Meet the Parents - Saturday, October 14, 2006

Actually, Ray and I have already met each other's parents. But this was the first time our parents met each other. The Lius invited everyone to dinner at Koi Palace (tastiest, crispiest Peking duck ever!) Saturday night, and then the Chows reciprocated with dim sum brunch at Dynasty the next day.

The Dinner Menu, Part 1 - Thursday, September 21, 2006

We decided on the Menu Gastronomique, one with wine pairing.

First Course
Ray chose the Foie Gras Two Ways (Concord Grape, Candied Walnut, Brioche), with 2004 Dr. Loosen Riesling from Germany.



I had the Chilled Summer Squash Soup, with cherry tomato confit, anchovy, and marjoram.



Second Course
Ray had Blue Hawaiian Prawns, with grilled watermelon, cucumber consomme, and Bellweather Farms ricotta, paired with 2004 Glen Carlou Chardonnay from Paarl, South Africa.



I chose Olive Oil Poached Black Cod with Ostetra caviar, braised leeks, and oyster foam.

The Dinner Menu, Part 2 - Thursday, September 21, 2006

Palate Cleanser
"Flavor King" Plum Sorbet, soju plum consomme



Third Course
Although I'm usually very much against this sort of thing, we both went for the Slow Poached Beef Tenderloin, with black truffle/taleggio whipped potatoes, grilled radicchio, and oxtail jus, paired with 2001 Grover Street Cabernet Sauvignon, from the Alexander Valley, California. We were not disappointed.

The Dinner Menu, Part 3 - Thursday, September 21, 2006

Fourth Course
I was delighted when Ray decided on the Warm Raspberry and Almond Tart (frangiapane, amaretto ice cream, almond milk)



so that I could order the Variations on Fig, Coffee, and Milk Chocolate (pot de creme, candy stripe figs, coffee grue).



Extras
As if the champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and sorbet weren't enough, they wouldn't let us leave without one last surprise. Something fried and crunchy, the tiniest madeleines I've ever seen, and the tastiest little fruit roll up I've ever had.