A LITTLE TASTE AND TECHNIQUE OF VIA 45 AND LIVING LITERALLY IN THE GARDEN STATE

                           Spring has finally come to the Jersey Shore...I know this for a fact because the gardens are telling me.
and being true to New Jerseys namesake of Garden State, the gardens are starting to yield to the veggie patch...  we currently have peas, asparagus and lettuce growing. Looks like we may be blessed with an over-abundance of peas, which I think is wonderful. The flower gardens are becoming quite showy too  
with Violets popping up all over the lawn (a happy surprise), and the Hosta's looking like they will be full and plump this year. It has all been much anticipated and I am really enjoying seeing the lovely colors outside after a long winter of greys and whites.

                   Last night, I attended another class at Taste and Technique Cooking Studio in Fair Haven. Even though I know how to cook, and even though my husband is an amazing chef, I always enjoy the classes. The Chef's of the evening own a restaurant in Red Bank, NJ right on the main street at 45 Broad Street. I have not yet been to Via 45, however, everyone else at the class was raving about the restaurant. What a thrill to have Chef Claudette and Chef Lauren cook for the class. They are excellent in their demonstrating abilities and so much fun to watch...humor was laced into technique making most of what they were teaching seem very doable to me.
The menu included many things that I have never tried...a salad composed of dandelion greens, Russian Red kale, radicchio and arugula with a sherry vinegar dressing, goat cheese rolled in pistachio nuts and cranberries ( I would put that on a holiday cheese plate for sure) and golden beet carpacio. It was delicious and eye pleasing. There was Penne a la Norma, an eggplant and pasta dish that I have had before, however, the ricotta was warmed in the oven with olive oil and the addition of bread crumbs that were actually panko crumbs gave this dish the soul satisfying something extra that is so appreciated.  I was so impressed by the combination of fresh ingredients! The main course was a seared pork tenderloin, artfully nuanced with a light mushroom madeira sauce. Again...delicious! Chef Lauren baked the pear tart...   now this is where we start to hear that heavenly music...the clouds break open and the angels sing...it really was that good. She brought one tart with her, made earlier that day and demonstrated how to make the second one. You will notice in the pictures that one tart has a flower center and the second was the top of the pear...equally lovely. The crust was perfect, crumbly, and not overly sweet, but it was the addition of the fig jam glaze that made this dessert over the top special. I feel a little more brave than I did before and may actually try to make it at home. The tart was served with fresh whipped cream and candied walnuts...nothing more to say...amen!

                 I have written about Taste and Technique before, and will do so again as I have signed up for a few more classes. The cooking studio can be reached at 732 741-cook. If you are in the area, consider taking a class.

                 This post is being linked to A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday, and Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday. The red mixer and decor has inspired me to join up with It's a Very Cherry World for Rednesday as well.

♥, Susan

 
 
 

Comments

[Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook]

Looks like a fun class, I always enjoy cooking classes. The food looks amazing! So jealous you have peas and vegetables coming. I didn't start my garden yet!

[Genie Robinson]

I used to take cooking classes with my hubby years ago, and we had the best time. The salad and the padre tart look like they were out of this world. Hope you continue to enjoy the class.

[Mary]

You had a great post today. Your garden is living proof that spring is indeed here. I found the information about the cooking classes very interesting. We have nothing like that here, so it is nice to know what is going on in other areas of the country. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary

[Shirley Corwin]

Yep, the garden always tells us when spring is here. No matter how hard the winter, spring does really come after all!!

[[email protected]]

Wow, your gardens are so much further along than mine north of Philly Sue! No Hosta or violets yet. The cooking classes look like a blast-enjoy:@)

[Becky K.]

I can hear the music! lol
The tart looks amazing!!

[Christine]

Beautiful flowers! I am glad it is finally spring there. It's already summer here. The food looks delish!...Christine

[Joyce M]

Just lovely collages.
Joyce M

[Annette]

Your mosaics are lovely. Spring has been welcomed by everyone this year after the nasty winter we had.

[Mary]

I'm wishing I had a slice of pear tart with a fig jam glaze for breakfast this morning, it looks devine! What a fun class too! Happy Gardening~

[Rebecca]

I love to see the first signs of spring with the flowers popping their heads out!

[Candi @ Family Stamping and FOOD!]

Everything is gorgeous!

[Jocelyn]

Yay for Spring! Everything is beautiful!

[Carol @ Old Glory Cottage]

It's about time that Spring is showing it's face, because it's been one crazy winter!
That menu has got my mouth watering, and the main course looks delicious. Bless you people that actually like to cook. I just like to eat!
Happy REDnesday,
Carol

[Linda]

Now that would be my kind of class, but a bit far for me!! My sister and I took Chinese cooking classes a while back and it was so much fun!

[LindyLouMac in Italy]

Calling by as an Outdoor Wednesday participant - our daffodils are sadly over now.

[Dollys' Cherry Heart]

Spring is just teasing us here in Michigan, warm cold warm cold.
My flowers are just peeking out a tiny bit!

Hugs,
Dolly

[Melody]

Oh Wow...Looks like you have been having a fun time;) Been havin router troubles with my laptop. It been kicking me off line and tryin to keep Dad and Mom out of the hospital. Cross your fingers so far no bad trouble this April. Get warm weather and Dad'sm strength back and we can get back to normal. I may not get to leave a note, b ut I do so enjoy poppin in.
Your Blogpal inCincinnati

[bj]

I know the cooking class was amazing.
Your gardens look like they are coming right along..:)

[Donnie]

Wow the food and flowers all looked wonderful.

[laura @ theshorehouse]

I think spring packed its bags and sent her friend winter in her place since you posted this. ;-) What's with the weather?!?

That pear tart looks amazzzinnnnggg.

[Jenna Ericson]

Yay daffodils!
The food looks delicious... I get to have some when I get home, yes?

[susan ericson]

Always!!