This weekend we had a tasting for a couple getting married in August. We created a menu for them to reflect the season; light, fresh and full of flavor.
Hors d’oeuvres included vegetable pot stickers, lime marinated chicken skewers with avocado cream dip and sesame California rolls to name a few. Our guests especially enjoyed our house smoked salmon and dill spread in mini cucumber cups. This hors d’oeuvre delivers a full range of flavors in just a tiny bite. The smokiness of the salmon melds well with the smoothness of the cream cheese and the added dill gives it a touch of freshness at the finish. To balance the spreads intensity is the cool, crisp, fresh cucumber. The combination, though simple in concept, is complex in execution.
The first course was a red & green leaf salad with mandarin orange and honey balsamic vinaigrette. This refreshing, light salad is perfect for a hot summer day. It opens the palate for the decadent summer entrée that follows. Sliced beef sirloin with bourbon gorgonzola sauce, fresh wild salmon with mustard seed horseradish crust and pan fried trout with pancetta and tomato ragout all gave the couple the feeling of enjoying a summer meal on a terrace under the stars.
Their favorite though was the chicken sienna with sundried tomatoes, mushrooms and shallots. The pan seared chicken, while a hot dish, was lightened with a tomato and stock based sauce, giving the illusion of a lighter dish while still holding fast to a full bodied flavor from the sundried tomatoes and mushrooms. Entrees were accompanied by long grain and wild rice timbale and fresh haricot vert with almonds and brown butter. Concluding the tasting the couple enjoyed a sampling of wedding cakes.
Cooking in season and using local produce is just one way you can help reduce your carbon footprint. At J. Scott we are dedicated to buying in season from local purveyors with the highest quality meat, dairy and produce. Take the time to visit a local farmer’s market and see what is currently available. You’ll be surprised at the amazing foods grown in your area and you’ll feel good for doing your part to help preserve our environment.
