A friend recently invited me to a dinner at Vida Kitchen. It was a seasonal meal called Sol y Saffron. The menu looked extremely intriguing with a creative blend of Latin American food as well as Middle Eastern food.
What was really interesting is that the mail takes place in a home. Chef Wendy explained that they are the first home kitchen permitted by the health department. I did not know about this permit, but find it absolutely wonderful.
It's also a great way for talented chefs to manage timing, budget and other specifics. The night we went there were a couple of friends assisting her in the kitchen and with photography of the evening.
The house is large and comfortable as well as tastefully furnished. The table settings matched the theme of the meal. There are other events, besides the chef's tasting menu, including a tea service, which I would definitely like to try.
All parties met in the garden and we were promptly served pomegranate citrus,mocktails, as well as lamb or vegetable dumplings as an amuse bouche.
The chef explained that the fusion of the food comes from her Latina heritage as well as her husband's Persian heritage. The male also had some Turkish touches.
Since the menu is posted for reference, I won't go into a lot of detail. The heart of palm vegetarian ceviche with crispy plantains with a fresh and flavorful start to the meal.
I truly enjoyed the chicken El Pastor style tacos, which were served on Middle Eastern bread, along with an onion, herb salad, and toum, the fantastic garlic spread. All flavors went well together and I did not miss the salsa.
The salmon truly had a crispy skin and worked wonderfully with their fragrant rice dish. I got quite full before this steak came out and asked to take it home after tasting a few bites. Even after heating it up the following day, it remained extremely tender and did not overcook. The chimichurri sauce was fantastic and the chef left the sauce at the table to add more.
I don't particularly have a sweet tooth, but was extremely impressed with the dessert. The Tres leches cake was enhanced with cardamom and rosewater and sprinkled with a pistachio dust. Some of these flavors can taste perfume me, but the chef balanced it so well and had a light touch with the strong flavors. The cake itself definitely stood out. I finished every bite.
The mint tea at dessert as well as the pomegranate drink served throughout the meal were extremely refreshing.
The groups were split up among three tables and the table I sat in was in the dining room. The guests were extremely lively and interesting and overall I had a wonderful time. read more