A delightful evening was spent by members of the Vancouver Branch at the catering operations of Savoury Chef — Catering...the Inside Story! We heard from owner Chef Taryn Wa the story of how her company evolved from a one person operation to a major catering company with 35 full-time and 100 part-time employees and the secrets of what made it work. Also, we were treated to the inside story of catering a dinner for two US Presidents, George Bush Senior and Junior, and the security surrounding them. The kitchens of the extensive facilities were then opened up before enjoying a delicious Asian inspired meal.
After canapés of Cured Albacore Tuna, Radish and Butter and Peking Style Duck accompanied by a glass or two of Jean Dalbray Brut Champagne, we saluted our long time member and past Membership Chairman, Gordon Wilcox, with the IW&FS Americas Silver Medallion, well-earned for his many years of service. Following our tour, the first course of our dinner was a Kazu Glazed Scallop with Pickled Napa Cabbage, Yuzu Mayo and Puffed Rice Furikaki and Tako Yaki with Mushrooms paired with a 2009 Balthasar Ress Schloss Reichartshausen Riesling Kabinett from the Rheingau. Our main course, served family style, was Crispy Pork Steak with Fish Sauce Caramel, Pickled Shallot, Cilantro, Spicy Crushed Cucumber Salad and Crispy Rice and Ling Cod with Clams and Kimchee, Sweet Sesame Soy Potato and Spinach paired with a 2008 CedarCreek Platinum Pinot Noir, Okanagan Valley — delicious flavours everywhere.
Our grande finale was a trio of desserts, Vietnamese Style Banana Cake with Coconut and Lime, Chinese Five Spice Crusted Profiteroles with Vanilla Pastry Cream and seasonal Berries and a Chinese Snow Fungus and Passion Fruit Gelée on a Creamy Chocolate Mousse paired with a delicious 2008 Sauternes from Château Bastor-Lamontagne — truly a wonderful finish to a superb meal!
Our thanks go to Chef Taryn Wa for her skills of presentation and cuisine, to her kitchen and service team, and to member David Spurrell for his informative presentation of the wines.
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