Photo credit: www.dominiquecrenn.com
I love my girlfriends.
When VDH texted an invitation to dine at Test Kitchen LA this past weekend, showcasing her friend's preview dinner menu, I was ecstatic.
Chef Dominique Crenn will be opening her restaurant, Atelier Crenn, next month (January 2011) in San Francisco and we were able to taste a sneak preview of what's to come.
“Atelier” can be defined as a workshop or studio, especially for an artist or designer. A deeply personal project for Crenn, the word references her childhood in France including a strong bond with her father – the name references his “Atelier Papa Crenn” and is reflected in his artwork found throughout the restaurant. This concept drives Crenn’s vision for a modern take on fine-French cuisine, where artistry is at the forefront.
- As stated on the Test Kitchen LA website
Her 5-course tasting menu included:
Oysters with uni foam, lemon cloud & winter nuances on a bed of salt
Egg & truffle, fines herbs topped with delicate truffle snow, crispy rice
Tender venison lightly flamed, rye, buckwheat & pickled legumes
Sweetbread, marrow & bouillon broth
Winter grain porridge with hazelnut, quince, candied kumquats in chamomile
My favorites of the evening included the delicate, smooth oysters that danced in the mouth; the very comforting dish of egg and truffles that made you want more of its decadent yolk, crunchy truffle snow and crispy rice goodness; the succulent and tender New Zealand venison that was not gamey but rich and delicious; the well-executed sweetbreads that melted with each bite; and the surprising bursts of sweet citrus from the candied kumquats in the winter porridge.
At the end of the evening, Alex Reznik from Top Chef D.C. came out of the kitchen to say hello to patrons. (I was told he was Chef Crenn's sous chef.) And we were able to chat with the Chef, herself, as she greeted our table with hugs and an update of her restaurant. VDH introduced us, and I found her full of energy and ever so charming - much like the dishes she served.
It's a shame that this next week is the last one for the Test Kitchen, but I look forward to going back to Ricardo Zarate, Steve Samson and Zack Pollack's openings early next year.
Thank you Brian for sharing a little more about the upcoming events and for making us feel just a little more welcome as we were the last to leave that evening; thank you to Dominique for an amazing meal, full of textures and flavors; and most of all, thank you to my incredible girlfriends who make life so much more fun and delicious.
Test Kitchen LA
street: 9575 W. Pico Boulevard | Los Angeles 90035
street: 9575 W. Pico Boulevard | Los Angeles 90035
tel: 1.310.277.0133
0 comments:
Post a Comment