To start the evening, our Guest Chef Keenara pulled out all the beats with her Muppet outfit (holy green pigtails!) and ingenious presentation. In honour of Animal, we ate drums (deep fried olives stuffed sausage/mushrooms and wrapped in goat cheese) and drank drum (something incredibly alcoholic).
Sous Chef Vanessa was inspired by her love of 'Muppets Take Manhattan' and provided a deconstructed classic NY dish with vegan pastrami (celeriac marinated in beet juice and seasoning- what!?!?), crunchy coleslaw and a delicious selection of homemade pretzel bites. Yes, I had seconds. The dish was served with a Broadway sour including bourbon and a layer of wine on top.
Sous Chef Amy teased the taste buds with a trio of potato-based appetizers based on the unparalleled Muppet rendition of Danny Boy. In honor of the Swedish Chef: pan-seared cheese-filled potato pancakes; In honor of Animal: stuffed and twice-baked mini potatoes with goat cheese and chives; In honor of Beeker: buttery potato terrine. The dish was served with a sparkling iced tea made with traditional Irish herbs including heather flowers, thyme and rosemary, burdock root and vervain--- flavoured with lime for a touch of "green".
Sous Chef Dean entertained the chefs with his taste experiment based on the Muppet science duo! We dined on Dr. Honeydew as a mango, red pepper and honeydew melon salad with nori eye glasses and a jelly sphere full of melon. Not to be outdone, sidekick Beeker was also at the table with carrot-shaved hair and lab coat. Muppet Brad made a surprise appearance in a snazzy plaid jacket.
Master Chef Leah tapped into all thing chronically groovy for Floyd Pepper! Chefs had a celebration of pepper, starting with pepper-infused sous-vide chicken and stuffed mushrooms in a spicy green peppercorn sauce. The chicken was complimented with a five-layered potato dish, including creamed spinach, sweet potato, parmesan, a hefty dosh of black and white ground pepper - all washed down with a glass of peppery wine.
Though unable to attend, Sous Chef Dallas rounded out the meal with a celebration of the Swedish Chef! Though we missed her company, we loved her Kladdkaka, a Swedish chocolate cake served with a tart raspberry sauce to balance out the sweetness.
Up next Master Chef Christine!