Q & A with Chef Justin Severino
Special guest chef Justin Severino, James Beard Award-nominee and owner of Cure Restaurant in Pittsburgh, is visiting Woodinville Wine Country this week and you still have a chance to experience his award-winning creations.
Severino will be the featured chef at an exclusive, private dinner at Betz Winery on Thursday, November 30. Then on Friday night, Chef Justin will team up with Novelty Hill Januik’s executive chef Seth Fernald for an evening of Cure-ated food and wines at Novelty Hill Januik Winery from 7 to 9:30. Forty of Woodinville’s top wineries will be pouring tastings to accompany the savory bites.
We asked Chef Justin a few questions about his highly-anticipated visit to Woodinville:
1. You are known for your dedication to local sourcing and seasonal cooking. How did that influence your menu creation for Thursday’s dinner at Betz? And Friday’s “Cure-ated” event?
“I’m bringing charcuterie made from pigs raised in Western Pennsylvania. The pig is sourced from Footprints Farm, a place that is near and dear to my heart and vital for the charcuterie programs at my restaurants. I want to encourage people to know where their food comes from and to respect the hard work that goes into raising food.”
2. What are some specific Northwest items you are eager to incorporate into your meals?
“When I think about the Northwest, I think about mushrooms and seafood. Some of my favorite oysters come from the Northwest and I will incorporate them into my station on Friday night. We serve oysters at both of our Pittsburgh restaurants, but they are predominantly East Coast which have a much stronger brine flavor than those from the West Coast. I enjoy the sweeter flavors in Northwest oysters, almost like melons.”
In addition to Friday night’s event, tickets are available for the St. Nick’s Open House on Saturday and Sunday. More than 25 wineries and tasting rooms throughout Woodinville Wine Country will welcome ticket holders for an entire weekend of holiday touring and tasting. Enjoy the festive flavors of Washington wines while you drink in the spirit of the season.
“Cure-ated” Wine Tasting at Novelty Hill Januik – BUY TICKETS
Friday, 12/1, 7-9:30 pm $95
Saint Nick’s Annual Open House Celebration – BUY TICKETS
Saturday & Sunday, 12/2-12/3, 1-5 pm $65/Weekend, $50/Single Day