Passed Hors of the Moment...

Torchon of Hudson Valley Foie Gras/Peach "Caviar"/Fleur de Sel/Pedro Ximenez Reduction

Recently, we were asked to serve up a cool "flight" of seasonal, fresh, tasty hors d'oeuvres in a progressive style for a special member. We are always totally inspired whenever he calls upon us to cook for him and his guests. I made an effort to get photos of the dishes, although we got totally busy with a chef's table and many other things, so I really did not get anything too good, just memories in my mind, and theirs! Here is a couple shots...

Savory White Chocolate/American Sturgeon Caviar/Beet Powder

Tastes of Summer by Alex...

a spin on prosciutto and melon...

compressed cantaloupe/house cured prosciutto/opal basil/yogurt sorbet/pine nuts

Alex, our PM sous chef, who is our photo ready cuisinier, has been working in some new dishes with various nuances, filled with this or that, or from a different angle with a different twist or spin on a classic. Sometimes a riff on one of my styles or philosophies, or a completely altered view in it's own right. Some I enjoy immensely, some, are great yet not really my style(which is ok in the right place)after all, everybody has their own style for the most part, but what is most fascinating is that there is life! He has passion. He is trying different combinations and testing other schools of thought. It is very inspiring to see others do this in addition to yourself. Nice to have a different perspective to help show our team that there are many ways to approach cooking. Here are but a couple dishes...

a vegan dish...

roasted whole abalone mushroom/artichoke/pickled heirloom tomatoes/"raw roll" of garden vegetables/black sesame essence/pea puree

3 shades of duck...

House Cured Duck Ham/Seared Foie Gras/Poached Wooley Farms Duck Egg Yolk

Sugar & Salted Hazelnuts/Fresh Lettuces/Pedro Ximenez

Summer Tastes...

Wooly Pig Tenderloin/Baby Turnip/Shiitake/Garlic/Pear Puree

A modest handful of tastes shot by Alex. His camera...in a word...rocks! My little guy does nice work, when I can get all the lighting nailed and am not too rushed, but his kicks some serious ass. I gotta get one.

a spin-off of Keller's Oysters and Pearls...

just canned local cherries...mmmm!
Spiced Duck/Fava Beans/Quinoa/Almonds/Cherry Jus