Posted on May 25, 2009 under Archives |
The second half of last weekend’s press tour of Redondo Beach included cocktails at the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club followed by a tasting menu from chef Daniel Roberts at Baleen restaurant.
![chef1 Baleen Chef Daniel Roberts](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/chef1.jpg)
Baleen Chef Daniel Roberts
We started off the meal with a seared ahi and watermelon carppacio.
![ahi seared ahi with watermelon](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/ahi.jpg)
seared ahi with watermelon
Next we had a pear and arugula salad with gorgonzola.
![salad1 pear and arugula salad](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/salad1.jpg)
pear and arugula salad
Next came my favorite of the night, a spicy seafood ciopinno.
![cioppino Cioppino](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/cioppino.jpg)
Cioppino
Chef Roberts also gave us some yummy mac n cheese.
![macncheese mac n cheese](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/macncheese.jpg)
mac n cheese
Our meat course was a tasty short rib with truffle mashed potatoes.
![shortrib short rib](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/shortrib.jpg)
short rib
Everything was delicious. We finished the meal with strawberries and marscarpone cheese.
![dessert strawberries](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/dessert.jpg)
strawberries
Posted on May 25, 2009 under Archives |
![room1 Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/room1.jpg)
Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club
Last weekend I joined a group of writers for a press tour of Redondo Beach organized by the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Bureau and Susan Bejeckian of SBPR Public Relations. I stayed at the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club.
![writersbreakfast3 Writer's breakfast at Splash, Crowne Plaza Hotel](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/writersbreakfast3.jpg)
Writer's breakfast at Crowne Plaza Hotel, Splash
All of us met at the exhibition kitchen at Splash in the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Splash has an open kitchen where you can watch the cooks prepare your meal and a chef’s table inside the kitchen.
![satredchefscooking Chefs preparing omelettes](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/satredchefscooking.jpg)
Chefs preparing omelettes
I had an omelette, prepared by the chefs above.
![omelette2 my breakfast](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/omelette2.jpg)
my breakfast
During breakfast we learned about the history of Redondo Beach and then took a tour of the Crowne Plaza Hotel. I especially liked the view from the large pool deck, below.
![crowneplazapool5 Crowne Plaza pool deck](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/crowneplazapool5.jpg)
Crowne Plaza pool deck
We toured the marina and seaside lagoon and then headed to Captain Kidd’s Fish Market.
![captinkidds7 Captain Kidd's Fish Market](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/captinkidds7.jpg)
Captain Kidd's Fish Market
Inside was a wide variety of fresh fish which guests can pick out and have cooked to order.
![fishcaptainkidds](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/fishcaptainkidds.jpg)
Next we headed to the Disco Bus, where our host Tom Kearney showed us the Whaling Wall, Sealab, the historic Moreell House, the Galleria and Riviera Village before dropping us off at the pier.
![discobus1 Disco bus, complete with purple leopard seats](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/discobus1.jpg)
Disco bus, complete with purple leopard seats
![discobus2 Writers on disco bus](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/discobus2.jpg)
Writers on disco bus
Once we exited the bus, we headed to the pier.
![redondopiersign Redondo Beach Pier](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/redondopiersign.jpg)
Redondo Beach Pier
We were all pretty hungry, so we stopped off at Maison Riz for lunch.
![maisonritzbuilding2 Maison Riz, pier](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/maisonritzbuilding2.jpg)
Maison Riz, pier
The chef prepared a wonderful tasting menu, first course was roast duck breast with green pepper sauce, Chilean sea bass, and a salmon and foie gras croquette.
![lunch1b First course](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lunch1b.jpg)
First course
Next came an assortment of sush – scallops with black truffle miso and wagyu beef tataki.
![lunch2 Sushi, course 2](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lunch2.jpg)
Sushi, course 2
Our third course was dessert, which we all loved. A yummy fruit/orange, panna cotta and apple wonton crisp.
![lunch3 Orange with fruit](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lunch3.jpg)
Orange with fruit
![lunch3b panna cotta, my fave](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lunch3b.jpg)
panna cotta, my fave
![lunch3c apple wonton crisps, everyone loved these](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/lunch3c.jpg)
apple wonton crisps, everyone loved these
All of the food was delicious and the restaurant has a great view. Well worth the drive to Redondo for a romantic dinner.
![pickingoyster picking my oyster](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/pickingoyster.jpg)
picking my oyster
Right next to Maison Riz is Mie Pearl, a jewelry shop where you can pick an oyster and keep the pearl, which we all got to do. Above, I am picking my oyster, below, there is the pearl!
![myoyster my pearl](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/myoyster.jpg)
my pearl
After the tour I headed back to my big comfy bed at the Portofino for a nice nap before dinner.
Posted on May 12, 2009 under Archives |
![1galadinnersign May 9 Uncork'd Gala Dinner](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/1galadinnersign.jpg)
May 9 Uncork'd
On May 9th, the Uncork’d Gala Dinner was held in the Monet Ballroom. On the way there I passed through the conservatory and had to take a few pics of the beautiful tulips, here they are:
![2tulipsbell Tulip display at Bellagio](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/2tulipsbell.jpg)
Tulip display at Bellagio
![3tulipcloseup tulips up close](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/3tulipcloseup.jpg)
tulips up close
Everyone entered the ballroom and went onto the patio to view displays from the participating restaurants and for a chance to sample appetizers and drinks and chat with the chefs.
![4yellowtaildisplay Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant and Bar Display](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/4yellowtaildisplay.jpg)
Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant and Bar Display
Above is the Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant and Bar display.
![5chefakirabok Yellowtail chef Akira Back with staff](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/5chefakirabok.jpg)
Yellowtail chef Akira Back with staff
Chef Akira Back and his staff mingled with guests.
![6picassodisplay Picasso display](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/6picassodisplay.jpg)
Picasso display
Picasso and Todd English’s Olives also had nice displays.
![7teolivesdisplay Todd English's Olives display](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/7teolivesdisplay.jpg)
Todd English
Amidst the camera crews I snuck in for a pic with chefs Todd English and Isaac Carter.
![8toddandisacc Me, with the two master chefs Todd English and Isaac Carter](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/8toddandisacc.jpg)
Me, with the two master chefs Todd English and Isaac Carter
The Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse display made everyone hungry.
![9primedisplay Prime Steakhouse display](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/9primedisplay.jpg)
Prime Steakhouse display
Prime chef Robert Moore was on hand with several guys who provided the Wagyu beef to answer questions and mingle with the crowd.
![10primechef Prime chef Robert Moore](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/10primechef.jpg)
Prime chef Robert Moore
I got to sample the artichoke and goat cheese drumsticks, which were really tasty, but missed the rest of the appetizers.
![11appartichokegoatcheese artichoke and goat cheese drumsticks](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/11appartichokegoatcheese.jpg)
artichoke and goat cheese drumsticks
Once inside, our hostess, Bon Appetit Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild greeted all the guests.
![12bf Bon Appetit Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/12bf.jpg)
Bon Appetit Editor-in-Chief Barbara Fairchild
Our first course was Japanese snapper carpaccio with micro shiso and tosazu, from chef Akira Back of Yellowtail, paired with a 2006 Loimer Risling from Austria. Our table loved the freshness of the snapper.
![14carpaccio Japanese snapper carpaccio](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/14carpaccio.jpg)
Japanese snapper carpaccio
Next came roasted scallops with green asparagus, Hollandaise mousseline and confit of leeks from Chef Julian Serrano of Picasso. Paired with a glass of Torres Nerola Cataluyna, 2005.
![16scallop roasted scallop](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/16scallop.jpg)
roasted scallop
Next came Michael Mina and Anthony Amoroso’s crispy pork belly, vegetables a la Grecque with wild arugula and California ranch olive oil (Michael Mina restaurant). Paired with a Domaine Ott Rose Clos Mireille Cotes du Provence 2007.
![17porkbelly crispy pork belly](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/17porkbelly.jpg)
crispy pork belly
Our last course was from chef Robert Moore of Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s Prime Steakhouse – a dry aged A5 Wagyu rib-eye with grilled shiitake mushrooms and sesame mustard.
![18wayguribeye Wagyu rib-eye](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/18wayguribeye.jpg)
Wagyu rib-eye
All of the dishes were spectacular but the star of the night was the huge dessert display by Jean-Philippe Maury of Jean-Philippe Patisserie. We all went back outside to sample the many many desserts. Here are some pics:
![dessert1](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/dessert1.jpg)
![20dessert2](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/20dessert2.jpg)
![21dessert3](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/21dessert3.jpg)
![22dessert4](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/22dessert4.jpg)
![23dessert5](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/23dessert5.jpg)
Here is what I selected to taste:
![25myplate My choice of treats](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/25myplate.jpg)
My choice of treats
I liked the Chocolate Decadence the best, but all were brilliant. Here is what my foodie friend Mary Ellen tried:
![26maryellensplate Mary Ellen plate 1](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/26maryellensplate.jpg)
Mary Ellen plate 1
![27morechoc Mary Ellen plate 2](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/27morechoc.jpg)
Mary Ellen plate 2
The event was a wonderful end to a weekend full of fabulous food. Here is a pic of Mary Ellen and the girls, enjoying the treats before heading back home.
![28thegirls the foodie gals](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/28thegirls.jpg)
the foodie gals
Posted on May 11, 2009 under Archives |
![1interactive-lunchsign Interactive Luncheon](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/1interactive-lunchsign.jpg)
Interactive Luncheon
On Saturday afternoon, I attended the All-Star Interactive Luncheon at Encore. Each table was assigned a chef to help them prepare our lunch. Our chef was Joseph Leibowitz from Alex restaurant.
![2chefjoseph Alex chef Joseph Leibowitz](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/2chefjoseph.jpg)
Alex chef Joseph Leibowitz
Many other chefs participated, helping out each table. Daniel Boulud also was in attendance.
![7danielboulud Chef Daniel Boulud](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/7danielboulud.jpg)
Chef Daniel Boulud
![8mewithchefs posing with Alessandro Stratta, Paul Bartolotta and Daniel Boulud](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/8mewithchefs.jpg)
posing with Alessandro Stratta, Paul Bartolotta and Daniel Boulud
Bon Appetit editor Barbara Fairchild welcomed the crowd.
![9fairchild bon appetit editor Barbara Fairchild](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/9fairchild.jpg)
bon appetit editor Barbara Fairchild
As the meal began, we were served bread and wine.
![11bread bread](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/11bread.jpg)
bread
Ingredients for our table:
![10ingtray our table's ingredients](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/10ingtray.jpg)
our table
Our first course was chilled lobster with spring vegetables crudites and lemon vinaigrette.
![14firstcourse First course, chilled lobster](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/14firstcourse.jpg)
First course, chilled lobster
Ingredients for second course, sauteed sea scallops with porcini mushrooms.
![17secondcourse scallops](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/17secondcourse.jpg)
scallops
![19ing3rdcourse ingredients for the third course](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/19ing3rdcourse.jpg)
ingredients for the third course
I volunteered to cook the third course, spring gnocchi with peas and prosciutto, with chef Joseph.
![21finished-dish finished dish](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/21finished-dish.jpg)
finished dish
The finished dish.
![22closeup](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/22closeup.jpg)
Our last course was a marinated squab breast with caramelized Japanese eggplant and couscous with fresh mint and pistachios.
![23ouscous Ingredients for couscous](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/23ouscous.jpg)
Ingredients for couscous
![24squab Squab](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/24squab.jpg)
Squab
![25preparinglastdish Our lunchmate, cooking final course](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/25preparinglastdish.jpg)
Our lunchmate, cooking final course
![25finishedish The finished dish, plated](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/25finishedish.jpg)
The finished dish, plated
All attendees were given an apron signed by the chefs before dessert, which was a yummy chocolate and caramel goodie as well as a strawberry tart.
![chocdessert chocolate dessert](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/chocdessert.jpg)
chocolate dessert
![strawberrydessert strawberry dessert](http://thedivinedish.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/strawberrydessert.jpg)
strawberry dessert
All the courses were delicious and our entire table had a great time.