Lee Anne Wong Dinner

It was my great privileged to work for Patricia Mowen-Ziegler again this year. It's a case of when she calls, I jump. So one rainy late October day found me out at the CVI again, reporting to rock-n-roll superstar chef wonder-woman Lee Anne Wong. Wow, she's something. I had a fabulous time. The food was beautiful and delicious. Patricia made sure I was able to sample most of the wines. First I'll run down the menu, then I post some pictures (I didn't get a shot each plate, alas).

(many hors d'oeuvres)

~Domaine Carneros by Tattinger, Napa Valley, 2003~

(amuse bouche)

Egg Florantine with Buttermilk-Chive Biscuit & Crispy Prosciutto

Yellowtail Nicoise Tartare with Lemon Confit & Fingerling Potato

~Dagueneau, "Pur Sang", Sauvignon Blac, Loire, 2005~

Deconstructed Chowder with Shellfish, Milk & Thyme Emulsion

Steamed Black Cod with Smoked Onion Broth & Bok Choy

~Etienne Sauzet, Batard-Montrachet Grand Cru, Chardonnay, Burgundy, 1999 (Magnum)~

"Duck & Celery" with Grape Salad & Sherry Vinaigrette

~Echezeaux, Domaine de la Romanee Conti, Pinot Noir, Burgundy, 1991 (Double Magnum)~

Slow Poached Pork Tenderloin with Fennel & Buttermilk Emulsion

~Domaine du Pegau, Chateauneuf de Pape, Rhone, 1995 (Methusela)~

Herb Roasted Rack of Lamb with Olive Farro Salad & Cucumber Yogurt

~Chateau Ducru Beaucaillou, St. Julien, Bordeaux, 1995~

Bleu d'Auvergne Soup with Roasted Beets & Candied Walnuts

~Fonseca Vintage Port, Portugal, 1997 (Magnum)~

Chocolate Ganache with Billionaire's Bacon & Sour Cream Ice Cream

the gougere

starters lee anne cooks pot stickers

maggie plates a starter

the amuse bouche

mise en place for the deconstructed chowder

tuna tartare

the dining room

the black cod

pork in the thermo-circulator

pork two-ways

lee anne, patricia and me

What Restaurant?

shifting gears

It's easy enough to say that 2008 held many changes for the US. It's also been a year of dramatic change and development for me personally. Those two facts directly result in news relevant to this blog. In light of the downward-spiralling economy and a tug in a different professional direction, I have returned the money raised and withdrawn the financing for a restaurant. I would like to thank the many people who gave me great encouragement and support. And I can tell you that were the economy different than it is, I would be in a much different place. Do all things happen for a reason? Perhaps. What remains true is that life tends to hold answers no matter what fortunes or misfortunes befall us. My new direction is not yet completely shaped, although I hope to have news of that in the Spring. What I will tell you is that it should allow me to enjoy a much more diverse life of activity (I have many interests), the likes of which I have not been able to enjoy since leaving Ithaca more than seven years ago. The time has come, the Walrus said...