August 11, 2007: Summer Picnic
Private Residence on Lake Johanna
Homeowners Arlene and Bob
Hosts: Chargée de Presse Margaret Leto
and Chef Grillardin Kaj Sorensen, C.M.C
Location: The home of Dr. Arlene Boutin, M.D.
and Chevalier Robert Meinzer
Photography courtesy of Robert Meinzer
and Sandra Cornelius
May we offer you a chair? Prepare yourselves for a summer treat!
It's hot and humid in Minneapolis this afternoon, but there is a cool breeze from the lake. The serving staff stands ready with an impressive array of wines:
Louis Bouillot, Brut, Crément de Bourgogne
Bourgogne Chardonnay, "Cuvée Alexis"
Marchand Gevrey-Chambertin, 2004
Domaine Lafond Tavel, 2005
Lancaster Reserve Alexander Valley Cabernet, 1997
Umberto Fiore Moscato d'Asti, 2006
Chef Kaj Sorensen has decided to present the food as it is prepared because the day is simply too warm to allow the food to stand. Let's see what he has to offer us...
We begin with:
Appetizers:
Grilled Sweet Onion Tart with Feta Cheese and Black Olives
Lime Marinated Fresh Florida Gulf Shrimp
Salmon Terrine with Lemon Confit, Leek Saffron Sauce
followed a bit later by:
Additional Appetizers:
Chicken Basil Pâté with Tomato Concassé
Veal Pâté with Pistachios and Cornichons
Bread Display
Chef Kaj takes center stage for his Pièce de Résistance...
Entrée Selections:
Spit Roasted Baron of Lamb, Maitre D’ Hotel
Tenderloin of Beef Sur Le Cendre (cooked in a salt
crust), Sauce Béarnaise
Accompaniments:
Chilled Fingerling Potato Hash with
Smokehouse Pork Tenderloin
Asparagus with Citrus Marinade
Haricots Verts and Piment Salad
Heirloom Tomato, Fresh Mozzarella and
Basil with Balsamic Vinaigrette
(We have it on good authority that the seven species of Heirloom tomatoes served were grown from seed by Chef Kaj in his home garden.)
It's dark now and we are a little too content with life to worry about photographs...
Dessert:
Danish Lag Kage
Cold Chocolate Covered Almond Soufflé with Strawberries
Assorted Cheeses