Splashes making waves with cheese tasting
Glori Fickling
One of the more innovative dining concepts introduced recently in
Orange County is the series of cheese-tasting dinners being
showcased in Splashes restaurant at the Surf and Sand Resort, which
recently completed a multimillion-dollar enhancement to guest rooms
and spa facilities.
These dinners constitute a four-month program, which was launched
on Jan. 1 in tribute to the heritage of California’s 200-year-old
cheese industry. California leads the nation as the maker of cow’s
milk cheeses boasting in excess of 60 producers who turn out 200
varieties of artisan cheeses, some of which earned an unparalleled 30
awards at the American Cheese Society’s 2003 national competition. To
celebrate this first-time event, the resort’s executive chef
Christopher Blobaum has designed a plethora of original recipes to
honor the skill and craft of the California cheese industry.
Featuring several different makers each month, Blobaum will
culminate the program in April with an “Elite Tasters Trubute,” a
festive finale gala. Those who attended the kickoff Cheese Tasting
Menu last month were rewarded with a culinary experience inspired by
the first and second place winners at last year’s competition.
Featured were Winchester cheese Company’s gouda cheese recipes
created by Blobaum including a gouda cheese filo with asparagus tips,
smoked gouda cannelloni and pan-roasted veal loin stuffed with gouda
and basil. A superlative entree among four-course prix fixe menus
served later in January was a succulent veal rack chop sided with
savory whole milk gouda enriched polenta. Prefacing courses were corn
fritters in an arugula salad enhanced with Winchester-aged gouda and
the Winchester-smoked gouda defining a tempting square of lasagna.
Though each course is available a la carte, the $60 prix fixe tariff
also included a ginger poached pear finale spiked with Pt. Reyes
original bleu cheese, crisp pistachios and candied ginger.
Launching February’s dining extravaganzas are Bellwether Farms
award-winning entries. In March, we look forward to the multiple
award-winning farmhouse cheeses of Three Sisters Farmstead Cheese as
well as Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Company’s products. For the
April finale, there will be chef Blobaum’s culinary creations
highlighting Cowgirl Creamery’s 2003 American Cheese Society Best of
Show cheeses. What is remarkable about these promotional dinners,
which augment Splashes nightly menus, is that they are enlightening
diners on how various cheeses give so surprising and unusual a flavor
burst to the most ordinary staples.
As part of the fascinating Cheesemaker Series, the Surf and Sand
Resort has designed a provocative package encompassing several facets
of its many services. Featuring a one-night stay at the hotel, with
an additional night optional, the $399 tariff will pamper two guests
with a cheese tasting menus at Splashes, a cheese omelet breakfast
cordially served via room service and a 25-minute “Happy California
Cow” milk bath treatment for two in the resort’s pampering Aquaterra
Spa.
Guests availing themselves of any of the cheese-taster dinners in
Splashes will be rewarded with the fascinating ambience of the ocean
front dining attraction where the surf sometimes laps tantalizingly
against the windows. Additionally, they will receive 25% off the
California Cheese Affair April finale party. The celebration, to be
announced on Valentine’s Day, will feature a menu of appetizers
followed by a full-course dinner and an introduction to the
individual cheese producers who will personally share products,
recipes, history, discuss ideal wine pairings and generally
communicate their thoughts.
For those diners who participate in all four of the monthly menus,
an invitation will be extended to enjoy this spectacular evening of
dining compliments of the Resort’s genial food and beverage manager,
Peter Van Winke, who promises an unforgettable celebration of
superlative cuisine for cheese aficionados and for inquisitive
foodies of every ilk.
* GLORI FICKLING is a longtime Laguna Beach resident who has
written restaurant news and views columns since 1966. She may be reached at (949) 494-4710 or by e-mail at ghoneywest@aol.com.
All the latest on Orange County from Orange County.
Get our free TimesOC newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Daily Pilot.