Another one bites the dust...

ZenKitchen June 28 Monthly Gourmet Vegan Dinner - The Menu Program

Dear ZenKitchen dinner guests,

As the summer comes upon us, I’ve been enthralled with the amount and variety of produce available at the Ottawa Farmers Market, every Sunday at Lansdowne Park.

I love to visit the market to speak to farmers about what they’re growing, how the season is (too much rain!), and what to expect in the next few weeks. I am always impressed by the passion for the produce that they grow with such love and care. The Farmers Market inspired this dinner, and I have tried to continue this same love and care in bringing the produce from farm to table tonight.

Another inspiration tonight was the generous offer of Ottawa wine-expert Joe Hatz to match wines with each course of the dinner and be available to speak with guests about them. We really appreciate all the work he has gone to to search out the pairings for you tonight.

As the summer unfolds and we head out in different directions, I’m heading to San Francisco to continue my learnings for a few weeks at Millennium Restaurant, where the finest vegan cuisine in North America is served.

ZenKitchen will be back in September with a new line-up of monthly dinners and special events for you. We sincerely thank you for your continued support and look forward to your return.

Wishing you a wonderful and delicious summer, Caroline

June 28, 2008 Menu

Assorted hors d’oeuvres

Segura Viudas Brut NV, Spain

Mediterranean Amuse

Sambucca-soaked olives, homestyle pickles, Dave’s freshly baked organic bread

Exotic Local Mushrooms

Wrapped in wholewheat phyllo with a porcini wine reduction and truffle oil
Mondavi Coastal Pinot Noir, California

Ray and Gerrie’s Gourmet Greens

With heirloom rainbow radishes, smoked tempeh bacon, spiced croutons, and a garlic scape dressing

Rabl 'Vinum Optimal' Gruner Veltliner 2006, Kamptal, Austria

Hand-cut Agnolotti

Filled with mizuna pesto in an alfresco tomato sauce with seasonal local vegetables

Ruffino Chianti Classico RSV Ducale 2005, Italy

Hope "Ripper" Shiraz, 2005, Western Australia

Chocolate Mousse Torte

Berry-orange coulis, vanilla cream, strawberries

Odysseus Banyuls Grand Cru 1996, France

ZenKitchen News and Events

Upcoming Gourmet Vegan Dinners at the Chelsea Club

September 27 - featuring the best of the late summer-early fall harvest

October 18 - special food and optional beer pairing dinner

November 29 - northern comfort

December 20 - special holiday celebration

For more information or to reserve, please visit zenkitchen.ca or email dinners@zenkitchen.ca

LCBO Rideau Street Cooking Demonstration and Dinner

September 16 - Exploring the tastes of Italy

November 5 - Culinary Journey to Japan

These are whole foods, vegan courses, using seasonal and local produce when possible. To reserve: call 

613-789-5226 or visit the store’s Customer Service Desk.