Fruit trio: mango, green apple, and guava
We like to do something special for each year's holiday party. Twice we've had a catered chocolate fountain. (It's worth having it catered. A chocolate fountain takes a lot of work to keep running smoothly, not to mention the cleanup!) This year we asked Brendan and Jay of A Knife's Work to propose something... interesting. Non-standard. Unusual. Something they've been wanting to try, but haven't had the chance to do yet.
They proposed a trio of molecular gastronomy appetizers, complete with live demonstrations, since we've got a number of food enthusiasts among our friends.
We said, "YES!"
Brendan and Jay setting up their workspace
Some of you will remember Brendan and Jay (along with Chewy, now in California) as the chefs at Everyday Lunch. After Everyday Lunch closed, Brendan and Jay turned to catering and carry-out meals. You can find their delectable entrées to-go at Everyday Wine. They post their weekly menu on their website. (Totally worth it!)
They started our tour with a savory "cookie" made of duck and topped with an orange-ginger gel. Followed it up with tropical fruit "caviar" (above). For a desserty finish, they assembled three-layered chocolate bites with chocolate cake base, chocolate gelatin, and chocolate crumbles on top.
They — Brendan, Jay, and their food — were a hit.
Duck cookies with orange-ginger centers
And three layers of chocolate
See all the photos on flickr or view this slide show
Where on earth do they get fresh guava in Michigan in December?
Posted by: Andrew | February 04, 2009 at 03:06 PM
Kerrytown!
Seriously, I have been living in NYC for the past two years and Kerrytown kicks the ass of most New York food sources.
Posted by: wendy | February 05, 2009 at 05:28 PM
ZZ's Produce is another good place to check if you're looking for exotic produce or something just plain hard to get.
Posted by: Kitchen Chick | February 05, 2009 at 06:41 PM
If you don't mind me asking how much did they charge you?
Posted by: Andrew I | February 10, 2009 at 04:16 PM
Let's talk about that offline.
Posted by: Joe, Kitchen Chick's husband | February 11, 2009 at 08:35 AM
(It was very reasonable for what we got, but they likely gave us a break on it so we shouldn't post it)
Posted by: Joe, Kitchen Chick's husband | February 11, 2009 at 08:37 AM
these are yummy dishes! i'm starting to get hungry!!!
Posted by: countertops | February 25, 2009 at 09:46 PM