A special inaugural event at Stony Brook’s Manhattan location marked the launch of the University’s Center for Wine, Food, and Culture. “New York State produces some of the most extraordinary wines in the world,” said Stony Brook University President Shirley Strum Kenny. “We know it, connoisseurs of wine know it, and those who participated in our blind wine-tasting at the Center for Wine, Food, and Culture know it.”

The Inaugural Event featured a wine tasting hosted by wine expert and founder of the Windows on the World Wine School Kevin Zraly, as well as foods prepared by celebrity chefs, including Waldy Malouf of Beacon Restaurant. In each of four categories—Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot—New York wines were ranked among the top two choices. Local wines were matched against world-class vintages from France, Germany, and California. Highly-rated wines hailed from Long Island, the Hudson Valley, and the Finger Lakes region, including a 2003 Treleaven from Dr. Konstantin Frank’s Vineferea Wine Cellars in Finger Lakes; a 2001 Chateau Lafayette Renau, Proprietor’s Reserve, Finger Lakes; and a 2001 Reserve Merlot, Bedell Cellars, Long Island.

Photos by Ginny Clancy and David Roberts.

Inagural Event Poster

Best of the Best Menu

Red Wine

Waldy Malouf, Beacon Restaurant New York State Corn Meal Polenta with Local Broccoli Rabe and Fresh Mozzarella

Peter Hoffman, Savoy Catskill Mountain Trout Marinated with Fennel and String Beans

Dan Barber, Blue Hill Asparagus in a Sesame Crust with Homemade Tessa on Skewers

David Burke, David Burke & Donatella David Burke’s Gourmet Cheesecake Lollipops (made in Brooklyn, NY)

White Wine

Guy Reuge, Mirabelle Long Island Duck Ravioli with Tomato Chutney, Curry & Corn Broth

Peter Cantine and Eric Mann, The Bear Café Lucky Dog Farm’s Organic Beef with Beet Ravioli & Old Chatham’s Ricotta

John Novi, DePuy Canal House Hudson Valley Foie Gras with Rhubarb Chutney

Debra Whiting, Red Newt Bistro Endive Stuffed with Chicken, Chevre, Pine Nuts with Strawberry Sauce

Inaugural Event of The Stony Brook University Center for Wine, Food, and Culture Stony Brook Manhattan 401 Park Avenue South at 28th Street, New York, NY 10016