Friends, family, and followers of this blog may know that every year around the December-January holidays, I share a rather extravagant meal with my best friend since childhood, Al. We've engaged in this tradition since 2007.
This was my second trip to WD~50 (having gone the previous year with Leah), and my 6th annual dinner with Al. This was a wonderful evening, though it tastes bittersweet now that WD~50 is gone. I'm glad I had the privilege of eating there on several occasions before the final closure a few years later.
Cocktails
Unquiet American - Smoked Vermouth, Campari, CO2
Sofa Jockey Julep - Root Beer, Cherry, Rum, Bourbon
We had each ordered a cocktail before being delightfully surprised by a nice bottle of Cava Reserva, compliments of Al's then-GF (now wife) Megan. He really chose wisely with her! We also subsequently ordered the full beverage pairing, and I recall this as being among the drunkest I've ever stumbled out of a restaurant.
Nigiri
Salsify, Seaweed, Sesame
I don't recall much about this dish, aside from it being our least favorite. The flavor was slightly astringent, and the detailed components didn't add up to anything interesting (other than being visually striking).
Sweet Shrimp
"Pine Needles", Chestnut, Cranberry
An interesting late fall dish which we found creative and tasty.
"Pho Gras"
Foie Gras, Pho Noodles & Broth, Hoisin Sauce, Puffed Beef Fat
A truly standout concept. The broth was rich and the foie delectable. Everything came together beautifully with pleasing contrasts in temperature and texture.
"Peas & Carrots"
Duck Yolk, Chicken Confit, Peas, Carrots
This one felt slightly more novelty. While the chicken and yolk in the center were moist, the overall dish ate dry.
Veal
Veal Brisket, Za'atar, Plum, Mustard
One of our favorites of the night. This concept simulated a sort of deli platter. The large tan puffs were dehydrated mustard - eating a full bite with everything mixed together evoked a ham sandwich taken to the nth degree.
Crab Toast
Saffron, Kaffir-Yogurt, Arare
This was another one that wasn't a hit, having not much flavor to speak of despite the normally pungent ingredients.
Snapper
Squash, Cherry, Juniper, Cous Cous Squared
This began a trio of pretty incredible mains. The squash was the real highlight here.
Squab
Deep Fried Tomato Hummus, Pickled Turnips, Tzatziki
I dug in before remembering to take a photo, but you can still can an idea of what this wonderful Greek-inspired dish looked like.
Wagyu Flat Iron
Mushroom Jerky, Grape, Verjus
The mushroom jerky truly had a beef-like quality. It's not listed in my notes, but I believe the big tan cracker object was a solidified béarnaise.
Jasmine Custard
Cucumber, Honeydew, Chartreuse
The first of three desserts, and a big hit. It was almost like a frozen, herbal crème brûlée, riffing on the idea of cracking a shell to get at the custard underneath.
Yuzu Milk Ice
Hazelnut, Jackfruit, Basil
Light and flavorful, this worked well placed in-between the herbal jasmine dessert and the very rich finale.
S-Mores
Bitter Cocoa, Meringue, Black Currant
One of the more delightful takes on s'mores that I've ever had, this hit all the right notes. The edible stick was a nice touch as well.
Mignardise
White Chocolate, Gjetost
These lovely little bites ended our meal in memorable fashion - the white chocolate and slightly sour goat cheese paired wonderfully.
