Mercedes-Benz "On the Road" Picnic Menu Inspired by the SL Roadster

NEW YORK, July 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Planning an adventurous mid-summer getaway is driving a collaborative initiative between Mercedes-Benz (MBUSA) and James Beard Award-winning Chef Daniel Humm of Eleven Madison Park and the NoMad to create this season's "On the Road" picnic menu. Inspired by the new 2013 SL Roadster, Humm's menu offers a unique selection of innovative recipes to accompany drivers as they hit the open road.

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Given the interest in culinary experiences amongst Mercedes-Benz drivers, the "On the Road" menu continues to connect a passion for food with driving enthusiasts.  For the past three years, Mercedes-Benz has collaborated with forward-thinking chefs and this year is proud to partner with James Beard Award winner Daniel Humm.

Chef Humm is showcasing a sampling of the menu at the annual James Beard Foundation's (JBF) Chefs & Champagne® event in the Hamptons on July 21, 2012.  

Chef Humm's innovative and refined menu incorporates the best of the season – themed to complement the picturesque outdoor setting in the Hamptons.  The five-course menu includes: Strawberry Gazpacho with Guanciale and Basil; Heirloom Tomatoes with Mozzarella and Provençal Granola; Seared Scallops with Minestrone and Summer Beans; Squab with Dehydrated Blueberries and Smoked Corn and Rhubarb Tart with Coconut Oregano Foam and Brown Sugar Crumble.   For more information on the "On the Road" menu, including full recipes, please visit: www.facebook.com/mercedesbenzusa.

"Our collaboration with Chef Humm for the 'On the Road' menu drives home the connection between food and vehicle innovation while providing a creative and fun experience for those seeking an adventurous summer getaway," said Bernhard Glaser, vice president of marketing, Mercedes-Benz USA.  "Chef Humm is at the top of his game and his recipes reflect an elegant and thoughtful approach, which can be appreciated on many levels in the same way the new SL550 is engineered and designed."

Alongside the culinary offerings at Chefs & Champagne, Mercedes-Benz is displaying a selection of its vehicles including the inspiration for this year's "On the Road" menu, the sixth generation 2013 SL, which is packed with fascinating design and technological innovation continuing its long legacy of leading advancements throughout the auto industry.  Launched last month, the 2013 SL has an all-new lightweight aluminum body for better fuel economy and performance including new 4.6-liter bi-turboV8 engine that generates 429 horsepower.

Alongside the SL Roadster on display is the all-new GL-Class plus the SLK-Class, SLS AMG Roadster and a special 1954 190SLR Roadster which is a recreation in tribute to the 1955 190SL racing model that was built in limited numbers during the 190SL's early production life and features many of the design and technical changes specific to that model.

By envisioning the perfect summer escape for a Mercedes-Benz owner, who seeks the joys of life including travel and top-notch food, Mercedes-Benz is bringing its relationship with the James Beard Foundation to the forefront, whose mission is dedicated to celebrating, nurturing, and preserving America's diverse culinary heritage and future. James Beard loved picnics and his memoir, Delights & Prejudices, provides a window into his thoughts on the subject.  Beard writes, "since my earliest recollections of food, I have fancied picnics and eating out of doors more than any other fashion of eating.  It is perfectly true that under these circumstances food tastes better. One relishes the fresh air and the escape from crowds, and delights in being simply oneself."

Chefs & Champagne New York is the James Beard Foundation's annual summer tasting party, featuring flowing Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte, the wines of Wolffer Estate Vineyard, Stella Artois®, and culinary offerings from more than 35 fine chefs, many from JBF Award–winning restaurants.  This summer the James Beard Foundation celebrates Emmy Award–winning television personality and author of In My Kitchen, JBF Award Winner Ted Allen, and the judges of Food Network's Chopped: JBF Award Winners Maneet Chauhan, Scott Conant, Amanda Freitag, Alex Guarnaschelli, Marc Murphy, Marcus Samuelsson, Aaron Sanchez, Chris Santos, and Geoffrey Zakarian.

ABOUT MERCEDES-BENZ

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States.  MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.  

MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in the US.  More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.

SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA