Farestart Guest Chef Dinner

Last year I had planned to go to a dinner at Lola Seattle that Jean Layton, a fellow food blogger, was organizing before IFBC. Unfortunately I had to cancel at the last minute due to an illness. Luckily she organized another dinner this year and I was actually able to go. This time she made us reservations for about 14 of us at Farestart. I had heard of the restaurant but didn’t really know much about it. They have a culinary training program to help the homeless and disadvantaged. They also help them with job placement after they graduate from the program. Our reservation happened to be on graduation night though I didn’t arrive early enough to see the graduation.

Not only was it graduation night, but it was also Guest Chef night. Our featured chef was Chef JP Ponticelli from Tulalip Resort Casino. They were very understanding with the various food restrictions: gluten free, vegetarian and I think there were a few others. All the dishes that came out for those with restrictions looked just as good as rest. We left the wine pairings up to Alina of One Girl, One Glass, One World. She did a great job picking out the wines for us. I had a long drive home so I didn’t drink too much but I did give all four a try and as usual, my favorite was the red, the Kudos Pino Noir.

1st Course

Amuse Bouche: Fantail Shrimp Cocktail Spoon with celery root relish
Wine: Bateux – 2014 Sauvignon Blanc

2nd Course

Salad: Cucumber of baby greens, local baby greens, Rogue Creamery Oregon blue cheese, baby heirloom tomatoes, citrus basil vinaigrette
Wine: Koi Pond Cellars – Blushing Geisha

3rd Course

Entree: Grilled Hawaiian Broadbill Swordfish, herb-chive blossom butter, matchstick vegetables, Parisian potatoes, lemon chive butter reduction
Wine: Kudos – 2012 Pinot Noir

4th Course

Dessert: Peach Melba, Vanilla Bean Panna Cotta, Poached Peaches, Raspberries, Toasted Almond Tuile
Wine: Rosa Regale – Sparkling Red