Category Archives: Food Tales

Chocolate Art at Four Seasons Prague

Believe it or not, DNA was the topic of the conversation around the candlelit dining table at the exclusive Allegro Italian restaurant located within the Four Seasons Prague. A decadent orgy of multiple courses, each one a scrumptious blending of the finest, fresh ingredients with a masters touch unfolded. When dessert time arrived, an insatiable desire for chocolate teased our genes. Chef Andrea Accordi, under whose direction the kitchen became the first in the former Eastern Block to be awarded a Michelin star, and his staff arranged a chocolate art presentation at our table. How exotically fabulous.

A white cloth was positioned upon the table amidst an array of nugget-filled containers. An enthusiastic chef drizzled a sweet red liquid in an abstract design which I am told was beetroot sauce, but I would never have guessed. Then, he scattered candied orange and lemon rind around the delicacy, followed by candied kumquats. Rolled pieces of whiskey truffle bonbons were strategically placed as we witnessed awestruck an edible masterpiece sculptured before our eyes.

A small rectangular slice of frozen chocolate mousse was added near the center along with a triangular Earl Gray gelato, further garnished by seductive frozen jasmine foam dollops. Delectable spoonfuls of a chocolate hazelnut blend known as a croccantino adorned the whole along with sprinkled pistachio nuts. Lastly, the lively artistic creation was topped off with warm and heavenly chocolate sauce.

Then, each of us leered at each other, laughed, picked up our spoons and scooped to our hearts desire. A fusion of the finest chocolatier and ice cream shoppe enveloped our palate. An indulgence over the top, but wicked fun and a delightfully interactive way to end an elegant evening.

Read this and other food blog articles posted on Wanderfood Wednesdays.

If You Go

Four Seasons Hotel Prague

Rooms with a View — The Four Seasons rests on what many call prime real estate- the location with the best views of the city.  (I agree!) Some rooms offer the awe inspiring sight of the Charles Bridge and Prague castle, a scene that’s stood the test of time and one that will never lose its magnificence. 

Antlers Restaurant: Not for Stuffed Shirts

Restaurant Review

Michigan:  Sault Ste. Marie

Antlers Restaurant attracts a group who like to hang out at the bar. They tend to be outlandish and wild, yet remain in a state of suspended animation. They definitely don’t belong in the stuffed shirt preppy crowd. You see, some of Antlers loyal patrons dangle from the rafters and walls– they are actually taxidermy critters, often sprouting expansive racks. 

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Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard cooks for James Beard House

Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard
Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard

Should you walk down Cathedral Street in St. Augustine and catch a whiff of sensuous aromas coming from Bistro de Leon, I dare you not to enter. This casual French-style eatery is one of my favorite local restaurants. I enjoy if for the small tables bunched together that create a warm and casual atmosphere. I like buying items from the display case to take home. But, what I truly love is the food prepared by Chef Jean-Stephane Poinard.

Poinard is a 5th generation chef brought up in the gastronomic capital of Lyon, France where his family owned Hotel Restaurant de Paris. He is also  a member of the exclusive Les Toques Blanches Lyonnaises, one of the privileged chefs invited into the rare fraternity of only 100 members.  French home cuisine “la cuisine de meres” is what has propelled Poinard to the top of the elitist gastronomic scene since 1998.

On Friday, November 18, 2011 he will be the honored Chef at New York City’s James Beard House, preparing a 7-course dinner for eighty guests. What an accolade for Chef Jean-Stephane and St. Augustine.

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