Charlie Trotters Part Deux

A beautifully set table in this casual bistro made us feel so special. The touch of the plastic spoon was a reminder of the essence of the 'to go' concept and was perfect.

We learned that sake is the new upcoming drink in terms of food pairings. The sake you mostly get at sushi places, which is warmed up, is warmed due to the impurities and bad taste. Heating it up is supposed to mask that flavor. We had the opportunity to try a sake by the name of Snow Shadow. I can't wait to buy a bottle for home it was so light and flavorful with a lavendar tasting finish. The great thing about sake is that you can leave it open in your fridge for a couple of months and it doesn't "go bad" like wine. Sometimes it can even taste better.

The first serving was a wheat-berry salad with creme fraiche, dried fruit and salmon.

Finally the soup I was craving from Trotters! Sweet corn chowder with saffron and chive oil.

The soup was so amazing. I can still taste it, I swear. It was paired with a Brut style champagne, Chateau D'orschwihr. Love, love, love.

Split peas soup with swordfish, sundried tomatoes, cilantro, and swish chard. Pea salad with bacon and red and yellow peppers.

Mmmm, how could life not be perfect at this moment?

Duck breast with chutney of fruit, apples, and raisins. Frisee on top.

The fourth course was paired with a Barrell 27 Syrah.

Lamb cooked on a wood fired grill with mint jelly, potatoes tossed in mustard seed, hearts of palm and sweet corn.

Amazing color. Perfectly pink lamb, bright green mint jelly. It was so beautiful.

The potatoes were fantastic! I had to know the secret.... they were prepared in lamb fat. Great, I'll never cook that at home. Clearly I took a break from non-local meat during my time with the Trotter restaurants.. I mean I wasn't going to push away anything these fabulous chef's placed in front of me.

Once again, I forgot to take a picture before I took a bite or two. Okay maybe it was more than two bites but who's counting. Anyways, this is a Passion fruit curd tart with vanilla butter and fresh fruit. After this I don't know how they ever got me to leave! I wanted to bathe in that vanilla butter, seriously.