On Friday morning, Chef Jacques Larson, Will Fincher, and the rest of the Obstinate Daughter team knew they were about to inject guests with a heavy dose of food coma.
Unlike most Wine + Food Festival events, there were no printed menus or chalkboard lineups. There was no telling what was coming next and we’re certain there wasn’t a single person in the room (other than the staff) who knew 15 courses were on the way, but that’s what made the brunch fun and unique.
Joining the OD team was the witty wine rep Jean Remy Rapeneau, who shared a lineup of of his family’s Cazanove Champagnes.
There were oysters on the half shell, frittatas, flatbreads, and pastries. Bay scallop crudo was bright and acidic with blood orange and fennel and a smoked trout and lentil salad was a real treat.
One of most beautiful bites was a simple blini with crème fraîche, chives, and caviar. Plates were passed around the table and it was nearly impossible to eat just one (full disclosure: I ate four).
The crêpe-like crespelles filled crab and shrimp were topped with hollandaise and chives.
After the 11th course, Larson stopped by the table to see how everyone was holding up, only to inform us (with a big grin on his face) that there were four more dishes — the last being a country fried pork pâté on a biscuit with gravy and blood orange marmalade. As full as I was, there was suddenly room for one last bite, and it was worth it.
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