VIP Private Chef Review
She was sweet. She was congenial, patient, and accommodating. It’s no wonder why her husband continues to choose her over and over again. He was strong, his presence was felt but I felt comfortable, and not out of place.
The Noel house hold was a safe space for me. They provided a clean and comfortable atmosphere to do what I do best; and that was cook.
For the first course, I prepared a roasted squash, caramelized fig, and feta cheese salad. It was early December; the air was cold, but fell flat in the warm mist that laid upon the D.C. Metro that night. My girlfriend at the time accompanied me on the trip. I like it when she comes. It gives me the boost that I need to know that no matter what happens; I know I’d be smiling in the end. We roasted the squash on a sheet tray tossed in olive oil, salt, & pepper. As the squash was turning the corner, we did the same with the fig until tinder. I’m not a fan of fig, but the balance of flavor between the extra virgin olive oil, salt, and the subtle sweetness from the vegetable-like fruits gave the salad this rich nutty taste. It’s a shame that I don’t remember where I got the recipe because I tweaked it so many times.
Next was the lamb. I know, cliche. I prepared a rack of lamb seared in a pan, then roasted until medium well. Marinated in an herb dressing, the lamb came out tinder, and juicy. I honestly surprised myself with that one actually. It’s like sometimes when cooking my brain goes into auto-pilot and I suddenly am not worried if it was 3 tsp or 3tbsp; I just season until it either, tastes, looks, or smells good. The Noel’s were pleased. The quaintly satisfied looks on their face accompanied by the ever-flowing conversation between these two showed that we were in agreement. We were connecting, all of us, through food.
Lastly, was the bread pudding. I’m not running that dish currently on the winter menu, but she insisted I made her husbands favorite dessert for his 40th birthday, and I obliged. We used fresh baked bread. I don’t know what it is but cooking brings people together. My now ex-girlfriend made the dish. She took her time, and was focused. A little too focused. I knew that look. The I don’t want to mess up look. But I told her to loosen up and take her time; and she did just that. The bread pudding was amazing, so good that I (a non pudding eater), even had two shares. The project was a success and I am grateful for the people in that kitchen that night. We bonded, laughed, and had a real-human experience. And for that, I am thankful.
