The Christmas Degustation Menu 2006

[ironchef]

I swear one of these Holidays is going to end up killing me. I wanted to seriously strangle several guests last night. The dessert was a Christmas sampler with a cheesecake, cobbler, and gelato which I didn't take a picture. I think I was too tired by then. Here is my 2006 Christmas dinner for $105 per person without wines:


First Course:
Fresh Pacific Yellowfin Tuna Carpaccio
Preserved Orange, Masago Aioli, Maui Onion, Chili Infused Oil




Second Course:
Crab Won Ton Soup
Dungeness Crab Won Tons and Lump Crab Meat, Bamboo Shoot, Chives, Shiitake Mushroom, Dashi Consomme





Third Course:
Island Fruit and Bitter Greens Salad
Sumida Farms Watercress, 'Nalo Farms Baby Arugula, Kula Strawberries, Kahuku Farms Hayden Mango, Roasted Soynuts, Orange-Truffle Vinaigrette




Entree (Choice of

Chinese-Style Steamed Island Moi (Pacific Threadfin)
Braised Chinese Vegetables, Tea-Infused Jasmine Rice, Soy-Ginger Nage




~or~


Asian Style Braised Veal Shank "Osso Bucco"
Lemon Risotto, Sauteed Mushrooms, Wilted Arugula, Sauce Beurre Blanc, Natural Five-Spice Braising Jus

 

[Andy M.]

I ahould move to Hawaii!

 

[Nicholas Mosher]

Looks great IC!

Are some of these dishes traditional holiday fare in your neck of the woods? I see some red/green elements which are nice.

How was your holiday?

 

[ironchef]

Looks great IC!

Are some of these dishes traditional holiday fare in your neck of the woods? I see some red/green elements which are nice.

How was your holiday?

Nick, none of it is traditional at all in terms of holiday fare. But I did try to incorporate Christmas colors like you noticed in a few of dishes.

The holiday was the same as it's been for me the past 4 or 5 years. Several 12-14 hour days back to back to back to back, etc. etc. But I love what I do or else I wouldn't put myself through this abuse year after year.

 

[Half Baked]

I wanted to seriously strangle several guests last night.

Oh IC, certainly no one would complain about this menu. It is magnificent!

How did they aggravate you?

 

[JDP]

IC I originally thought by SPam Capital you meant Austin, MN. I have driven past the plant a number of times. After seeing your menu I did some re-sifering and found out I didn't carry the naughts. After doing that and also seeing your pictures I came up with Hawaii. Looks great!!


JDP

 

[StirBlue]

Dear IC: you're dinner looked delicious and the presentation was thoughtful, modest yet lavish. How unique. New Year's Resolution: Create a new circle of guest.

 

[ironchef]

Oh IC, certainly no one would complain about this menu. It is magnificent!

How did they aggravate you?

The usual stupid people that every restaurant sees during the holidays and special occasion-type meals. People who decide to take out their insecurities and aggressions on those who are trying to deliver a memorable experience to them. People who really would be better off dining in the privacy of their own home.

 

[ironchef]

Dear IC: you're dinner looked delicious and the presentation was thoughtful, modest yet lavish. How unique. New Year's Resolution: Create a new circle of guest.

Yeah, but in reality, no one can ultimately control the type of guests that they have. You can narrow down your clientele demographics a bit by other things like menu pricing, restaurant cuisine, etc. but again, it's only really a few people that are disgruntled. The majority of the guests are usually great.

 

[Half Baked]

Ahhhh, miserable people who are sad, so they take it out on anyone they feel they can.

I'd embroider you an apron that says "Bite Me"....if I could embroider.

Sorry IC. You're right. Some people just need to stay home.