Anniversary Dinner [Food/Vendor]
2007 Jul 3
I've never been there - but based solely on reading the menu, this is what I would personally choose...
To Begin: Whalesbone Oysters on the Half Shell, Cucumber, Onion, Ponzu
First: Ferme Takwanaw Bison Sashimi, Marinated Eryngii Mushrooms, Shallot Rings, Art-Is-In Bakery Crouton (Note: ***I LOVE rare/raw stuff like carpaccio and tartare so this was a no-brainer for me lol)
Second: Yam Gnocchi, Pulled Mariposa Farm Duck Confit, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Le Douanier Cheese Croquette, Brussel Sprouts, Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted Celeriac Sauce (Note:***Again, no-brainer, I love duck confit and I love celeriac)
Third: Roasted Cremini Mushroom Caps, 4 Impromptu Garnitures (Note:***This one was harder to decide, but since my first 2 choices were heavier, this dish sounded like something lighter that I would be able to enjoy at this stage in the meal, plus the exciting and mysterious prospect of "impromptu" garnishes swayed me).
Dessert: White Chocolate Crème Brûlée in a Dark Chocolate Cup
with Red Wine Melba Sauce OR Star Anise Ice Cream Sandwich with Florentine Cookies, Tempura Pineapple and Curry Syrup
To Begin: Whalesbone Oysters on the Half Shell, Cucumber, Onion, Ponzu
First: Ferme Takwanaw Bison Sashimi, Marinated Eryngii Mushrooms, Shallot Rings, Art-Is-In Bakery Crouton (Note: ***I LOVE rare/raw stuff like carpaccio and tartare so this was a no-brainer for me lol)
Second: Yam Gnocchi, Pulled Mariposa Farm Duck Confit, Chanterelle Mushrooms, Le Douanier Cheese Croquette, Brussel Sprouts, Pumpkin Seeds, Roasted Celeriac Sauce (Note:***Again, no-brainer, I love duck confit and I love celeriac)
Third: Roasted Cremini Mushroom Caps, 4 Impromptu Garnitures (Note:***This one was harder to decide, but since my first 2 choices were heavier, this dish sounded like something lighter that I would be able to enjoy at this stage in the meal, plus the exciting and mysterious prospect of "impromptu" garnishes swayed me).
Dessert: White Chocolate Crème Brûlée in a Dark Chocolate Cup
with Red Wine Melba Sauce OR Star Anise Ice Cream Sandwich with Florentine Cookies, Tempura Pineapple and Curry Syrup
2007 Jul 4
That looks good HOT, but here's my 'saveur de la langue' ( Ok, that expression is my own invention so I hope I don't get francophones getting all mad at me. It's supposed to mean something like flavour of the tongue.. to express what the tongue desires. It originated with a silly, likely alcohol fueled evening, where someone said 'what does your tongue taste like tonight?' )
I'd start with the soup, whatever it is that night. I'm a soup guy. Then on to...
First: Espelette Pepper dusted Diver Scallops, Kohlrabi Seviche, Avocado Salsa, Fennel Root Salad, Orange Vinaigrette
Second: Licorice Root and Ginger Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly, Relevant Mushrooms, Maple-Braised Pepper Squash, Pommes Copeaux, Chick Pea Coulis
Third: Albenblick Farms Organic Lamb Featured Cut or Two, Roasted Beets, Sunchokes, Mustard
Dessert: I'd be tempted at this point to take a walk around the market, and have dessert somewhere else. Not because the dessert doesn't look good, but just to let the previous 3 courses settle, and enjoy the evening a bit. If this is the last stop on the love train before going home however, I'd choose the Panko-Fuji Apple 'Crumble' with Butternut Squash Semifreddo, Butterscotch Chaud-Froid and Mascarpone Cream
With this combo you can easily drink white wine, red wine, or just stick to martinis (ok.. you can drink martinis with almost anything, but thought I'd mention anyways). What you think of my pairings HOT?
I'd start with the soup, whatever it is that night. I'm a soup guy. Then on to...
First: Espelette Pepper dusted Diver Scallops, Kohlrabi Seviche, Avocado Salsa, Fennel Root Salad, Orange Vinaigrette
Second: Licorice Root and Ginger Braised Kurobuta Pork Belly, Relevant Mushrooms, Maple-Braised Pepper Squash, Pommes Copeaux, Chick Pea Coulis
Third: Albenblick Farms Organic Lamb Featured Cut or Two, Roasted Beets, Sunchokes, Mustard
Dessert: I'd be tempted at this point to take a walk around the market, and have dessert somewhere else. Not because the dessert doesn't look good, but just to let the previous 3 courses settle, and enjoy the evening a bit. If this is the last stop on the love train before going home however, I'd choose the Panko-Fuji Apple 'Crumble' with Butternut Squash Semifreddo, Butterscotch Chaud-Froid and Mascarpone Cream
With this combo you can easily drink white wine, red wine, or just stick to martinis (ok.. you can drink martinis with almost anything, but thought I'd mention anyways). What you think of my pairings HOT?
2007 Jul 5
Yum! Everything looks AMAZING. I can see why you would have trouble deciding!
I don't like the texture of oysters, so I wouldn't order those, though I'm sure they would be fabulous.
First: tossup between the bison sashimi and the pickerel
Second: oh god - everything looks so good! likely the tuna or the yam gnocchi - I love gnocchi! and I'm sure jimmy would have the short rib, so I could steal a taste of that ;)
Third: the mushroom caps - I love chef's inspiration items.
And the ice cream sandwich or creme brulee for dessert.
I'd also love to try the lobster...good luck, Candice, I don't know how you'll decide!
I don't like the texture of oysters, so I wouldn't order those, though I'm sure they would be fabulous.
First: tossup between the bison sashimi and the pickerel
Second: oh god - everything looks so good! likely the tuna or the yam gnocchi - I love gnocchi! and I'm sure jimmy would have the short rib, so I could steal a taste of that ;)
Third: the mushroom caps - I love chef's inspiration items.
And the ice cream sandwich or creme brulee for dessert.
I'd also love to try the lobster...good luck, Candice, I don't know how you'll decide!
2007 Jul 7
Thanks for your comments! :)
I wrote a quick review of our dinner over on the Courtyard's entry: Courtyard Restaurant
And Pete: we probably would have gone elsewhere for dessert, since we do love doing that. But we got free dessert because it was our first anniversary and we were married there. So hey, free dessert, can't go wrong! :)
I wrote a quick review of our dinner over on the Courtyard's entry: Courtyard Restaurant
And Pete: we probably would have gone elsewhere for dessert, since we do love doing that. But we got free dessert because it was our first anniversary and we were married there. So hey, free dessert, can't go wrong! :)
Candice
Since we were last there, they've changed their menu considerably, to go with a more 'tasting menu/small plates' format. They probably do still have the typical starters/mains format, but we'd love to try the tasting menu.
One problem: There are too many tasty things to choose from! If you were going to dinner at The Courtyard, what would you choose?
courtyardrestaurant.com
(I realize that menu changes frequently)