Phillip Yin's Birthday Celebration!!

This was such a fun theme to work with. The idea was a pub-style party with a bar menu.

On the Menu

Slider Burgers: My special ingredient in this item is Chinese Five Spice. Commonly used with other meats, this spice proved to make for an incredible-tasting burger.

     Beef Sliders: Really good blend of onion and garlic with the beef, though the most important thing that still remains to be praised is salt. Well-salted beef can make a world of difference.

     Turkey Sliders: This was the top item on the menu. The turkey burgers not only offer a leaner choice, but when seasoned with the Chinese Five Spice, make a combination that is beyond expectation.

      Toasted Buns, Sweet Pickles, Chili Pepper Aioli

      Cheeses: Jack, Aged Cheddar, Swiss and Havarti

   

     Sauteed Mushrooms were offered as a vegetarian option. First sweated to pull out the mushroom flavor, and then sauteed in a simple butter and white wine combo with some garlic.

Garlic Fries: Simple and easy. Once the fries are cooked, just toss with parsley, garlic, salt and pepper.

Sweet Potato Fries: A popular alternative to regular fries, the sweet potatoes are simply cooked and then salted. Though one thought did come up for the future: tossing them in a combo of salt and pepper, with either a cinnamon and sugar mixture or simply sugar!

Pea Crostini: Unfortunately, there is no picture for this because everyone went through them so fast. Though if you go back to previous posts in my blog, you may find a good picture of this dish.

A great combo for an appetizer that includes peas (frozen or fresh, not canned), garlic, olive oil and salt, blended together in a food processor. Once mixed, add on top of a toasted thin-sliced piece of bread, preferably a rustic French-style bread. One day old works perfectly. And lastly, a cherry tomato halved adds a final acidic splash to pull this appetizer together!