Business Notebook: Wine and food workshops at Applewood Winery

Warwick - It’s apple blossom time and at Applewood Winery, 82 Four Corners Road, Warwick, that harbinger of spring signals the beginning of a series of weekend events open to the public. Every Saturday and Sunday, from now through October, visitors to the picturesque apple orchard are welcome, free of charge, to relax and enjoy “Music in the Courtyard” from 2-5 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, May 6-7, for example, some guests had an opportunity, for a small fee, to spend the afternoon at a Wine & Food Workshop with Chef Jody Weatherstone enjoying a variety of dishes matched with an appropriate selection of Applewood wine. Weatherstone, who lives in Warwick with her husband, James and their two children Audrey, 10 and Rowan, 6, has been Applewood Winery’s special events chef for three years. A graduate of Manhattan’s prestigious Institute of Culinary Education, her impressive professional resume includes New York’s Montrachet Restaurant and serving as personal chef for actor Michael Douglas. “I also won an Applefest pie contest,” she smiled. Wine & Food Workshops offer guests an opportunity to learn how the different elements of flavor interact with the various components in wine. “So many people are intimidated by wine and how to serve wine with different foods,” said Weatherstone, who recently edited the Applewood Winery Cookbook. “In the workshop, people can learn how to serve wine with their favorite meals.’ The next Wine & Food Workshop is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 3-4. Reservations are limited. Call Applewood Winery at 988-9292. A day with immigrants The organizers billed the demonstrations and the economic boycott on Monday, May 1, as “A day without immigrants.” Since almost everyone in the United States is either an immigrant or the descendant of immigrants, the event was actually designed to support illegal immigrants and intended to show the impact they have on the nation’s economy. The success or failure of the May 1 demonstrations depend on which side of the issue you favor. Some point out that a million illegal immigrants and their supporters sent an important message to Congress. Others argue that 90 per cent ignored the event and showed up for work. Locally, for restaurants, farmers, landscapers, contractors and others that may or may not employ an undocumented worker, it was business as usual. “Everyone came in on time,” said one employer who did not wish to be identified. “It’s a catch 22. I think my workers have documents but I can’t tell the difference between a real green card and a forged one. And I certainly can’t and nor do I want to discriminate against someone because they speak Spanish or look Mexican. However, I don’t want to call attention to them. They’re reliable, they have families to support and they work hard. I pay them a good salary, which is not what you hear in the news. But that’s why they all showed up for work.” Book signing Local author Doug Cook, who holds a fourth degree black belt in Taekwondo, recently held a book-signing event at The Bookstore, 20 Main St., Warwick. Cook’s new book, Exploring the Essence of Taekwondo, describes in detail, the history and evolution of the martial art from its ancient roots to modern day applications. The work focuses on the traditional aspects of Taekwondo rather than on its sportive component. “The principles and techniques illustrated in this book,” said Cook, “emphasize a core philosophy rich in defensive strategy.” Cook is certified as an instructor by the U.S. Taekwondo Association and World Taekwondo Federation. He is the director of the Chosun Taekwondo Academy in Warwick. After-hours business mixer The Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce will host an after-hours business mixer at Warwick Gardens on Tuesday, May 16, from 5-7 p.m. Warwick Gardens is located at 29 Foley Road, between Pine Island Turnpike and County Route 1. Network with fellow business owners and enjoy sampling hors d’oeuvres while celebrating the first anniversary of this greenhouse and garden center. The event is open to members and non-members. Call 986-2720 for reservations.