March Dinner Pics!

As promised, I'm finally posting a review of the recent tasting dinner and the pics that Ben took at the event. I treated him to the dinner in return for all the lovely imagery. Thanks Ben! And if anyone enjoyed the dinner, I'd love to see some reply comments on your favorite (and least favorite!) courses.

Artisan Cheese and Charcuterie Platter, featuring Whisky Cheddar, Ewephoria, Drunken Goat, & Gjetost, shaved salami, marcona almonds, and a sugared Spanish torta. The starter- four artisan cheeses? It's a nice place to begin a meal:)

Buttermilk-Chive Biscuits with House-made Cocoa-nib Butter. This butter was a big hit in the last dinner, so I couldn't resist featuring it again. Pretty big hit! I also sell it in a jar.

Chopped Eggplant with Candied Cocoa-nibs on Endive Spears. Surprisingly well received. I thought the smoky flavors of the roasted eggplant "pate" would have been too deep for most people, but the nibs definitely brought this one together. And who doesn't love a few adorable endive spears? They are perfect little spoons.

Roasted Root Soup with White Chocolate Citrus Creme. Probably the most favored of the line-up. Served chilled, the soup was mellow and inviting, and nicely cut by the tangy creme on top (I used a yuzu vinegar).

Chocolate Tagliatelli with Roasted Garlic Bechamel and Wild Mushroom Ragout. Definitely the most challenging of the bunch, this entree was dark and very rich in flavor. The nearly bitter pasta was tempered by the creamy bechamel, and the ragout was completed with a red wine reduction and bittersweet chocolate. I couldn't resist adding a sage-butter fried morel to the plating, too!

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Balsamic Pink Peppercorn Torte with Bruleed Crust. A good follow-up after the entree, this deep little gem was essentially a raspberry and balsamic ganache over a chocolate pastry base, studded with the peppercorns. With a bruleed top, it's a fun dessert to dig your fork into.