I Fell Off the Wagon at Casa Picasso

I knew from the moment I saw Jackie’s Facebook post for this week’s Casa Picasso tasting menu that I was at risk for falling off the clean eating wagon. (See her post in italicized text below). Not all people on our table did the special menu as it had a couple rounds of seafood on it, but those of us that did were willing to share some of the other bits like bacon jam mac and buffalo fingers. Kryptonite in hand and willing to share, we instantly had them salivating in their seats and wishing they had a plate of both those items in front of them. With desert we enjoyed a chorus of happy birthday and a foodie discussion about the history of putting cheese on apple pie. Apparently it is a northern thing, usually from New England. Happy Birthday Ben! Thanks for blowing us away with your amazing cooking. It was a great night, this morning I was still satisfied and back happily on the wagon. 🙂 Ever wonder what chefs like to eat on their nights off or after their own restaurant closes?…..Well here is your chance….This Thursday is “Tasting Thursday” and in honor of chef Ben’s Birthday this Thursday, chef Ben is preparing 5 of his favorite dishes to eat in a wonderful, flavorful 5 course tasting menu. Of course, if you know a chef, you will be surprised at what they eat and what they make for themselves…..it is not all Foie Gras and Cherries Jubilee.1st Course – Spicy Tuna Rolls – A classic sushi roll with sushi grade tuna, pickled ginger, avocado, cucumber, wasabi and a ponzu drizzle.2nd Course – Buffalo Fingers – Lightly Battered, Crispy Fried boneless chicken strips with a spicy buffalo sauce, fresh house made blue cheese dressing and julienne celery. Move over Buffalo Wild Wings!3rd Course – Bacon Jam Mac & Cheese – Creamy house made Mac and Cheese topped with Chef Ben’s sweet and smoky house made bacon jam. This ain’t your Kraft Box Mac and Cheese!4th Course – Red Snapper Puttanesca – Butter poached snapper over lemon scented jasmine rice topped with an oven roasted tomato and black olive Puttanesca sauce.5th Course – Deep Dish Apple Pie – Fresh Apple Pie with a melted aged cheddar cheese and a dollop of house made vanilla ice cream. Casa Picasso hours: Tuesday through Saturday staring at 5:30. On tasting Thursdays they also serve their regular menu and an optional wine paring. Here are a few pictures from last night. You can also read a great review Food Porn…Top 5 Life Dinning Experience on Kendall’s Reset and Restore blog.