Michelin Star and New England Culinary Institute Chef Instructor Louise Duhamel will be the guest chef working in concert with the Putney Inn’s staff and Chef Adam Janvier on April 25 to present a special five-course prix fixe meal with Beringer wines at The Putney Inn on April 25, 2009. Students from area high school culinary programs have been invited to participate in the event.

Chef Louise Duhamel has been a Chief Instructor at the New England Culinary Institute since 1999 and for the last two years has been teaching Food Science/product development and Contemporary Cuisine/menu development at the Essex Campus. Prior to that, Chef Louise was Chef de Cuisine for Butler’s restaurant at the Inn at Essex while Chef Instructor of the “a la carte fine dining” class for 8 years.

Duhamel’s reputation for using the finest ingredients from local growers and producers has been evident throughout her 32 year career that began when she opened a small bistro north of Montreal and went on to own restaurant Loup Garou for 15 years. Duhamel founded the cooking school Parfums & Saveurs in St. Adele and was the Executive Chef of La Reserve ski resort. Gourmet Magazine named the renowned Relais & Chateaux Langdon Hall Country Hotel in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada while she was serving as their Executive Chef. Chef Louise also worked with Charles Barrier, chef/owner of the famous restaurant Le Nègre in Tours, (3 Michelin Stars) and at the Hotel de Crillon in Paris. Duhamel holds a B.A. from Universitè due Quebec, Montreal and went to the Hotel School at Cornell University.

Chef Duhamel’s penchant for profound flavors and using the finest local growers and producers matches The Putney Inn’s long history who is a founding member of Vermont Fresh Network and strong supporter of sustainable farming in the southern Vermont region. This is an exciting learning opportunity for the local students from Greenfield, Keene and Brattleboro and in keeping with the tremendous commitment that the Putney Inn has given to nurturing the young entering this profession. The Putney Inn has a long-standing relationship with NECI and other culinary colleges by providing the kitchen extern site for their students who are required to have that experience before they can graduate.

Chef Louise Duhamel will be accompanied by several NECI students in the preparation of this special menu that offer five wines from Beringer Vineyards, one of Napa Valley’s premier wineries. Beringer Vineyards, started by the Beringer brothers in 1875 in Napa Valley, is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley. It was named a State Historical Landmark in 1967 and is the only winery that can boast both a white and red wine that has been named #1 Wine of the Year.

Prospective Menu is as follows:

Cocktail
Sauvignon Blanc 2006
Cheese Tray or various cheese “bites” (goat cheese gougere, grilled cheese, cheddar stuffed dates, blue cheese cream on graham cracker and glazed grapes)

Dinner

Alluvium Blanc 2007
Grilled Asparagus with Grapefruit and Marinated Salmon
Chardonnay Vinaigrette

Pinot Noir 2006
Potato Gnocchi, Morels, Truffle and Sag

Merlot 2005
Halibut, Spring Sorrel Mash, Raspberry and Balsamic Emulsion

Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Five Hours Lamb Shoulder, Rosemary Jus
Parsnip Puree, Roasted Vegetables and Pearl Couscous

Dessert
Maple Syrup confectionary



The Putney Inn offers a fine dining experience in their dining room complimented by their Light Fare menu. The expansive property and grounds allow for large events including weddings, corporate catering, special occasions, barbecues and private parties. The vast interior offers a variety of spaces making it a perfect location for corporate and hobby workshops and meetings, all while the lounge and dining room are in full use. The kitchen includes a cooking line and pantry area in addition to the larger back kitchen for higher volume offerings and offsite catering.

Chef Louise Duhamel’s five course Food and Wine Dinner on April 25, starts at 7pm and is $55 per person. Please call 802-387-5517 or 800-653-5517 for reservations and visit www.PutneyInn.com for more information.

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submitted by: Sharry J Manning
4/17/09/sjm