Everybody loves an insider tip. Whether it’s the best kept hair secrets from your stylist, the must-see show from the entertainment buff or a scrumptious recipe from one of your favorite local chefs. This week we’re giving you the chance to bring some Downtown decadence to your kitchen with a special recipe from the New Executive Chef at Taste, Mark D. Graham.
A founding Signature Chef of the Albany Wine & Dine for the Arts event and 2013 Albany Hop Chef Winner, Mark made his debut at Taste in October 2013 during Restaurant Week and has since been producing exciting and fresh menus. The new winter menu launches on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 and inspired by it, Mark shared with us a Watercress Salad with goat cheese dressing for four – sure to impress.
Salad Ingredients:
1 roasted/peeled large dice beet (red or gold)
2 Honey Crisp (or your favorite) apples diced large
½ cup dried blueberries (or craisins)
½ cup quartered red radishes
3 heads Frisse
½ cup cooked/cooled wheat berries (or farro)
2 bunches watercress
Goat Cheese Dressing:
4 ounces goat cheese, at room temperature
2 tablespoons buttermilk
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ teaspoon white pepper
Pinch salt
1 tablespoon chopped fresh tarragon leaves
Mix all salad ingredients in a large bowl and toss with dressing. Separate the dressed watercress, place even portions of the other dressed ingredients on four plates and top with the watercress.
If the fresh crunch of Watercress leaves you wanting more, be sure to try Taste’s all new Winter Menu and the exciting cooking style of Mark D. Graham or visit downtownalbany.org/dining for a full list of Downtown’s award-winning chefs and world-class dining options. Whether DAY Life or NIGHT Life Downtown Albany is the GOOD LIFE. 
See you Downtown.
JD
