Latin American Tasting Menu

I apologize for being MIA recently.  I've been really under the pump at work - late nights, early mornings, lots of stress.  Good times! On top of that, we had our last foodie event last Sunday, which took the rest of my free time to plan, practice my dishes, etc. I have been doing zero cooking other than practicing for foodie and I am always torn about whether to post my works in progress for upcoming events here (I like to keep the menu a relative surprise for guests that attend). 

Anyhow, our event was a total success.  I thought the menu was well executed, other than a few minor gaffs that haven't kept me up nights.  I think we are serving very good restaurant quality food at our events now, which hadn't always been the case.  I think we've finally found the formula for producing great food for a crowd without industrial restaurant equipment.

As I told the guests on Sunday, I was very careful about calling this event 'Flavors of Latin America'.  I wanted room to be able to express some of the flavors and techniques of the region in my own way.   

Here's the  menu we served.

Flavors of Latin America

        June 11, 2006
          55 People

Fried Yuca Chip

asparagus, chili aioli

Wild Salmon Popcorn Ceviche Spoons

lime, chili, mint

2004 Montes Reserve Sauvignon Blanc

***

Spring Salad

morels, asparagus, jicama, baby carrots, tortilla, pisco sour reduction

2004 Casa Lapostolle Chardonnay, Alexander Cuvee

***

Braised Oxtail Not Really Empanadas

creamy plantain soup

2004 Norton Malbec Reserve

***

Cuban Mojo Pork

yuca mash cake, black bean sauce

2002 Zuccardi Malbec "Q"

***

Duck Achiote

Peas, banana, red onion, queso blanco, quinoa

2002 Zuccardi Cabernet Sauvignon

  ***

Dulce de Leche, Bay Leaf Flan

strawberry salad, coconut tuile

2004 Santa Julia Tardio

Comments

[MoneyMoy]

Hi Joe! This was my first time at a foodie event and I was really impressed. Awesome flavors, beautiful decor and wonderful people made for a really terrific vibe. And your pork dish definitely had some serious mojo; so spectacular, it was the highlight for me of a great menu from top to bottom. See you at the next event for sure!

-Steve

[joe]

thanks steve, love the feedback! thanks for coming.