This passed weekend’s August Secret Kitchen dinner was a real success. Some unexpected problems with the oven and with the help didn’t stop us from producing a stunning event. The idea behind this month’s menu was all about creating expectations and preconceptions of a dish and then shatter them altogether. I thought about all these “normal” dishes and dessert names. You see a name and instantly know what the dish is all about: what’s it made of, what it’s suppose to taste like. What if I take some characteristics of these classical dishes but change the elements? Or if I keep the elements but change their characteristics? What if an ingredient or a dish we always thought about as dessert becomes all of a sudden a main course?
My goal in this dinner was creating references with food – the guest, hearing the name of dish will have expectations based on previous knowledge, but the dish itself will surprise him, reminding a nostalgic reference of this classic dish.
The photographer this time was Asaf Sagi who did a wonderful job (please come again!).
The menu, click to enlarge
Summer Mujito: Rum, Lime, Mint, Mango, Tapioca Pearls
Wine: Vitkin Masa Israeli – Red 2011 and Muscadet Sevre et Maine Sur Lie (France), 2011
“Gazpacho” Berries, Cucumber, Onion, Celery, Basil, Toast.
Bagel bun with parmesan
Onion and Cherry Tomatoes Chutney
“Tarte Tatin” Granny Smith Apples, Foie Gras Mousse, Seared Chicken liver, Shortcrust, Sour Apple-Rocket Sauce and Thyme.
“Carpaccio” Cured Sirloin, Fig, Parmesan Crumble, Basil Oil, Focaccia
“Baklava” Herb Crusted Bass, Kadaif, Herb Yogurt Sauce, Raw Zucchini, Pistachio, Black Olives
“Belgian Waffle” Gaufre, Slow Cooked Veal Cheek, Red Wine Sauce, Glazed Carrots and Butternut Squash, Cardamom Ice-Cream
“Watermelon” Apple Jelly, Bulgarian Cream Cheese, Watermelon Brulee, Balsamic Vinegar, Radish Sprouts, Sugar Coated Pumpkin Seeds.
“Ice-Cream Sandwich” Cookies, Mango Whipped Cream, Cookie Dough Ice-Cream.
Coffee and A Candy: Dark Fudge with Chocolate
A group pic – thank you all for coming!!
Many thanks to: Barak for helping out last minute, Asaf Sagi for taking these stunning pictures, Noa, Hagar, Anat, Itzik and everyone who came and took part! Until next time!
Some more pictures:
Were you a guest in August’s dinner? Please leave your comment in the Testimonials page!
Feel free to browse the Facebook Page Albums from the event:
August Secret Kitchen – The Dishes
[…] Then, my absolutely favorite dish of the dinner was the Veal Cheek, on Malawah and Goat Labane Cheese (90 ILS). The most comforting dish, with the fatty Malawah on the bottom, crispy from the outside and warm and soft in the inside, the meat just tearing from the long cooking, really tempting rich and tart Labaneh and some barely cooked spinach. I was impressed and this dish inspired me to cook a veal cheek dish of my own ( you can find it here). […]