Last week was the first anniversary of the launch of taetopia, as well as the night my husband and I celebrated our wedding anniversary by dining at the chef’s table at elements in Princeton, NJ. This was apropos since a dinner at elements one year ago was what inspired me to launch my blog. Sous Chef Joe Sparatta was in charge of this incredibly luxurious nine-course meal. Here’s a photo journal of our dinner. I recommend clicking on the photos to get the full view of these plates of art (once you view a photo, use your browser’s “back” button to return to the post). Many thanks to everyone at elements who made our anniversary so special, and for continuing to inspire me.
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- Cocktails by Mattias Hagglund
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- “The Brooklyn”
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- Chef and servers huddle to work out the plan.
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- amuse bouche for her
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- amuse bouche for him
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- herbed hamachi sashimi: smoked soy, olive oil, apple, finger lime
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- heirloom cherry tomato salad: pesto, ricotta salata, balsamic, “crouton”
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- The sommelier confers with chef on the wine pairings.
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- white albacore tuna: “German potato salad,” tunato sauce, green beans
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- local monkfish: white bean, broccoli rabe, laughing bird shrimp
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- west coast halibut: potato “hash,” corn, chorizo, tropea onions, peppers
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- housemade fettucine: morel, mitake, chanterelle, poached egg, parmesan, Perigord truffle
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- pork belly: compressed melon, basil, citrus, macadamia
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- a5 kobe beef: “salt block tataki,” tempura, yuzu kosho
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- colorado lamb: crispy goat cheese, orange, fennel
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- the lamb and the beef
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- creme fraiche cheesecake: pistachio, orange, basil ice cream, “biscotti”
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- “kit kat:” gianduja, milk chocolate, “crunch,” hazelnut
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- Looking up from the chef’s table – elements has a beautiful interior.
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- Happy Anniversary!
