The Chef Dana Experience II
Another fabulous Chef Dana Experience was hosted on August 16, 2016. I was thrilled to find out that I would be able to attend a second event and be another featured guest food blogger! The first event that was previously hosted in June was out of this world. I just knew that Chef Dana would blow us out of our seats again with his scrumptious creations. For those of you who might not be familiar with Chef Dana, he is the winner of the 1st Season TLC’s Cake Boss: The Next Great Baker. He’s also been featured on the Food Network, Rachel Ray, WE TV’s Cake Wars and so much more. Not only is he a master at baking, but he’s also a genius when it comes to conjuring up a savory dish. To attend any event by Chef Dana means you will definitely experience some of the most delicious and brilliant dishes that you’ll ever taste in your life!
The one thing that I love about the Chef Dana experience is that it’s made to be a relaxed and intimate affair. There’s open conversation, great music is lightly playing and there’s always a great story told and cooking tips to be learned. I think this is something that all attendees enjoy very much, I know I personally love it. There’s nothing like being able to talk one on one with one of the greatest chef’s around.
The event started off with quite a bang! The first course was The Spring Bowl. This dish consisted of green onions, cilantro, lemongrass, peppers, butter, a pinch of ginger, a creamy edamame sauce, topped with Asian ginger chicken. This dish was nothing but sensational, the blend of flavors were a perfect harmony to my taste buds. The Spring Bowl became quite a favorite of the attendees that evening. With the way Chef Dana executed this dish, I am not surprised by how pleased the guests were after tasting it.
Now, off to the second course. We were served a Blackberry & Peach salad with feta cheese, candied walnuts (Chef Dana also told us how to make our own candied walnuts, awesome tip), served with a poppy seed dressing which consisted of champagne vinegar, walnut oil, and for sweetness agave nectar was added. Everything blended together so perfectly. I'm not as creative as Chef Dana when it comes to making salads. I was surprised to discover that blackberries go absolutely great in a salad! I’ll definitely be trying to recreate this one at home.
After enjoying two generous dishes, there was an intermezzo. We were served a refreshing lemon sorbet paired with a delightful basil spritzer which consisted of simple syrup, basil leaves, fresh lime juice and seltzer. Such a great way to cleanse your palate.
After all the anticipation, we were presented with the entree. Chef Dana served a wonderfully cooked pork tenderloin topped with a rosemary salsa. This entree was paired with sugar snaps sautéed in butter and freshly squeezed orange juice, along with a side of barley pilaf with golden beets, parsnips, celery onion shallots, chicken stock, thyme, salt and pepper. Such a savory and superb dish!
And finally, what we’ve all been waiting for…..dessert. Chef Dana created a beautiful dessert. This dish was a passion fruit and mango bombe with almond lace cookie, served with blueberries, dragon fruit, blackberries and raspberry sauce. The passion fruit and mango bombe had a beautiful light texture. The taste was purely sensational. And the pairing of the almond lace cookie with added fruit were a terrific touch. I loved every part of this dish. Oh yes, Chef Dana is absolutely phenomenal at what he does.
My second Chef Dana Experience was outstanding! I’ve been amazed with his talents and I have been blessed to experience first hand how brilliant he can be. He’s very articulate and extremely creative. Thank you so much Chef Dana for providing another unique opportunity to experience another unbelievable dining event! If you ever attend a Chef Dana Experience, expect to be completely amazed! For more information about Chef Dana Herbert, please visit www.dessertsbydana.com
