Bearded

About a week ago I returned home from a quick trip to NYC and Chicago.  "Quick?"  Yes, as impossible as that sounds, it was.  I was in NYC for 50 hours to join my Chef in preparing canapés, pasta and dessert, only a small part of the 6-course meal we were serving at a featured dinner at the James Beard House.  After, I joined some friends in Chicago for another 50 hours, but this time for some eating and fun.  I will post later on Chicago, but here are some photos from my first James Beard experience!

Canapés
(Top Left, clockwise)
Foie Gras Torchon, Duck Fat Sable & Pickled Radish
Ahi Tuna & Trout Roe on Puffed Rice
Egg Custard, Dungeness Crab, Crispy Buckwheat & Shellfish Jus
Spring Vegetable & Ricotta on Brioche Toast

Lamb Sweetbread Tortellini

Dessert
Rhubarb Parfait
Cardamom Sponge
Salad of Sousvide Rhubarb, Compressed Strawberries & Anise Hyssop
Strawberry Paper // Strawberry Espuma
Caramelized Pistachio // Pistachio Soil

Although the James Beard event required a lot of planning, hours of preparation, a lack of sleep and a vast amount of caffeine, it was well worth it.  After the canapés and 6 courses went out, there was a great sense of accomplishment - all our hard work had paid off and the diners raved about their meals.  Truly an amazing experience!