Doug’s Birthday! 2013

We celebrated Doug’s birthday with our 4th annual Commander’s Chef Table. Over the years you have heard about the dinners with our different guests:
2010 – Shawn and Lauren
2011 – Courtney and Kenny
2012 – Mom and Ashley

For 2013 we invited some awesome, fun friends: Courtney and Ryan. Courtney’s birthday is very close to Doug’s so we celebrated both of them!

We arrived a few minutes late after getting half way there and realizing we forgot “cinco”. We went home to get him and joined Courtney and Ryan at the Chef’s table. Overall, it was FABULOUS. I found a new wine I really like too!

First we were served an Amuse-bouche of turtle soup:

Our first course was Oyster, Absinthe and Caviar paired with 2007 Commanders Palace Cuvee:

Our second course was Burrata Heirloom Salad with Basil Powder. It was paired with 2011 Tikves, Rkaciteli. THIS WAS MY FAVORITE COURSE! It was unbelievable. It was a play on caprese salad. I am drooling just looking at the picture…

Our third course was Dueling Shrimp: Shrimp and Tasso vs. BBQ Shrimp paired with 2010 Govonne Terre Sabaude. I think the Shrimp and Tasso won, but it was a close call. 

 

Our fourth course was Pork Belly two ways: one with spicy boudin and a bruleed peach vs. root beer braised with molasses. It was so incredibly good.
  

Cinco picture intermission:

Our fifth course was soft shell crab and corn pudding with pea shoots, pickled vegetables and tear drop tomatoes. It was paired with 2009 Au Bon Climat Pinot Noir

Our sixth course was carved veal tenderloin with crawfish forestier sauce. It was paired with 2010 Barnard Griffin Cabernet Sauvignon. This course was FABULOUS! I have never enjoyed veal so much.

Our seventh course was their fabulous cheese plate paired with a 2009 Commander’s Palace Cabernet Sauvignon. There were three cheeses: a goat, a blue and a sheep. All fabulous.

Finally, we hit the dessert bomb – our eighth course!

There were more desserts that in the past. They brought Doug and Courtney a candle to blow out too!

 

I have to admit this as the best meal I have had at the Chef’s table. It was incredible. Here was the man of the hour:

We had a great time with Ryan and Courtney. We also got further in the dessert bomb than we have ever before! yay us!

 
 

I hope you enjoyed your birthday dinner dougie and courtney! I sure did!

 

Happy late birthday you two. I am ready to go back now…:)

Love and Hugs, Lizzie