I’m not sure epic can even begin to describe how amazing last night’s meal was. From the wonderful fresh ingredients we had just purchased from the market that morning, to the perfectly paired wine with each course, to the great times we spent with friends… I believe last night’s dinner can go down as one of my favorite dinners in NYC ever.
And we didn’t even have to go to a fancy restaurant to enjoy it. ๐
A couple of weeks ago Ashley had asked about an idea she had for this month’s Foodbuzz 24×24. Foodbuzz 24×24 is a cool program that allows featured publishers to submit their dream meal in hopes of Foodbuzz footin’ the bill for the event. Thanks to the 24×24 program I’ve participated in a delicious 7 course Vegan Meal and was give the opportunity to dine at one of Disney’s classiest restaurants – Victoria & Albert’s.
Ashley’s idea was a fun one. She wanted to send summer off with a bang by creating one last summer inspired meal before the cool air of fall set in. Her plan was to use fresh, local produce to create this meal and incorporate one or two fall items into the feast as a bit of a welcoming. I was thrilled when her bid got accepted, especially since she had invited Derek and I along for the ride. ๐
Last night Ashley and Bo’s tiny NYC kitchen was transformed into a culinary mecca as we created four fabulous summer inspired courses to feast on.
Bo was our fearless leader for the evening. He designed the dishes and instructed each of us what to do. That boy has some serious culinary talented, I was pretty much in awe all evening of his skills.
It was pretty late by the time we even started cooking the meal – around 9:00pm – but after a long day of eating our way through Chinatown I’m pretty sure none of us minded. We started with a taste of Fall in the form of Pumpkin Beer.
p.s. I’m so excited pumpkin beer season is officially in full effect.
Course #1
Homemade Toasties using french bread from the market and fresh local blue cheese also from the market.
The blue cheese was extra salty and delicious. The perfect way to start out summer meal.
Course #2
Pan Seared Scallops served over a Tomato, Corn, and Pickled Onion Salad with Fresh Cilantro.
Delicious. The corn really was what put this dish over the top, it gave it a a slight sweet crunch that brought a very summery feel to each bite.
The scallops were paired with a dry Muscadate.
Course #3
Roasted Rack of Lamb with a Berry Reduction served over roasted Red Potatoes and Squash.
Bo really out did himself on this one. The lamb was tender and perfectly rare. Everything about this dish just worked and just thinking about it made my mouth water.
The lamb was paired with a chote de rhone.
Dessert!
Easy Peach Cobbler (this recipe) with Vanilla Ice Cream.
We made a slight error with how much dough was needed for the small pan we had, but it was still great. Just more of a peach shortcake rather than a peach cobbler. ๐
The night was incredible and made me realize how happy I am to have friends like Ashely and Bo to spend a night in with. The meal never felt drawn out or rushed and we all had a blast singing show tunes out loud and just being ourselves. This night will go down as one of my favorites ever.
The meal finished around midnight, then it was straight for bed to prepare for our 5k this morning. I’ll be back later for details on that one. ๐
ahhh that peach cobbler makes me want to visit georgia ๐
glad you had a great trip and could enjoy it with such amazing people!
wow! I am seriously in awe of people who can cook like that! seriously! very impressed.
That program is really cool!! How lucky that you were able to experience that!
Meals like that are so priceless! No restaurant no matter how good can ever replicate a great homecooked meal spent with amazing company! You’re really making me want to visit New York.
wow! what a great meal! looks like you guys had a blast!
Wow – what wonderful culinary creations!!!
What a fantastic meal, it looks like you had an incredible time. By the way, I loved your review of Victoria and Albert’s. Whenever I go to Disney, I always stay at the Grand Floridian. ๐ I’ve never dined at Victoria and Albert’s but hopefully someday!
Holy cow! What a meal! That looks so fancy and delicious. Definitely like something you would find in a restaurant.
Wow. So impressive!
Wow! Ashley and Bo are amazing hosts!!!
Perfect night in if you ask me!
Whoa, is that cobbler upside down? The dough part must have been yummy and dumpling-y! I’m intrigued…
Reading about your day has totally taken me back to a few months ago, when I was living in Chinatown. You definitely made the right decision to tour that neighborhood; Green Bo was my FAVORITE takeout place, and your recap totally made me miss their scallion pancakes and vegetable/bean curd soup.
“The lamb was paired with a chote de rhone”.
FYI, it is Cรดtes-du-rhรดne, and not chote.
A famous French red wine.
I may be your only French reader, so not big deal ๐
Yum what a fabulous meal!!! The lamb and potatoes looks like a true winner.
What a meal! The berry reduction sounds delicious!!
Sometimes a night in can be sooo much better than a night out at a fancy restaurant! Looks delish. I’m a jealous college student right now!!
What a fun night – I love cooking with friends, especially friends who are good cooks! haha
And now, I must go get pumpkin beer today!!!
I can’t even believe that people can cook like that for themselves! I’m so jealous! That meals looks amazing! I hope you enjoyed every bite! (I know I would have!)
Congrats on your run! That’s incredible ๐ Yeah I know several crazy people like you guys who run a marathon, then race again a few days after :). That’s great though… The food looks Amazing!
What an amazing meal. You’ve inspired me to plan something similar when I move into my house in a few months. Congrats on your 5K!
Holy cow! What a feast! ๐
Bo needs to go on “Hell’s Kitchen” he would blow Gordon Ramsay out of the water with those scallops and that lamb. YUM!
Those courses look so yummy! Especially the scallops one and the peach cobbler. Looks like it was a fun night!
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