Side Dish: Rest In Peace; Food Waste Rescued; Cocktail Expo; & More

Compiled by Andrew Wroblewski

Anthony Bourdain (Photo/Wikimedia Commons)

REST IN PEACE: Anthony Bourdain, an American celebrity chef considered by many as one of the most influential chefs in the world, died Friday. He was 61. Getting his start in New York City, running various restaurant kitchens in the late ’70s and early ’80s, Bourdain went on to pen New York Times bestseller “Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly” that gave a behind-the-scenes look at restaurant kitchens and ultimately led to a deal with the Food Network. Along with “A Cook’s Tour” on Food Network, Bourdain also hosted several other food-centric shows, including “Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,” “The Layover” and “Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown.” CNN, on which Bourdain hosted “Parts Unknown,” said in a statement, “His love of great adventure, new friends, fine food and drink and the remarkable stories of the world made him a unique storyteller. His talents never ceased to amaze us and we will miss him very much. Our thoughts and prayers are with his daughter and family at this incredibly difficult time.” Bourdain is survived by partner Asia Argento; daughter Ariane; and mother Gladys.

FOOD WASTE RESCUED: A local nonprofit that collects food and clothing to distribute to those in need recently announced that it rescued over 600,000 pounds of food waste across Long Island last month. The food was then shared with over 5,100 families, vets and seniors across Community Solidarity’s five Food Share locations; in addition to a large network of soup kitchens, food pantries and community organizations it supports. The value of this food rescued from the trash was around $1.56 million. “Community Solidarity is the only hunger relief organization on Long Island that rescues food 24/7, 365 days a week. We don’t take off for holidays and we operate around the clock. In the worst of weather, we’ll be there because hunger is always there,” Jerrylene John, volunteer operations manager, said. Every Tuesday Community Solidarity shares tens of thousands of pounds of fresh organic vegetarian and vegan groceries with hundreds of our fellow community members in Huntington Station. The Food Share is held at the intersection of Fairground Avenue and East 6th Street, beginning at 7 p.m., with the distribution of groceries at 8 pm. All in need are welcome.

BEWARE DRAGON’S BREATH: The Suffolk health commissioner is warning residents about a dessert fad, “Dragon’s Breath,” that could cause frostbite, tissue damage and asphyxiation. Suffolk Health Commissioner Dr. James Tomarken said the food novelty is made by freezing cereal puffs in liquid nitrogen. The frozen cereal is then served in a cup and eaten using a skewer or similar utensil. When the frozen cereal is chewed, the cold condenses moisture in the consumer’s exhaled breath and give the appearance of breathing smoke. “If an item infused with liquid nitrogen is prepared or consumed incorrectly, it could have harmful health consequences,” Tomarken said. ”Liquid nitrogen can cause damage to a person’s skin and internal organs and, if inhaled, it can cause asphyxiation (lack of oxygen).” The state’s department of health is advising that precautions be taken when preparing or eating liquid nitrogen puffs as preparing the puffs in a manner that removes residual liquid nitrogen prior to serving effectively reduces the potential for injury. Food Service providers who intend to serve products using liquid nitrogen may contact the Suffolk health bureau at 631-852-5999 for guidance on handling and serving this product.

COCKTAIL CLASSIC: Try some of Long Island’s best cocktail offerings at Yelp’s Cocktail Classic Vol. IV in Centerport next weekend. The event, which will feature bars and drinks from across Long Island, including locals like The Rust & Gold, Vauxhall and Radio/Radio, is hosted at Vanderbilt Museum & Planetarium (180 Little Neck Road). A ticket ($20) gets a tasting glass and two tokens. The tasting glass allows for unlimited cocktail tastings from all vendors, and the tokens serve as a way to vote for your “Favorite Cocktail” and the “Most Creative Cocktail.” The event, which begins at 6 p.m., Saturday, June 24, will also have puppy photo ops, food (for purchase and tastings), live tunes and more. For tickets, or more information, visit Bit.ly/2sOymey.