‘Everything in moderation’ for epicureans

MILLERTON — A group of many shapes and sizes gathered at the Harney & Sons Fine Teas tea room on the evening of July 29 for a special event. Wine glasses clinked, a solo cellist known only as Ivan played near the entrance, and trays of small dishes were offered up for inspection from the five senses.

The event was held in conjunction with The New England Epicurean Society, founded by Torrey Oates, which looks to provide a sort of culinary sanctuary in the surrounding area.

The tasting at Harney & Sons was entitled “Cooking with Tea,†and offered attendees a three-course tasting menu. A variety of dishes from appetizers to desserts catered to the tea connoisseur, infusing different flavors and types of the tea leaves into the dishes. The menu was created by Oates and tea bar Manager Alex Harney, who then turned their list over to chefs Akiko Moorman, Lee Morton and Blake Balaam, who produced the dishes. Little Gates & Co. Wine Merchants provided wine tastings, chosen specifically for their complimentary value to the different dishes. Several local culinary shops added their own take on tea foods.

The event at Harney’s was the society’s second event since its founding last year. The first was held at Ventfort Hall in Lenox, Mass. Entitled “Artisanal Salts, Heirloom Pepper, and Old World Olive Oil Tasting with Fine Wine and Champagne Pairings,†it offered those in attendance the opportunity to truly experience their food.

An important aspect to the Harney & Sons event was the mix between sustainable and local foods.

“Every place has a regional flavor,†Oates said. “I love what’s going on here and I am a big advocate of eating local and sustainable. It’s all about knowing the hands that feed you.â€

Joining the society costs between $300 and $700 dollars, depending on the package chosen. Non-members are welcome at tastings, but membership brings perks: a 25 percent discount for any of the society’s events (the tasting at Harney’s was $90 per ticket), and discounts at a variety of participating hotels and restaurants.

More information about the New England Epicurean Society can be found at epicureansociety.org or by calling Oates at 211-729-7550.