Shadow Of The Wind: The Dinner

Last night, Monday July 16th was the third meeting of the Astoria Book & Supper Club, and it was a great success! I was so excited to get my Barcelona on, here's how it unfolded:  The first thing I knew I needed to get done on Sunday was: make the softrito for the paella and the romesco sauce for the third course.  Both recipes, which are slow cooked tomato-onion-garlic type sauces came from Ferran Adria's amazing cookbook, The Family Meal.  If you love to look at pictures in cookbooks more so than following the recipes, this is a must have.  I think it also makes one hell of a gift.  Moving on, Liza, my lovely sous chef came over and made the coconut flan, and other very helpful acts like slicing the manchengo and chorizo, grating the chocolate and roasting the peppers.  Meanwhile, I had been soaking bacalao for a little over 24 hours, and it was time to boil it.  I like to boil it in a half milk half water mixture for about 20 minutes.  After I boiled it, the bacalao flaked beautifully, and I processed it with boiled potatoes, butter, my seasoned salt, my fresh windowsill herbs and some clam juice.  I cleaned and trimmed the peppers, leaving the ones for the boquerones in some olive oil and white vinegar, and the rest as is for the paella.  Then I called it a day.

Monday afternoon, after I dismissed myself early from work, I bought 3 dozen shrimp, a pound of calamari and a bushel of mussels, and got myself home for some much anticipated paella making!  I had never made it before, and I was feeling pretty intimidated, but I rolled up my sleeves and got going.  First, I sauteed some boneless, skinless chicken thighs with some chorizo, took that out and fried the roasted peppers for a few minutes.  Then I fried up two serrano chilis in oil, added diced onion, then minced garlic.  Once translucent, I added the chicken, chorizo, white wine and the sofrito from the day before.  I let this all cook down and thicken, I tasted it and a-salted it.  Once thick enough, I added the stock, a mixture of chicken stock with: lobster consomme from the FCI (YES!) and ground saffron.   Next step was the one weighing on me, I had to evenly disperse the bomba rice throughout the paella pan, and NEVER TOUCH IT AGAIN.  That's a lot harder for me than it should be, and also the reason why my rice making skills end at risotto.  I let the paella do it's thing, paced around, cleaned, organized, prepared, stared at it, set the table...let's just say, good thing I had plenty to do to take away from just wanting to stir it.  When it seemed like the stock was half-way soaked through, I began to assemble the calamari rings, shrimp, peppers and peas to make it really pretty.  When it seems almost totally cooked through, I took it off the heat and covered it, knowing it still had a couple of hours before service.  Me and Liza organized, finished up some odd jobs, and soon enough, the guests arrived!

The Table is Set, I was going for a "gothic" Barcelona theme

The place setting and Shadow of the Wind menu and discussion questions

First Course: Chorizo & Manchengo, Roasted Pepper & Boquerone and Jamon Serrano & Manchengo on Pan de Tomate

 The guests arrived and took their seats, and I poured them a glass of cava.  They toasted, got to know each other, and then I presented them with the first course.  These were some of my favorite little bites, or Pinxtos as they're referred to, in Barcelona. 

Everyone seems to be enjoying their pinxtos

 The next course was the Bacalao and Potato mash, and I served it with some mashed up avoacado and lemon, a very refreshing course on such a hot day.  My guests approved of my change, since originally they were going to be fried croquettes.  It was a good change!

Second Course: Bacalao & Potato Mash with Lemony Avocado

Third Course: Paprkia-Roasted Potato and Camarones al Ajillo with Romesco Sauce

I was very happy with how the romesco sauce turned out, it was very cool and refreshing, and went very well with the potato and shrimp.  This dish was simple, easy and delicious.

The Paella!  I was very pleased...

Fourth Course: Paella served w/ mussels steamed in butter, wine and herbs

Don't you wish this was you right now?

I just like this picture.  I like to see my guests immersed in food and discussion!

The coconut flan

 So, after the success of the Paella, the next stomach churner was to see if the flan would look good and hold up once free from the pan.  Liza and I had over 24 hours to dwell on this, but, as you can see from the picture, everything turned out fine.  Thanks Liza!

Cocnut Flan with Chocolate Toast and Raspberries

 The chocolate toast was fine, not anything to go crazy for, but the flan everyone loved.  I'm not the biggest dessert person, so I don't always get what the big deal is, but people were definitely loving the flan! 

The Aftermath

So, the night came to a close, everyone was full, a little tipsy and they needed to go to work in the morning.  I have to say they were very satisfied, they loved the food, they discussed Shadow of the Wind (almost) the whole time, so I too was very satisfied.  They were great guests, and although I was stressed at some points, I'm already looking back on it as a very successful Astoria Book and Supper Club meeting that will actually be hard to beat.  I mean, Shadow of the Wind is a pretty awesome book, and Barcelona is a very tasty place!

Cancellation Policy! (cause nobody wants it to get awkward)

As I prepare for my third supper club, I think back on the first two "meetings" and the part I dread the most is the inevitable cancellation late in the game.  I totally understand that things come up, but I also need to protect myself from losing too much money.  I already feel awkward enough taking money from friends and acquaintances, who like myself live in one of the most expensive places on earth, and most likely are at many times, strapped for cash.  In exchange for the money I work very hard to create a beautiful, fun and comfortable setting for my guests, cook them a fabulous dinner and create some hopefully interesting discussion questions.  This all being said, here's what I think may be a fair cancellation policy:
I reconfirm one week from the dinner with my guests who have reserved a seat.
I typically begin my food shopping about three to four days prior to the supper.
If a cancellation happens 2 and 3 days before the event, I'm owed 50%.
The day before I'm owed 100%
The day of, I'm owed 100% and a reason that would make me feel really bad that I even asked what the reason was!
I hope most of this can be taken in jest, and that the policy won't ever have to be enforced!
Thanks to all who come and support, I really appreciate it, and have a lot of fun entertaining you!

Shadow of the Wind and El Xampanet

I had the fortunate experience of traveling to Barcelona for about a week a few years ago, and still haven't been able to get it out of my system.  I know everyone who goes loves it, and I feel like I have never heard a bad review of Barcelona.  The food is wonderful, the people are so warm and laid back, the climate is great, the layout is perfect, the markets are amazing, I can go on and on.  I love the lifestyle, and my friend Adrienne and I got very used to waking up, exploring and eating all on 'Barcelona' time.  I speak decent Italian and have picked up an ok Spanish vocabulary, so it was also pretty easy to to converse once I got my confidence up, IF I found a Catalonian who understood Spitalian...(speak Italian while inserting the Spanish words you've picked up over the years)...of course, when I really felt confident in using this technique, it was time to move on to France (bye-bye confidence)...
So, the last night of our stay in Barcelona, we saved the tapas bar, El Xampanet for our last meal.  I was so excited to try out this place.  It was hopping with lots of locals when we got there, and you kind of just have to fight your way to some seats, and tell the non-English, non-menu weilding waitress what you would like to eat.  So we're sitting in some seats (we got really lucky) amongst our  new-found friends, and the waitress is kind of just staring down at me with a "This place is mobbed, what the hell do you want to eat" kind of look on her face, and I spew out some Spitalian (luckily spanish food words are my specialty) and I order us a bunch of classic tapas and some cava.  She went away without really acknowledging anything, and I just hoped that we would be receiving something at some point in the near future.
We basically got everything I asked for, plus our Cava and all of it for 21 euro! Amazing!  We also got to sit with some pretty entertaining people, and the whole restaurant was there just to have some snacks, drinks and fun.  What a great place.
So, I was re-reading Shadow of the Wind the other day, and the author mentions the characters going to Xampanet.  I got really excited, because when I came up with the menu for the Shadow of the Wind dinner that's going to be held on July 16th, I really based it on my experience at Xampanet, so everything has kind of come full circle.  I just hope my tapas can hold up to theirs, can't wait to bring Barcelona to my apt!

The Interior Scene

A Birds-eye view of our tapas and cava

The Exterior Scene

A Shout-Out From The Fooditka!

My friend Judith posted about The Astoria Book and Supper Club on her blog, The Fooditka.  If you don't already follow her, she writes all about food, and food happenings mainly taking place in Astoria but really all over the place.  It's a fun blog, with lot's of info, so if it's your sort of thing, check it out! 

http://www.fooditka.com/2012/06/astorias-new-supper-book-club.html

The Shadow of the Wind: The Menu

Shadow of the Wind, The Menu:

 A refreshing glass of Cava to start, sangria
to be served with dinner

Trio of “Pintxos” served on pan di tomate:
Boquerones
Fresh anchovies and roasted pepper
Serrano Ham and Manchengo
Cured Chorizo and Manchengo

Croquetas de Bacalao served with mashed avocado and lemon
Cod and Potato Croquettes

Paprika Roasted Potatoes and Shrimp al Ajillo (in garlic)
served with Romesco sauce

Seafood and Chorizo Paella

Coconut Flan and Chocolate Toast

Feel free to ask me any questions about the menu.

The dinner will be served on Monday, July 16th 2012

Please try to arrive between 7-7:15, dinner will be served promptly @ 7:30 so all guests could eat, drink and merrily discuss the book, but not be too tired to wake up on Tuesday morning (or if you are, don't blame me!).  The meal is $40, add $15 for unlimited drinks.  Enjoy the book, I can't wait to cook!

email me with questions/to reserve a seat: Leeya448@gmail.com

The Shadow of the Wind, Viva Barcelona!

It has been decided that the next meeting of the Astoria Book and Supper Club will be for the book, The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.  Below is a brief plot summary according to Wikipedia:

The novel, set in post–Spanish Civil War Barcelona, concerns a young boy, Daniel Sempere. Just after the war, Daniel's father takes him to the secret Cemetery of Forgotten Books, a huge library of old, forgotten titles lovingly preserved by a select few initiates. According to tradition, everyone initiated to this secret place is allowed to take one book from it and must protect it for life. Daniel selects a book called The Shadow of the Wind by Julián Carax. That night he takes the book home and reads it, completely engrossed. Daniel then attempts to look for other books by this unknown author but can find none. All he comes across are stories of a strange man – calling himself Laín Coubert, after a character in the book who happens to be the Devil – who has been seeking out Carax's books for decades, buying them all and burning them.

This book is definitely for book lovers, and it's a quick, fun read-perfect for summer.  It's full of suspense and intrigue, and it just happens to take place in Barcelona, a city full of delicious treats.  I'm thinking paella, boquerones, olives, croquettes, pan con tomate, jamon, sangria and cava...

So, get yourself a copy of the book if you don't have one already, and we'll meet on a Monday night towards the end of July to discuss and feast Barcelona style (only this dinner will be served before 10 PM, unfortunately).

The Great Gatsby Brunch, May 20th 2012

It all feels kind of like a dream and a blur to piece my Gatsby weekend together.  It started on Saturday morning with a trip into the city for some of my key ingredients.  It was a perfect spring day, and the tourists were definitely in bloom.  First stop was a mobbed Russ and Daughters, the famous lox emporium on the Lower East Side.  I bought a pound of the Norwegian smoked salmon for the salmon and cucumber sandwiches, and I bought myself an everything bagel with their gaspe lox.  I walked up to Union Square, and sat and enjoyed my bagel.  I made some produce purchases at the Farmer's market, and bought a few items at the Whole Foods.  I was very happy to find and purchase these California artichokes for my "East Egg" dish.

When I returned to Astoria, I stopped by the fish store under the train @ the Ditmars stop (Greek writing on the awning, no idea what it's called) and bought the Lump crab meat for my crab remoulade.  Then I head over to my brother's apartment and he kindly drove me around to some of my favorite local places to shop.  Hands down the best wine shop in Astoria, Off The Vine is my favorite place to shop for wine, where the owner is always happy to point you in the right direction.  I picked up 7 bottles of prosecco, and then walked across the street to Sorriso's to pick up some prosciutto for my "West Egg" and Pork Wellington.  Last stop was Berry Fresh Farms, my local grocery store that has recently expanded, plus they have the lowest prices in town.  We grabbed some kebabs at Balkh Shish Kebab, which I've been wanting to try (it's very good), I sat on my couch for a bit, and then began my cooking at 8:00.  I broke down a chicken and boiled it as if I were making chicken soup, for the Waldorf chicken salad.  I made my red onion "mustard" and marinated and grilled the ham for the spiced ham and pineapple sandwiches.  I carved the artichoke hearts and boiled them with some flour, water, lemon, salt and olive oil.  I set the table.  Every time I thought I was done, I thought of other things I can do to be as prepared as possible on Sunday morning. My dreams of sitting down with a glass of wine and watching Mick host SNL were "Shattered", when I decided to hard boil some eggs, make the jello and the jalapeno and chive cream cheese.  I got to bed a little after one, and in the morning I bought more lemons and oranges, a large cup of coffee and got back into the kitchen (where I belong)...
I spent the beginning of the morning chopping away.  I did the fruit cocktail, chicken salad, crab remoulade and stuffing for the "West Egg".  I wrapped the pork tenderloin, cleaned, and prepped.  At 1:45, my helper/server/brother showed up and I got him to work on juicing and muddling the citrus and mint for the prosecco cocktails while I put together the 3 tea sandwiches and made sure everything was presentable(sort of).

The Table is set for the guests, the tea sandwiches were laid out, and the table was decorated with oranges and lemons

The Menu

"Every Friday five crates of oranges and lemons arrived from a fruiterer in New York — every Monday these same oranges and lemons left his back door in a pyramid of pulpless halves." -The Great Gatsby

The salmon and cucumber sandwich was a layer of the jalapeno and chive cream cheese, the salmon and then cucumber, all on top of rye points.

For the crab remoulade I made circles out of some potato bread and griddled both sides in a little bit of butter before topping it with the crab meat that I tossed in my own version of remoulade sauce.

 I layered my red onion mustard, pineapple and the grilled spiced ham on pumpernickel points

While the brunch goers feasted in the sammies, I got to work on the second course, the dreaded East Egg Vs. West egg.  My reasons for dreading this was that in order to get it on the table, I had to poach six eggs perfectly and make the hollandaise sauce all at the same time.  I knew that if I could do this, the rest of the brunch would be pretty simple.  Luckily, everything came together fine.  I was very pleased.

East Egg Vs. West Egg.  The East egg represents tradition and old money, this is where Tom and Daisy live.  The West Egg represents the changing times and new money, this is where Gatsby lives.

East Egg: artichoke heart, poached egg and Sauce Hollandaise

West Egg: dill, scallion, avocado, feta and caper stuffed egg

While this course was served, I threw the Pork Wellington into the oven and prepared the Waldorf Chicken salad.  Basically, it is my chicken salad recipe served over mixed greens, radishes and apples, then topped with grapes and toasted walnuts.

Waldorf Chicken Salad

Prosecco with muddled citrus and mint

The Pork Wellington came out of the oven, and after sitting for a while, I sliced and served it.  I stuffed the pork tenderloin with dried apricots and fresh herbs from my windowsill. I wrapped it in prosciutto, and then brushed it with grain mustard and wrapped that in pie crust.

Pork Wellington

On to dessert!  I made gin-soaked jello and fruit cocktail.  These desserts were inspired by the fact that jello and canned fruit cocktail first came to be and were very popular in the 1920s.  The gin-soaked factor of course comes from prohibition.  I infused my own gin with cucumber and ginger for about two weeks, and followed the jello recipe, but used gin in lieu of water.  The fruit cocktail was a combination of strawberries, pineapple, grapes and cherries.  I tossed them with lime, confectioner's sugar and a drop of vanilla.  At the last minute I decided to literally whip up some whipped cream, I think much to everyone's delight.  I mean, dessert needs to be a little fattening!

Dessert

The Whipped Cream

Gin-Soaked Jello (strawberry or lime!)

The Fruit Cocktail

 The second meeting of the Astoria Book and Supper Club was a lot different from the first, and I think they probably all will be.  As long as I'm satisfied with what I've cooked, and my guests are full and happy, I think this supper club will be a success.  Poor Gatsby....:(