Did a few cool parties around July 4th. I had the pleasure of cooking for a proposal dinner…she said yes :-) I also did two totally different parties for the same client. They were in east county, which is great…cause so am I. This busy couple decided for their much needed week off, to forgo travel rigmarole and relax at home for a staycation. Friends, family, food and drinks in a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere; sounds lovely doesn’t it?
I had the pleasure of cooking an intimate dinner for them and their family (5 total). I did my usual thing; 8+ courses of farm to table awesomeness. The picture above was what I was working with. The wild strawberries pictured below made an appearance as well and were a personal freak out moment for me. As referenced in my last post, I had just returned from Youdapimp after experiencing my first wild strawberry. Then, what do I find upon my arrival home? A clam shell of wild strawberries at Specialty Produce’s farmers market cooler. A whole friggin’ clam shell! Got me gigitty for the party and it felt like finding gold.
The night after that dinner, I cooked for his birthday bash. 40 people enjoying an abundance of fresh, locally farmed produce, served as a casual buffet. Here was the menu for the big party.
Apps:
Roasted tomato, chevre and oregano baguette
Pickled turnip mini taco with avocado “salad”
Mango gorgonzola nachos
Dinner:
Grilled tri-tip
Carnitas
Basmati rice with toasted vermicelli and zaatar
Roasted cauliflower
Chile/garlic broccoli
Bacon and onion collard greens with almonds and hari cot vert
Big summer salad- romaine, water cress, herbs, cucumber, celery, carrot and red wine vinaigrette
Cherry cobbler with milk chocolate mousse