Monday, September 30, 2013

Caja China Pig Roast


Last week we got in a special Caja China Pig Roaster.  The concept is pretty simple, an insulated wooden box with a drain pan in the bottom and protective metal sides topped with a metal tray that charcoal is spread on.  Essentially it is like an above ground version of a Hawaiian Emu.  The benefit is having a far quicker cooking time (4-5 hours as opposed to 9-12), ability to collect the flavorful roasting liquids and greater control over the internal temperature.  We tried out a 60 pound Berkshire pig and were very happy with the results. There are numerous possibilities for this tool.... oysters cooked in seaweed, bay-roasted pheasant, roasted root vegetables....



Friday, September 27, 2013

Harvest Season



It is harvest season in Central California.  All up and down the coast, vineyards are beginning to harvest this year's crop.  This week we are experimenting with some different grape varietals and considering how we can pay tribute to this special time of year.

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Lone Mountain Wagyu Update

The last batch of Lone Mountain Wagyu was simply incredible!  These steaks came from two grade nine ribeyes we got in last week.  Sadly unseasonably hot-dry weather means we won't see any more Lone Mountain beef for another month or two.  In the meantime I am going to be trying out some grass- finished wagyu from Australia that has been getting rave reviews.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Autumn Harvest



The Sierra Mar garden has reached its apex and Fiona and Anton are staying busy trying to keep up with the giant harvests.  Every day there are baskets of incredible produce being brought to the kitchen.





Friday, September 20, 2013


Freshly Harvested Garden Potatoes with Black Truffle, Caviar, Wild Fennel,
Nasturtium and Ash   - a dish by Elizabeth Murray.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Lamb with Autumn Shelling Beans


Chorizo-Wrapped Lamb Tenderloins with Braised Lamb Shank-Blue Corn Fritter, Fresh Heirloom Shelling Beans and Epazote.

Guest Pastry Chef Dinner and Eat The Art


We were honored to have chefs Will Goldfarb and Janice Wong join Sierra Mar Pastry Chef Yulanda Santos for a special pastry weekend.  On Saturday night we hosted a five-course dinner at a private home in Big Sur where the chefs displayed their skills in both the savory and sweet sides of the kitchen.  Fifteen lucky guests were able to experience the dinner of a lifetime prepared by international icons of the pastry world.

On Sunday the team worked with two talented local pastry chefs – Ben Spungin and Ron Mendoza- on an edible art exhibit and five-course pastry dinner at MEarth at the Carmel Middle School.  The event was a great success and helped support the MEarth program.

Thanks to Michael Troutman for some fantastic photos - you can see the full collection at http://dmtimaging.com/2013/intercontinentaldinner.htm.









Friday, September 13, 2013

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Can Anyone Identify These?


Two hints:
1) We found them in our garden
2) They can sell for $500 per pound

What are they?  The answer to come....

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Baby Octopus


Oak Roasted Baby Octopus with Fresh Garbanzo Beans, Crispy Garbanzo Beans and Heirloom Tomatoes.