How lucky are we? Our daughter Jenny worked at The Modern, a Michelin starred restaurant in Manhattan, for 10 weeks for her externship for culinary school, and our whole family (plus girlfriends) were able to have dinner there together the day after her last shift. Hold on to your hats, I’m about to reveal an astonishing array of meticulously crafted dishes, but first……here’s Jenny, all dressed up in her uniform, on her last night working.She snagged me a look at the kitchen in back, and let me meet her chef. Only one word sums up that experience – PROUD! Especially when her chef said to me that she is very talented and is going places. Swoon!During her time at The Modern, Jenny was responsible for the Amuse Bouche (fluke tartare and cauliflower on the spoons) and Canapés. Can you see how many little small things go onto each one? Imagine making 70-120 of each of these every night, including making all of the individual ingredients that go into them? Her team really took care of us, so let me share the complete evening’s choices with you.
Jamón Iberico, and Harissa Vinaigrette“Pralines” of Foie Gras Terrine with Mango Purée and Balsamic VinegarDuo of Marinated Sardines with Artichoke, Ricotta Salata,
and Red Pepper-Green Olive VinaigretteSquid Ink Pasta with Sweetbreads, Quail Egg, and Pork BellySlow-Poached Farm Egg with Black Winter Truffle, Salsify, and Squid Ink SpaetzleMunster-Brie “Soufflé†with Almond Crumble and Heirloom Carrot ConsomméSturgeon and Sauerkraut Tart with American Caviar Mousseline and Applewood SmokeChorizo-Crusted Cod with White Coco Bean Purée and Harissa OilThomas Farm Rack of Lamb with Olive and Fines Herbes, Bacon Fondue,
and Crisp Spring OnionBrandt Family Skirt Steak with Zucchini Blossom, Roquefort, Piquillo Pepper, and Arugula JusPoached Rhubarb with Buttermilk Custard, Almond-Pistachio Crumble,
and Strawberry SorbetCaramel Parfait with Mango Ravioli, Coconut Tapioca, and Ten Flavor SorbetComplementary ChocolatesAnd while that may seem like a ton of food, I wasn’t even able to photograph some of the dishes the rest of the family had. Not to worry, you can find the full current menu here. For foodies like my daughter and me, this was a dining experience not to be missed!
