The raves for Cafe Monarch are supremely justified. Had Chef Chris all to ourselves last night and man, did he pull off a five star dining experience!
We started with an icy timbale of roasted salmon and orzo, redolent with fresh dill, capers, and sharp peppercorns, served alongside a quartered tomato at the peak of tender ripeness-- with a plump caperberry nestled inside--pickled whimsy.
Main course came with two choices.
Option1: A slow roasted pork loin, rolled in a spicy mixture accented with the warm aroma of toasted cumin. The pork was complemented by a cooling salsa of green Thompson grapes and rounded out with sauteed black quinoa, done pilaf style.
Option 2: A perfectly rendered crisp, juicy veal chop, enriched by an ethereal cream sauce of ancho chile and cilantro. Also starring: roasted local corn and sauteed spinach, providing a snap of green flavor/color to this already gorgeous dish.
Dessert: Golden peaches quartered and baked in a crusted veil of lemon scented streusel and finished with a healthy dollop of silky whipped cream. Perfection!
A dinner with Chris is a uniquely intimate affair, his warmth and culinary ingenuity will leave the toughest critic contented. Cannot wait to gift my nearest and dearest with another evening at Cafe Monarch.