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.
- Cocktails by Mattias Hagglund
- “The Brooklyn”
- Chef and servers huddle to work out the plan.
- amuse bouche for her
- amuse bouche for him
- herbed hamachi sashimi: smoked soy, olive oil, apple, finger lime
- heirloom cherry tomato salad: pesto, ricotta salata, balsamic, “crouton”
- The sommelier confers with chef on the wine pairings.
- white albacore tuna: “German potato salad,” tunato sauce, green beans
- local monkfish: white bean, broccoli rabe, laughing bird shrimp
- west coast halibut: potato “hash,” corn, chorizo, tropea onions, peppers
- housemade fettucine: morel, mitake, chanterelle, poached egg, parmesan, Perigord truffle
- pork belly: compressed melon, basil, citrus, macadamia
- a5 kobe beef: “salt block tataki,” tempura, yuzu kosho
- colorado lamb: crispy goat cheese, orange, fennel
- the lamb and the beef
- creme fraiche cheesecake: pistachio, orange, basil ice cream, “biscotti”
- “kit kat:” gianduja, milk chocolate, “crunch,” hazelnut
- Looking up from the chef’s table – elements has a beautiful interior.
- Happy Anniversary!