John Cornwell’s 41st Birthday Dinner
John’s wife, Emily, asked my if I’d like to cook for John’s birthday dinner. I found this quite an honor so, in his honor, I went all out. I don’t think I’m much of a cook so I enlisted the help of Toby Sanderson, chef extraordinaire. Together we created an excellent Asian styled menu complete with wine pairings. For the most part I thought it was very good and the patrons felt the same. The watercress salad was actually not too astringent as the dressing fought off the leaves. The Sauvignon Blanc I chose was good but could have used more body and fruit. Everything else however was well paired, especially my second shot at poached pairs. What a wonderful night and surprise that I could pull off my first ever all Asian dinner. Methinks I need to stay with that theme for a while longer.
Here is the menu.
Le Menu
L’Anniversaire de John Cornwell
Appetizers
Avocado Tempura
Champagne
Entrée
Bosc pear and watercress salad with sesame and almond dressing.
2007 Groth Sauvignon Blanc Napa, CA
Main
Seared Ahi tuna, avocado and mango chutney accompanied by sautéed Asian greens and fragrant jasmine rice.
2007 Sineann Pinot Gris, Newberry OR
Dessert
Bosc pears poached in Riesling atop Bi-Rite Ginger ice cream.
2006 Glacier Riesling, Yakima Valley, WA