Archive for September, 2011

The book that’s taking the culinary world by storm

Tuesday, September 27th, 2011

Chefs Warehouse has been offered something very special that we’d like to pass on to you. It comes at a price, but those who’ve devoured the new six-book set Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking say they now view cooking professionally and eating in a whole different light.

“This book will change the way we under­stand the kitchen.” — Ferran Adrià

“The most impor­tant book in the culi­nary arts since Escoffier.”— Tim Zagat

Some aspects these books explore:

How do you make an omelette light and ten­der out­side but rich and creamy inside? Create French fries with a light and fluffy inte­rior and a del­i­cate, crisp crust that doesn’t go soggy? Imagine encasing a mus­sel in a gelled sphere of its own sweet and briny juice. Consider cre­ating a silky-smooth pis­ta­chio cream from only the nuts?

Find step-by-step illus­trated instruc­tions, thou­sands of orig­i­nal pho­tographs and dia­grams. New pho­to­graphic tech­niques take readers inside the food to see cook­ing in action all the way – see the brilliant hamburger below – from micro­scopic meat fibres to an entire Weber grill in cross-section.

In Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking, Nathan Myhrvold, Chris Young, and Maxime Bilet – scientists, inventors, and accomplished cooks – have created a six-volume set (2400 pages) that reveals science-inspired techniques for preparing food. With their 20-person team at The Cooking Lab, they’ve created astounding new flavours and textures using tools such as water baths, homogenizers and centrifuges. Their ingredients include hydro­col­loids, emulsifiers, and enzymes.

Read the most comprehensive guide published on cooking sous vide. Learn how to achieve amazing results using thickeners, gels, emulsions and foams, including recipes and formulas. Find insights into the surprising science behind traditional food preparation methods such as grilling, smoking, and stir-frying. Explore 300 pages of recipes for plated dishes at top-tier restaurants.

More at modernist cuisine

Pre-order this six-book set now. R8325 per set. Stock available from mid October. Call Chefs Warehouse at Tel 021 422 0128.


Braai time

Tuesday, September 20th, 2011

It’s Heritage Day on Saturday September 24th. For most of us that means huddling together with family and friends over glowing coals, glass in hand. Chefs Warehouse is here to help you on your way…

We’ve just received new stock of elegant steak knives and forks. Cut through steak in a cinch, or use for outdoor poolside entertaining in general. Forged stainless steel and wood gives a firm grip, and knives have a serrated edge. R85 each.

Our braai-orientated cookbooks will inspire you to fire up your grill in style. Many include creative recipes for vegetarians too.

Mastering the Grill – The Owner’s Manual for Outdoor Cooking. By Andrew Schloss and David Joachim. This tome is the A to Z of outdoor meals, from mastering fire to various cuts and tasty recipes including three-ginger rotisserie chicken to herbed prime rib. R280.

Weber’s Big Book of Grilling by Jamie Purviance and Sandra S. McRae. Find buffalo burgers with chipotle mayonnaise to tequila salmon. Over 365 recipes covers everything from starters and sauces to assorted grilled and side items. R245.

Lobel’s Meat Bible – All you need to know about Meat and Poultry from America’s Master Butchers. By Stanley, Evan, Mark and David Lobel. From various meat cuts and techniques to tasty recipes with homespun appeal such as True Texas Chilli. R400.

Ribs, Chops, Steaks & Wings – Irresistible Recipes for the Grill. By Ray “Dr BBQ” Lampe. Easy-to-follow recipes with visual appeal seem to be designed for an outdoor man who doesn’t want to fuss too much. R200.

All available at Chefs Warehouse of course. We are open on Saturday 24th.  Tel 021 422 0128.

New Cooking for Friends class

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011

We all do it, and enjoy the social experience afterwards. But for some the stress of cooking for friends and deciding what to serve sends us into a top spin. No more.

Liam offers the solution in a series of five consecutive Wednesday morning classes. He’ll show you how to make delicious dishes that look good yet are dead simple to make. And offer tips about menu planning and sourcing of ingredients.

Each Wednesday class will demonstrate a few of Liam’s favourite dishes  –  designed to be easily replicated when friends come around. Sign up for a few classes and you’ll learn how to make nifty canapés, tasty soups and simple salads that suit the season. To welcome summer, recipes for warmer weather will be covered, along with some easy fish dishes. Tired of boerewors and chops? Liam will tackle that old South African favourite, the braai, and give it a gourmet twist.

Fast, fuss-free and guaranteed to impress your friends.

Every consecutive Wednesday at 10am – 1pm, starting on 5th October. R450pp.

Contact Chefs Warehouse for menu details. Tel 021 422 0128.

Around the World with Liam: Vietnam

Thursday, September 8th, 2011

In the mood for fragrant food? We only have a few seats left for our popular Around the World with Liam class on Vietnam.

If you’ve ever travelled to this country you’ll have memories of hilly rice paddies, chaotic roads packed with entire families on motorbikes, and colourful produce markets where the smells of fresh food assault the senses…

And if you haven’t, Liam Tomlin’s demonstration will give you a taster, inspired by his interpretation of local dishes during his travels through Vietnam.

Six dishes will be prepared, plus wines suiting Vietnamese food.

“The food of Vietnam is very delicate, fresh and vibrant. It’s a cuisine based on simple dishes that are easy to reproduce,” explains Liam. “We plan to use everyday ingredients that are easily available.”

The menu is still being fine-tuned, but will likely include a duck soup of some description, something “not too spicy but with a delicate lemongrass, chilli and ginger flavour” and follow with exotic fishcakes.

Seafood could feature too. “We’ll do lovely squid tubes filled with minced pork, with subtle flavouring. If I can find good clams we’ll do a lovely dish of clams steamed in beer with chilli and lemongrass. It’s delicious.”

Dessert? A tasty coconut milk rice pudding with tropical fruits, partnering a coconut-and-lime ice cream. There’s a surprise twist in this recipe though.

Saturday 17th September, 10am – 2pm. R650pp. Book now.