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By James Fink.

 In keeping with his promise to promote local and regionally grown and produced food products, Batavia Downs Executive Chef Daniel Fernandes has created a special event highlighting not only regional foods and ingredients but also a prominent Italian-based wine that Victor-based Constellation Brands Inc. owns.

The culinary event, called Tapas & Tastings, is set for Feb. 29 at Batavia Downs and will showcase a specially created menu by Fernandes that is paired with various Ruffino wines, which have been owned since late 2011 by Constellation Brands.

The event is the latest in a series of culinary-based promotions that Fernandes is creating as part of his plan to showcase and highlight regionally grown and produced food items.

"In this case, we are using food as a bridge to the wine," Fernandes said. "This is all part of our plan to showcase our region's cultural heritage."

The final menu includes:

Insalata Tropicale di Langostino is a fresh lobster salad of green mango, pineapple papaya, and petite basil delicately tossed in a tangerine and cardamom vinaigrette.     

Quatro Formaggio Tortaloni Bolognese - Tortelloni Filled with A Blend of Parmigiano Reggiano, Grano Padano, Impastata Ricotta And Fiore Sardo Tossed In A Classic Lamb Bolognese Sauce.  

Guancia Di Vitello Brasata Con Risotto Ai Funghi Selvatici - Brunello braised Beef Short Ribs cheek served atop creamy wild mushroom risotto, infused with the rich and intense flavors of Tuscany.    

La Tavola Rustica di Salumi e Formaggi - A tantalizing flight of local and Italian cured meats & artisanal cheeses.

Sicilian Ricotta Cheese Cake - Sicilian souffle’d ricotta cake made with organic free-range eggs, baked at high heat to form a caramelized exterior, forming a natural crust and creamy interior and finished with vibrant strawberry coulis.  

Each course will tie in with the appropriate Ruffino wine.

"Every ingredient, every food item, is being given special consideration," Fernandes said.

Tapas & Tastings is the first of several culinary-related special events Fernandes will create this year at Batavia Downs.

"Why not?" Fernandes said. "We have some incredible local products that we can showcase."

Tickets can be purchased at Bataviaconcerts.com for $60 and include the tasting plus $30 in Free Play. 

James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs.

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Support local journalism. Support community news coverage. Help ensure your community continues to receive the news coverage it deserves. Take advantage of this special offer and join Early Access Pass today.

Journalism students: Work for The Batavian this summer, helping us gather and report local news.  This is a hands-on opportunity to gain bylines and real-world journalism experience at one of the nation's most respected digital news publications.  To apply, send a cover letter and resume to joanne@thebatavian.com.  Please be sure to include information on relevant training and experience.

By James Fink

To Bobby McClaine, it is all about memories and smiles.

McClaine and his two business partners, Brian Burke and Chris Sabatello, are presenting the upcoming "Legends & Stars Batavia Sports Card Expo," set for Feb. 24 and Feb. 25 at Batavia Downs.

The event, which features sports cards and memorabilia vendors and collectors along with a laundry list of former professional sports stars, is designed as a "family-friendly" gathering.

"We want to give everyone the experience of their lifetime," McClaine said.

Some come for the chance to buy sports-related cards and memorabilia. Others come to meet and rub shoulders with sports legends.

"It's all about the experience," McClaine said. "To see the smile on someone's face because they just met one of their sports heroes is priceless."

In addition to the deep pool of vendors, among the sports stars scheduled to appear to include current Buffalo Football Player Rasul Douglas and former National Football League stars as Thurman Thomas (Buffalo), Don Beebe (Buffalo), Lawrence Taylor (New York), Don Majkowski (Green Bay), Keith McKeller (Buffalo), Ron Jaworski (Philadelphia) and from the National Hockey League Dave Andreychuk (Buffalo), Wendel Clark (Toronto), Darryl Sittler (Toronto).

Also scheduled to appear is WWE star Kevin Nash, former Major League Baseball pitcher Jack Morris (Minnesota and Toronto) and actors Joe Pantoliano (The Sopranos, The Matrix, The Fugitive) and D.B. Sweeney (Eight Men Out and Fire in the Sky)

McClaine and his partners have been presenting the Legends card expo since 2018 - usually twice a year at Batavia Downs.

Batavia Downs works for its central location between the Buffalo and Rochester markets, and the event serves as another way for the venue to attract visitors not only to the gaming and entertainment destination but also to Batavia.

"People do come in for these shows," McClaine said. "Especially something like this that is geared and designed as an all-age event." 

The expo is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 24 and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 25. 

Admission is $10, with children under 12 years of age admitted for free. Admission includes a $10 "free play" at Batavia Downs.

James Fink writes on behalf of Batavia Downs.

Avoid the rush and get your GeneSEEtheEclipse commemorative ISO certified-safe eclipse viewing glasses now! Stop into the Genesee County Visitor Center in Batavia today to purchase your glasses, order online at ShopGeneseeTheEclipse.com for pick up at the Visitor Center, or to ship direct to you.

Online orders can be shipped through March 15th cut-off date.  We have a limited supply, so don’t delay!

Support local journalism. Support community news coverage. Help ensure your community continues to receive the news coverage it deserves. Take advantage of this special offer and join Early Access Pass today.

Journalism students: Work for The Batavian this summer, helping us gather and report local news.  This is a hands-on opportunity to gain bylines and real-world journalism experience at one of the nation's most respected digital news publications.  To apply, send a cover letter and resume to joanne@thebatavian.com.  Please be sure to include information on relevant training and experience.