Posts Tagged ‘cuisiniers’

Chef Jamie McFadden Answers the First Lady’s Call!

On September 14th, Chef Jamie McFadden of Cuisiniers will start his first class at Morning Star School in College Park, but don’t worry, Jamie isn’t hanging up his chef’s hat.

Instead, Chef Jamie McFadden is joining 1,600 chefs across the nation in Michelle Obama’s “Chefs Move to School” program.  The program calls for each of the chefs to adopt a school in their community and volunteer their time to help generate excitement about nutritious foods through school gardens, cooking demonstrations, taste tests, and more.  Jamie has selected to adopt Morning Star Catholic School in College Park, a school that caters specifically to students with special needs.

Chefs Move to School provides resources to help the chefs get started, but encourages all the chefs to find new opportunities and possibilities to engage students, teachers, food service staff, and parents as they support their adopted school.  The program has also set up a website (LetsMove.gov) and a Facebook fanpage to follow the progress of each chef on their own unique profile!

For more information on the program, visit LetsMove.gov.

First Annual Winter Park Harvest Festival!

Cuisiniers is proud to support the first annual Winter Park Harvest Festival to be held on November 20, 2010 at Central Park’s West Meadow in downtown Winter Park!

The Harvest Festival is a full day celebration of farmers, gardeners, and the local food-shed of Winter Park.  Along with a market, seminars, and workshops, the Festival is promoting a “mobile community garden” in which guests can contribute to a community garden.  Participants grow a garden ahead of time in a portable pot and bring it to the Festival to donate.  All the “Grow Boxes” from area schools, churches, and families are then collected and put together to form one large community garden.

Chef Jamie McFadden of Cuisiniers is on the planning committee for the Harvest Dinner and will be volunteering his time to ensure that the event runs smoothly.

For more information about the Festival, visit winterparkharvestfestival.com.

Central Florida Chefs at Their Best!



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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

Destin Charity Wine Dinner

Jamie McFadden and Cuisiniers to cater “Wine & Dine in Paradise”

For the 4th year straight, Jamie McFadden and Cuisiniers’ will be catering the Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s “Wine & Dine in Paradise” event on April 23rd, 2010.

The Destin Charity Wine Auction Foundation’s purpose is to raise money for children in need through wine events.  In its four years, the Foundation has raised nearly $3,000,000 and impacted the lives of countless needy children along the Emerald Coast (The Panhandle of Northwest Florida) through dozens of world-class wine and culinary celebrations.

Below is the menu that will be served on Friday evening, April 23rd.  For tickets and information, visit http://www.dcwaf.org/.

Destin Charity Wine Dinner

Friday, April 23 2010
Wendell Laidley, Proprietor
Realm Cellars, Napa California
& Chef Jamie McFadden of
Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events, Winter Park, Florida
◆◆◆

Hors d’ oeuvres

Wine TBD
Crab & Huntsman Breadpudding “Popovers”
With Fig Syrup

Sweet Corn Veloute, Smoked Clams
Cilantro Lime Butter

Gorgonzola Bon Bons, Mint, Spicy Pecans
and Vanilla Rum Cherries

Seated Dinner

1st Course
Wine TBD
Pomegranate Beet Puree, Marcona Almond Oil

2nd Course
Wine TBD
Smoked Egg, Onion Soubise, Caviar
& English Muffin Crouton

3rd Course
Wine TBD
Open Face Tuna”Salad” Croissant
Yellow Fin Carpaccio, Seared Fois Gras,
Micro Greens, Blood Orange Syrup

4th Course
Wine TBD
Duck Confit, Romesco, Parsely Dumplings, Kombu Broth

5th Course
Wine TBD
Sweet Corn Crème Brulee, Smoked Bacon
Caramel Corn & Butterscotch Corn Bouchons
◆◆◆

Special Thanks to Pamela Sheldon-Johns!

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Jamie, Pamela and Cuisiniers would like to extend a special thank you to all that attended our Meet, Greet, and Cook last Saturday, March 13th – an amazing evening with fabulous friends and food!

Jamie and Cuisiniers would also like to especially thank Pamela Sheldon-Johns for joining us!

2010 Food Trends

Last year’s food trends included fried chicken, grits and just about any dish with an egg on it. This year, people are craving comforting, “home-cooked” foods not only at home, but in restaurants as well.  In 2010, it’s all about the meatballs. They are easy to prepare, affordable, and diverse. You can find them just about everywhere around the world. Spaghetti with meatballs and meatball subs tend to be common dishes, but the potential for them is endless. From frying, to baking, slow cooking and broiling, meatballs can be prepared a number of ways and still taste delicious. Cultures around the world use meatballs, made from a variety of meats and prepared in numerous ways!

A related trend emerging from the economic conditions is the use of basic ingredients. This doesn’t necessarily mean we’re preparing gravy from flour and water alone – on the contrary, Americans are redefining the staple ingredients in a kitchen. The days of dinner specific grocery shopping are gone for now, and we are buying in bulk, preparing for several dishes using the same ingredients. As chefs and restaurants are also feeling the effects of the economy, we will see this trend spill into our restaurant dining experiences, too.

Even with the down economy, our health concerns will continue in 2010. It’s no longer enough for a food not to have “trans-fats” or “processed sugars” – these have come to be expected options among mainstream grocery items. Now we are also demanding the foods actually become proactively beneficial. Although “gluten-free” and “allergy-free” are still growing in popularity, many food producers are also turning to additives, like Omega-3′s and other vitamins, to make their foods more appealing, and better for us. With nutrition education increasing all the time, it’s as important as ever for manufacturers to be aware of the ingredients and nutrition facts behind their products. Even in this economy, many are still willing to pay a little extra for their health.

Our last food trend may be familiar, but probably not at the top of many consumer’s lists. Sardines are taking hold in the cuisine of many California-based seafood restaurants. During the 1950′s sardines were over fished (yes, people ate them that much!), but the fish are making a comeback. Fresh sardines are usually served fried, bones and all of course. If it’s any consolation to the “acquired” taste, sardines are packed (no pun intended) with nutrients and omega oils, without the mercury content of tuna!

Your Wedding Vision is Now a Reality!

With more than 25 years of experience in special event planning, Connie Clark is Cuisiniers’ own Wedding Professional.  Dedicated to turning your wedding into the day of your dreams, Connie takes your vision to reality and offers brides a day of Eat, Drink and be Merry!

Connie has created more memorable events than most people attend in a lifetime.  A graduate of the University of Missouri, Connie’s experience has included directing catering and event departments in major hotels and large facilities.  Whether an intimate dinner for 20 or a corporate grand event for over 4000, Connie’s organizational skills and creative flair bring something special to all of Cuisiniers’ events!

For more information, simply contact Connie directly at conniecc@live.com.

Spanish Paella

Recipe Courtesy of Chef Jamie McFadden/Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events

Spanish Paella

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 8 mild Italian sausages, roughly chopped into 1-inch rounds
  • 1 pound chorizo, roughly chopped
  • 7 chicken thighs, seasoned to taste with paprika, salt and pepper on both sides, cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks
  • 20 peeled, large uncooked shrimp seasoned to taste with paprika, salt and pepper
  • 2 carrots, finely minced
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup Piquante peppers, chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely minced
  • 2 cups canned tomatoes, crushed
  • 10 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups Arborio rice/risotto
  • 3 cups white wine
  • Ham hock flavored broth, recipe follows
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Sea Salt

In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil and then fresh sausage. Sauté for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until sausage is well browned. Add chicken and dried sausage to pot and saute 5 to 8 minutes, or until chicken starts to brown. Add the shrimp and sauté just until the shrimp begins to turn red and curl, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove all meats from the pot, using a slotted spoon, and place them on cookie tray to cool.

In the now empty pot, sweat the carrots, onions, and celery for about 15 minutes. Add garlic, piquantes, canned tomatoes, and saute with vegetables for another 2 minutes. Add the risotto rice, stir and sauté until the grains are pearly white. Add white wine, and allow to cook down until almost completely gone. Then begin to add broth, about 2 ladles at a time, every 7 to 8 minutes until 35 to 40 minutes have passed, or until broth is fully incorporated into rice and vegetables and rice are tender al dente.

Stir meat and seafood back in before serving.

Ham Hock Flavored Broth:

  • 6 ham hocks
  • 2 roughly cut onions
  • 1 1/2 cups olive oil
  • 2 carrots, roughly chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, roughly cut
  • 1 bulb garlic
  • 2 tablespoons paprika
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2(8-ounce) cans tomato puree
  • 2(32-once) cartons chicken stock
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 pinch saffron

Preheat a large sauce pot over medium-high heat. Add ham stocks and olive oil. Allow to caramelize, both sides, for about 10 to 20 minutes. Add carrots, onions, and celery, stir in thoroughly. slice bulb of garlic in half. With wooden spoon, push mixture aside to create room at bottom of pot for caramelizing the garlic. Place each side of the garlic into pot, garlic side down. Leave to caramelize for about 10 minutes. Mix paprika, tomato paste, tomato puree, chicken stock, bay leaves, and water. Allow to simmer for another 45 minutes.

Skim off any fat that has formed and add saffron. Allow to simmer for another 30 minutes. Strain and refrigerate to cool.

Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

Executive Chef Jamie McFadden | Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events

5470 Lake Howell Road, Winter Park, FL

www.cuisinierscater.com

Cuisiniers’ Salted Caramel Sauce

The following is a sauce recipe you are sure to see a lot of in 2010.  Enjoy!

Recipe Courtesy of Chef Jamie McFadden/Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events

(Makes approximately 2 cups)

Cuisiniers’ Salted Caramel Sauce:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • 2 tbsp salted butter
  • 1/2 tsp kosher or sea salt

In a large heavy metal pot or Dutch oven spread sugar in bottom of pot.  Place on medium heat and cook without stirring until the sugar around the edges starts to liquify.  Next, using a wooden spoon, gently stir the sugar.  As it begins to look like little pebbles, keep stirring until the amber color turns a deep brown.  Remember to not stop stirring!  Finally, remove the pot from the heat and carefully add in 1/2 of the cream.  Use caution as the sauce will bubble up dramatically.  Add in the remainder of the cream until the sauce is smooth.  Finally, stir in the butter and salt.  Serve warm over apple fritters, bread pudding, your favorite ice cream, a warm chocolate brownie, or a combination of the above!

Serve Immediately and Enjoy!

Executive Chef Jamie McFadden | Cuisiniers Catered Cuisine & Events

5470 Lake Howell Road, Winter Park, FL

www.cuisinierscater.com

New Years Wishes from Cuisiniers

Wow, what a roller coaster ride the past decade has been!  So hello 2010; we welcome you with open arms and hungry bellies.  As exciting and challenging as the last 10 years were, I look to the future with anticipation of having many more years to accomplish set goals, while continuing to enhance my skills and knowledge in the ever-evolving culinary arts.

This coming year, dining menus promise to be even more delicious.  Here are a few things to look forward to:  Varieties of cupcakes, lamb burgers, fresh pickles, smoked salts, anything with bacon, romesco sauce, grilled cheese sandwiches, empanadas, grain salads, even more “small plates”, savory jams, flatiron steaks, marcona almonds, different flavors of bolonese, new takes on cauliflower, Rhone varietals grown in the U.S., herb infused cocktails, decanted champagne, unique flavors of macroons, infused chocolates, guided private foodie trips, Penn Cove mussels, and with any luck at all, more caviar!

I am excited to be kicking off 2010 with this week’s opening of our “Gallery at Interlachen”.  Here, you will discover the newest destination for private meetings, conferences and intimate social events nestled within a unique art gallery setting.  I invite you to stop by for a tour and allow us the opportunity to help you entertain deliciously and EASILY.

The past 18 months or so have really been a reminder that even with all its bounty, this wonderful world we live in unfortunately can still prohibit access to what many of us take for granted….fresh, nourishing fruits and vegetables – a growing problem that needs a lot of attention to even attempt to resolve.  This is why I, along with my good friend Jorge Arredondo have established The Peas Foundation.  Our mission is to produce eating alternatives simply by partnering with a variety of agencies to combat poor nutrition and help raise awareness.  Over the next few months, I will be updating you on our progress and occasionally reaching out for assistance.

Thank you again for your continued support and friendship.  I wish each and every one of you a rewarding new decade, personally and professionally.  And don’t forget to…
Entertain Deliciously!

Chef Jamie