Thursday December 1, 2011
Vixen Vittles with Elaine Bell Catering
Oh My… we Vixens “died and went to Heaven,” after the incredible tasting arranged by Mandy of Elaine Bell Catering. On one of our recent Napa/Sonoma trips for site inspections, we accepted Mandy’s invitation to come see what Elaine Bell Catering is all about. The adage “you taste with your eyes before you eat” is so true; check out these photos, and then imagine all the yumminess we got to enjoy! Jealous?
Elaine Bell Catering is located in Napa County and services San Francisco/Bay Area, Sonoma, Napa and Sacramento Counties (and points in between). They served our lunch in their very nice office/meeting/kitchen/warehouse/tasting space. What an operation! Mandy, our host, is in blue, and we’re toasting with a Raspberry Pomegranate Lemonade.
The following three photos are of the Hors D’oeuvres served – the artistry is incredibly amazing –
Ahi Tarte in Crispy Cones w/Wasabi Cream
Rosemary Skewered Lamb Noisettes w/Fresh Mint Pesto
Smoked Salmon Grisini w/Creme Fraiche Chives
The First Course –
Heirloom Tomato Avocado Terrine
(Sliced Heirloom Tomatoes Layered w/Avocado Salsa, Cucumber Petals, Blood Orange Vinaigrette and Basil Oil)
Main Course –
Seared Alaskan Halibut w/Roasted Artichokes
(Banana Fingerling Potatoes and Tomato Fondue Meyer Lemon Beurre Blanc and Crispy Fried Leeks)
Wait, there’s more for the Main Course –
Cocoa Spice Rubbed Lamb Tenderloin Pinwheels w/Cocoa Demi Glace
and
Zucchini and Smoked Duck Ribbon Skewers
All of the above was super delicious, we were impressed, happy, amazed and stuffed, but then we were served pure bliss…
Summer Corn Pudding w/Leeks and Jalapeno Chilies
Are you over the moon yet? Well, look at the Dessert Course –
Dark Chocolate Dipped Strawberries
Mini Chocolate Caramel Creme Brulee
Cheesecake Lollipops
Fresh Figs and Grapes
Thank you so much Mandy, and especially to Elaine, who actually came out of the kitchen and sat with us for a while. What a delightful lady and oh so talented and imaginative (and another plus for her company, Elaine Bell Catering is Green Certified – cool).
Also thanks Shannon Cosgrove-Rivas of Flourish for taking these incredible photos. Shannon is a florist – with a huge talent as a photographer! You rock Shannon.
