Over the years, The Cayman Islands Branch has enjoyed many events in our member’s home. There is something very special about those events where members open their homes to make a very intimate and special evening. Roger and Betty Lou Hendrickson have hosted quite a few such events and this one was extraordinary. Our Chef for the evening was Vanessa Elmas, who is also branch member. She is originally from Southern California. Vanessa studied Classic Pastry Arts, the Art of International Bread Baking and Classic Culinary Arts at the French Culinary Institute in New York City. Prior to moving to the Cayman Islands, Vanessa gained experience at Jean Georges and Le Bernardin both of which are ranked in San Pellegrino's Top 100 best restaurants in the world and have 3 Michelin Stars. Coming to Cayman to work at the restaurant “Ortanique”, as the Pastry Chef, she earned the “Best Dessert” Award at the ‘Taste of Cayman in 2013’. Vanessa resides in Grand Cayman with her husband Jeremy and is currently developing more style in her cooking and completing her first cookbook. The evening was an absolute delight to all members that attended.
Reception: Thai Inspired Cocoa-Peanut Chicken Satay Coconut Chili Sauce served with 2006 Kistler Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay, Los Carneros, California
First Course: Cocoa Crusted Scallops Cauliflower Cake, Sweet Corn Beurre Blanc, Mixed Baby Greens, Vermouth Vinaigrette accompanied by 2009 Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Cuvee Theo, Haut Rhin, Alsace
Second Course: Cocoa Mole Poblano Duck with Couscous, Roasted Root Vegetables with Sesame Seeds
Served with 2009 Seghesio "Old Vines" Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California
Dessert: Opera Cake – Chocolate, Coffee, and Hazelnut Layered to Perfection Fior di Latte Gelato and Cocoa Garnish accompanied with 1937 Maury, (fortified, 100% old vine grenache), South West France
The Finale - Cocoa Cabernet Truffles served with Mumm 1998
The evening was organized by Tessa Bodden and Becky Schulz and the wines were chosen by Paul Anderton and Andrew Jones.
Meal 1: Reception: Thai Inspired Cocoa-Peanut Chicken Satay Coconut Chili Sauce
Wine 1: 2006 Kistler Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay, Los Carneros, California
Meal 2: FIRST COURSE Cocoa Crusted Scallops Cauliflower Cake, Sweet Corn Beurre Blanc, Mixed Baby Greens, Vermouth Vinaigrette
Wine 2: 2009 Domaine Weinbach Gewurztraminer Cuvee Theo, Haut Rhin, Alsace
Meal 3: SECOND COURSE Cocoa Mole Poblano Duck Couscous Roasted Root Vegetables Sesame Seeds
Wine 3: 2009 Seghesio "Old Vines" Zinfandel, Sonoma County, California
Meal 4: DESSERT Opera Cake Chocolate Coffee and Hazelnut Layered to Perfection Fior di Latte Gelato Cocoa Garnish
Wine 4: 1937 Maury, (fortified, 100% old vine grenache), South West France
Meal 5: FINALE Cocoa Cabernet Truffles
Wine 5: Mumm 1998