French Feast

How do you come up with a menu that is unique, incorporates a theme and yet still tells a story? The story can be about you, the guests you are cooking for or the reason for the meal (special occasion, marking an event, a holiday, a family reunion, or a celebration). The spirit that must be evoked is the story, something more than just the plates of food. There must be something that excites, invites and appeals to the palate. It's about living the food. It's about bringing the food alive, like art comes alive when your eyes are peeled to the canvas. It's the same way about a meal, an experience, the occasion. The meal and moment comes alive with the aromas, the flowers, the table setting, the guests, the wine, the ambience, and the food. The journey of the meal is a symbol of the journey of life.

The French Feast Menu:

***FIRST COURSE & APPETIZERS***
Roasted Marinated Portabella Mushrooms with Herbed Goat Cheese
Salmon Corn Cakes with Scallions served with Tarragon Chive Sauce
*** BREAD ***
Warm Bread with Pesto Butter
***SALAD***
Roasted Beet and Carrot Salad in a Beet Herb Vinaigrette Over Mixed Fresh Greens ***

SORBET***
Pineapple Orange Mango in Orange Cups
***MAIN COURSE ***
** Bouillabaisse: (Lobster, Monchong, Opah, Blue Marlin, Garlic Prawns) with Roasted Fingerling Potatoes, Roasted Fennel and Garlic Croutons **
AND
Haricots Verts with Maple Citrus Butter

CHEESE SAMPLER
Selection of Cheeses (EXAMPLE French Comté, Délice de Bourgogne, Saint André and Brie des Herbes served with variety of flatbreads and baguette

***DESSERTS***
Crépes with Apricot-Golden Raisin filling with 3-Berry Sauce
Mini Triple Chocolate Mint Brownies

The event was inspired by a reunion of the six from a visit to France a year earlier. It was to recap and recount and review the beauty of France, friendships, and exquisite food. Menus were printed for each guest. The cheese course had a a special menu and description of each cheese.

The venue was an exquisite home in the hills of Kula. The 360 degree oceanview and magnificent setting optimized the special event. The location was set. The table prepared. The guests showed up. The meal served. The show had begun.

Each event or special occasion is a show that goes on in its own very unique way. It's a series of acts and stages and timing is key. Each toast. Each sip of wine. Each morsel. Each course. Each conversation shared. The lighting dimmed. The moment. This moment cannot be repeated. This play can be repeated, but it will never be exactly the same. And that is how life is. Each moment must be savored and appreciated and tasted and experienced as it is in its finest and purest state. Bon appetit.