The tonka bean, a wizened-looking South American seed, is beloved for its complex almond-vanilla scent, often appearing as an ingredient in perfumes. Outside the United States, it has also long been utilized by chefs, but studies have indicated that coumarin, a chemical compound in the plant, can cause liver damage in animals, and the Food and Drug Administration banned the bean in commercial foods in 1954. Now, with reports that the minuscule amounts used to impart big flavor are harmless (and the F.D.A. seemingly not particularly interested in enforcing the ban in recent years), tonka is showing up on dessert menus here. Thea Gould, 30, the pastry chef at the daytime luncheonette La Cantine and evening wine bar Sunsets in Bushwick, Brooklyn, was introduced to tonka after the restaurant’s owner received a jar from France, where it’s a widely used ingredient. Gould says the bean is an ideal stand-in for nuts — a common allergen — and infuses it into panna cotta, whipped cream and Pavlova. Ana Castro, 35, the chef and owner of the New Orleans seafood restaurant Acamaya, discovered tonka as a young line cook at Betony, the now-closed Midtown Manhattan restaurant. Entranced by the ingredient’s grassy, stone fruit-like notes, she’s used it to flavor a custardy corn nicuatole, steeped it into roasted candy squash purée and grated it fresh over a lush tres leches cake. And at the Musket Room in New York’s NoLIta, the pastry chef Camari Mick, 30, balances tonka’s richness with acidic citrus like satsuma and bergamot. Over the past year, she’s incorporated it into a silky lemon bavarois and a candy cap mushroom pot de crème and whipped it into ganache for a poached pear belle Hélène. “Some people ask our staff, ‘Isn’t tonka illegal?’” she says. Their answer: Our pastry chef’s got a guy. —
Discovering Capital Region USA Through the Solheim Cup
28.07.2024 - 05:08 / breakingtravelnews.com / Ryder Cup / Ocean City
The Solheim Cup is heading to the Capital Region USA, taking place between 10-15 September 2024 at Robert Trent Jones Golf Club in Gainesville, Virginia. A premier event in women’s golf, in the same league as the Ryder Cup, it is also a beacon for tourism, attracting visitors from across the globe to the Capital Region USA. Yet for the British, it holds a special place in their hearts, resonating with the 5.6 million golfers in Great Britain and Ireland, the largest community in Europe.
The Solheim Cup’s impact on tourism is forecast to be significant, as seen in previous host destinations. It not only spotlights the sport but also the locale, driving significant bookings for hotels, dining, and local attractions. For British and Irish tourists, the event presents a unique opportunity to immerse in the American golfing culture while exploring the historic landmarks that dot Virginia’s surrounding landscape, as well as in nearby Maryland and Washington, DC.
As the Solheim Cup approaches, Capital Region USA stands ready to offer a warm welcome to friends from across the pond. Whether to witness the fierce competition on the greens, play the courses at a later date or indulge in the region’s stunning attractions, the trip promises to be a memorable one, packed with history, nature, and the great game of golf.
Virginia, steeped in American history, offers many experiences that extend far beyond its premier golf courses including Shenandoah National Park, a stunning coastline, and a well-established wine-tasting region which this year sees its first ever gold in the Decanter awards. As the Capital Region prepares to welcome golf enthusiasts for the Solheim Cup, it also invites them to discover the attractions that make it an ideal September getaway. Visitors can explore Virginia’s new Native American Trail road trip launching in King George County, uncover history at Presidential Homes including Mount Vernon and Monticello and in the renowned Historic Triangle (Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg), celebrate the 20th anniversary of Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, taste their way through the bustling streets of Richmond, and drive the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains. Virginia truly is a microcosm of the American spirit.
Maryland, often referred to as “America in Miniature,” offers a variety of experiences that cater to all interests. From the sandy shores of Ocean City and the wild horses of Assateague Island to the historic streets of Annapolis and the scenic trails of the Appalachian Mountains, Maryland’s diverse landscapes are a major draw. The state is also home to significant historical sites like the Antietam National Battlefield and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Centre, providing a
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