Hi!
So I just got back from one of the most amazing meals of my entire life. Here’s a photo journey. A HUGE thank you to Kevin and Eli along with Hardy and all the folks at Murphy-Goode...what an amazing three days of culinary bliss!
So, when I arrived I was immediately handed a glass of Fume and mingled for a little bit while the rest of the guests arrived. There were 14 of us all together and I can’t even tell you how honored I felt to be a part of it.
The amuse was tomales bay oysters, beets, radishes and homemade butter:
Second course: citrus cured salmon with fennel, celeriac, micro celery and smoked salmon roe:
Octopus and watermelon with lemon vinegar:
Duck and foie gras with sunchokes and hibiscus:
wood oven roasted kurobuta pork with carrot puree and mustard green parcels:
cheese course!! Red hawk cheese with orange puree, herb salad and sesame crackers:
And finally……walnut panna cotta with butternut squash and bronzed fennel:
an extra bonus! 😉
Wine. Duh.
I don’t even know where to begin on what was my actual favorite…everything was so delicious!! I think overall, I liked the salmon and the foie gras the best though. Those two dishes were just absolutely perfect in my opinion. Beyond divine. The panna cotta wasn’t too shabby either 😉
After dinner, we headed out for a cocktail a few blocks down. I had a blood orange margarita and it was lovely.
And then….I crashed. I was exhausted and was sooo ready for those elastic waist pants after some goooood eatin’. And you know what?! Kevin was such a gentleman and totally walked me to my car, a few blocks down. Seriously, these guys are so genuinely awesome. What an amazing experience!
Gooooooooooodnight!
Lindsay
November 3, 2009 at 11:30 pmWhat a night to remember! Your photos are great!
Jenny @JennyLikesToRun, on a mission to run a marathon for charity!
November 3, 2009 at 11:39 pmWow look fantastic!!!! Food looks incredible and sounds like you had an amazing time 🙂 thanks for sharing!
Diana
November 4, 2009 at 12:18 amThat’s so awesome Jenna. Everything looks delicious! Glad you’ve been having the time of your life 🙂
maria
November 4, 2009 at 12:25 amAwesome photography and food. I love having a multiple course meal. It feels so fancy and special. And this was obviously very special for you! 😀
Michelle @Eatingjourney
November 4, 2009 at 12:48 amI love the huge bowl with only the little divit. great stuff. hope that you’re still enjoying the NW. It’s great country.
Gab*
November 4, 2009 at 2:07 amWow, so cool Jenna!! Mmmm, love the macarons! Keep living the moment!!!
christie, honoring health
November 4, 2009 at 3:00 amWow, it all looks awesome and your photos are absolutely gorgeous!
simpledaisy
November 4, 2009 at 3:08 amWhat an awesome experience!! 🙂
Lesley Living Life
November 4, 2009 at 3:13 amThat sounds like a beyond awesome experience!! Thanks for sharing it with us 🙂
Debbie
November 4, 2009 at 3:13 amThank you so much for sharing that experience. I love Kevin and Eli so much more now that I know how cool they are.
Stephanie
November 4, 2009 at 3:29 amAmazing. Good thing you got that new camera, right 🙂
Matt
November 4, 2009 at 3:40 amWow sounds awesome. That is some classy food!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is
November 4, 2009 at 3:48 amIw ant to try the watermelon and octopus!
Chelsea (Chelsea's Chew and Run Fun)
November 4, 2009 at 3:50 amSounds like a fantastic evening! Your pictures turned out beautifully. Looks like you go the new camera just in the knick of time for some fabulous food photo opportunities.
Kath
November 4, 2009 at 4:21 amCamera was worth every penny. Can’t say it enough!
Kath
November 4, 2009 at 4:21 am(Love the photo of all the wine glasses!!)
Deva (Voracious Vorilee)
November 4, 2009 at 4:23 amI love all of the photos – so crisp and clear! Your meal looks divine, the salmon especially!
Lizzy
November 4, 2009 at 4:36 ameverything looks fantastic! i wanted to tell you that your shirt is so pretty! you look Fab! 🙂
Kristy
November 4, 2009 at 4:36 amSuch a lucky girl! The food looks delicious and your pictures are amazing.
Maura
November 4, 2009 at 4:39 amI am so jealous! I am a HUGE Top Chef fan! Kevin & Eli seem so nice. Can’t wait to watch the show tonight 🙂
Estela @ Weekly Bite
November 4, 2009 at 4:41 amWow! Every time I read your posts I think there’s no way it can get any better…. then your next post pops up… and it tops the last one 🙂
Such an amazing experience!!
Lizzie
November 4, 2009 at 4:41 amI had a similar coursed (is that a word?) meal at an Asian Fusion place a couple of weeks ago and it was so yummy. I just love meals like this – it’s a bit like tapas. You get to try so many different foods and flavours! It all looks amazing!
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans
November 4, 2009 at 4:48 amthank you for letting us live vicariously through you!
Heather
November 4, 2009 at 4:49 amJenna! I’m totally beaming with happiness for you! God has totally blessed you and answered your prayers far beyond your wildest expectations. Your life is such a lovely slideshow to observe. [:
Anne P
November 4, 2009 at 4:55 amYUM
Lindsay Perrone
November 4, 2009 at 4:59 amHey Jenna,
I’ve been following your blog for a while now and you’ve really inspired me to go with the flow and stop making excuses for why I can’t do things. Instead of constantly declining invites it’s so important to join in and live. Thanks! Lovin’ your new lifestyle.
Lindsay
Brie (The Fit Bride)
November 4, 2009 at 4:59 amAww, how cute. I’m totally rooting for Kevin now!
leslie
November 4, 2009 at 5:05 amthat panna cotta sounds fascinating and complex – i love the idea of mixing it with walnut, butternut squash, and fennel. hmm. maybe i can make soup with the same flavors.
thanks for sharing your incredible life and love of good food with us. as everyone says, it is so, so fun to read!
diana(mymarble rye)
November 4, 2009 at 5:07 amJeez. These are meals that people on vacations/honeymoon eat but it’s a daily “norm” to you know! Live your dream and don’t feel guilty. Count your blessings daily!
Fattie Fatterton
November 4, 2009 at 5:11 amWow, what a gorgeous meal!! I am so glad that you are having such a great time. Isn’t it wonderful when your job and your passion are the same thing? 🙂
Abby (Abbys Vegan Eats)
November 4, 2009 at 5:16 amFabulous photos!
Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca)
November 4, 2009 at 5:32 amI have had a couple opportunities to try Foie Gras, but I am always too scared! What does it taste like?
Natalie
November 4, 2009 at 5:36 amYou are such a lucky girl! 🙂 and great photos!!
Hardy Wallace
November 4, 2009 at 5:40 amJenna- Thanks for coming last night! What a crazy few days we’ve had!
MMiller
November 4, 2009 at 5:46 amI would have loved to have been there! So happy for you! Why does it amaze me that after you drink wine at these functions…you go out for a drink afterward?
Thank you for sharing your life with the rest of us! Dreams really do come true! And I think yours is just beginning!
Awesome pictures!
Cait (Cait's Plate)
November 4, 2009 at 5:48 amI’m glad it was so much fun! It looks like you’ve really found the perfect spot in this world for yourself 🙂 I’m so happy for you Jenna!
PS – Your camera takes BEAUTIFUL pictures!
Carolyn
November 4, 2009 at 5:56 amLooks like a blast!! That margarita sounds yummy!!
rebecca lustig
November 4, 2009 at 5:59 amMmm, the second course (the salmon) sounds absolutely delectable and delicious!
Glad you enjoyed yourself. Have a great morning 🙂
Rebecca
Jenny
November 4, 2009 at 6:04 amWere the desserts homemade by Kevin and Eli too? You know the dessert portion is always the Top Chef Challenge!!
Katie
November 4, 2009 at 6:10 amthis is so incredible! i am watching top chef and i love kevin! i hope he wins and i can imagine that he’d be a gentleman! im jealous!!
Katie
November 4, 2009 at 6:10 amthis is so incredible! i am watching top chef and i love kevin! i hope he wins and i can imagine that he’d be a gentleman! im jealous!!
Sana
November 4, 2009 at 6:12 amWhat a lovely evening 🙂
Liesl
November 4, 2009 at 6:13 amWOw, everything looks great! What a time of your life to just experience new things and enjoy it all!! Your life is quite the whirlwind, thanks for sharing!
Tina
November 4, 2009 at 6:28 amAh, I don’t even know what to say about all the good eats you’ve had over the last few days. I’m so happy for you, that you’ve been able to have these wonderful experiences. If anyone deserves it, it’s YOU! The photos are all beautiful, and the food looks incredible!!
Jenna
November 4, 2009 at 6:37 amwhat a night jenna! all the food looks great!!
jenna
*Andrea*
November 4, 2009 at 6:40 amgorgeous pictures! love the details on your shirt. margs = <33
Sarah @ See Sarah Eat
November 4, 2009 at 6:43 amAll the experiences you are having there are awesome! I love reading about them all 🙂
Fitzalan
November 4, 2009 at 6:46 amAs much as I want to say Wow, what a meal of a lifetime, I honestly hope you simply get to continue riding this train of truly living a dream!
Happiness Awaits
jenna
November 4, 2009 at 6:48 amI can’t even believe this is now your life!!! What an amazing experience!! 🙂
Sheri
November 4, 2009 at 6:57 amWow…everything looks awesome! Great pictures too! Your life right now is unbelieveable! Love reading about your fun adventures.
Mel
November 4, 2009 at 7:06 amSounds like an amazing meal!
Stephanie
November 4, 2009 at 7:07 amAmazing – based on photos alone, I would have picked the Foie Gras as the best course. So glad to hear that the taste matched the pictures. What a remarkable experience! I wonder when we will be reading about Thomas Keller making your dinner… 😉
Beth @ DiningAndDishing
November 4, 2009 at 7:10 amBah, I don’t even know what to say anymore! Can’t believe this is your life :O)
Bec
November 4, 2009 at 7:13 amYou are living the dream right now 🙂 Well the food bloggers dream!
laura dishes
November 4, 2009 at 7:15 amI just love that every post begins the same way… “I just had the most amazing meal of my life!” 🙂
skinnyrunner
November 4, 2009 at 7:24 amWOW. that is some of the fanciest looking food ive ever seen. amazing.
Rose
November 4, 2009 at 7:28 amI can’t believe your life – it’s incredible!
Anne Marie@New Weigh of Life
November 4, 2009 at 7:33 amAwesome!!
Joelle (The Pancake Girl))
November 4, 2009 at 7:40 amSo fun! I really like your dress (shirt)- is that Anthropologie?
jenna
November 4, 2009 at 8:07 amJoelle,
thank you! its a dress and its from Urban Outfitters actually.
Paige (Running Around Normal)
November 4, 2009 at 7:47 amWow…what an experience. Sounds like a dream! Kevin seems very nice 🙂 I can’t believe how many courses were in that meal!
Stephanie
November 4, 2009 at 7:53 amThat is such an awesome experience! I love Kevin! I so hope he wins Top Chef!
Lu
November 4, 2009 at 8:02 amAll of that food looks delicious. It also sounds like you had fun. Great for you!
denise
November 4, 2009 at 8:12 amI can’t help but be in awe that you’ve been able to spend so much time with Kevin and Eli. They are definitely favorites in our household for Top Chef.
Kyra
November 4, 2009 at 8:18 amHoly Beautiful Food Batman!!! Wow! Looks like an amazing experience!
Where did you get that black top you are wearing, i love it?!
Cynthia (It All Changes)
November 4, 2009 at 8:32 amWhat a beautiful looking meal. I’m sure it tasted even better.
And gotta love the southern gentleman style of walking you to your car. 🙂
Tania
November 4, 2009 at 8:38 amWhat a gorgeous meal! And this makes me love Kevin even more! So sweet!
Katie
November 4, 2009 at 8:54 amJenna, I’m hooked to your blog. I found it about two weeks ago and I’m catching up with all of your older posts. Thank you so much for the time and energy you put into this. It encouraged my to finally start my own (katieladyschoices.blogspot.com). I love the “Green Monster”. Your new camera is awesome. Love the pictures. Thank you!
Diana
November 4, 2009 at 9:11 amLooks like you’re having a great time! Food and pics look wonderful!
Mindy
November 4, 2009 at 9:11 amJenna, you look gorgeous and happy! 🙂 And I’m sooooo jealous of all the food you got to enjoy! I love Kevin and I hope he wins top chef too!!! He seems like he’d be a fun guy to hang out with lol
Nikole
November 4, 2009 at 9:12 amI am so happy for you and the new life that God has blessed you with. I love Kevin and Eli and the meals the last few days look amazing. Your blog just keeps getting better. I love how you are showing that you can live your dreams while still keeping healthy.
Sarah (Oc2Seattle)
November 4, 2009 at 9:16 amLove the ALl In Claret – what a great pairing with the pork!
Evan Thomas
November 4, 2009 at 9:38 amSo amazing! I love the little macaroons at the end. And the sound of that watermelon dish. And, just everything!
Mama Pea
November 4, 2009 at 9:55 amWhat a fabulous evening! I bet it was really surreal. We totally are rooting for Kevin and think he is going to be the winner!!!
Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness
November 4, 2009 at 10:03 amWhat an amazing dinner experience! I think there’s a collective WOW across your entire blogosphere of readers!!
You lead an incredible life, lady.
Gena
November 4, 2009 at 10:13 amHey J!!! So much fun to catch up on all of your awesome foodie adventures out West. Glad you’re having a wonderful time!!
Jil
November 4, 2009 at 10:17 amwow, jenna, what a fantastic night. all of the courses look phenomenal!! lucky girl!
Jenna
November 4, 2009 at 10:21 amWhat an amazing opportunity and experience this has been. I’m sure this is one you’ll never forget. Looks like it was a fantastic evening 🙂
Ange C.
November 4, 2009 at 10:28 amOh what an awesome new life you lead…i love living vicariously thru your days….thx for sharing! You are one blessed girly!
Alison
November 4, 2009 at 11:09 amJenna,
I am so happy for you. It truly sounds like you’re living your dream. I know your brother would be proud. 🙂
Kelly from Bridges and Bites
November 4, 2009 at 11:24 amI’m a long-time reader but rare commenter. But I couldn’t resist saying that your meal made me absolutely jealous! And I don’t normally get jealous over something like a meal!!!!
Kailey (SnackFace)
November 4, 2009 at 11:27 amI don’t even know what to say about this. The experience looks fantastic and dreamy! Looks like you got your camera just in time for this bossy foodie three-day event. The pictures are gorgeous!
linda
November 4, 2009 at 11:44 amI can tell the difference. Your new camera is capturing amazing colors and clarity.
PRT
November 4, 2009 at 12:29 pmWow!!! You’re so lucky! Everuthinh looks fantastics and i’m sure you have a great time.
Is that a Urban Outfitters dress? I saw one with a similar neck in blue and now I can find it!
Kristin @ Iowa Girl Eats
November 4, 2009 at 12:42 pmI just cannot get over the fact that you were hanging out and eating with THE Kevin and THE Eli this week – I absolutely LOVE those guys!!! My prediction is that Kevin wins top chef…how could he not?!
Chris
November 4, 2009 at 1:41 pmThis looks amazing. Your pictures are great!
Olga @ Healthing It
November 4, 2009 at 2:28 pmI’m not a fan of octopus but I’d definitely eat THAT 🙂
Nadine
November 5, 2009 at 8:12 amWait, was this the Top Chef finale episode??
Jess (What's Normal, Anyways?)
November 5, 2009 at 5:04 pmwow Jenna, you are a lucky (and deserving) girl! Thank you for sharing such a culinary experience with us all!
CaSaundra
November 5, 2009 at 5:09 pmI love that black tank-top with all the pretty colors on it!!! Your so fortunate to be experiencing all this wonderful stuff and your so young! I hope I have good luck too!!