Words really can't describe the meal I shared this past weekend with some very dear friends. I won't even try, actually. But I gotta say, when someone will stay up multiple nights in a row until 3 a.m. prepping exquisite ingredients to exacting standards and then present you with a meal consisting of three different appetizers, four stunning, multi-layered courses, two loaves of fresh-baked brioche, and wine pairings throughout, you know there is love in the house. That someone would be my friend Jeff, and yep: major love. For an intimate crowd of six, Jeff really outdid himself by flexing his culinary muscle and creating an evening of food and memories that I will treasure for all my days. He followed recipes from Thomas Keller's The French Laundry Cookbook, and I swear, it was even better than being at the real restaurant. You see, not only was the food divine, but Jeff and his wife Shannon's kids were on hand (whom I adore), dashing in and out and providing the lively spirit that only kids can bring to the table. We laughed, we we got loud, we played (literally - Wii kicks ass!), and we all stayed up way past our bedtimes. Jeff had a blast cooking - he's like me in that regard, it brings him joy! - and we all reaped the copious rewards. So Jeff and Shannon, Linda, Mik and Ran - thank you for an evening I didn't even know I needed. Another Fare to Remember iconic meal in the company of the ones I love.
Appetizers: Poached shrimp and avocado sliders; leek tart; Parmesan crisps.
Parsley oil, step 1 of the amazing first course...
...of tomato tartar, haricot verts in a cream vinaigrette with frisee and tomato powder. OMG. My fave course, hands down. I will be making this dish for certain. Stay tuned.
Beef bourguignon... need I say more?
Yep, that's a 2000 Joseph Phelps Insignia. Perfect.
Cheese/salad course. The salad had pears poached in verjus. And you know how much I love cheese....
Berry crème brûlée in a tuille cup with three homemade sauces: crème anglaise, raspberry and caramel.
The goodness continued even the next day....
French toast with the leftover brioche (courtesy of Randall). Really? I am so spoiled.
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that sounds like a night to remember, the pictures look as good as I imagine the food to be. yum, Berry crème brûlée!
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