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Daughter of two professional chefs provides a young adult's perspective on food, restaurants, and eating!! follow us on facebook @Francis Xavier

Author: Chef Francis Xavier

The CD Guide to Pizza

The CD Guide to Pizza

Home Made Pizza is an art, but for myself, its about the forgiving crust – something that rises and bubbles with texture but does not require to be perfect. Practice, Practice – Not Perfect, try again. Long tried at home is dough from the Wolfgang […]

Orangery reminded. From St. Nicks Tangerine to Grandma Ella’s Orange Marmalade

Orangery reminded. From St. Nicks Tangerine to Grandma Ella’s Orange Marmalade

As the tradition goes, St. Nick visits during the night, leaving a Tangerine in the shoes of c, a small but sweet symbol of generosity. the bright citrus fruit , often nestled among stockings or tucked inside boots, is a reminder of the simple joys […]

Travelers Adventure Populus Hotel

Travelers Adventure Populus Hotel

The evening unfolds. The journey from the Christkindl market at Denver’s Civic Center Park to the Populus Hotel is a seamless transition. The charm of the ChristKindl market to the contemporary elegance of the Populus Hotel offers travelers a unique way to experience Denver during the holidays. Each vendor adding their own authenticity where tradition meets innovation.

For those seeking destination that captures the essence of the season, Denver’s Christkindl market and Populus Hotel provide an unforgettable paring. Here, the sights, sounds and tastes of the holidays come together in perfect harmony, making it a must for any winter wanderer.

On the tenth floor, the city opens up in breathtaking panorama. From here, the City and County Building is transformed into a dazzling canvas of holiday lights. Perfect blending of modern luxury and seasonal magic.

Travelers Culinary Adventure – Denver’s Christkindl Market … Charming .

Travelers Culinary Adventure – Denver’s Christkindl Market … Charming .

Denver‘s Christkindl Market at Denver’s Civic Center park feels like stepping into a snow globe scene. Brought to life with the glowing Mile High Tree, wooden stalls and adorned with twinkling lights, beckons travelers with the promise of ornaments, aroma of perogies, bratwurst, sizzling salmon, […]

A tale of Two Cities: Two Burgers in Two Days.

A tale of Two Cities: Two Burgers in Two Days.

The Cherry Creek Cricket stands as an institution known for local flair and unpretentious charm, customizable menu. The Cricket is synonymous with comfort. Patrons gather around tables scattered with baskets of crispy fries, sandwiches, creating am atmosphere of Cheery Creek’s affluent yet laid back vibe. […]

Symbiotic Exchange: NADC Burger and the Culture of the Heart of Denver, Larimer Square.

Symbiotic Exchange: NADC Burger and the Culture of the Heart of Denver, Larimer Square.

In the heart of Denver’s historic Larimer Square , NADC Burger represents a fusion of tradition and modern creativity. What is a bold collaboration between Michelin Starred Chef Philip Frankland and Skateboarder Neen Williams with a flair of reinvention is a hotspot as vibrant as the square.

Larimer Square, known for classic historic architecture and cultural events, provides the back drop for NADC’s innovative approach to the classic burger. The juxtaposition of old world charm with the restaurants contemporary energy creates a unique cultural exchange. The restaurant brings an eclectic crowd, blending a cultural exchange. At its core, the partnership between NADC Burgers and Larimer Square highlights how culinary innovation and historical preservation do co-exist. Flavors Bold, Classic and Unexpected.

Traveler’s Culinary Adventure – Breaking Bread with Colleagues

Traveler’s Culinary Adventure – Breaking Bread with Colleagues

Traveling for work has always been about more than the new job or seeing new places -it’s about connections over shared meals. One of those moments is breaking bread with friends. My colleague introduced me to a dish called Burek, a family dish made by […]

Traveler’s Culinary Adventure – Pizza Southern Style @ Derby City Pizza

Traveler’s Culinary Adventure – Pizza Southern Style @ Derby City Pizza

In the heart of Derby City, where southern hospitality meets bold culinary choices, I tried a pizza that changed my understanding of Pizza crusts and rewrote the crust rules. The dough is key. Home made dough needs to be forgiving and simple. It is the […]

Notes from the Garden. Scheme of Work: Orchestrating Kitchen Tasks

Notes from the Garden. Scheme of Work: Orchestrating Kitchen Tasks

Once the mise en place is complete, the next step is creating the scheme of work to ensure smooth and efficient work flow. Here is a structured approach:

Prioritize Tasks

Order of preparation: begin with tasks that take the longest [ie. Pomme Marquise piping and baking] and work towards quick finish items like Sauce Béchamel.

Simultaneous Cooking;

Identify tasks that can happen concurrently [ie. while potatoes cook other items can be assembled].

Time Management

Estimate durations. assign approximate times for each task. for instance:

Pommes Marquise : 45 minutes total [boiling, mahing, shaping and baking]

Sauce Béchamel: 15 minutes [Roux, preparation and whisking].

Clean as you go …

Scheme of Work

  • Put on soup [peas washed] cover with stock, bring to boil]
  • Put on boiling water for blanching tomato
  • Prepare Béchamel put studded onion in. Place greased proof paper on top
  • Put pots on.
  • Put carrots on with a little water, pinch of salt and sugar float butter in the water.
  • Skim the soup when simmer, add the rest of the ingredients and season. simmer until remaining garnish is tender approximately one hour.
  • Plunge tomatoes in boiling water for 5-6 seconds. refresh, skin and cut in half. remove seeds. Dice the tomatoes brunoise.
  • Fry Onions with out coloring. add tomato. simmer until the moisture has evaporated. Place in water jacket – Bain Maire.
  • Check potatoes. When cooked, drain off the water. Pass through sieve, place in a clean sauce pan. Beat in Yolk and mix in seasoning and butter. Pipe onto greased baking sheet 2×1
  • check on soup. when garnish is tender, remove bouquet garni and hand pass through sieve, then through conical strainer. Return to a clean sauce pan. adjust seasoning and consistency. add warm cream and float butter. DO NOT REBOIL ONCE CREAM IS ADDED.
  • Pass béchamel. Correct seasoning and consistency.
  • Fry off Crouton. Put in conical strainer then sauce boat.
  • Brush Potatoes, garnish with tomato concassee’
  • Mix béchamel with drained carrots
  • put all dishes in service
  • clean area.
Notes from the Garden, Mise en Place for sauce Béchamel

Notes from the Garden, Mise en Place for sauce Béchamel

The Kitchen is set. Startup is done and Mise en Place underway. Next on the list [while Pommes Marquise is getting golden brown] – is the Béchamel.