KFWE Food & Wine Experience 2023

This was my first time time attending the Kosher Food & Wine Experience (KFWE) on February 6, 2023 at Chelsea Piers (Pier 60) and it did not disappoint for its 17th year in NYC! Even though the event was entirely packed, there was plenty of food without the hassle of long lines. There were wines to suit everyone whether you were looking for champagne, riesling or red wine. Check out some of my favorite highlights from the event.

The Tokaji Late Harvest has 88% sugar and 

Tokaji Ice has 100% sugar (definitely my pick!)

Morad Winery - the Lychee wine is amazing!

Bowery Farming

Bowery Farming

Salmon Crispy Fish

Marble & Grain

Pizza Biza

Schmerlings

Miele Gelato & Sorbet

- Kim Weling

Favorite Places to Eat in Denver

So far I've only explored Denver a few times, but I've already got some favorite hotspots for eating and going out. Can't wait to add more to my list!

Tupelo Honey Cafe

1650 Wewatta St, Denver, Colorado

This is the first brunch spot in Denver Dan and I stumbled upon, right when we got to Union Station and it immediately became one of our favorites. Coming from NJ, I rarely get to enjoy hearty, southern meals. I went for the Famous Fried Green Tomatoes, which I had eaten for the first time ever and I was blown away. They were made with panko-crusted fried green tomatoes, basil, roasted red pepper sauce, over heirloom grits and goat cheese. There are so many other dishes I am tempted to try on my next visit such as their fried chicken, greens and bowls, or shrimp & grits.

Denver Milk Market

1800 Wazee St, Suite 100, Denver Colorado

Now if you are undecided on where you want to eat, you are bound to find something you like at Denver Milk Market, from ice cream and cupcakes to tacos and burgers. The alley is a great spot for cocktails and food outdoors. Since there are so many options, I recommend you show up hungry and eat your way through here!

Corridor 44

1433 Larimer St, Denver, Colorado

I love bubbly so I was ecstatic to find a champagne bar right in Larimer Square. We didn't have a reservation, but my boyfriend Dan and I were lucky enough to walk in, and have a table within the next hour. I expected the champagne cocktails to be NYC pricing, at least at $20-$25 and was shocked when I found out drinks were $10 each! Some of the drinks include a Strawberry Sunrise (strawberry purée, sugar, orange juice and champagne, and the Kir Royale (Crème de cassis, lemon twist, and currants). They also have amazing desserts such as the espresso crème brûlée. Next time I'm there I definitely need to make it for happy hour, when drinks are only $6 each from 3-6pm Monday - Friday. The atmosphere is dim and romantic, making it the perfect date night spot. 

- Kim Weling

Ani Ramen Soul of Sake 1 Year Anniversary

Ani Ramen regularly has ticketed events, including their Soul of Sake 1 year anniversary party, which I attended on September 17th at District Kitchen Harborside, 210 Hudson Street in Jersey City. Over 200+ people turned up for dinner, drinks and dancing. Guests enjoyed bowls of ramen and shrimp and pork buns all night, along with sake, beer, whisky tastings. My favorite drink of the night was the Rose Petals cocktail at the Fun Luge ice station, made with Tchiko, rose water, lavender syrup and fresh lemon juice. 

Ani Ramen is one of my favorite Ramen houses ever, and the best I know of in New Jersey. Aside from this event, I've only dined at the Ani Ramen in Montclair, but they also have additional locations in Jersey City, Summit and Maplewood. My favorites dishes at Ani Ramen include the Chicken Wings Two Ways appetizer, Pork Buns and Miso Ramen with classic chicken broth, miso tare with chashu pork, kakuni, bean sprouts, spinach & scallions.

- Kim Weling

The Big Chocolate Show Highlights 2019

The Big Chocolate Show 2019 took place on September 20 & 21 at the Resorts World Casino in Queens. This was quite a departure from previous shows as it has always taken place in Manhattan, and Queens was quite a trek but I do really love chocolate. I do hope The Big Chocolate Show returns to Manhattan next year though. This show seemed to have a smaller amount of exhibitors and less attendees. In previous years, vendors usually sampled whole pieces of chocolate. I felt like this time around the focus was more on selling chocolate, yet limited sampling was provided by some exhibitors. Please check out my highlights from this year's show below and my recap of the Decadent Evening of Chocolate and Cocktails.

If you're curious about how The Big Chocolate Show has been in previous years, check out these links:
2018
2017
2016

 

VillaKuyaya is Ecuadorian premium organic dark chocolate. Some of my favorite flavors include Earl Grey Lavender, Himalaya Pink Salt, Cherry Vanilla and Coffee.

2 Chicks with Chocolate (Metuchen, NJ): artisan chocolate hand-crafted with fresh cream. The flavors are amazing, with lots of alcohol-inspired ones including Makers Mark, Jameson, and my favorite, Champagne. I was also eyeing Salted Turtle, Cold Brew Coffee Caramel, and Nutella. 

ChocoEve

Chocolat Stella

Origen Cacao

Bang Cookies (Jersey City, NJ): makes giant sized, soft baked, organic & natural cookies in an assortment of flavors.

Emy Desserts: loved their mini fudge cups, especially the Chocolate Sun Butter Fudge Cups!

Twizzles Tasty Treats (Valley Stream, NY)

Hand crafted truffles with custom flavors. Blueberry Port, Salted Caramel, Dark Raspberry and Mexican Coffee all caught my eye. 

- Kim Weling

Decadent Evening of Chocolate and Cocktails

On September 20, on the eve of The Big Chocolate Show, I attended the Decadent Evening of Chocolate and Cocktails presented by the Cocktail Guru at the Resorts World Casino NYC in Jamaica, NY. The tasting included chocolate friendly cocktails paired with sweet and savory desserts, all featuring Guittard Chocolate. My favorite pairings, which were both phenomenal were the Three Chocolate Budino + Bonette Brands and the Dark Chocolate and Pisco Shrimp Ceviche paired with Caravedo Pisco. I am hooked on budino but the only place I know where to get it is at Scarpetta in Las Vegas. If someone can direct me to where I can find budino in NYC please let me know! 

The Salty Heifer Three Chocolate Budino with Salted Caramel paired with Bonnette Brands (Coquerel Calvados, Boudier Creme de Cassis, Bache Gabrielsen Cognac)

Sandeman Port paired with Roni-Sue's Chocolates Portly Fig Truffle

CSW Catering Dark Chocolate and Pisco Shrimp Ceviche paired with Caravedo Pisco

Sowella Chocolates Green Chartreuse Mint Chocolates, Dark Chocolate Strawberry Truffles and Macadamia Matcha Cream Squares paired with Chartreuse

Jomart Chocolates Marshmallow Cookie "Mallomar" paired with Zyr Vodka

Twizzles Tasty Treats Organic Apple Raisin Chocolate Truffle dusted in Apple dust and Nutmeg paired with Amarula

- Kim Weling