Friday, April 5, 2013

The Return of the Ramp

It may not be feeling quite like spring yet, but the date of Ramp Fest 2013the third annualhas just been announced: Saturday, May 4. Ramp Fest, of course, is the gastronomic event that takes place each spring at Basilica Hudson to celebrate the rampthe early spring vegetable, of the genus Allium, known for its strong garlicky fragrance and distinct onion flavor.

This year's Ramp Fest has lined up an impressive list of chefs from the Hudson Valley and New York City: Chef Jeff Gimmel of Swoon Kitchenbar, serving socca crepes filled with braised lamb's tongue and grilled ramp romesco sauce; Chefs Zakary Pelaccio and Jori Jayne Emde of Fish & Game; Chef Jamie Perry of Another Fork in the Road; Chef David Shea of Applewood, serving ramp vichyssoise with ramp oil; Chef Melanie Hunt of Blueberry Hill Market Cafe, serving wild blueberry flapjack sandwiches stuffed with maple ramp sausage; Chef Timothy Storrs of Ca' Mea; Chef Hugh Horner of Helsinki Hudson; Chef Benjamin Freemole of The Crimson Sparrow; Chef Stephen of The Farm on Adderley; Chef Job Yacubian of The Farmer's Wife; Chef Shelley Boris of Fresh Company; Chef R. L. King of Gallow Green, serving charred ramp and Carolina rice custard and ramp pesto; Chef Wilson of Gigi Hudson Valley; Chef Marc Proper of Miss Lucy's Kitchen; Chef Marc Luciano of Red Dot; Chef Kevin Katz of The Red Onion; Chef Jef Deisel of Speedy Romeo.

Jeff Gimmel, Ramp Fest organizer and executive chef at Swoon Kitchenbar, is quoted as saying, "We are excited to bring the Hudson area community together again to celebrate the great ramp. Each year Ramp Fest continues to grow; we more than doubled ticket sales from 2011 to 2012 and are expecting an even greater turnout this year. Further, the culinary world is taking notice, with an increased number of participating restaurants this year, adding new and talented chefs all ready to rage with the ramp."

Ramp Fest begins at noon and continues until 4 p.m. This year tickets are $30 if purchased in advance and $35 at the door; admission for kids 5 to 12 is $10. Tickets can be purchased at the Ramp Fest website.

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