Top Chef contestant Chris "CJ" Jacobsen represented the California Strawberry Commision at the Culinary Loft in Soho, promoting the use one of my favorite fruits, the Strawberry, in all its splendor.
We started with a Strawberry Sensory Experience, pairing California Strawberries with condiments like balsamic vinegar, salt and Kombu, a type of Japanese seaweed that is dried and ground, usually used as part of a soup base.
CJ did a quick demonstration of the main course -- Pan Seared Lamb Chop with Hazelnuts, Fresh Strawberries and Strawberry Gastrique. Fancy right? Actually, even though it sounds like a mouthful, it tasted really simple. Yes, strawberries were used, but to compliment the lamb, more than anything, and it was very light. Please excuse my poor photography this time around...
For dessert, while chatting with other Foodies and Food Editors, we munched on CJ's Goat Cheese Tart with a Tea Poached Strawberry. Once again, sounds like a mouthful, but this was very subtle, and I think I will try making it for Joel one of these days since he loves goat cheese.
Sure, he'll just say, "Mm, good! Any more?" and then turn on Sportscenter, but that's ok.
We couldn't leave without parting gifts. The cutest pair of strawberry shaped tongs for what else? Picking strawberries! And a complimentary copy of Top Chef, The Cookbook, to add to my collection.
Thanks to Foodbuzz for sending me!
14 minutes ago
3 comments:
holy mother. your meal looked FANTASTIC! I love strawberries! how did you get such a great hook-up?
and...I need a favor! I'm visiting your lovely city and would love your suggestions!!! who is better to ask than one who loves there? Holes in the walls are great. Of course, upscale and classy are welcome too! Thanks in advance!!
I heard about it via Foodbuzz, and i wanted to go... but i had to be at work [sight]. Looks good and with gifts on top sounds like a great deal! :-)
That sounds like such a fun event to attend. I hope to find something like that in my area.
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