A MATFER MOMENT: FABULOUS FOOD & FESTIVE FLOWERS
By Mara Papatheodorou, your Tastes & Traditions Expert
Matfer’s passion for taste transcended to The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California where the scene was set for guests to enjoy one enchanted evening. And enjoy it they did. Phenomenal food and fantastic flowers were perfectly paired at this amazing Field to Vase dinner for 130 special guests.
Guests sipped wine and enjoyed a magical meal prepared by Marissa Gerlach, Executive Chef of the Vista Valley Country Club. She created delectable dishes-from appetizers to sides, mains and dessert-that were inspired by the flowers themselves. As she said,” The farm to table movement is a concept I believe in and fully support. I like that Fields to Vase does the same. When I am planning and preparing a menu, the amazing bounty of organically grown local Californian ingredients are my daily inspiration. Spring fruits, herbs and vegetables are as colorfully vibrant as these amazing floral fields. It was a fun challenge and honor to create this menu using Matfer’s excellent products from preparation to presentation alongside the gorgeous flowers.” Everything was the best of the best behind the scenes and at the table within the stunning setting of the Field of Flowers.
Incredbily delicious and pretty appetizers prepared in the Matfer Bourgeat Flexipan Savarin Mold
Delicious pickled beets and fresh whipped butter beautifully prepared by Chef Marissa Gerlach and housed in Matfer Mason Jars.
Heirloom Tomato Crostini with Cured Meyer Lemon, Goat Cheese, Charred Eggplant & Thyme
Marissa says, “I adore heirloom tomatoes and their beautiful hues of oranges and yellows were the ideal match for the ravishing ranunculus in the same tones. I used Matfer’s long handled terrific tweezers to build each crostini with the various elements including the basil flower garnish”.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Wild Ramp Aioli and Pineapple Chives
“Scallops and bacon are great together and I loved using the Matfer Mise en Bouche Spoon to present them. It was the perfect classic yet modern mix!” exclaims Marissa.
Chef Marissa Gerlach from Vista Valley Country Club Grilled Carrots, Green Garlic Pea Puree, Walnuts, Mint & Smoked Salt
The Beauty of Beets! Marissa admits, “Beets are just so versatile and beautiful. I do a lot of pickling and I’m so glad I could use the Matfer Appetizer Jars to present elements like the Beets and Meyer Lemons on the table. This Blackberry Beet Salad with the Goat Cheese, Fennel and Spring Mix garnished with toasted Almonds, Tarragon and White Balsamic Vinagrette complemented the rich red and magenta flowers incredibly well. Flowers and food really blended beautifully.”
Salmon Creek All Natural Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Raspberry and Rhubarb Chutney
Grilled Asparagus with Crispy Prosciutto & Lemon Aioli
Marissa explains, “Pork is a main course favorite of mine especially when roasted and served with chutney. The sweet and sour contrasts of the raspberry and rhubarb with the deep flavor of the meat just works and its so pretty! With the side dishes I wanted them to complement the pork as well as acknowledge the beauty of the table scene and the environment. I wanted everything to exude freshness and festivity. Grilling is so pure and nothing says spring like bright orange carrots and lovely green peas and asparagus”.
Carrot Cake Pineapple, Walnuts, Raisins & Candied Carrots with Cream Cheese
Marissa acknowledges, “I wanted to end with something special and I love making this dessert! It just felt like it belonged on this menu because the orange carrots with pineapple aligned well with the orange and yellow blooms. And of course the fresh flowers on top were the ideal finish. Using Matfer’s bright green piping pastry bag and tips made it extra smooth”.
Matfer Bourgeat is a proud sponsor of the Field to Vase Dinner Tour, a series of private, intimate, must-attend gatherings that place seasonal, local and sustainable American Grown flowers at the center of the table where locally grown food, beer, and wine is served by a farm-to-table chef.
Join Matfer at the next Field to Vase Dinner Event on June 19th in Monterey, CA. For details on the upcoming event and to purchase your tickets, click here. Bonus! Matfer Bourgeat customers receive $35 off the ticket price with promo code: MATFERUSA