, fatherhood, and a little quest to win the Super Bowl.
OCCUPATION: Professional Football Player and University of Phoenix student.
THREE WORDS THAT BEST DESCRIBE ME: Faith, focus, finish.
FAVORITE TRAVEL DESTINATION: Seychelles Islands. It’s the most beautiful place I’ve ever traveled to and I had the opportunity to visit these islands during the off season earlier this year.
WHEN I’M NOT WORKING, I’M…: Spending time with my three-and-a-half year old son, Devin.
ONE THING I’VE BEEN DYING TO TRY: I would love to WIN a Super Bowl!
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT IN FOOTBALL: Playing in the Super Bowl.
FAVORITE DRINK/COCKTAIL: I don’t drink.
I STAY HOME TO WATCH: I love HGTV. There are so many great programs on that channel!
FAVORITE PLACE TO CHILL OUT: Chilling out at my house on the lake in Minnesota. During the off season, I enjoy jet skiing and going out on my boat.
WHO WOULD PLAY ME IN A HOLLYWOOD BLOCKBUSTER: Without question, Will Smith. He is very funny and seems to be pretty down-to-earth. Not to mention he is an extremely talented actor.
PRIZED POSSESSION: I really love watches. I would say my most prized possession is my extensive watch collection.
PRE-GAME RITUALS: I say a prayer before I step out onto the field before every game.
IF I WASN’T A FOOTBALL PLAYER, I’D BE: I would definitely be a school teacher.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: The best part of my job is…: WINNING!
Join NFL Superstar Larry Fitzgerald and his Arizona Cardinals teammates for big steaks and a great cause on Monday, October 3 when they trade in their uniforms and helmets for plates and aprons at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Scottsdale, AZ. Morton’s The Steakhouse would also like to thank our lead corporate sponsors, DISC and The Starkey Foundation, for their generous support!
A Memorable Night Out with Braves’ Dan Uggla and Rams’ Danny Amendola!
01 year ago
Dan Uggla and the Celebrity Server Dream Team. Go Braves!
Diamonds are Forever
On Monday, August 29, 2011, Braves second baseman Dan Uggla hosted his inaugural Celebrity Server event at Morton’s The Steakhouse in Buckhead. The sold-out event featured Uggla and several of his teammates, Freddie Freeman, Brian McCann, Martin Prado, Craig Kimbrel, Brandon Beachy and many more, as they spent the night serving guests for Uggla’s Diamonds in the Rough charity, which raises awareness for children and families in need in Georgia. In addition to donating their time to the charity event, they also provided signed Braves memorabilia and aided Star 94’s Ray Mariner in raising additional funds for the charity in live and silent auction items, including signed jerseys from Martin Prado, signed jersey and field passes donated by Brian McCann, signed acoustic guitar by the Zac Brown Band, commemorative framed poster signed by Jimmy Hendrix, and luxurious vacations to Mexico which combined sold for $10,500!
Uggla and celebrity guests
Over 160 guests were in attendance to support the noteworthy cause, and helped raise over $70,000 for Uggla’s charity. Dan did a great job of introducing (and ribbing!) his fellow teammates and the players collectively spent lots of time talking to and taking photos photos with guests. Atlanta TV stations and local media were there to capture the excitement of this Dan Uggla and Atlanta Braves teammates’ celebrity server event.
Read – and watch – all about it! Dan Uggla Celebrity Server media coverage includes: WXIA-TV’s Atlanta & Co; Radio 790 The Zone with Dan Uggla; Ask Miss A; Atlanta Business Chronicle; Buckhead Patch; Sandy Springs Neighbor; Neighbor Newspapers; and
Metromix Atlanta.
Reported by Natalie Najjar, Karen Canavan Public Relations
A Delicious Take on Monday Night Football: Morton’s Celebrity Server Night featuring Danny Amendola
Danny Amendola and the Celebrity Server Dream Team. Go Rams!
Despite suffering a dislocated elbow at Sunday’s game, Rams wide receiver Danny Amendola was out in full force the very next day on Sept. 12 raising funds for the Catches for Kids Foundation at Morton’s Celebrity Server Night in St. Louis, Mo. Football fans and foodies alike came out to support the Catches for Kids Foundation, which works to improve the lives of low-income children in St. Louis. Joining Danny was his enthusiastic teammates including, Danario Alexander, Dominique Curry, Austin Pettis, Greg Salas, Craig Dahl, Mike Sims-Walker, among others.
Celebrity guests
Guests mingled with Rams superstars and enjoyed four courses of Morton’s signature cuisine and fine wine. A 6.OL bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet, Napa, 2003 fetched $2,000 in an exciting live auction. Silent auction items featured one-of-a-kind Rams memorabilia all to benefit a great cause. Local media including ESPN 101.1FM, KMOX-AM, St. Louis Magazine and Ladue News interviewed players about this worthy event, and captured photos of attending Morton’s guests. It was a great night for a great cause, and we were thrilled to have Danny and his teammates demonstrate true sportsmanship by supporting St. Louis children in need.
Danny Amendola with Rams Craig Dahl and A.J. Feeley Photo courtesy of Molly James, Ladue News
Reported by Meghan Heeter, Common Ground Public Relations
Still hungry? Click here to learn more about Morton’s exciting Celebrity Server series throughout the U.S.
The Baltimore Grand Prix, Part Deaux
01 year ago
Held over the Labor Day weekend and featuring a spectacular combination of world-class racing, the inaugural Baltimore Grand Prix was a tremendous success for the city, the racers and Morton’s The Steakhouse in Baltimore.
More than 150,000 spectators and racing enthusiasts jammed Baltimore throughout the weekend, and Morton’s was right in the middle of the action, opening our bar early at 2 p.m. every day and serving thousands of our Prime Fuel sandwiches. Indycar drivers Will Power Helio Castroneves and Ryan Brisco also stopped in at Morton’s for a meal Saturday night, which no doubt helped Power win the race the next day.
Adobe Road Wine Dinner at Morton's The Steakhouse
We were also proud to host the weekend’s unofficial kick-off with the Morton’s Adobe Road Wine Dinner with Team Baltimore Racing (TBR) on Wednesday, August 31. Kevin Buckler, owner of Adobe Road Winery, founder of The Racer’s Group, and former championship race car driver, presented his award-winning wines. Ultimately, more than $7,500 was raised from this four-course dinner benefitted local charities supported by TBR, including The University of Maryland Children’s Center and Catholic Charities.
Power, the year’s Grand Prix leader, was effusive in his praise for the city. “They’ve put on the best race we’ve had all year,” he said. “This is what Indycar needs.”
Such praise was nearly universal in the race’s aftermath, raising speculation that the Baltimore Grand Prix will become an annual happening. Based on what we saw over the weekend, we agree with the praise and welcome the Indycar series to Baltimore anytime!
To learn more about Morton’s involvement with the Baltimore Grand Prix, check out these media clips:
Morton’s Baltimore Grand Prix on WBAL-TV and in The Baltimore Sun.
Reported by Jeffrey Bukowski, Nevins & Associates
Getting Back to Football with Prime Pairings
01 year ago
I have several colleagues who are pretty excited about “getting back to football” with tomorrow’s season opener. So I thought I would use today’s “Wine Wednesday” to highlight the two teams that are kicking off the 2011 season, along with some prime pairings to get you through the game.
The first match-up is the Green Bay Packers against the New Orleans Saints, which immediately makes me think of hot and cold…and their respective famed treats. Wisconsin has the cheese (and cheeseheads!) and New Orleans has the famous Hubig’s Pies. Both make for perfect football food, so I thought I’d pair these cold and the hot delicacies with cold and well, room temperature, wines. And if you want to take it a step further, why not pair a cheese, with a pie, with some wines? Why not?
Let’s start with the cheese. As you may have discovered, there are a lot of websites that claim to give good food and wine pairings, particularly cheese pairings. I hate to break it to you, but a lot of them are wrong. First and foremost, your preferences are most important. But let me give you a simple rule of thumb…the drier the cheese (aka older), the easier it is to pair with wines. The younger and fresher cheeses (and generally more moist) tend to pair best with lighter wines like beaujolais, pinot noir, riesling and pinot gris. This website does a pretty good job and teaches you a lot about Wisconsin Cheese in general.
Now on to the pie. Hubig’s Pies are a classic New Orleans treat. You can even order off of their website, but they are very particular about how and when they ship, so you may want to give them a call. I have personally done this and I can tell you that they are truly some of the nicest people. Great customer service, attention to detail…and the pies? Well, you have to try them for yourself.
So for the pairings, you can mix and match from any of these suggestions. Try the cheese, try the wine, try the pie…then try all three together! It’s what I like to call the “Garanimals” approach to food and wine pairing.
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Cheddar paired with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Riesling, Pinot Gris paired with Apple or Cherry Pie -
Brie paired with Pinot Noir, Beaujolais or Chardonnay, Viognier paired with Peach, Coconut or Pineapple Pie
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Gruyere paired with Merlot, Syrah or Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling paired with Pineapple, Strawberry or Coconut Pie
There’s one flavor of pie that always likes to be a little different…and that’s chocolate. The best pairing ever, the pairing that made me find my passion for wine, is cabernet and chocolate. Cabernet Sauvignon and Hubig’s Chocolate pie….topped with a touch (just a little to lend creaminess) of Marscapone cheese? Touchdown.
Regardless of which team you’re rooting for, you’ll be able to come up with a winning combination to make the football game even more enjoyable. But if these pairings sound like a little too much work, we’d love to have you at Morton’s during the football season. Come on in to the bar or reserve a private dining room with a state-of-the-art A/V set-up. We’ll make as many or as few of the calls as you’d like so you can sit back and cheer on your favorite team. And check back on our website, Twitter handle or Facebook page tomorrow, when we’ll kick off a contest to win free appetizers for you and 15 of your friends in our private dining room for a football game of your choice (restrictions apply).
Cheers!
Sara Fasolino
Certified Sommelier/Beverage Manager
Morton’s The Steakhouse