Last holiday season we brought the executive team from a large pharmaceutical firm together after a long time of virtual correspondence. The host welcomed her leadership team into her home for an elegant evening of delicious food, craft cocktails, and a chance to reconnect in person! For this small group, we did a play on a surf and turf to create a welcoming atmosphere and show the team her appreciation.
There were some goals that needed to be achieved through this dinner. Some of the guests joined the team during their virtual time, which is why the host wanted to create a warm space in her home for new members to meet one another as well as build connections with the existing team.
Even though this was meant to be a more casual setting to gather her team, this event had to be executed at a certain level as this was a group of c-suite executives in attendance. Finding the balance of elegance and comfort was the basis for a lot of our design decisions here. She even worked in some of her own china, silverware, and flatware to add personal elements, without losing the refined nature of the evening. We did a full kitchen build in the garage to execute this menu.
Three Course Menu - Including an amuse bouche
Hors D'oeuvres:
sesame-crusted seared ahi tuna - served on a wonton crisp with asian slaw and plum sauce
herb mediterranean shrimp - with lemon basil aioli
all jumbo lump crab cakes - with chipotle honey corn potatoes and remoulade
arancini - stuffed with italian cheese and finished with truffle aioli and micro
homemade yeast-raised blini - smoked salmon, créme fraiche, caviar and dill
Dinner:
little gem wedge salad - blue cheese, toasted walnuts, bacon, cherry tomatoes, chives, crispy onions, homemade ranch
the bread - warm parker house rolls with butter
sous vide filet mignon - red wine demi
lobster tail - with garlic butter sauce
asparagus - served simply
potato puree - in the robuchon style
chocolate passion fruit dome - edible gold décor, hazelnuts
petit fours