Chef Nina Quirk’s Seminar at the Newport Wine and Food Festival
Chef Nina Quirk, Culinary Services Director at The Commons in Lincoln, took center stage at the 2025 Newport Mansions Wine and Food Festival. Set against the historic backdrop of Rosecliff and Marble House, the festival welcomed guests for a weekend of wine tastings, chef demonstrations and educational seminars that celebrated the very best in food and wine.
Showcasing “Wild and Foraged” Expertise
A sold-out audience attended Chef Nina’s featured session, “Wild and Foraged: A Culinary Journey.” The seminar highlighted her expertise in thoughtful sourcing and her passion for connecting ingredients to place and season. Partnering with Maria Chiancola of Newport Wine Cellar, Chef Nina guided attendees through the art of ethical foraging and demonstrated how wild ingredients can be transformed into refined tasting bites. Each sample was paired with wines selected to complement the natural character of the ingredients.
A Festival Favorite: Chicken of the Wood Parmigiano
One standout favorite was her Chicken of the Wood Parmigiano; a dish created from wild-foraged mushrooms that emulated the classic chicken parmesan. This inventive tasting captured the spirit of the seminar by celebrating nature’s bounty with both creativity and respect, and it quickly became a memorable highlight for guests.
A Philosophy Rooted in Intention and Seasonality
For Chef Nina, the experience aligned closely with her professional philosophy and her personal interests. With a master’s degree in gastronomy from Boston University and a lifelong connection to food and hospitality, she believes in using whole ingredients prepared with intention. Her interest in foraging and gardening further informs her approach and reinforces her commitment to authentic and seasonal flavor.
Elevated Dining at The Commons in Lincoln
This dedication is present every day at The Commons. Chef Nina and her team bring the same level of creativity and respect for ingredients to each menu, introducing residents to fresh seasonal flavors and thoughtful preparation that elevate daily dining. The techniques she shared at the festival mirror the work happening in our own kitchens, where residents experience meals that are both comforting and inspired.
Chef Nina’s presence at this celebrated regional event underscores the elevated dining experience offered at The Commons in Lincoln. It was a privilege to see her culinary mastery recognized in such a breathtaking setting and an honor to share the same commitment to quality within our community.