Last Tuesday, a few honored chefs from Central Florida were invited to cook at the James Beard House in New York’s Greenwich Village. The James Beard Foundation purchased his old townhome in 1985 and has been inviting top chefs from around the world since.

Cuisiniers’ own Jamie McFadden, along with Kevin Fonzo of K Restaurant, Scott Copeland of Antonio’s LaFiamma, and James & Julie Petrakis of the Ravenous Pig entertained, delighted, and may have slightly surprised guests at The Beard House with their Central Florida Inspired Dinner. The chefs chose dishes that were not only representative of Central Florida, but were created using ingredients that were brought with them from the region, including rabbit, Florida octopus, and fresh cobia.

Although the evening was pulled off without a hitch, the chefs did encounter a bit of a challenge, working in a kitchen that’s a fraction of the size they are accustomed to. Fortunately, the group had experience cooking with one another despite conditions, and it showed – the guests were “wowed” and the food was the topic of the evening!

Cuisiniers’ would like to recognize all the chefs who were a part of this event for their dedication to the evening and for bringing well-deserved recognition to Central Florida cuisine!

Below was the menu for the evening:

The James Beard House

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

A Central Florida
Inspired Dinner

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Hors d’Oeuvres

Miniature Biscuit B.L.T.s

Rabbit Terrine, Pickled Carrots

Winter Park Dairy Bleu Cheese Tart, Waterkist Tomatoes, Balsamic Caramel

Deviled Quail Egg, House-made Duck Ham, Rye Crostini

Grilled Florida Octopus, Romesco

Rotari Rose NV

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Dinner

Citrus & Coriander Cured Florida Cobia,
Orange Smoked Habanero Sorbet, Pickled Watermelon Relish
Rotari Spumante Metodo Classico

Zellwood Sweet Corn Veloute,
Florida Frog Leg & Oyster Hushpuppy
2008 Tolloy Sauvignon Blanc

St. Augustine Flounder, Hammock Hollow Gazpacho,
Fried Waterkist Farms Green Tomatoes, Canaveral Blue Crab
Tablas Creek 2008 Esprit de Beaucastel Blanc

Palmetto Creek Farms Smoked Pork “Napoleon”,
Deep Creek Ranch Chicken Fried Beef Tongue,
Local Duck Ballotine with Pickled Cherry Preserves
2008 Axis Zinfandel, Napa

Zellwood Corn Crepes, Florida Blueberry Compote, Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
2010 Cigar City American IPA brewed with Florida Honey