The night was set for a great time: Hollywood Blvd, private dinner, famed chef… to say the least, expectations were high.
As I walked into the 9-foot high loft space, I immediately felt the βgood vibesβ. The dinner event was created by TFN Media as apart of their monthly food experiences.
LA Chef – Teresa Montano curated a 5-course tasting dinner using Mind Fish Co. tuna which is sourced from sustainable fishing practices in the Maldives. The environmentally friendly dynamic of Mind Fish Co. is particularly important because global warming issues and pollution in the sea are becoming more apparent each day. All of which can affect our bodies if we put in the wrong things. But no need to worry, Mind Fish Co. is here.
Now letβs get down to the food!
I can start by saying Chef Teresa Montano did an amazing job. Each dish had a unique yet consistent taste to it. All of which paired really well with wine complimentary of Antalva Imports.
The appetizer was subtle. A good start to the night. It included βTuna and anchovy goat butter toast with roasted radish and herbsβ all of which paired well together.
Course 1 was βBasque tuna and avocado salad with piquillo pepper and sherry vinaigretteβ. The tuna covered around avocado made for a delightful bite. The colors looked amazing together as well.
Course 2 was βTuna cacio y pepe with pecorino romano, meyer lemon, pink and black peppercornβ. This was my favorite dish because it was simple. I felt like I could make it at home. The pasta, the hint of tuna and the kick of lemon were perfect.
Course 3 was βMarmitako de atun with lobster dashi, cherry tomato, new potato, and pimentoβ. I absolutely loved this dish. The soup and lobster dynamic was great. The tiny unpeeled potato gave it a great balance as well.
The main course was βPorchetta tonnato with spring vegetables and quail eggβ. This was the absolute highlight of the night. It was a perfect mix of flavors. The porchetta was soft and moist and just melted in your mouth. It was a fantastic display of artistry and knowing exactly how to end a 5-course meal. Bravo Chef Teresa Montano. Bravo!
But wait thereβs more!
Dessert was βCrema Catalana with citrus, cinnamon, and sherry poached blueberriesβ. The person sitting across from me laughed at my facial expression when I tasted it. The look on my face was pure joy. Iβve never tasted such rich flavor pairings like this before. It was wonderful. The night was magical. Everything was perfect!
Chef Teresa Montano is currently working on her new conceptΒ OtoΓ±o which is set to open its doors in Los Angelesβs Highland Park neighborhood in May. OtoΓ±o will be a progressive Spanish-inspired restaurant concept exploring tapas and paella beyond the traditional and through a modern, urban lens.
Iβll definitely be making reservations.
-Hakeem Animashaun
